Residential, industrial construction in most cases does not do without leveling the ground. A screed, which belongs to its structure, allows you to achieve a flat floor surface; it serves as the basis for laying flooring. When carrying out repair and construction activities, many homeowners are interested in the question of how to make a floor screed with your own hands, is it possible to do the work yourself, without inviting specialists.
Types of screeds for the floor, their features, pros and cons
Screed - part of the base, a layer of rough finish. It is a building mixture, laid on top of the floor between floors, on the ground, insulation. It serves as the basis for laying flooring, for example, parquet, linoleum, cork. In some cases, the layer itself acts as a topcoat at industrial facilities, in workshops, warehouses, garages, basements.
The main purpose of the screed is to level the rough base of the floor. If we turn to the regulatory documentation, according to SNiP 2.03.13-88 p. 5.1, this layer should be used to hide pipelines, create the necessary slope, distribute the loads along the heat and sound insulation layers, and ensure normalized heat absorption of the floor.
Given the laying method, the structure of the mixture, several types of screed can be distinguished: wet, dry, semi-dry. In construction, when performing a rough finish, cement-sand mortar is most often used. In residential premises with low humidity, gypsum analogues can be used. To make the right choice, find out which type of coating is the best, consider each type in more detail.
Dry
Dry screed allows you to quickly make an even base for the finish coating. Leveling is carried out by filling bulk materials on top of which sheets of chipboard, gypsum fiber board, OSB, and plywood are laid. Expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, and compavit are used for backfilling.The layer thickness depends on several factors, irregularities and differences in the base are taken into account, the presence of utilities is taken into account. The main advantages of prefabricated floors include:
The speed of installation work. You can draft in a few days;
Easy styling process. The power to do it yourself without the involvement of specialists;
Maintainability design. It is possible to correct errors, eliminate the inaccuracies;
Simple laying of communications;
A small load on the ceiling of the building;
Good heat and sound insulation properties.
Among the disadvantages of the prefabricated design, one can distinguish the fear of moisture. During its construction, special attention must be paid to waterproofing. Under the action of water, bulk mixtures, like wall materials, can be deformed. Also, if after flooding in time you do not dry the floor covering and the floor, then with time mold will surely appear in it.
Wet
Wet screed can be done using concrete and cement-sand mixture. The difference between them is only in the presence of filler in the form of rubble or gravel. For the manufacture of the composition will need cement, sand, water. To increase the ductility, fluidity, strength, drying speed, special additives plasticizers can be used. The main advantages of using this type of finish include:
The ability to lay on all types of floors, including soil;
High strength;
Durability;
Installation of heat, waterproofing;
Possibility to level any uneven surface.
Disadvantages:
Long drying time, which depends on the thickness of the layer;
Reliability of coverage depends on adherence to technology;
The poured base must be moistened periodically to prevent cracking.
The poured foundation is characterized by a large mass, so in residential buildings it is advisable to refuse such a screed, since it exerts a significant load on the foundation and floors.
Semi dry
When leveling floors, a semi-dry screed is often used.Unlike a traditional sand-cement or concrete mix, it dries quickly, and a minimal amount of water, regulated by the recipe, is used for its preparation. The finished composition is a slightly moistened mixture of sand and cement, it also contains special additives and plasticizers that provide strength properties of the finishing material after solidification. Of the main advantages of the coating can be identified:
The minimum amount of liquid that evaporates quickly;
Practically does not shrink, when solidified, cracks do not form;
It has increased sound and heat insulation characteristics;
Fiber or metal reinforcement provide high resistance to mechanical stress;
Laying and leveling work can be done by yourself;
You can move around the material 10-12 hours after laying;
It is possible to lay the finish coating in the form of ceramic tiles for 3 days already, laminate, parquet board - in a month.
Disadvantages:
If it enters the mixture, moisture can lead to the resumption of hydration processes;
It is impossible to use in rooms with high humidity;
Without special devices, it is practically impossible to properly mix the components included;
The complex, laborious process of laying a semi-dry composition over large areas;
Liquid entering the finish can lead to the development of microorganisms and mold.
Material for reinforcing screeds - which is better to choose
The screed is a sufficiently durable coating that provides leveling the floor. However, even with observance of the manufacturing and laying technology, it has a significant drawback, which is expressed in its low tensile strength. To increase its load capacity, increase the strength properties, reinforcement is used, which can be performed using:
Laying metal mesh;
Introduction at the stage of preparation into the mixture of fiber;
Additions to the composition of polymer and composite elements.
