Floor restoration. Self-leveling floor repair

Repair of polymer floors is carried out according to strict technology with strict observance of all norms and requirements for operation. building materials. If the repair technique does not meet the specified criteria, there is a high probability of repeated damage to the coating, which greatly complicates the further use of the floors, and leads to their complete reconstruction.

Among the many reasons that provoke surface deformation, it is necessary to highlight the key ones:

• swelling of the soil in the cold season;
• poor-quality tamping of the soil base;
• violation of the waterproofing barrier or its absolute absence.

It should be noted that such factors often occur in rooms that are not equipped with heating systems. We will talk about other causes of damage to self-leveling floors and ways to troubleshoot in this article.

Frequent defects of polymer floors

Most of the flaws that have appeared in this type of coating can be corrected without resorting to dismantling the entire surface and a full repair. It will be enough to cover the marriage with finishing mixtures with leveling properties. But if more difficult problems with the floor, major removal of the upper face layer may be required, and in some cases the reconstruction of the concrete surface.

The consequence of various reasons are such malfunctions of the polymer coating:

• bundle;
• swelling of the finish surface;
• cracking floors;
• coiling;
• cloudy glossy reflection;
• pits or tubercles formed;
• small particles protrude from the top of the layer.

In the presence of these or similar manifestations, repair of self-leveling floors is required. There are several ways to restore the previous state of the floors, each of them depends on the complexity and type of damage.

In order for the repair of polymer flooring to be effective, specific knowledge of building materials will be required. In this case, it is better to entrust the work to qualified specialists. Professionals will select the necessary technique, material and the necessary construction equipment. Then the repair of polymer floors indoors will be effective.

Delamination of the polymer coating

In order to qualitatively repair the floors, it is necessary to determine the reasons that caused problems with the uniformity of the coating. As a rule, most of these factors lie in non-compliance with the rules of work technology. It is possible that the surface of the concrete floors was not thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust before applying the primer. As a result, there is a swelling of the polymer floors, and a slight displacement with directed pressure.

In order to qualitatively fix the problem, it is necessary to carry out the following work:

1. Accurately identify the extent of the violation in order to calculate material consumption and labor process time.
2. Remove the peeled piece of coating, view the condition of the base. With a satisfactory result, pouring a polymer screed is allowed. In the opposite situation, you will need to dismantle the middle layer of the base.
3. Before starting the application of a new composition, the surface should be degreased with high quality. The mixture is prepared in strict accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
4. When the filling is completed, the formation of air voids is eliminated by means of a special studded roller. Then the new layer needs to be leveled, after solidification, polished with high quality.

The final stage in the repair of polymer floors is especially important, as it gives a holistic appearance floor surface. If you do not take into account such nuances, the place of repair will immediately catch the eye.

This technology for removing delaminations in self-leveling floors is often used in apartments or residential buildings when the quality of the original work does not meet the requirements of the manufacturer.

As practice shows, cracks form in the polymer floors of offices and industrial premises. This leads to a clear neglect of the norms of the permissible load on the coating. As a result, cracks appear on the surface of self-leveling floors, the aesthetic appearance is lost, and deformation of the base develops.

In rare cases, the middle and lower layers of the polymer floor are broken, more often this happens with the upper finish surface. When the problem becomes visible, repair of self-leveling floors inside the building should be started immediately. Such an urgent need is explained by the fact that the floors of this technology combine several materials into a single whole. If cracks appear in one area, in the absence of a proper response, the problem becomes widespread. Further operation of the damaged coating will provoke an increase in the depth and area of ​​cracks, destroying not only the surface, but also the base.

The best solution to the problem would be to immediately apply a new mixture to the deformation area. To spend necessary work, you will need the following:

1. Inspect the damaged area of ​​the screed to determine the actual size of the potholes. It is important to identify hidden defects here, otherwise the problem will happen again.
2. Using a grinder, you need to align the edges of the scars so that the width of the cracks is no more than one centimeter. In this case, the adhesion of the solution to the base will be stronger.
3. Treat the prepared surface with mastic.
4. In the process of preparing the composition for self-leveling floors, one should adhere to known technology.
5. The prepared section of the screed is poured. If necessary, you can wipe the boundaries of the fill after the solution has completely dried.

