When carrying out construction work, in most cases it is very important to achieve perfect horizontal or vertical surfaces of various kinds. Until recently, this could only be achieved with the help of a not very user-friendly water level. Today, a much more accurate laser level is increasingly being used to level structural elements of buildings, as well as in the production of repair work.
What is this device?
Laser level (or level) is a small structure that emits a laser beam. The light source is the diodes located inside the device. The body of the level is made of durable rubberized plastic. During operation, the device can be installed either on any flat surface or on a special tripod.
Use area
Before we talk about how to use the laser level, let's see in whichareas can be applied this wonderful device. The level is ideal for leveling, for example, foundations and walls of houses, both vertically and horizontally. When carrying out repairs of premises, it is also quite difficult to do without it. Wallpapering, floor screeding, tile installation - this is an incomplete list of works in the production of which this type of level can be used.
Main varieties
There are two main types of laser levels:
- with manual adjustment;
- with self-aligning beam.
Next, let's talk about how to work with both types of laser level. In the first case, before leveling, it is necessary to set the device to a special built-in water level. You can start work only after the air bubble takes a certain position. The alignment of the beam in the constructions of the second type occurs automatically. Such levels, in turn, are divided into electronic and pendulum.
Static and rotational levels
How to use the laser level, consider a little below. Now let's talk about what type of device is best to use in a particular case. Today, only two types of leveling designs are produced - static and rotational. The first project two constantly visible planes intersecting at right angles. These devices are considered ideal for carrying out not too complex repairs. Unlike static, rotary levelscan project a line over the entire area of the room.
Laser level. How to choose and use?
When choosing a level, you should be guided by a number of criteria:
- The type of work. On the street, rotational, more complex and functional models are usually used. Repairs inside the premises are most often made using cheaper and less functional static structures.
- The range of the light beam.
- Degree of instrument error.
Next, consider how to use the laser level. The principle of its operation is extremely simple and consists in projecting a laser beam onto the surface that needs to be leveled. The device is installed on the floor or fixed on a tripod and turned on. Although the use of the latter is not considered mandatory, its presence guarantees the complete immobility of the level, and, consequently, the highest possible accuracy during the work. If necessary, using a laser level, you can mount structural elements not only strictly vertically or horizontally, but also at a certain specified angle.
Top Brands of Laser Levels
The most demanded brand of laser levels today is BOSCH. This company produces a wide variety of models for use both in everyday life and in industry. Another popular brand is Matrix. Professionals use such devices quite rarely, but in everyday life they can be very useful. Canalso take a closer look at the laser levels of the Robotoolz RT brand. Feedback on these devices is more than positive.
Using a laser level to level the floor
Now let's see how to set the floor level with a laser level. The procedure is not at all complicated. The most important thing is to set the beacons perfectly horizontally and at the same level. To achieve this, it is necessary to make marks on the walls around the entire perimeter of the room, focusing on the thickness of the future screed and the zero line. This is where the laser level comes in handy. The more frequent marks, the better. All found points are connected by a solid line. They are guided by them, mounting beacons.
Determining the zero level
The question of how to use the laser level may be relevant when determining the zero level of the floor. This procedure is performed first. This is done in several stages:
- At a distance of one meter from the floor put down the starting point. Further through it, using a level, draw a horizontal line around the entire perimeter of the room.
- From it down, measure the distance in several places to the base plate. The height difference can be more than significant.
- They mark the highest point, which they then orient themselves to when drawing the zero line.
Installation of beacons
The thickness of the concrete screed is usually 3 cm. So that the future floor is perfecthorizontal, in the right places, wooden blocks are placed under the beacons. This will ensure that the surface of the finished screed is horizontal. Beacons are installed parallel to each other. In this case, it is best to choose the direction from the front door to the opposite wall. The more often they are located, the better. In any case, in this regard, you need to focus primarily on the length of the rule. Extreme beacons are set at a distance of approximately 30-40 cm from the wall.
Those who want to perform construction and repair work with a high level of quality of the final result should definitely consider purchasing a device such as a construction laser level. How to choose this device, we discussed in detail above. When buying, you should focus on both the type of work performed, and the brand, as well as the type of level itself.