The reinforcing components located in the body of the screed perform different functions. They protect the surface from the formation of cracks at the time of drying of the solution, increase the life of the rough finish. If the thickness of the cement-sand composition does not exceed 30-40 mm, and the base is strong enough, then reinforcement can be dispensed with. If the layer is more than 50 mm, a significant load is placed on the surface, the solution is laid on an unreliable base, then it is better not to neglect this process.
Metal mesh
In the manufacture of metal meshes, BP-1 steel wire with a diameter of 2.5 to 6 mm is used. To connect the rods, spot welding is used, they are also twisted with a wire, forming square or rectangular cells. The smaller their size, the higher the strength of the reinforcement. Finished products have a wide variety of dimensions, rolled up or sold in sheets.
The main purpose of the metal mesh is to increase the strength characteristics of the screed, evenly distribute the load in its thickness, reduce the risk of cracking, shrinkage, increase resistance to mechanical stress. Steel rods take on tensile stress, protecting the structure from destruction, increase its bearing capacity.
In order for the grid to properly perform its function, it must necessarily be in the body of the screed, usually it is installed in the lower third, taking into account the total thickness. To do this, it is raised above the level of the black floor, using special plastic supports of the appropriate height. The main advantages of steel products include:
Long term of operation;
Low cost;
Immunity to temperature changes;
High tensile strength;
The ability to withstand heavy loads.
Polymer and composite elements
In addition to traditional metal nets for reinforcement, plastic and fiberglass analogs can also be used. Polypropylene models have good elasticity, they are not afraid of corrosion, they are not destroyed by the action of chemicals. The main advantages of plastic products include:
Light weight;
Durability;
Low cost;
Plastic;
Simplicity of work with building materials, the possibility of laying in rooms of non-standard shape.
Fiberglass mesh is based on aluminosilicate glass. Its rods are impregnated with special solutions that increase the resistance of the material to alkalis. It does not additionally add weight to the structure; therefore, it is often used to create screeds with small and medium loads in residential premises. The only drawback is the fear of high temperatures exceeding 200 ° C.
Arrange screed reinforcement using composite reinforcement. It is a non-metallic rods of glass, basalt, hydrocarbon fibers. Depending on the material included in the composition, fiberglass (ASP) basalt-plastic (ABP), carbon-fiber reinforcement are distinguished. The building material is characterized by high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and has low heat and electrical conductivity. However, the elastic modulus is 4 times less than that of steel, it is not plastic, has low heat resistance.
Fiber reinforcement
Fiber is a high-strength fiber made from synthetic, mineral, metallic materials, which can significantly increase the quality characteristics of concrete. Thin fibers can have a length of 1.5 to 45 mm, a diameter of up to 20 microns. Building material is a good alternative to metal, plastic, fiberglass nets. Among the main advantages of fiber are:
Uniformly distributed fibers within the screed;
Significant increase in structural strength;
Shrinkage reduction;
Increase in term of operation;
Increase the ductility of the finish;
Reducing the pour time of the mixture;
Prevention of cracking and delamination;
Uniform load distribution.
Depending on the materials used in the manufacturing process, the following types of fillers exist:
Polypropylene fiber. Plastic fiber is characterized by low weight, it is a good heat insulator, therefore it is often used in the arrangement of the system underfloor heating.
Steel thread. Consists of steel fibers, has good frost resistance. Due to the large specific gravity, it makes the design heavier.
Basaltic. Suitable for arranging a coating that is subjected to high dynamic and impact loads.
Fiberglass. It can be added to gypsum screeds. Significantly increases the ductility of the composition.
Asbestine. It is used very rarely, only for outdoor use.
DIY installation steps for wet floor screed
The classic way involves pouring the base with screed and then solidifying it. Spread the mixture directly on the floor slab or on heat, waterproofing. The simplest wet screed is smooth. The process is time-consuming, but completely uncomplicated. Having familiarized with the classical technology, it will be much easier to master the remaining techniques.
Necessary tools and materials
The strength of the screed depends on the quality of the materials used. It is better to choose a sand-cement composition. In this case, special attention should be paid to the sand. The slightest admixtures of clay are unacceptable. The ready-made bulk mixture must be diluted strictly in the proportions indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. In small rooms, when it is necessary to make a thin layer, use self-leveling mixtures on a gypsum or cement basis.A smooth, dustless surface is created by gravitational forces. To make a screed with your own hands, you need to prepare the following tools:
Power tools with the necessary nozzles for mixing the mortar (drill, perforator, construction mixer);
Capacities of suitable volume;
Fiberglass for reinforcement;
Tripod beacons;
Spatula, needle roller;
Special shoes with spikes to move on the already flooded floor;
Soil concrete contact;
Damper tape.