When the repair of self-leveling floors is completed, the area of ​​restoration of the coating should not be subjected to mechanical stress for two or three days after the restoration measures.

Compounds for self-leveling floor in our time are very widely used for fine leveling bases for decorative flooring. They appealed to both professional builders and amateurs who want to do everything in their house on their own. Such popularity is explained by the fact that it is convenient to work with these building mixtures, they are well distributed over the surface and quickly harden, making it possible to quickly move on to subsequent stages of finishing.

But if during the preparation of the base, as well as during the preparation, pouring and distribution of the composition over the surface, the technology for performing work is violated, after the hardening of the floor or already during its operation, various kinds of defects may appear, including cracks. This, in the absence of work experience, unfortunately, happens quite often. And therefore the topic - "self-leveling floor repair of cracks" is very relevant.

This publication will consider several issues that may arise in such situations, including the possibility of getting rid of the problems that have arisen.

Causes of cracks

There can be many reasons for the occurrence of cracks in the self-leveling layer of the floor, and they are most often associated with a violation of manufacturing and installation technology. This may be an improperly prepared surface, an expired or cheap low-quality dry mix, high humidity, low or too high air temperature in the room, and more.

Repairing defects and even more so reworking the entire floor is not an easy task. That is, it is better not to allow the appearance of flaws in principle. Therefore, it makes sense once again to dwell in more detail on the main points that determine the quality of the bulk coating.

• Optimal temperature- this is one of the main conditions for obtaining high-quality coverage. Therefore, the manufacturer of the mixtures gives certain recommendations on the use of the material, which must be placed on the packaging. As a rule, the temperature range for operation varies between +5 and 30 degrees. But this is the limit, and it is best to pour at temperatures from 15 to 25 degrees.

This is due to the fact that when too low temperatures the adhesive abilities of the solution and the base material are reduced, especially if their temperature is seriously different. Because of this, the bulk layer may begin to peel off from the concrete screed and crack.

If the solution is poured at elevated air temperatures, uneven setting and drying of the solution may occur, which will also lead to cracking of the coating.

• Base humidity level can also cause defects on the flooded floor. Therefore, before starting work, it is necessary to check this parameter as well - it should be no more than 4%.

If the floors were recently leveled with a rough screed, then at least three or even four weeks should pass from the day it was laid, depending on the layer thickness and temperature. Only after this period, the concrete will gain enough strength, and excess moisture will leave it.

If you pour a self-leveling floor solution on an undried base, then the moisture not involved in the hydration process will definitely swell the finish layer when it dries, resulting in cracks.

Of course, not everyone has a moisture meter. But you can use another proven method to control the moisture content of the base.

A square sheet of polyethylene film (at least 100 µm thick) is cut out with sides of approximately 1000 × 1000 mm. It spreads over concrete floor and attached to it around the perimeter with construction tape. In this position, this impromptu " measuring device” is left for a day. If after this period the film remains dry, you can fill it. But when traces of perspiration or, even worse, drops of condensate are visible, the concrete screed has clearly not yet reached the desired condition.

• Failure to comply with the surface preparation technology for the self-leveling floor, will necessarily lead to deformation of the finish layer. The base must not only be dried well, but also, preferably, sanded. For this purpose, industrial or manual grinders are used.

During this process, the pores of the concrete structure are opened, which will contribute to the creation of high adhesive characteristics of materials. Further, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned from the remnants of dust and dirt, using a powerful vacuum cleaner for this. All grease, oil, bituminous stains will also have to be eliminated - they must be cleaned down to “healthy” concrete.

Self-leveling floor prices

self-leveling floor

• Detergents. When preparing the base, in addition to a vacuum cleaner, cleaning agents are used to clean it, which should be a special acid - a converter of cement deposits. After surface treatment with this compound, it must be further sanded.

