How does self level work ?

[Paul]

Hi everyone just a quick question as your all very helpful ,

i imagine self leveller does exactly what it says on the tin but why would you not use any other product and in what situation and floor would you use it on ie. concrete ?

Does it completely level or is it hard to do ? and do you tile straight on top ?

Sorry if their daft questions

[grumpygrouter]

Self leveller is probably better defined a self smoothing in most cases, as you need to trowel it out to where it is required. Some level better than others but they all need work to get "level". You can use them on any substrate really as long as you follow the manufacturers recommendations re type and prep required for each substrate.

[Alberta Stone]

They say you can feather edge self leveler and it is possible, but if you have a big pour in lots of areas you usually get a small ridge at the end, unless you have help.
I have a 5 foot screed trowel I use in combination with a 16" trowel and those work well to get the stuff where it is needed.
When it is dry I take a scraper to eliminate any dried lumps that are sticking up and use a bit more of the self leveler mixed thicker to finish the edges using a 16"trowel
If the edge is less than 1/4 inch I just use a bit of thinset to feather the edges.
I also prime the top of the self leveler before going over it with tile.

As the name implies it levels out the floor getting rid of hollows and dips and other low spots so you have a smooth and level substrate to tile which makes your job go smoothly.
Make sure you prime before pouring any self leveler.

Here is Mapei's site that has info:

mapei.ca

[GazTech]

Hi everyone just a quick question as your all very helpful ,

i imagine self leveler does exactly what it says on the tin but why would you not use any other product and in what situation and floor would you use it on ie. concrete ?

Does it completely level or is it hard to do ? and do you tile straight on top ?

Sorry if their daft questions

This is a popular misconception. You couldn't pour it through the customers letterbox and expect to self-level the hallway....lol. As with most tiling products there is a skill to it, Self leveling is a reference to the 'self' who is doing it.....Gaz

[Leatherface]

Hi, depends upon the make you use. I use Mapei, and it does just about what its says with the minimum of trowelling, providing you use the correct amount of water and level to a certain thickness to allow it to flow.
They do a few different types :
Ultra Plan and Ultra Plan eco - flexible and suitable for UFH, levells up to 10mm in one go. Best for concrete & solid floors
Ultra Plan MAXI - as above but for depths of 3 to 30 mm in one go without chippings - best for concrete & solid floors.
Fibre Plan - especially formed for wooden floors ( plywood ) The fibres help it bind together and not crack -levels up to 10mm in one go.

Beware cheap self levelling compounds - inferior results

[Dave]

I will vouch for the fibre plan... i use it all the time now concrete or wood ....

[Varley]

I'm a BAL Multibase man myself, never had any problems with it.

[grumpygrouter]

I'm a BAL Multibase man myself, never had any problems with it.

Not suitable on heated timber though Marty, according to the spec sheet.

[Paul]

Hi, depends upon the make you use. I use Mapei, and it does just about what its says with the minimum of trowelling, providing you use the correct amount of water and level to a certain thickness to allow it to flow.
They do a few different types :
Ultra Plan and Ultra Plan eco - flexible and suitable for UFH, levells up to 10mm in one go. Best for concrete & solid floors
Ultra Plan MAXI - as above but for depths of 3 to 30 mm in one go without chippings - best for concrete & solid floors.
Fibre Plan - especially formed for wooden floors ( plywood ) The fibres help it bind together and not crack -levels up to 10mm in one go.

Beware cheap self levelling compounds - inferior results

Sounds daft but why would you need Fibre plan on ply ?
wouldnt that be level enough to tile on anyway

[grumpygrouter]

Sounds daft but why would you need Fibre plan on ply ?
wouldnt that be level enough to tile on anyway

You can use it to skim over UFH mats and cable onto ply.