Foundation preparation and primer
Repair work should begin with a thorough preparation of the foundation. Cleaning involves removing putty residues with a spatula and a hammer. Small rubbish should be removed. If you plan to lay a layer of insulation, the minimum procedures can be limited.
For good adhesion of the screed to the base, it will be necessary to treat the surface with a concrete cantact or acrylic primer. Detected gaps and holes must be repaired. It is better to make several layers of soil. The absorption capacity of the floor will decrease as much as possible, which will allow the mixture not to quickly lose moisture, gradually and evenly dry.
The strength of the wet screed depends on the quality of the preparation of the base. To clean large areas, it is better to use a construction vacuum cleaner.
Marking the floor: determine the horizon and elevation
Screed in a private house or apartment should be done on the same level in all rooms. An exception for height can be a bathroom, a balcony. Due to thresholds, these rooms may not be included in the general level. Preliminary measurement will help to identify floor level differences.
You can measure the existing floor level by drawing a horizontal line around the entire perimeter of the room. Marking is better at a height of 100 cm from the ceiling. The drawn horizon line must be closed. Allowed offset up to 2 mm. Preparatory markup is done in several ways:
Using the laser level.The device is mounted on a tripod in the middle of the room. The beam is directed alternately to the walls and to the corners, make notes with a pencil.
Using the hydraulic level. The water device consists of two glass flasks with a measuring scale, a long hose. The device is filled with water to the middle of the tanks. Only two people can work with him. On one wall make a mark at a height of 100 cm from the floor and attach the scale of the device. Another flask is applied to the opposite surface.
Long building spirit level. A rectangular measuring tool is applied to the wall, make markings. The way to determine the horizon line using a simple level is suitable for small rooms.
Damper tape installation
For the screed, use a tape with a width of 10-15 cm. For work, only the whole material with a good adhesive surface is suitable. Knauf tape will provide high quality work. Its installation begins before the filling process. Damper tape should cover part of the wall near the floor around the perimeter of the room. All protrusions, columns must also be protected.
Laying any type of material starts from the corner. One end of the roll is leaned against the wall and gradually unwound, separating the required amount of tape. If it is self-adhesive, it is enough to remove the protective layer and press it to the surface. Simple products are fixed with self-tapping screws, stapler brackets or adhesive compositions.
The material must be laid continuously. If one roll is not enough, the edges of the strips are overlapped. When the tape comes to the starting point, it is laid on the other end and cut off with a clerical knife.
Laying waterproofing material
The main purpose of waterproofing is protection against leaks, improving the quality of the screed. According to the method of application, several basic materials can be distinguished. More often in bathrooms use tapestry or guided roll products. In rooms with high humidity, hydrophobic mastics and penetrating waterproofing are additionally used.
Before laying water-repellent material, chips and cracks are eliminated, potholes are wiped with cement mortar. Now the surface is treated with bitumen emulsion, penetrating compositions. The rolled materials are rolled on the floor with an approach to the walls and at each other of 15 cm. After the bowl is completely prepared for the screed, the remaining material is cut off.
If necessary, the waterproofing is laid in several layers with offset joints and welded with a construction hairdryer. Places with waves and air bubbles pierce and smooth again.
Beacon Installation
Beacons should be placed at the lowest points of the floor, when one is left at the highest. For this, various devices are used. For wet screed, profiles on mortar or self-tapping screws are suitable. But it is better to give preference to professional designs - benchmarks. The screed is set to the required height using a tripod with a movable rod in the center.
The lighthouses are set on an already prepared foundation, after the soil has completely dried. The benchmark is put on the floor and the central rod is scrolled until the required height is selected according to the prepared markup. After pouring and leveling the mixture, the guide rails are dismantled.
Solution preparation and pouring
The main components for the preparation of the mixture are water, sand, cement. The components are mixed in a special concrete mixer or in a bucket with a construction mixer. Recommended proportions - 1 part cement, 1 part water, 4 parts sand. Plasticizers are added to increase the strength of the solution.
Before moving the solution to the floor, it is necessary to sketch or photograph the passing communications, so that if repair is needed, they can be quickly found. The filling starts from the opposite corner to the exit from the room. The solution is poured between two beacons and leveled using the rule in zigzag movements. The excess is removed in a bucket, the mixture is added to the places of the recesses.
The laying process is repeated until the entire floor is flooded.To avoid cracks and joints during drying, the pouring process is performed in one room in one day. Walking on the floor will already be possible in 2 days.