Do not use household detergents to clean concrete, as they are absorbed into the structure of the material, and it is impossible to remove them completely. Components included in the composition detergents, can also lead to peeling and cracking of the self-leveling floor.

• Lack of or poor-quality application of the primer composition- one of the common reasons for the sad results of pouring.

The cleaned surface must be properly primed, and it is advisable to use the composition of the same manufacturer for this process, which is planned to level the base. The primer should be applied to the entire surface of the base - even very small areas should not be skipped. And it is better to do this process two or three times, waiting for each layer to dry. The primer will bind the concrete structure and create the prerequisites for good adhesion of the base and the self-leveling floor.

• Repair of the base concrete screed. If the screed is old but in reasonably good condition, fine cracks may not be visible on it. But after grinding the surface or drying the primer layer, cracks may appear.

The self-leveling floor cannot be laid on such a base, so the screed must be repaired. This process can be done traditional way, that is, the crack is expanded, primed and filled with concrete mortar or a more elastic and quickly hardening material, for example, one of the fillers suitable for concrete repair

Such repair compounds are very often offered by the same companies that produce mixtures for.

If the repair is carried out in the traditional way before applying the primer, then special solutions are used after it dries.

Some craftsmen use a sickle mesh to strengthen the screed, laying it on separate sections or completely on the entire surface.

If you do not repair the cracks on the base rough screed, they may appear through the layer of the self-leveling floor.

• Incorrectly carried out application of self-leveling floor mortar. A violation of the technological process of mixing the solution, its pouring and distribution over the surface can lead to swelling and cracking of the self-leveling floor. Therefore, it is imperative to act, strictly following the manufacturer's recommendations placed on the packaging of the dry mortar.
• Insufficient strength, leveling the base, screeds. If the rough screed is old, or is made of poor-quality mortar that does not have good strength after maturation, then the self-leveling floor will begin to quickly collapse. Therefore, the repair of an old draft screed or the arrangement of a new one should be carried out with maximum quality. If necessary, the old, unreliable screed is completely dismantled, and a new one is laid in its place.

Important rules for pouring concrete screed

In order for the base of the floor to be strong and reliable, you need to know how to approach its arrangement. It is this process that is described in detail in a special publication of our portal.

cement prices

• Absence of a damper tape around the perimeter of the self-leveling floor. The technology for arranging any type of floor, whether it is a capital screed or a leveling bulk layer, requires the use of a damper tape, which is glued at the bottom of the wall around the entire perimeter of the floor.

This material is designed to preserve surfaces from deformation and cracking, as it is able to compensate for the expansion processes of the material when temperatures change.

• The layer thickness parameters are not respected. The manufacturer indicates in the characteristics of the mixture the permissible range of thicknesses of the self-leveling floor layer. If the recommendations are not followed, the coating may acquire a “cushion” effect, which will result in the delamination of the solidified solution from the base.
• drafts. When filling and distributing the solution over the surface of the rough screed and during the solidification of the composition, all windows and doors are kept closed. Drafts must be completely excluded. Failure to comply with this rule may also well cause swelling and cracking.

How to repair a defective self-leveling floor?

It should be immediately noted that the repair bulk coating is not always possible. In some cases, it is necessary to completely dismantle a low-quality layer and then, after carrying out comprehensive preparatory operations, equip a new one.

The first step after solidification of the bulk mixture distributed over the floor surface, it is necessary to revise this layer for any flaws.

If a crack or other defects are found, then you should not immediately begin to eliminate them. It is necessary to monitor their "behavior" for several days. Only after that it will be possible to make a decision on the tactics of further actions.

If the cracks have expanded and elongated, numerous branches have come from them, or other flaws have formed - delamination and swelling, which occupy more than 15% of the surface, then, unfortunately, the coating will have to be dismantled and the surface leveling work should be carried out again, starting from the preparation of the base.

If the defects are localized in separate areas and do not tend to expand and grow, then it is quite possible to repair the surface.

