The use of a concrete screed does not always justify itself in places where wear resistance and practicality of the floor base are at the forefront. Laying traditional coatings also does not always save if surface reliability is additionally included in the list of requirements. The best solution in such cases can be a polymer-based rubber self-leveling floor. Such ties are widely used today on sports fields, in shops, garages, on terraces.
What is self-leveling floor
The basis of the coating is formed by a traditional polymer composition, from which industrial floors designed for high loads are arranged. Depending on the performance of a particular composition, additional protective properties are also provided, for example, resistance to chemical or thermal influences. If the usual base mixtures are diluted with fillers in the form of quartz or river sand, then in this case a self-leveling floor made of crumb rubber (rubber) is considered, whichprovides damping effect.
There are also differences in the polymer base. Universal binders include epoxy and polyurethane compositions, but more technologically advanced two-component compositions are increasingly being used. They allow you to modify the final solution with the expectation of a priming function, increase the increase in fixation to the rough surface or adhesive strength.
Advantages of rubber self-leveling floor
The shock-absorbing effect can be attributed to the advantages that distinguish rubber compositions even among the general range of bulk polymer mixtures. It is this quality that allows the use of such coatings on sites intended for transport. There are also general positive properties of polymer screeds.
These include wear resistance and durability. They allow you to use a self-leveling rubber floor for a garage, counting on a long service life. According to experts, the margin of safety of such a coating, even under intense loads, is maintained for 10 years or more. The practicality of rubber surfaces is also noted. The rubber material in combination with the polymer binder prevents the penetration of dirt, dust, microbes and allergens into the structure. Unlike natural flooring materials, there is no favorable environment for the development of mold and mildew.
Preparing the rough surface for laying
Like all self-leveling coatings, this floor is differentthe ability to self-level, filling small defects in the working base. Therefore, it is not necessary to achieve a perfectly flat surface for laying. However, the structural soundness of the foundation must be guaranteed. If it is planned to pour a concrete screed, then deep cracks must be sealed with a primer or cement mortar. With heavy wear, manufacturers even recommend completely dismantling the problematic floor. In addition, ensure that the surface is clean and has sufficient moisture balance.
If, for example, it is planned to arrange a self-leveling rubber floor in the bathroom, then you will first need to achieve a humidity coefficient of no higher than 4%. This is important precisely for the laying period, and during operation, a humid air environment will not harm the coating in any way. With regard to surface cleaning, fine particles are harmful to the mortar to be laid. For this reason, it is recommended to clean dust thoroughly with an industrial vacuum cleaner.
What is required for installation work
During installation, the following tools and fixtures will be required:
- Capacity for preparing the mixture. You can use an ordinary plastic bucket of a sufficiently large volume.
- Drill for mixing bulk solution. Any construction model with low revs and a power of about 1000 watts will do. The main thing is that it supports the structural possibility of installing a mixing nozzle. In particular, it is recommended to use screw mixing heads, which minimize the percentage of remaining lumps.
- Squeegee. speciala kind of large-format spatula, with which the mass of the rubber self-leveling floor will be distributed over the surface. Unlike the rule for plaster, this tool allows you to adjust the gap of the working edge and allows the installation of notched nozzles.
- Special shoes. For convenience, it will not be superfluous to prepare paint studs. These are needle-soled shoes that can be walked on when poured, spreading the mixture into the far corners.
Mix preparation
The solution is prepared within a few minutes (the specific time is set by the manufacturer's instructions) by mixing the components of the dry mix for the self-leveling floor with a mixing nozzle. If a two-component composition is used, then the process is divided into two stages - first component A is stirred, after which additive B is added, then work is resumed. Rubber crumb may be present in one of the fillers or added separately - it depends on the fraction. It is very important to correctly calculate the volume of the mixture for the self-leveling floor. Rubber coatings are laid according to the following calculation of the mass of the mixture, depending on the thickness of the final layer:
- 1 mm - 0.75 kg.
- 1.5mm - 1.12kg.
- 2 mm - 1.5 kg.
After preparing the solution, you must immediately start pouring, since the polymerization process begins when the active components of the composition are combined.
Cover laying
The solution is poured onto the working base in thin strips and immediately distributed over the area. The mixture will even out on its own, dispersing over the surface, but this is not enough. The presence of rubber makes the mixture less thick (compared to conventional polymer compounds). The main function of the performer at this stage will be not so much the distribution of mass, but the removal of air bubbles from the self-leveling rubber floor. With your own hands, this can be done with the same squeegee with a notched nozzle, but it is even better to use a special spiked roller for this. With it, the entire surface must be processed. The exclusion of air bubbles will add strength and rigidity to the structure of the future floor.
Also, do not forget about the curing process. As the viscosity increases, it will become more and more difficult to achieve a smooth coating. On average, it takes 30-45 minutes to fill and give the optimal shape of the self-leveling floor, after which the coating becomes unsuitable for changing the structure. Full strength gain occurs within 3-7 days, depending on the composition used.
Rules for the care of self-leveling coatings
During operation, you should try to protect the coating from all sorts of abrasives. Fine solid particles under high pressure can leave scratches and chips on the surface. Periodically, the coating should be washed, and the self-leveling rubber floor for the street should even be polished using special tools. For example, the manufacturers of polymer floor mixtures themselves offer for such carecleaners, polyurethane mastics and stripping polishes. Such tools allow not only to eliminate the smallest debris on the surface, but also to give it an aesthetic appearance. It is not recommended to use cleaning chemicals containing chlorine, soda and various acids in the care.
Conclusion
Dry mixes for self-leveling floors for industrial use have long been in practice. With their help, they make out the surfaces of parking lots, shopping centers, hangars and warehouses. Currently, rubber self-leveling floors for the house and the surrounding area have begun to spread. They retain the basic set of performance qualities of standard mixtures, but additionally have several new positive properties for use in everyday life. It is a shock-absorbing effect that reduces injury risk, as well as environmental friendliness, thanks to which the coating can be installed even in the living room, in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
