Checklist “Laying a concrete layer for surface leveling”
This checklist is designed to help you correctly and efficiently lay a concrete layer for surface leveling. The strength and durability of the final floor covering that will be installed on top depend on the quality of this stage. By following the step-by-step recommendations, you will be able to avoid mistakes and ensure high-quality results.
Surface preparation
Cleaning the base. Before laying concrete, thoroughly clean the surface of debris, dust, old coatings, and other contaminants to avoid adhesion (bonding) problems. Use a broom, vacuum cleaner, or brush for cleaning.
Strengthening the surface with primer. After cleaning, treat the base with a primer to improve the adhesion of concrete to the surface. The primer helps prevent the base from crumbling and improves its bonding with the concrete mixture.
Preparing the concrete mix
Selecting the concrete mix. For surface leveling, use ready-made screed mixes sold in construction stores or prepare the mortar yourself. Typically, concrete grade M200 or higher is used for such work (this means the concrete can withstand a load of 200 kg per square centimeter). This ensures the required strength and durability of the screed.
Mix preparation. Prepare the concrete mortar according to the instructions on the packaging if using a ready-made mix, or follow the recipe for manual preparation. Mix cement, sand, and water in the correct proportions, checking the consistency of the mortar. The concrete should be thick but still workable so that it does not spread. When mixing the solution, consider climatic conditions (humidity and temperature) to ensure proper curing.
Laying the concrete layer
Setting levels. Before starting to lay the concrete mix, install screed guides (beacons) or use a laser level to control surface evenness. Beacons help define precise reference lines for even concrete distribution, while a laser level simplifies checking horizontality across the entire area. These tools ensure proper base leveling.
Pouring the concrete mix. Evenly distribute the prepared concrete mix over the entire surface using a screed rule, starting from the far corner of the room and moving toward the exit. This is important to avoid stepping on freshly poured areas and leaving marks. The screed rule helps level the concrete layer by removing excess material and creating a smooth surface.
Concrete compaction. To achieve the best results, the concrete must be compacted to avoid the formation of air voids inside the layer. Use a concrete vibrator if available, or manually compact the mix using a trowel. Compaction improves strength and durability and promotes even distribution of the mixture.
Surface leveling
Using a spirit level. After the concrete mix has been evenly distributed, check the levelness of the surface using a spirit level. Make sure the surface is horizontal and, if necessary, adjust the height by adding or removing concrete. Level control helps avoid unevenness and ensures the future floor will be perfectly flat.
Smoothing the surface. Once the concrete layer becomes firmer, begin smoothing the surface using a float or a special finishing tool to create a smooth finish. This process improves the appearance of the floor and prepares it for further finishing. Smoothing helps eliminate minor defects and achieve a perfectly even surface.
Concrete curing
Surface protection. After laying the concrete, cover it with plastic film. This helps prevent rapid moisture evaporation from the concrete mix. Fast drying can cause cracks, so protection from external factors is a crucial part of concrete curing.
Moistening. For 3–7 days after laying the concrete, regularly moisten the surface. This is necessary to prevent cracking and ensure uniform hardening of the concrete. Moisture helps avoid overly rapid water evaporation, contributing to the strength and durability of the concrete surface.
Proper laying of a concrete leveling layer is the key to the durability and reliability of your floor. By following this checklist, you will be able to properly prepare the surface, ensure even concrete distribution, and prevent potential defects. Do not forget the importance of concrete curing during hardening so that it reaches maximum strength.
Instructions for using the checklist “Laying a concrete layer for surface leveling”
- Prepare the surface: Clean and strengthen the base before laying concrete to ensure good adhesion.
- Prepare the concrete: Choose a suitable concrete mix and follow recommendations for mixing and consistency.
- Lay the concrete: Use screed guides or a level to control evenness, distribute the mix over the entire area, compact, and level it.
- Concrete curing: Cover the poured concrete with plastic film and moisten it for several days to prevent cracking and improve strength.
- Follow each step to achieve a high-quality and durable concrete base for further finishing.