How to care during maturing screeds
After filling the floor, it is necessary to remove the beacons and close up the cracks that have formed. In this state, the screed must go through the ripening phase. The duration of the process will depend on the temperature in the room, air humidity, the thickness of the screed layer. On average, it will take at least 4 weeks.
To increase the quality of the coating, it is covered with plastic wrap and periodically moistened to prevent cracking. It is necessary to exclude drafts, which can lead to quick drying. After a few days, you can walk on the screed and make sure it is even. To make the concrete surface smoother, the ironing procedure is carried out. Pure cement is scattered on the concrete and rubbed with a metal trowel.
Steps for installing a dry floor screed
This type of screed is more suitable for apartments, since it does not exert excessive pressure on the floors. The dry backfill method will provide even rough floors, on which any finishing material can later be laid. Like the installation of a wet screed, laying a dry base takes place in several stages.
Necessary tools and materials
All basic and consumables should be purchased with a margin. Excess may be needed if part of the product is damaged during operation, if necessary, use smaller pieces. The required amount of bulk mixtures is calculated taking into account the evenness of the floors, the thickness of the future screed. The average consumption of expanded clay mixture is 10 l per 1 m2, the size of the fraction is 2 mm, the layer height is 4-12 cm. If necessary, logs are used - bars 10 x 10 cm. Installation of the dry screed is carried out using the following tools:
Laser, water, construction level;
GVL sheets;
Hacksaws for cutting plates and sheets;
Screwdriver, screws;
Accessories for marking;
Roulettes, scissors.
Preparatory work
Dry screed can only be laid on a prepared base. Work begins with a thorough inspection of the surface and identification of problem areas. The condition of the concrete base does not have to be perfect, but without significant defects. The mandatory steps to prepare the foundation include the following:
Primer. The finished composition is thoroughly mixed and applied to the floor with a brush and a roller. After 4 hours, you can proceed to the following preparatory procedures;
Sticking damping tape. The material is fixed against the wall to the height of the future screed. In this case, the thickness of the gypsum board should be taken into account;
Floor marking. Using the level, the base is marked and marked on the wall around the entire perimeter;
Laying insulating material. More often use a simple plastic film. A single piece is straightened over the entire area with an approach to the walls of at least 20 cm;
Installation of beacons. For dry screeds, beacons can be of any shape. The top edge of the profiles should be flat and suitable for alignment by the rule, since they will be removed and rearranged. The frequency of laying beacons is selected individually.
Filling filler
After finishing the roughing work, you can backfill the screed. A pre-calculated volume of filler is poured onto the floor and leveled, relying on beacons. Then lay the sheets GVL. Work on a large area is easier to carry out in stages, partially pour out the mixture and cover.
As beacons, you can use the usual profile for drywall. Two elements are placed in the backfill and level. When one site becomes level, the beacons are removed and rearranged. The dry mixture is poured with a reserve, if necessary, rammed with a plaster grater.
Stacking top sheets
GVL sheets are placed on the filler in any form.But, it will be easier to start installation from the wall of the opposite entrance door. Sheets that are laid close to the wall must be prepared in advance - cut the fold. For a tight connection between them, adhesive mixtures and self-tapping screws are used. At the final stage, the edge tape and polyethylene are cut.
Plates can be laid out in one or two layers. The main characteristics of the material and their thickness will influence the choice of method. After laying the flooring, it remains to seal the joints, seams and sections with fasteners with putty. All processed areas must be sanded, the finished surface treated with insulating compounds.
Steps for installing a semi-dry floor screed
The pouring method is similar to a wet screed, but the mixture in the composition has significantly less water, which leads to accelerated hardening. In industrial premises, in new buildings, such floors are simply sanded before use. You can lay a semi-dry budget screed in several ways - on the base, with sound insulation, insulation, floating method.
Necessary tools and materials
The main components for the preparation of semi-dry screeds are water, sand, cement. If desired, fiber composition can be added to the composition. To carry out work on filling the floor, the following tools will be required:
Thermal cutting;
Beacons;
Concrete mixer;
Putty knife;
Rule
Building level;
Vibrating plate;
Sleeves for drawing a solution, pneumosupercharger;
Wooden, polyurethane grater.
Foundation preparation
The preparatory phase of the foundation includes a whole range of activities. All mandatory actions have a significant impact on the quality of installation. First clean the surface of the old coating, remove dust and dirt. Then you need to calculate the level of the horizon in order to correctly determine the amount of mixture necessary for work.
The next step is the installation of waterproofing and thermal insulation. A simple film will provide good moisture protection. Better if it is a whole piece.Separate stripes will have to be laid with a large approach to the edges.