Crack repair

Crack repairs are carried out in the following order:

Illustration	Brief description of the operations performed
	The detected crack should be carefully expanded. The tool for this process must be selected depending on the thickness of the bulk layer. Most often, the expansion is carried out with the help of a "grinder", installing a disk for working with stone on it. Another tool suitable for expanding cracks (with a large layer thickness) can be a perforator with a special chisel attachment. The crack must be expanded to 8÷10 mm, to the depth of the layer. If necessary, the crack is limited by making transverse cuts along its edges - this will prevent it from growing in length.
	Further, cut or removed areas must be well cleaned. Better to do it with construction vacuum cleaner, since there should be no residue of chipped mortar, small debris and dust inside.
	The next step is a thorough priming of all surfaces of the crack to its full depth. It is even desirable to carry out this process two or three times, waiting for the previous layer to dry. The primer will bind the material and create good adhesion for the repair mortar. It is better to use a primer and a bulk mixture from the same manufacturer.
	Further, it is necessary to dilute the required amount of the dry mixture of the self-leveling floor and pour the resulting solution into the prepared crack. The poured mortar must be leveled flush with the main surface. If, after drying, the solution in the repair “patch” settles, you will have to walk along the crack with a primer, and then re-fill the roughness to the top with the solution.
	After the solution has dried, the crack and its surrounding surface should be sanded. To do this, you can use a “grinder” with an abrasive nozzle (“cup”) or a construction hand grater with an abrasive mesh or sandpaper stretched over it.

Screed floor repair

Defects such as local delamination and layer swelling require more extensive work, but can also be repaired without removing the entire bulk coating.

The process is carried out according to the same principle as the repair of cracks, but has some nuances. Therefore, it is also worth considering step by step:

• After the revision and detection of swollen and locally cracked areas of the self-leveling coating, before dismantling the layer, the damaged area should be marked.
• When marking out, the area for future dismantling should include the entire area of ​​swelling or cracking, plus at least 100 mm of unaffected area deformation on each side. This must be done because of the weakening of the adhesive properties of the leveling layer and the base. If this recommendation is neglected, then the swelling of the coating may continue near the newly repaired area.

• Removal of the damaged area is carried out with the help of a "grinder", which cuts along the marking lines. The cuts will limit the growth of the deformed area.
• Further, the self-leveling floor is crushed inside the cut out zone. This process should be done using a puncher, or manually using a chisel and hammer. The work must be done very carefully so as not to touch the “healthy” areas of the coating, otherwise you will have to unwittingly expand the repair area. In addition, care must be taken not to touch or damage the leveling roughing screed located below.

Angle grinder prices

angle grinder

• The next step is to prepare the dismantled area for a new pour. First, pieces of broken mortar are removed from the repair area. Next, the vacated area must be thoroughly vacuumed.
• The next step is a thorough priming of the cleaned area. Especially abundantly and accurately, without "gaps", it is necessary to apply the composition to the edges of the zone, that is, to the ends of an intact self-leveling floor throughout the entire thickness. It is better to apply a primer in two or three layers, which should be well absorbed and dry.
• Next, a solution is prepared for pouring the repaired floor segment. It should be identical to the main layer both in composition and consistency.
• The mortar must be poured, taking into account its future shrinkage during curing. The amount of shrinkage is usually indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the mixture. In the case of a small thickness of the fill layer, the recommendations can be neglected. But if the solution is poured to a thickness of 70 ÷ 80 mm, it is advisable to immediately accurately calculate the shrinkage, based on the instructions.
• To fill a thick layer, taking into account future shrinkage along the perimeter of the area to be poured, it is necessary to equip a low formwork made of plywood or wooden slats.
• Then the filling is done.
• After the mortar hardens, the formwork is removed.
• Some craftsmen install formwork inside the perimeter of the repaired segment, on a rough screed, from thin plywood 3 ÷ 4 mm. Thus, after the removal of the formwork elements, a small gap is formed between the main floor layer and the repair one. A twine is laid and deepened into the formed seams, after which they are poured with the same solution. In this case, the mortar in the gaps must be poured to a depth of at least 5 mm above the laid twine.
• After the mortar has dried and hardened, the repaired area, as well as the floor surface around it, are sanded. At the same time, the area of ​​​​the floor being processed by grinding should be periodically checked using building level to horizontal.

