Cheaper Alternative To Self Leveling Compound
Whether you want a carpet, tile, or wood cover, A self leveling compound (SLC) offers a firm, flat surface on which to lay your flooring. Despite its many benefits, SLC can be pricey, which frequently leads homeowners to look for less priced options. What are some effective, less expensive substitutes for self-leveling compound then?
The sand mix is one of the less expensive options to a self-leveling compound. You can use a sand mix to level up inequalities in your floor by combining sand and cement. However, sand mix won’t spread uniformly on its own, unlike the original product. To level it out, you will need a flat implement like a trowel. But that’s a lot of work. However, using sand mix will save you some money if that is acceptable with you.
SLC is unquestionably the best for producing a level surface. But the price is higher than most of us are willing to pay. Fortunately, there are numerous less expensive options that can perfectly fill its position. Yes, you can get the surface you want without going broke with a little bit of knowledge and work. Continue reading to find out more about getting a level, smooth surface without using self-leveling compound.
Also read –6 Insane Megaprojects in the world that were Never Built !!
Cheapest Way to Level Concrete Floor
A sand mixture can be used to quickly and affordably level a concrete floor. The sand mix is a composition that, despite being less expensive, has the correct consistency to produce results that are on par with SLC standards. However, as was already mentioned, since it doesn’t flow evenly on its own, levelling will require a little extra time and effort.
Let’s first clarify how SLC functions for the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with it before moving on. SLC is a particular kind of cement that includes polymers. The viscosity changes to that of a liquid when combined with water. It is applied by pouring on an uneven floor; as it spreads unevenly, it will eventually solidify into a level surface.
The benefit of SLC is that it levels the playing field without requiring any specialised knowledge or expertise. As long as they adhere to the directions on the container, anyone can complete it. The only drawback is that it might be costly, particularly for large projects.
And certainly, sand mix is a competitive option to SLC when it comes to cost. Without further ado, let’s begin with the techniques for inexpensively levelling concrete floors.
1. Prepare the floor first
I am aware that you are particularly curious about the application process itself. However, you must first prepare the floor before we arrive there. Make sure it is clean and clear of grease, oil, and grime. Remove any more materials that may be loose. If necessary, you can clean the floor with a power washer.
2. Choose The Right Sand Mix
Make sure the sand mix you’ll use is the proper kind before you start putting the concrete. If not, levelling will be difficult and may not produce the intended results. One part Portland cement to three parts sand is a workable ratio. And as always, you can seek advice from the professionals.
Also read –6 Insane Megaprojects in the world that were Never Built !!
3. Start spreading.
It’s time to sprinkle the right sand mixture across the floor after you have it. Since it won’t flow evenly, that is where the sand mix differs dramatically from SLC. For the former, you’ll need to level it out as you go using a trowel or another flat implement.
It will require some work, especially if you’re covering a large region. But if you’re persistent and patient, you’ll be able to accomplish your goals and ultimately save a sizable sum of money.
4. Include Water
Bringing in water is the next step once spreading has been completed. Apply water to the floor with a garden hose. You should approach it as gently as you can. Otherwise, using excessive effort will wash the sand mixture away, requiring you to start over. Make sure the hose is adjusted to a light spray, then.
5. Allow the surface to air dry.
It’s time to let the surface dry after wetting it. Depending on the local climate’s temperature and humidity, this process will take a different amount of time. In contrast, make sure the entire region is dry, not just a few isolated places.
Placing your palm on the floor will allow you to quickly determine if it has already dried. After giving the surface a day to soak, you can proceed. If the floor is still wet, you must give it more time to properly dry. Recheck your findings in 12 hours. Make sure that the entire area is dry before moving on to the next step.
Also read –6 Insane Megaprojects in the world that were Never Built !!
6. Get Rid of Any Loose Sand.
The next step is to clean up any sand remnants left on the floor once it has dried. Use a bristled brush to accomplish this. Any particles that are still adhered to the surface will be helped to release. To prevent damaging the floor, be sure to handle this lightly.