To level the surface using beacons. The rule will be based on special rails during leveling. They are distributed parallel to one of the walls at an arbitrary distance from each other. After filling, the solution between the beacons is enough to tamp with your feet.
Solution preparation
The standard proportion for the preparation of mortar for semi-dry screed is 1 part cement, 4 parts sand. Plasticizers add 1 liter per 100 kg of cement, reinforcing substances - 0.6 kg per 1 m3 of solution. All components are seasoned in a concrete mixer and mixed well with added water. To check the quality of the solution, place a small amount of the mixture in your hand and squeeze. The composition is ready to use if moisture is not released.
All pouring operations must be planned in advance, because after an hour the solution will begin to lose its properties necessary for leveling the surface. Fiber should be added to the mixture with the liquid. So the material is better distributed. For every 10 liter bucket, 80 g of polypropylene fiber will be enough.
Backfill
After preparatory work and installation of beacons, you can proceed to filling the mixture. Part of the material is scattered with a shovel and quickly rammed below the level of the control beacon. On the trampled surface lay the remains of a semi-dry mixture above the lighthouse. Then simultaneously compacted and leveled. The work should be carried out at least together to ensure a continuous supply of the mixture.
The formed screed must be immediately leveled. The necessity and duration of grinding will depend on the quality of the alignment. If voids are found, they are filled with a mixture and leveled with a trowel.
Drying and finishing
After leveling the mixture, let it rest for 20 minutes and begin to grout. The material does not shrink, so this freezing time will be sufficient.The procedure must be carried out until the solution is completely set. For the most effective grouting use a special installation. To prevent breaks and cracks, special shrink joints are cut, cover the entire surface of the semi-dry screed with polyethylene and left for 24 hours.
After drying in rooms with an area of more than 15 m2, special expansion joints are cut. Special treatment should be subjected to areas near the columns in the doorways. Finishing the floor can be done in a day. The exact time depends on the type and characteristics of the flooring. Moisture-resistant tiles, granite are laid the next day, linoleum is laid after 1 week, parquet and laminate can be installed after 1 month.
Conclusion
Floor screed can easily be made by hand. Significantly facilitate the process and reduce the time for laying special equipment. To get a decent result, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions when mixing the solution, follow the styling technologies.
Residential, industrial construction in most cases does not do without leveling the ground. A screed, which belongs to its structure, allows you to achieve a flat floor surface; it serves as the basis for laying flooring. When carrying out repair and construction activities, many homeowners are interested in the question of how to make a floor screed with your own hands, is it possible to do the work yourself, without inviting specialists.
Content
Types of screeds for the floor, their features, pros and cons
Screed - part of the base, a layer of rough finish. It is a building mixture, laid on top of the floor between floors, on the ground, insulation. It serves as the basis for laying flooring, for example, parquet, linoleum, cork. In some cases, the layer itself acts as a topcoat at industrial facilities, in workshops, warehouses, garages, basements.
The main purpose of the screed is to level the rough base of the floor. If we turn to the regulatory documentation, according to SNiP 2.03.13-88 p. 5.1, this layer should be used to hide pipelines, create the necessary slope, distribute the loads along the heat and sound insulation layers, and ensure normalized heat absorption of the floor.
Given the laying method, the structure of the mixture, several types of screed can be distinguished: wet, dry, semi-dry. In construction, when performing a rough finish, cement-sand mortar is most often used. In residential premises with low humidity, gypsum analogues can be used. To make the right choice, find out which type of coating is the best, consider each type in more detail.
Dry
Dry screed allows you to quickly make an even base for the finish coating. Leveling is carried out by filling bulk materials on top of which sheets of chipboard, gypsum fiber board, OSB, and plywood are laid. Expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, and compavit are used for backfilling.The layer thickness depends on several factors, irregularities and differences in the base are taken into account, the presence of utilities is taken into account. The main advantages of prefabricated floors include:
Among the disadvantages of the prefabricated design, one can distinguish the fear of moisture. During its construction, special attention must be paid to waterproofing. Under the action of water, bulk mixtures, like wall materials, can be deformed. Also, if after flooding in time you do not dry the floor covering and the floor, then with time mold will surely appear in it.
