Applying self-leveling concrete

Question

We're almost ready to put down the SL concrete and I need to know if there are any tricks/tips I should have in my pocket before starting.

Has anyone used self-leveling concrete before and knows about pitfalls or secrets they'd like to share?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Hi, When you are mixing it, mix it more 'soupy' so that it can flow more readily. It has a tendency to dry as it touches the floor where your are pouring it. I also would know generally where my low spots were before I started to pour it. Once again so it can be encouraged to lay in that area. Have a long, straight float available to screed it off and floats to 'encourage' it to the areas that need more fill before you screed it off. There has to be some control here, as it is not the miracle cure for a perfect level floor. As for control, I mean some sort of reference to pour to just as in an outside pour. Some level nail heads,  a marked high spot to screed to. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

1-Make sure you buy enough.

2-Make sure you mix it well(enough water, no clumps, pourable)

3-Do it all at once, keep a wet edge use a trowel do help it get to the areas you want to level and to blend with previous batches.

4- go in the next day with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to knock down any high spots, bubbles, ridges etc. if it happens.