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It’s worth noting that conventional levelling and smoothing compounds are not designed to be used as floor finishes and require the use of a suitable wearing surface – such as ceramic tiles, natural stone or soft coverings.


Our top tip for self-levelling is to ensure correct preparation of the sub-floor is carried out. Ensure any new screed is left to fully cure, and any direct-to-earth sub-floors should incorporate an effective damp proof membrane – such as new BAL DPM.


Before applying the screed, make sure the surface is clean, firm, dry and free from grease, dust and any other contamination which may be considered barriers to adhesion. As mentioned, remember that the majority of screeds will need priming before levelling.


Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when mixing the product, especially the water to powder ratio as this affects consistency, drying times and product performance. Always mix at a slow speed, until a lump-free consistency is achieved.


ON THE LEVEL


Here, BAL provides an essential guide to the application of levelling compounds.


Easy to mix and simple to apply, levelling compounds are an essential product for any tiler or tiling contractor, allowing them to correct any surface irregularities within new and existing floor bases.


Available as either one-part or two-part products, they are self-smoothing and are designed to achieve SR1 surface regularity for the laying of floor tiles or other floorcoverings.


In general levelling and smoothing compounds can be applied from 15-40mm thick, but may require more than one application or with additional bulking materials. Some are more suitable for smaller build-ups – from say 2mm to 12mm — while others can be applied up to 80mm (in localised areas) in one application; for example, BAL Level Max.


Typically, self-levelling compounds are suitable for use on most subfloors including; concrete, sand and cement screeds, and calcium sulphate (anhydrite) screeds following the use of a suitable primer such as BAL Prime APD.


However, when levelling a rigid and stable timber floor, or a screed containing underfloor heating, fibre-reinforced products are particularly suitable – such as BAL Level Max, which is formulated with BAL’s unique Fibre Strand Technology.


When levelling outdoors, consider the use of a two-part latex or acrylic product such as BAL Acrybase. Remember to check the products you’re using with the manufacturer to ensure stability for use.


32 | LEVELLING COMPOUNDS


Before allowing to cure, ensure that the surface is sufficiently smooth to receive floorcoverings without any further treatment. If you are laying tiles or slabs, floors should be corrected to SR1 (Surface Regularity) — that is to say there should be a gap not exceeding 3mm underneath a 2-meter straight edge. We would not recommend the use of spiked rollers on a fibre-reinforced product, such as BAL Level Max, as this can pull fibres through to the surface. If any trowel marks remain, rub down before the compound has hardened.


Always allow the new floor to set before laying your finished floor surface. Setting times can vary depending on your chosen product and upon your floor finish. For example, an 80mm layer of BAL Level Max can be tiled after just four hours at 20°C and a minimum of 24 hours for other suitable soft flooring finishes.


Finally, we would always advise checking suitability with the product manufacturer to ensure compatibility for its intended purpose prior to application to ensure project success.


www.bal-adhesives.com www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com


Once the required consistency is achieved, pour the mix over the prepared substrate and spread to the required depth using a suitable steel finishing trowel or long handled blade. Work the mixture well into the corners, edges and around projections. When you’ve finished spreading the mixture on the floor, pour some more mixture onto the floor and spread that out and blend it in with the previous area.


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