Wet
Wet screed can be done using concrete and cement-sand mixture. The difference between them is only in the presence of filler in the form of rubble or gravel. For the manufacture of the composition will need cement, sand, water. To increase the ductility, fluidity, strength, drying speed, special additives plasticizers can be used. The main advantages of using this type of finish include:
Disadvantages:
Semi dry
When leveling floors, a semi-dry screed is often used.Unlike a traditional sand-cement or concrete mix, it dries quickly, and a minimal amount of water, regulated by the recipe, is used for its preparation. The finished composition is a slightly moistened mixture of sand and cement, it also contains special additives and plasticizers that provide strength properties of the finishing material after solidification. Of the main advantages of the coating can be identified:
Disadvantages:
Material for reinforcing screeds - which is better to choose
The screed is a sufficiently durable coating that provides leveling the floor. However, even with observance of the manufacturing and laying technology, it has a significant drawback, which is expressed in its low tensile strength. To increase its load capacity, increase the strength properties, reinforcement is used, which can be performed using:
The reinforcing components located in the body of the screed perform different functions. They protect the surface from the formation of cracks at the time of drying of the solution, increase the life of the rough finish. If the thickness of the cement-sand composition does not exceed 30-40 mm, and the base is strong enough, then reinforcement can be dispensed with. If the layer is more than 50 mm, a significant load is placed on the surface, the solution is laid on an unreliable base, then it is better not to neglect this process.
Metal mesh
In the manufacture of metal meshes, BP-1 steel wire with a diameter of 2.5 to 6 mm is used. To connect the rods, spot welding is used, they are also twisted with a wire, forming square or rectangular cells. The smaller their size, the higher the strength of the reinforcement. Finished products have a wide variety of dimensions, rolled up or sold in sheets.
The main purpose of the metal mesh is to increase the strength characteristics of the screed, evenly distribute the load in its thickness, reduce the risk of cracking, shrinkage, increase resistance to mechanical stress. Steel rods take on tensile stress, protecting the structure from destruction, increase its bearing capacity.
In order for the grid to properly perform its function, it must necessarily be in the body of the screed, usually it is installed in the lower third, taking into account the total thickness. To do this, it is raised above the level of the black floor, using special plastic supports of the appropriate height. The main advantages of steel products include:
Polymer and composite elements
In addition to traditional metal nets for reinforcement, plastic and fiberglass analogs can also be used. Polypropylene models have good elasticity, they are not afraid of corrosion, they are not destroyed by the action of chemicals. The main advantages of plastic products include:
Fiberglass mesh is based on aluminosilicate glass. Its rods are impregnated with special solutions that increase the resistance of the material to alkalis. It does not additionally add weight to the structure; therefore, it is often used to create screeds with small and medium loads in residential premises. The only drawback is the fear of high temperatures exceeding 200 ° C.
Arrange screed reinforcement using composite reinforcement. It is a non-metallic rods of glass, basalt, hydrocarbon fibers. Depending on the material included in the composition, fiberglass (ASP) basalt-plastic (ABP), carbon-fiber reinforcement are distinguished. The building material is characterized by high specific strength, corrosion resistance, and has low heat and electrical conductivity. However, the elastic modulus is 4 times less than that of steel, it is not plastic, has low heat resistance.
Fiber reinforcement
Fiber is a high-strength fiber made from synthetic, mineral, metallic materials, which can significantly increase the quality characteristics of concrete. Thin fibers can have a length of 1.5 to 45 mm, a diameter of up to 20 microns. Building material is a good alternative to metal, plastic, fiberglass nets. Among the main advantages of fiber are:
Depending on the materials used in the manufacturing process, the following types of fillers exist:
DIY installation steps for wet floor screed
The classic way involves pouring the base with screed and then solidifying it. Spread the mixture directly on the floor slab or on heat, waterproofing. The simplest wet screed is smooth. The process is time-consuming, but completely uncomplicated. Having familiarized with the classical technology, it will be much easier to master the remaining techniques.
Necessary tools and materials
The strength of the screed depends on the quality of the materials used. It is better to choose a sand-cement composition. In this case, special attention should be paid to the sand. The slightest admixtures of clay are unacceptable. The ready-made bulk mixture must be diluted strictly in the proportions indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. In small rooms, when it is necessary to make a thin layer, use self-leveling mixtures on a gypsum or cement basis.A smooth, dustless surface is created by gravitational forces. To make a screed with your own hands, you need to prepare the following tools:
Foundation preparation and primer
Repair work should begin with a thorough preparation of the foundation. Cleaning involves removing putty residues with a spatula and a hammer. Small rubbish should be removed. If you plan to lay a layer of insulation, the minimum procedures can be limited.
For good adhesion of the screed to the base, it will be necessary to treat the surface with a concrete cantact or acrylic primer. Detected gaps and holes must be repaired. It is better to make several layers of soil. The absorption capacity of the floor will decrease as much as possible, which will allow the mixture not to quickly lose moisture, gradually and evenly dry.
