The use of expanded clay backfill in the process of laying the floor helps save time and effort, as well as money. This is a universal coating agent that has all the qualities of a dry screed. Using a crumb helps to complete a large amount of work in a short time.
Backfill features
Although prefabricated floor technology is just beginning to rise to its peak of popularity, the base material has been around for a long time. You can buy it both on the official websites of manufacturers and in hardware stores. Expanded clay backfill has the composition of a granular mixture, which speeds up the process of use.
This also provides a solid base for the floor without the possibility of subsidence. Sometimes expanded clay is used instead of granulate, but its parameters are much larger, which creates additional difficulties in the process of placing the floor covering. In addition, the gaps between the elements of the material complicate the installation process.
After the dust settles and layers of sand are applied to the base, serious deformation of the surface is possible. This isthe developers of expanded clay filling took into account and made all the granules of the same size. This makes the shape and density of the material well suited for this type of work.
Comparison of varieties
Technologists conducted an experiment. During the study, expanded clay backfill and material in its natural form were used. The results showed that expanded clay is not suitable for the role of the base under the floor, because it does not meet the required standards and parameters.
The advantages of dry backfill include factors such as a possible coating height of up to 2 cm, which provides protection against subsidence. The material consumption is small, 10 kg of backfill will be required per 1 square meter, provided the layer thickness is 1 cm.
Sufficiently high bulk density of expanded clay backfill for the floor "Knauf" allows you to minimize the risk of deformation of the main coating. It also protects against moisture condensation and creates good sound insulation. The material is strong enough and they can make a dry floor screed. As for expanded clay, it is used less and less, because it does not guarantee the same level of endurance and strength as backfill.
Performance and use
The process of using expanded clay backfill for the floor "Knauf" can be divided into several stages. First, the concrete base of the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt residues. This is necessary so that the material lies on the surface in an even layer and the compaction is dense.
SpecialistsIt is advised to use wooden logs under the base. The surface is prepared by straightening the polyethylene film and a special edge tape, on which dry expanded clay backfill will be made.
After that, a layer of dry backfill is applied. Some masters divide the stage into two parts, applying the main and final layer. Can be applied immediately in one go, using a building level to level the surface. Next, you need to start laying the sheet material.
The advantages of dry filling include the absence of a concrete mixer and mortar in the process. Many builders use this option also because of the ability to quickly complete the work, which reduces labor costs.
Most often, a dry screed is used to equip old buildings or premises in which it will be costly to make a new floor. The option is suitable for the quick completion of construction work and for laying a wooden base. Work on installing the floor on the expanded clay base can be carried out at any time, even low temperatures and high humidity do not interfere with the process.
Steps of work
First, preparatory moments are done. The surface is cleaned of the old coating and protective elements, all irregularities are removed so that only a smooth concrete pour remains. After dismantling the old floor, the required amount of material is calculated.
To prevent water from seeping through a dry screed, a waterproofing layer is required. Moisture in a dry screed can appear for two reasons: steam from the premises and moisture from the concrete. This is followed by fillinggaps between the floor and walls with glass wool to create sound insulation.
When using expanded clay as the main building material, it will not work to make good sound insulation. Next, a layer of backfill is made and floor panels are installed on its surface.
