Innovative Architectural Products
Self-leveling concrete
Self-leveling concrete is polymer-modified cement that has high flow characteristics
and, in contrast to traditional concrete, does not require the addition
of excessive amounts of water for placement. Self-leveling concrete is
typically used to create a flat and smooth surface with a compressive strength
similar to or higher than that of traditional concrete prior to
installing interior floor coverings. Self-leveling concrete has
increased in popularity as the degree of flatness and smoothness
required for floor covering products has increased, with vinyl goods
becoming thinner and floor tiles becoming larger, for example.
The term self-leveling was coined in the United States by ARDEX, Inc.
in 1978 in reference to their first self-leveling product, ARDEX K 15
Premium Self-Leveling Concrete Underlayment. The term was used to
differentiate it from traditional concrete, which is typically stiffer
and requires more labor to get it into place and finish with a trowel.
Application
In the category of self-leveling concrete there are two main groups
of materials: underlayments and toppings.
- Underlayments are installed over an existing subfloor to smooth it out and correct any surface irregularities prior to the installation of all types of floor coverings, including sheet vinyl, vinyl composition tile (VCT), wood, ceramic tile and carpet.
- Toppings perform a similar function but act as the actual finished floor without the need for a floor covering. Some typical applications for concrete toppings include warehouse floors, light industrial applications, retail stores and institutional facilities.
Concrete
toppings can also receive pigmented color dyes, stains, saw cuts or
mechanical polishing to produce a decorative concrete finished wear
surface.
When self-leveling concrete is poured, it has a viscosity similar to pancake batter. A gauge rake
is used to move it into place without spreading it too thin. The
finishing is then done by lightly breaking the surface tension of the
product using a tool called a smoother. The polymers in the
self-leveling mix keep the viscosity of the product such that it remains
uniform in composition from top to bottom without the sand aggregates
sinking to the bottom of the installed layer. The typical installation
thickness of these products is about 0.25 inches to ensure there is
enough mass present for the material to flow, although some
self-leveling products now exist that can be installed at an average
thickness of only 0.125 inches.
This is THE product to use for floor leveling.