Marking the floor: determine the horizon and elevation
Screed in a private house or apartment should be done on the same level in all rooms. An exception for height can be a bathroom, a balcony. Due to thresholds, these rooms may not be included in the general level. Preliminary measurement will help to identify floor level differences.
You can measure the existing floor level by drawing a horizontal line around the entire perimeter of the room. Marking is better at a height of 100 cm from the ceiling. The drawn horizon line must be closed. Allowed offset up to 2 mm. Preparatory markup is done in several ways:
Damper tape installation
For the screed, use a tape with a width of 10-15 cm. For work, only the whole material with a good adhesive surface is suitable. Knauf tape will provide high quality work. Its installation begins before the filling process. Damper tape should cover part of the wall near the floor around the perimeter of the room. All protrusions, columns must also be protected.
Laying any type of material starts from the corner. One end of the roll is leaned against the wall and gradually unwound, separating the required amount of tape. If it is self-adhesive, it is enough to remove the protective layer and press it to the surface. Simple products are fixed with self-tapping screws, stapler brackets or adhesive compositions.
The material must be laid continuously. If one roll is not enough, the edges of the strips are overlapped. When the tape comes to the starting point, it is laid on the other end and cut off with a clerical knife.
Laying waterproofing material
The main purpose of waterproofing is protection against leaks, improving the quality of the screed. According to the method of application, several basic materials can be distinguished. More often in bathrooms use tapestry or guided roll products. In rooms with high humidity, hydrophobic mastics and penetrating waterproofing are additionally used.
Before laying water-repellent material, chips and cracks are eliminated, potholes are wiped with cement mortar. Now the surface is treated with bitumen emulsion, penetrating compositions. The rolled materials are rolled on the floor with an approach to the walls and at each other of 15 cm. After the bowl is completely prepared for the screed, the remaining material is cut off.
If necessary, the waterproofing is laid in several layers with offset joints and welded with a construction hairdryer. Places with waves and air bubbles pierce and smooth again.
Beacon Installation
Beacons should be placed at the lowest points of the floor, when one is left at the highest. For this, various devices are used. For wet screed, profiles on mortar or self-tapping screws are suitable. But it is better to give preference to professional designs - benchmarks. The screed is set to the required height using a tripod with a movable rod in the center.
The lighthouses are set on an already prepared foundation, after the soil has completely dried. The benchmark is put on the floor and the central rod is scrolled until the required height is selected according to the prepared markup. After pouring and leveling the mixture, the guide rails are dismantled.
Solution preparation and pouring
The main components for the preparation of the mixture are water, sand, cement. The components are mixed in a special concrete mixer or in a bucket with a construction mixer. Recommended proportions - 1 part cement, 1 part water, 4 parts sand. Plasticizers are added to increase the strength of the solution.
Before moving the solution to the floor, it is necessary to sketch or photograph the passing communications, so that if repair is needed, they can be quickly found. The filling starts from the opposite corner to the exit from the room. The solution is poured between two beacons and leveled using the rule in zigzag movements. The excess is removed in a bucket, the mixture is added to the places of the recesses.
The laying process is repeated until the entire floor is flooded.To avoid cracks and joints during drying, the pouring process is performed in one room in one day. Walking on the floor will already be possible in 2 days.
How to care during maturing screeds
After filling the floor, it is necessary to remove the beacons and close up the cracks that have formed. In this state, the screed must go through the ripening phase. The duration of the process will depend on the temperature in the room, air humidity, the thickness of the screed layer. On average, it will take at least 4 weeks.
To increase the quality of the coating, it is covered with plastic wrap and periodically moistened to prevent cracking. It is necessary to exclude drafts, which can lead to quick drying. After a few days, you can walk on the screed and make sure it is even. To make the concrete surface smoother, the ironing procedure is carried out. Pure cement is scattered on the concrete and rubbed with a metal trowel.
Steps for installing a dry floor screed
This type of screed is more suitable for apartments, since it does not exert excessive pressure on the floors. The dry backfill method will provide even rough floors, on which any finishing material can later be laid. Like the installation of a wet screed, laying a dry base takes place in several stages.