Before laying on the decorative finishing material, the protruding excess of the damper tape installed along the perimeter of the floor is cut off. And then a primer is applied to the entire surface.

* * * * * * *

So, we found out that the reasons for the appearance of cracks and swellings are primarily violations of the rules established by the technology. Therefore, having decided to level the floor on your own, you must strictly follow the recommendations of the mixture manufacturer - from preparing the base and mixing the solution, ending with pouring and distributing it over the rough screed.

If professionals are invited to perform this work, then you should not choose a random team of builders. It is better to turn to trusted companies that have been engaged in similar works. In addition, qualified private builders-finishers provide their services, who can provide video and photo evidence of their skills. And then with a high degree of probability it will be possible to hope that the repair work on self-leveling floor will not be required at all.

The video below will supplement the informational content of the article:

Video: Floor repair techniques

Polymeric floors differ in the increased durability and wear resistance. However, during operation, various defects can occur that spoil the appearance of the coating, and also reduce it. specifications. At the first sign that the coating is becoming unusable, you should immediately repair the polymer floors. The sooner you start to restore them, the cheaper it will cost the customer.

Types of defects and their analysis

The reasons for the destruction of the polymer layer can be different:

• Poor quality of the base on which the finish coat is laid
• Violation of laying technology
• Long and intensive use
• Damage of an emergency nature, for example, due to mechanical impact

First of all, you should carefully inspect the floors to determine the type of damage.

• Natural abrasion of the surface is observed due to long-term operation. This is especially noticeable if the material for installing the floor covering does not correspond to the load level. Abrasive wear is also observed in the absence of a varnish coating.
• If the technology is violated, when the thickness of the upper polymer layer is much higher than that provided by the manufacturer, clouding of the surface is observed. if poor-quality materials are used, then the floors can also delaminate inside.
• If the surface is not treated with a needle roller during installation, then air bubbles form inside the polymer layer. After hardening, they are clearly visible in the floor structure.
• If the mixture is not properly diluted, it becomes viscous and thick, which leads to tuberosity. Sagging can also form if the filling is carried out at too high temperature air.
• The curing process can be disturbed by high humidity. then the surface becomes sticky and appears dusty.
• Cracks and swellings are formed due to poor-quality base. For example, the repair of a polymer floor covering will be necessary if the concrete screed has not been sanded, dusted and degreased properly.
• The porosity of the coating is due to the insufficient thickness of the polymer layer or the lack of a primer on the screed.
• Mechanical damage can be caused by falling heavy objects on the floor, exposure to aggressive chemicals.

First of all, before the repair work it is necessary to determine the cause that led to the formation of a particular defect. The analysis uses tools such as a moisture meter, a building thermal imager, and a hardness tester. Thanks to these devices, you can save on repairs, as the exact cause will be identified.

Prices for polymer floors

Concrete dusting, concrete floor grinding

Prices for Thin-layer polymer floors

Prices for self-leveling polymer floors

Highly filled polymer floors

Repair types

Depending on the depth and degree of damage, there are several types of repair of polymer floors. Technology and cost vary considerably.

1. Cosmetic repairs of polymeric floors. If there are small scratches on the surface or the top layer is slightly cloudy, it is enough to polish. The procedure is carried out using a polishing machine, which allows you to restore the original shine and freshness of the floors. Also, cosmetic repairs include the application of a protective varnish layer, which allows you to hide minor flaws.
2. Partial or complete removal of the polymer layer is required for larger defects that cannot be removed by polishing. Repair of flooring in this case consists of grinding and installing a new top layer. If significant cracks and chips are visible on the surface, if more than 30% is damaged, then it is better to remove the polymer completely and renovate. In this case, it is necessary to re-grind, dedust and degrease concrete base. Local repair is different in that a small rectangular section of the floor is cut out, and the joints are then carefully sanded and masked.
3. The most complex and expensive repair of polymer floors affects the concrete base. If the concrete laying technology was violated, the waterproofing is of poor quality, in concrete screed there are cracks, it needs to be redone. Depending on the degree of damage, two options are possible: dismantling the concrete and pouring the screed again, or repairing cracks with a special polymer composition.

