How to level cement screeds
Applying leveling screed to a concrete base is a popular building practice in SA. This provides a strong, smooth surface to install flooring over. Consult a contractor before screeding a large area, installing a thin floor (< 2mm / 0.08″) over the screed, or installing screed over underfloor heating.
If you are not installing new flooring and just want to level an old concrete floor use fast track self-levelling compound pumpable (SLC P) fast-track self-levelling screed.
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What you'll need
- 1 x Container to mix the plaster with water
- 1 x Helical mortar mixer
- 1 x Trowel
- 1 x Steel or rubber faced float
- 1 x Carpet or rubber face float
- 1 x Large paint brush to sprinkle water onto the surface
- 1 x Gloves and old clothes
- 1 x a.b.e.®.lite finishing plaster – 40 kg bags
GOOD TO KNOW:
For fast track refurbishment and new construction where finishes such as carpets, ceramic tiles, vinyl, wood block or cork need to be applied quickly.
Here's How: 5 Steps
Step 1
Preparation
- The base slab or screed should be sound with a minimum thickness of 40 mm and with a minimum compressive strength of 25 MPa.
- The surface must also provide a minimum tensile adhesion strength of 1.5 MPa.
- All surfaces must be clean, mechanically sound, and free of laitance, dust, grease, and oil. Vacuum abrasive blast cleaning is the preferred method of surface preparation.
- Wet grinding followed by vacuuming may also be used.
- Refer to the “Method statement a.b.e.®.screed SLC P” used” for the “Surface Preparation”.
Step 2
Bonding / Priming
- Concrete surfaces should be primed with a.b.e.®.prime SLC acrylic primer.
- Apply the a.b.e.®.prime SLC acrylic primer (refer to data sheet for additional information ) onto the floor surface by means of a brush and leave it to dry before applying a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25.
- Priming improves the adhesion of the a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25 to concrete, prevents the formation of air bubbles and reduces water absorption into the subfloor.
Step 3
Mixing
- Correct mixing and proportioning of the a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25, is essential for good results.
- It is imperative to carry out the “flow ring” test on each new batch to ensure that the product performance properties are obtained and to provide ease of application.
- Refer to the “Method statement a.b.e.®.screed SLC P” for additional information.
- Add 5.0 L of clean potable water to the mixing vessel and whilst slowly stirring, slowly add the 25 kg of powder and mix for 1 minute. Once all the powder has been added mix for a further 4 to 5 minutes at a medium speed until the products consistency is obtained and is lump free and homogeneous. Avoid mixing at high speeds as this may entrap air.
- The mix must be applied immediately after mixing, if the mix is left to stand the flow properties will be reduced due to the hydration process and impair the finish.
- Excess water may lead to a friable surface and will reduce the strength of the a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25.
- Do not mix more a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25 than can be applied in 10 minutes.
Step 4
Coverage (Powder)
- 1.7 kg/m2 per mm thickness
- 34 kg/m2 at 20 mm thick
Step 5
Application
- Pump or pour the mix over the concrete surface. For pumped application, ensure the continuity of electricity and water supplied is secured. Pump or pour the a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25 onto the floor in a continuous operation, feeding fresh material into a wet edge.
- a.b.e.®.screed SLC P 25 will level out to a smooth, even finish. Where necessary, release small air bubbles from the newly laid screed with a trowel, spiked roller, or a tee-bar. This practice must be adopted within 5 minutes of application to avoid interfering with the final levelling properties.
- Any lumps found in the product are to be removed before placing the product.
- Refer to the “Method statement a.b.e.®.screed SLC P” for the application process.
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