Necessary tools and materials
All basic and consumables should be purchased with a margin. Excess may be needed if part of the product is damaged during operation, if necessary, use smaller pieces. The required amount of bulk mixtures is calculated taking into account the evenness of the floors, the thickness of the future screed. The average consumption of expanded clay mixture is 10 l per 1 m2, the size of the fraction is 2 mm, the layer height is 4-12 cm. If necessary, logs are used - bars 10 x 10 cm. Installation of the dry screed is carried out using the following tools:
Preparatory work
Dry screed can only be laid on a prepared base. Work begins with a thorough inspection of the surface and identification of problem areas. The condition of the concrete base does not have to be perfect, but without significant defects. The mandatory steps to prepare the foundation include the following:
Filling filler
After finishing the roughing work, you can backfill the screed. A pre-calculated volume of filler is poured onto the floor and leveled, relying on beacons. Then lay the sheets GVL. Work on a large area is easier to carry out in stages, partially pour out the mixture and cover.
As beacons, you can use the usual profile for drywall. Two elements are placed in the backfill and level. When one site becomes level, the beacons are removed and rearranged. The dry mixture is poured with a reserve, if necessary, rammed with a plaster grater.
Stacking top sheets
GVL sheets are placed on the filler in any form.But, it will be easier to start installation from the wall of the opposite entrance door. Sheets that are laid close to the wall must be prepared in advance - cut the fold. For a tight connection between them, adhesive mixtures and self-tapping screws are used. At the final stage, the edge tape and polyethylene are cut.
Plates can be laid out in one or two layers. The main characteristics of the material and their thickness will influence the choice of method. After laying the flooring, it remains to seal the joints, seams and sections with fasteners with putty. All processed areas must be sanded, the finished surface treated with insulating compounds.
Steps for installing a semi-dry floor screed
The pouring method is similar to a wet screed, but the mixture in the composition has significantly less water, which leads to accelerated hardening. In industrial premises, in new buildings, such floors are simply sanded before use. You can lay a semi-dry budget screed in several ways - on the base, with sound insulation, insulation, floating method.
Necessary tools and materials
The main components for the preparation of semi-dry screeds are water, sand, cement. If desired, fiber composition can be added to the composition. To carry out work on filling the floor, the following tools will be required:
Foundation preparation
The preparatory phase of the foundation includes a whole range of activities. All mandatory actions have a significant impact on the quality of installation. First clean the surface of the old coating, remove dust and dirt. Then you need to calculate the level of the horizon in order to correctly determine the amount of mixture necessary for work.
The next step is the installation of waterproofing and thermal insulation. A simple film will provide good moisture protection. Better if it is a whole piece.Separate stripes will have to be laid with a large approach to the edges.
To level the surface using beacons. The rule will be based on special rails during leveling. They are distributed parallel to one of the walls at an arbitrary distance from each other. After filling, the solution between the beacons is enough to tamp with your feet.
Solution preparation
The standard proportion for the preparation of mortar for semi-dry screed is 1 part cement, 4 parts sand. Plasticizers add 1 liter per 100 kg of cement, reinforcing substances - 0.6 kg per 1 m3 of solution. All components are seasoned in a concrete mixer and mixed well with added water. To check the quality of the solution, place a small amount of the mixture in your hand and squeeze. The composition is ready to use if moisture is not released.
All pouring operations must be planned in advance, because after an hour the solution will begin to lose its properties necessary for leveling the surface. Fiber should be added to the mixture with the liquid. So the material is better distributed. For every 10 liter bucket, 80 g of polypropylene fiber will be enough.
Backfill
After preparatory work and installation of beacons, you can proceed to filling the mixture. Part of the material is scattered with a shovel and quickly rammed below the level of the control beacon. On the trampled surface lay the remains of a semi-dry mixture above the lighthouse. Then simultaneously compacted and leveled. The work should be carried out at least together to ensure a continuous supply of the mixture.
The formed screed must be immediately leveled. The necessity and duration of grinding will depend on the quality of the alignment. If voids are found, they are filled with a mixture and leveled with a trowel.
Drying and finishing
After leveling the mixture, let it rest for 20 minutes and begin to grout. The material does not shrink, so this freezing time will be sufficient.The procedure must be carried out until the solution is completely set. For the most effective grouting use a special installation. To prevent breaks and cracks, special shrink joints are cut, cover the entire surface of the semi-dry screed with polyethylene and left for 24 hours.
After drying in rooms with an area of more than 15 m2, special expansion joints are cut. Special treatment should be subjected to areas near the columns in the doorways. Finishing the floor can be done in a day. The exact time depends on the type and characteristics of the flooring. Moisture-resistant tiles, granite are laid the next day, linoleum is laid after 1 week, parquet and laminate can be installed after 1 month.
Conclusion
Floor screed can easily be made by hand. Significantly facilitate the process and reduce the time for laying special equipment. To get a decent result, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions when mixing the solution, follow the styling technologies.