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For over a millennial, concrete has been used as a foundation material. It has massive strength and durability. A concrete object can last for decades if not a whole lifetime of your house. It is excellent for a steady base for an infrastructure.
During the older era, housing was built with sloping concrete floors. These floors are something to worry about. If you own an older house and want to install hardwood or laminate on your flooring, this will become an issue. To solve this issue, you can level the concrete floor. That way, you will get rid of the uneven floor. By doing so, you will also have a smooth and sleek surface ideal for another material.
You can always call a professional to do this job. However, hiring often can be quite expensive. This article will show you how to level a concrete floor that slopes by yourself.
Plan first!
It is crucial always to plan first. Before you start working, make sure to examine the situation. Determine the concrete’s condition. You want to see how long this project will take and how much budget it will require.
Not only that, but you have to determine how much of concrete leveler you’ll need. You can self-level cement, but it won’t be an easy job. You can easily ruin the whole project if you don’t measure and plan first.
Cement is expensive, and always fixing the structure can add up to your bills extremely fast. If you follow this article, you will know how to level a concrete floor that slopes in less than a week.
How to clean the flooring properly
Removing appliances, objects, and furniture is the first thing you have to do. You should remove everything from the room so that the floor is clear. Then, start cleaning the concrete area with a special cleaner.
Apply the clear onto the concrete and slowly begin scrubbing with a brush. It will remove any oil and dirt excess. Then let the cleaner sit on the concrete area for half an hour. Some cleaners require more time, some less. Make sure to read the package label properly. This step is vital as later. The bonding agent will have to stick to a clean surface.
Removing any residue debris to prevent any uneven areas
If the cleaner doesn’t remove everything, use a metal scraper. Slowly with light pressure, start scraping any tile/linoleum remains. Then sweep it and get rid of it. The final step is to vacuum the entire area. That is to ensure there aren’t any particles you have missed with sweeping.
The best vacuum cleaner is shop-vac. It is specifically made for this job. It is meant for heavy debris and cement. You don’t have to buy this vacuum cleaner. You can rent it for a couple of hours.
Mark where the uneven areas are
You can use a level bar to determine whether your floor is uneven. If you don’t have a leveling bar, you can use the marble method.
- Place several marbles on the floor. Then wait for them to roll on the floor. If they move on one side of the floor, that side may be uneven. If they roll to other areas of the floor and stop, those areas are likely dips that you probably can’t see with the naked eye.
- If marbles aren’t available, you can always check uneven flooring with a level bar. All you have to do is drag the floor. Look under the bar’s flat edge against the floor as you move it for any signs of high points on the floor’s surface. Once you have determined them, mark them, and prepare them for grinding.
Grind down the uneven high points
How to level a concrete floor that slopes by grinding down uneven high points.? You can even out the high areas by grinding them down. A concrete grinder is made for that job.
Make sure to wear protective equipment. Eye protection and gloves are a must-have. Lay the machined disc flatly against the desired mark. Then start grinding front to back. Grind until the spot is evenly leveled with the rest of the flooring. Once you’ve smoothed out everything, use the shop-vac to vacuum the debris.
Prepare Concrete bonding agent
Before applying the bonding agent, make sure to dilute it first. Dilute it in water according to the instructions. Then slowly use the agent on the concrete. Not every solution is added the same way, so make sure to read the instructions carefully.
Apply a bonding agent to the concrete
Spread a layer of bonding adhesive over the basement floor using a nap roller. Please wait for the adhesive to dry to the point where it’s no longer wet, but retains the glue’s stickiness on the rear of self-stick paper notes. The sealant helps create a bond between the basement floor’s old concrete and the self-leveling compound to make the new, level floor surface.
How to level a concrete floor that slopes:
Prepare the self-leveling compound
Reading the instructions is essential. The water and self-leveling mix ratio is indicated on the back instructions. Then, slowly add water to the bucket and the leveling compound. Mix carefully. You can mix using a drill. The consistency should be quite dense but easy to pour.
