How to use self leveling compound correctly?

BrokenArrows

So my kitchen is a bit on the wavy side and the newly placed laminate is not sitting right. I attempted to fix the waves with extra layers of underlay and some plywood but its just not right.

I plan on pulling up the floor and pouring self leveling compound.

Some questions.

1. Is self leveling compound really 100% self leveling or does it still need some manual intervention. Should i just pour it and walk away?

2. How long after pouring before it would be safe to put down the laminate again?

As an additional note is there anything i can add under the laminate/underlay what will improve the temperature of the laminate. Its always really cold to walk on with bare feet even with a 10mm foam underlay.

Shaunoc

I used a self leveling compound and it was fairly straighfwd, just followed the products guideance.
Once mixed and poured (need to work quickly) as it sets fairly fast, I used a spiked roller to remove trapped air and it did its thing.
I picked up an paddle attachment for my sds drill to mix it quickly as i needed to use about 10 bags. Might be good to have one person mix and one pour and roll if doing more than a small bit.

e.r

The deeper you apply it the more it becomes self leveling. 10mm +

If you only apply 3-5mm it’s a smoothing compound.

Typically you will get 5m2. @. 3mm per unit

Ted Plain

I've used self-levelling cement a couple of times and I have to say it's a very satisfying DIY job. It turns a dirty, uneven floor into lovely, smooth, clean surface.

I would certainly use a trowel or similar to help it find its way into the corners and after you have done this it will find its own level.

There are videos of guys using it on YouTube.

Enjoy!

tabby aspreme

BrokenArrows wrote: »

So my kitchen is a bit on the wavy side and the newly placed laminate is not sitting right. I attempted to fix the waves with extra layers of underlay and some plywood but its just not right.

I plan on pulling up the floor and pouring self leveling compound.

Some questions.

1. Is self leveling compound really 100% self leveling or does it still need some manual intervention. Should i just pour it and walk away?

2. How long after pouring before it would be safe to put down the laminate again?

As an additional note is there anything i can add under the laminate/underlay what will improve the temperature of the laminate. Its always really cold to walk on with bare feet even with a 10mm foam underlay.

To find out if the floor is dry enough to put the laminate on , put a piece of plastic sheet 600mm ✖600mm on the floor with a small weight on it to keep it flat, check the underside for moisture after 12 hours.
10mm of underlay foam is too much under the laminate and will cause it to flex when you walk on it.

Tigger

tabby aspreme wrote: »

To find out if the floor is dry enough to put the laminate on , put a piece of plastic sheet 600mm ✖600mm on the floor with a small weight on it to keep it flat, check the underside for moisture after 12 hours.
10mm of underlay foam is too much under the laminate and will cause it to flex when you walk on it.

5mm fiber underlay and 5 mm foam works well

BrokenArrows

tabby aspreme wrote: »

To find out if the floor is dry enough to put the laminate on , put a piece of plastic sheet 600mm ✖600mm on the floor with a small weight on it to keep it flat, check the underside for moisture after 12 hours.
10mm of underlay foam is too much under the laminate and will cause it to flex when you walk on it.

The underlay is pretty rigid. I used the same around the rest of the house and it's fine.

Cheers for the rest of the comments. I'll plan it for the next warmish weekend

Stoner

BrokenArrows wrote:

The underlay is pretty rigid. I used the same around the rest of the house and it's fine.

You can paint on layer of sbr on the floor first if you are concerned about damp.
6mm at a time is good to smooth with sbr between layers you can add sbr to the mix if you are concerned.

Many wouldn't agree but I use it wetter than recommended, takes longer to dry but spreads easier as it does if you wet the surface too with a mop etc