For the repair and restoration of the characteristics of the polymer floor, use the services of specialists. Professional workers will accurately determine the cause of the defect and eliminate it in the best way. The sooner you contact a specialized company with your problems, the cheaper the repair service will cost you. Experts will help to eliminate the problem at the initial level and prevent the appearance of defects during further operation.

In the event of significant and loss of flooring performance properties

Self-leveling floors have special characteristics, among which are durability, wear resistance, chemical resistance, elasticity, tightness, resistance to vibration. To long years In operation, self-leveling floors retained all consumer properties, it is necessary to strictly follow the technology in work. However, active use, time of use, unexpected mechanical stresses can lead to partial damage or high wear.

In this case, self-leveling floors are being repaired, which also requires compliance with the technology and the implementation of all stages of work.

Stages of self-leveling floors repair

When places of greatest abrasion, mechanical damage become noticeable on the surface of the self-leveling floor, the repair of self-leveling floors begins, which includes several stages:

• on the detected weak area, the coating that is not tightly adjacent to the base of the floor should be removed;
• carefully level the surface of the base using milling and grinding;
• "embroider" the cracks, fill them with a repair mixture;
• remove the resulting dirt with an industrial vacuum cleaner.

In this case, materials are used that are as compatible as possible with the base material of the floor in order to ensure the best adhesion to the concrete base and parts of the coating.

Elimination of defects in the process of repairing self-leveling floors

During the operation of the self-leveling floor, defects may appear associated with a violation of technology or with the low quality of the materials used. In this case, it becomes necessary to organize work to eliminate the defects that have appeared.

The main defects are:

• peeling;
• roughness;
• partial whitening of the surface;
• flaking;
• crack formation;
• the appearance of grains;
• the appearance of bubbles.

In any case, part of the coating is completely removed at the site of the defect, the concrete floor is cleaned, and a new coating is applied. It is necessary to completely remove problem areas, find and eliminate the cause of the appearance of defects, re-prepare the concrete base, only after that apply a new layer.

When grains appear, when whitish spots appear, the damaged part of the surface should be treated with a grinding wheel, after which a repair layer of material should be applied.

Compliance with the technology will lead to long-term flawless operation, when the floors will show all their properties. Then the repair of self-leveling floors will not be required for a long time. But in the case when repair is necessary, it is made quite simply, observing the technology of carrying out

Repairing self-leveling floors at a cost can be slightly inferior to laying from scratch. Therefore, it is better to immediately take a responsible attitude to the selection of performers, since bringing to mind the results of their work can turn out to be a very, very expensive task.

Despite the fact that floor repair is not a frequent need, since such coatings have a long service life, sometimes it is still necessary. The reason for this may be time, that is, the self-leveling floor has already served for at least 15-20 years, and in some of its places delaminations or cracks began to appear. The second reason that the repair of self-leveling floors was required may be violations during the initial laying of the floor, that is, an improperly prepared base, the use of low-quality materials, their incorrect installation, etc.

If you have any problems with the self-leveling floor, please contact our company - the self-leveling coating will be restored in a short time according to the technology of laying the self-leveling floor and taking into account all the nuances that have arisen during the repair. Repair of self-leveling floors may take more or less time, depending on the scope of the proposed work, the presence of a pattern on the floor (that is, it is supposed to restore the pattern, adjust elements, etc.), the complexity of the damage and the urgency of the repair.

The same applies to the cost of the work. When ordering a self-leveling floor repair, you must consider what to produce this work only professionals, whose services we bring to your attention, will be able to correctly. Ordering such repairs in artisanal and amateur workshops, as a rule, does not guarantee a result.