Apply the self-leveling compound
How to level a concrete floor that slopes by applying a self-leveling compound? If any drains are visible, make sure to cover them adequately. You can place a plastic pipe over the drain to completely envelop the drain.
First, pour the mixture on the floor. Spread it out evenly with a squeegee. It is best to use a squeegee that has a long handle. Then, even out the coating using both squeegee and leveler bar. Ensure you get all the edges and corners. You have to work quickly as the leveling compound dries quickly. After 20 minutes of applying, it should begin hardening.
Use only a ¼-inch layer of the compound to level the floor and dry for the length of time specified by the compound manufacturer. Usually, drying times will be less than 48 hours before you can move items back into the basement.
You can install tile or other hard-surfaced floorings on top of the concrete when dry enough to walk on. Wait at least 16 hours before you install moisture-sensitive flooring like carpet. Drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity. Place a face mask over your nose and mouth and safety goggles over your eyes when using the concrete grinder to protect against ground concrete dust.
Hopefully, this article will help you know how to level a concrete floor that slopes. You will be able to do this in less than two days and enjoy your new flooring.
FAQs about leveling a concrete floor that slopes
1. What are the main reasons why a concrete floor slopes?
Numerous factors, including inadequate initial installation, ground settlement or soil erosion, and water damage, can cause a concrete floor to slant. Sometimes the slope is designed to aid drainage, but if it is too steep, it may affect the building’s functionality or the residents’ safety.
2. Can a sloping concrete floor be fixed without tearing up the entire slab?
Yes, a sloping concrete floor can be fixed without removing the entire slab. Self-leveling concrete is one choice; it is poured onto the current floor and spreads out to make a level surface. To level the surface, concrete grinding or shot blasting are further options.
3. What tools and materials are needed to level a sloping concrete floor?
A concrete grinder, a trowel, a straight edge, a measuring tape, a level, and safety gear are required tools to level a sloping concrete floor. Epoxy, self-leveling compound, and other leveling agents may be required as materials.
4. How do I measure the degree of slope in a concrete floor?
Use a level or a laser level to identify the high and low points of the surface to calculate the slope of a concrete floor. To determine the slope over a broader region, you can alternatively use a straight edge and a measuring tape.
5. Is it possible to level a concrete floor on my own or do I need to hire a professional?
If you have the required tools and expertise working with concrete, you can level a concrete floor on your own. However, it is advised to engage a professional to make sure the job is done securely and correctly if the slope is large or if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.
6. How long does it typically take to level a sloping concrete floor?
The size and steepness of the slope affect how long it takes to level a concrete floor. It could take a few hours to a day to finish tiny regions. It can take several days or perhaps weeks to finish larger regions or steeper hills.
7. What are the most common techniques used to level a concrete floor that slopes?
Self-leveling concrete, concrete grinding or shot blasting, and adding a leveling solution or epoxy are the most popular ways to level a sloped concrete floor. The ideal approach is determined by the size, steepness, and intended use of the floor.
8. Can a concrete floor be leveled without affecting the surrounding walls or foundation?
A concrete floor can indeed be leveled without disturbing the surrounding walls or foundation. To safeguard surrounding places, you should take precautions like covering walls and baseboards with plastic sheeting or tape.
9. How much does it cost to level a sloping concrete floor?
A concrete floor can indeed be leveled without disturbing the surrounding walls or foundation. To safeguard surrounding places, you should take precautions like covering walls and baseboards with plastic sheeting or tape.
10. What are some potential challenges or risks associated with leveling a sloping concrete floor?
The potential for causing damage to nearby structures, running into unanticipated problems like plumbing or electrical work, and safety risks involved with working with concrete and large equipment are just a few of the potential difficulties or risks associated with leveling a sloping concrete floor. To reduce these hazards, it is crucial to take the proper safety precautions and safeguards.
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