Again, though, this step is not always necessary. After the floor dries off, if there aren’t any sand fragments, nothing needs to be removed.
Can I Use Drywall Compound as a Floor Leveler?
Yes, you can use drywall compound to level the floor, and drywall will work just fine as a support beneath your tiles or other flooring. However, use of drywall compound has several drawbacks. Therefore, consider all the options before choosing if it’s the best course of action for you.
Also read –6 Insane Megaprojects in the world that were Never Built !!
You see, there are many solutions available to you, like drywall compound, for levelling your floor. The reason why most people favour drywall compound is because it is significantly less expensive, which is what homeowners on a limited budget frequently look for.
However, you should be aware that drywall is absorbent. Therefore, it would be a terrible idea to use it in a bathroom or other area that is likely to become wet. You definitely don’t want your floor to start absorbing water and developing mould.
The fact that utilising drywall is less durable than alternative levelling options is another another drawback. To put it another way, drywall compound will quickly degrade over time. Your tiles or any other type of flooring material will break as a result of the absence of support when that occurs.
Therefore, only use drywall as a floor leveller in places that won’t be exposed to dampness or water on a regular basis. If not, you can find yourself having to replace your flooring earlier than you anticipated.
However, if you have the extra money, we advise using floor levellers or sand mixture instead. Although they cost more up front, you’ll find that over time they end up costing less because they are more durable.
Can Cement Be Used as Self-Leveling?
No, cement by itself cannot serve as a self-leveling surface. Because it lacks the strength that sand adds, cement used alone will dry up and crack. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a good idea to level your floor with cement. It works well for making slurries but not for self-leveling.
We all understand that when cement and water are combined, strength is created. It’s not simply water, that’s for sure. You need to combine cement and sand in order to create a sturdy foundation.
The glue that will keep everything together is going to be sand. Cement’s strength and stability come from it.
Consequently, mix cement and sand if you plan to use cement to level your floor. Otherwise, you’ll just have a floor that is uneven and damaged. That is definitely not what you want in your house. So be careful to avoid cement the next time you’re seeking for a self-leveling solution. It won’t fulfil the task.
However, cement alone can be sufficient for filling seams, cracks, and occasionally modest plastering projects. It’s significantly thinner consistency making it perfect for these kinds of uses. But always combine cement and sand for self-leveling surfaces.
Also read –6 Insane Megaprojects in the world that were Never Built !!
Can I Use Grout as a Floor Leveler?
No, grout cannot be used to level a floor. In between-tile joints or cracks, grout is typically filled. It’s not intended to be used as a compound that self-levels. Grout is inappropriate for levelling floors because it lacks the ideal characteristics for such operations.
To begin with, grout is essentially a combination of water, sand, and cement. It is not comparable to mortar. Grout differs in that it has a considerably thinner consistency, which is why joints are frequently filled with it.
Although some people continue to use grout to level floors, the fact is that it wasn’t really intended for that purpose. It lacks the qualities that would make it the best material for levelling. Grout, for example, lacks the binding strength required for such applications.
Therefore, using grout as your self-leveling product will result in poor surface adhesion as well as easy cracking and crumbling over time. So, be sure to choose a suitable self-leveling compound if you want a strong and long-lasting floor.
Conclusion
The best approach to level your floor and get a smooth, even surface is with a self leveling compound. However, some people choose less expensive options due to its high price. Fortunately, we have solutions for that, such a sand mix. It does function as a less expensive alternative, but you must trowel the surface for it to function.
A different choice is drywall compound. But it also needs some troweling, exactly like the sand mixture. Even worse, it isn’t as resilient as sand mix and may even start to grow mould over time, especially if you use it in bathrooms and other wet environments. So the sand mix is your best option if you’re searching for an affordable yet reliable self-leveling solution.
I hope this article on “Cheaper Alternative To Self Leveling Compound” helped you with your problems.
Also read –6 Insane Megaprojects in the world that were Never Built !!
Top 10 On Going Mega Projects In World 2022 That You Must Know About