Self-Leveling Cement is gaining popularity over other construction materials due to its unique properties. As the name represents, this is a construction material that levels itself. This exceptional property makes it an easy-to-use material for construction proposes. Whether you want to remodel your floors or quickly finish a commercial construction, self-leveling cement is the best option.
Due to its easy settling nature, this is the perfect material for DIY. However, you can hire professionals to install Self Leveling Cement if you want accurate results.
This article presents the basic things about self-leveling cement. Continue to read on if you are planning to remodel your floors or thinking to build yourself a new home. This article will provide you sufficient information about self-leveling cement.
What is Self-Leveling Cement?
Self-leveling Cement or concrete (SLC) is similar in properties like other concrete materials. It is polymer-modified cement that can flow, compact and settles itself once poured onto a surface. Also, it requires a small volume of water to prepare and doesn’t need compaction or vibration to settle.
Self-leveling cement can be easily used on all types of surfaces regardless of their nature. You can install it on wood or plywood, VCT, ceramic tiles, concrete, and non-flexible surfaces.
How Self-Leveling Cement Works
The self-leveling property of this concrete material comes from added polymer. As a result, it tries to level itself, however, you have to spread it on the surface properly. Once it is spread over a floor or surface, the cement settles down within a few hours.
Uses of Self-Leveling Cement
There are two main uses of self-leveling cement as a construction material. It is used as an underlayment as well as a topping material. However, the SLC is usually poured over the surface for better results. It is spread through a gauge rage and its polymer parts keep the velocity maintained throughout the surface.
The polymer addition also doesn’t allow the aggregates to settle at the bottom. That’s why you should not spread it over the surface in thin layers. In order to get a better result, a smoother is used over the surface to finish the surface tension.
Things to Do Before Pouring
In order to get the best results, you should clean the floor. The surface has to be moisture-free and completely clean from any debris or dust. Before you pour the self-leveling cement, make sure it is lump-free. Pour the cement onto the surface and use a brush or broom to spread it.
Self-leveling cement is highly liquid material and requires a brush or gauge for spreading. In a single pass, it goes down 1/4 to 1.5-inch thickness. It only takes two persons to spread it and you don’t have to hire heavy labor.
Advantages of Self -Leveling Concrete
Here are some advantages of self-leveling cement that makes it a good construction material.
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Quick to Use
Self-leveling cement is easy to prepare and quick to install. This is the reason why most property owners and architects prefer using it over other materials. You can use it before or after construction within an hour. It is an economical option that can be used on tiles, plywood, and other concrete material as well.
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Repairing and Leveling
Self-leveling cement is the best option in case you want to repair your concrete floors. You can use it to repair your cracked and uneven floors. Self-leveling cement can help you level varying elevations of your home’s floor. You can get a new leveled floor within a few hours.
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Cost Saving
The fact that self-leveling cement is easy to apply can save you from a number of worries. You don’t have to hire heavy labor to level or You can install it on wood or plywood that you can find on Cut My Plastic, VCT, ceramic tiles, concrete, and non-flexible surfaces.
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Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops are another benefit of self-leveling cement in addition to flooring. It is highly pourable and fluid material which reduces the installation time frames. As a result, you can get yourself a concrete countertop that is durable and tough with low permeability.
Bottom Line
Self-leveling cement is an economical option that settles quickly and is easy to use. It has compressive strength than other materials and offers a smooth, flat surface. You can also concrete dyes, stains or decorative overlays to get a unique design.
