Thanks to the development of technologies in construction, it is quite easy to create high-quality floor coverings - self-leveling floors. These are relatively new solutions in the field of construction and repairs. Many people think that self-leveling floor is expensive, and cheap self-leveling floor is a myth. Let's find out if this is true and if there is a budgetary opportunity to equip such coatings.
Views
All types of self-leveling floors are united by their ability to self-level. That is, a polymer or other liquid mass is itself capable of taking on an exact horizontal plane. The height of the self-leveling coating is no more than 5 millimeters, so the screed is required, and it must be of high quality, otherwise you will soon have to make expensive repairs to a cheap self-leveling floor.
Gypsum floors
These compositions are made from special fillers and gypsum binders. Such a floor dries quickly and then just as quickly gains its strength characteristics. As for the use of the composition, the manufacturers recommenduse them only in dry conditions. After arranging the subfloor based on this mixture, the surface should be primed, and then you can finish the finish. The topcoat is needed to protect the base from abrasion.
Cement
Cement self-leveling floors can also be distinguished. These mixtures are used as rough coatings. The cement floor is also quite durable. After complete drying, it can be painted with special paints.
In most cases, the cement self-leveling floor is covered with special finishing layers. If you choose what is cheaper - self-leveling floor or tile, then it is better to stop at the tile.
Polymeric
Polyurethane-cement floors consist of a polyurethane additive and a cement base. Due to the polyurethane additive, the coating will turn out to be non-slip. The base is practically not subject to abrasion and may well be used as a topcoat. This self-leveling floor is suitable not only for horizontal surfaces, but also for use at a variety of angles.
Acrylic-cement floors are even more durable. This strength is sufficient in excess for the arrangement of floors in industrial facilities. The material will easily endure even severe temperature changes and can be installed in unheated rooms without any risks.
Methyl methacrylic flooring group is based on methacrylic resin. The coating is versatile and suitable for industrial and production facilities in a variety of areas. Blends are suitable forarrangement of the base both indoors and outdoors. Such a floor can be equipped in the freezer. It also withstands ultraviolet light well.
Polyurethane flooring is based on a polymer elastic floor. Here, among the characteristics, high flexibility, as well as good resistance to vibrations. If you add dye to the mixture, you get an excellent decorative finish.
At the heart of epoxy floors, as you might guess, are epoxy resins. They are suitable for any space. The floor can be used on any type of base - on concrete, wood. The layer is thin and seamless, resistant to all chemicals and abrasives.
Specifications
Compositions differ in how much you need to raise the floor surface. One of the most important characteristics of any self-leveling floors is the thickness. There are highly filled floors, self-leveling and thin-layer.
The first ones differ in layer height of 5 mm or more. Such high bases are used for leveling rough coatings or when creating designer floors with paints. The second option has a height of up to 5 mm. These are expensive and cheap self-leveling floors that can be laid independently. Thin-layer have a height of no more than 2 mm and are intended only for finishing.
Also important is the drying speed of the composition. Fast drying mixes - 30 minutes to 1 hour. Quick-drying compounds will dry completely in 2 to 6 hours. There are productswith an average drying time of 12 to 24 hours. Long-term solutions can also be distinguished. Time may vary from 24 to 48 hours.
It is necessary to accurately calculate all loads in advance, select the necessary strength, select suitable materials and carry out work according to building codes and the requirements of the mixture manufacturer. Only after such procedures can you count on a high-quality, and most importantly - on a durable foundation. A cheap self-leveling floor also requires such a responsible approach, otherwise the funds and efforts will be wasted.
Rough base
It must be taken into account that any types of self-leveling floors require preliminary preparation of surfaces before their arrangement. If there is a concrete screed, then any type of self-leveling floor coverings can be mounted on it. If the surface is strong enough, there are no cracks in it, then no additional preparation is required. If the screed is ready, then you can choose which is cheaper - self-leveling floor or laminate. In residential areas, it is better to stay on a laminate if the repair is budgetary.
For the arrangement of self-leveling floors, you need a concrete screed, then a layer of soil. And then the mixture is laid. To work, you need a tool - a regular roller, a needle roller and a squeegee. If instead of screed there are any wooden solutions - sheet plywood or other wood products, then this base must be covered with a cement screed before equipping the self-leveling floor.
If there is a need to close the “warm floor” system, thenself-leveling floors based on mineral components. Polymer compositions are intended only for creating thin finishing layers. Applying the composition as thin as possible is an opportunity to get cheap self-leveling floors.
How to get the cheapest possible coverage?
Real polymer-based compositions are quite expensive - they are put in bulk. This is because two conditions are very important for self-leveling floors.
Thus, it is impossible to reduce the standard cost of materials per unit area, as this is provided for by coating technology. And the laying technology itself is by no means simple, which it may seem at first glance.
If these requirements are not met, then the cheapest self-leveling floor will cause big problems and huge costs.
How to reduce the cost of self-leveling floors?
Today, there are many different types of polymer flooring. And from a decorative point of view, and from the point of view of technical characteristics, they most often are in no way inferior to their inexpensive “bulk” counterparts. But at the same time, the cost of such solutions is much lower. And this is exactly what you need.
Quartz-filled polymer coatings
This is a material that is much easier to install. Inexpensive quartz sand ultimately makes the composition cheaper. Polymer coatings of this type are more resistant to chemicals and other influences. For laying, only basic plastering skills are needed. As for decorative possibilities, they are as wide as those ofresin floors.
Conclusion
If you think about what is cheaper - a screed or self-leveling floor, then the screed will definitely come out cheaper. But compared to self-leveling floors, the characteristics of screeds are much lower. Therefore, if the flooring will be subjected to high loads, then you should give preference to expensive, but high-quality self-leveling floors.
