If you are a homeowner thinking of renovating your basement flooring, one of the most important things to keep in mind is concrete levelling. Over time, cement flooring can develop slopes and depressions which need to be levelled, particularly if you are planning to install tiles over the cement.
Basement Concrete Levelling 101
With any basement renovation project, it’s best to know the basics before you begin. Here are a few things to consider when levelling basement concrete:
Find Out What Caused the Unlevel Basement Floor
There are several reasons why your basement floor may become uneven. One of the reasons could be structural problems beneath the cement. Again, this is where a professional contractor would help. They would be able to advise you on the best product to use. A good basement contractor can also recommend alternative solutions to fix your floor like slabjacking or mudjacking.
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Consider Self-Leveling Concrete
A great way to achieve a level basement floor is by using self-levelling concrete to even out the unlevel area. Self-levelling concrete is a good concrete levelling method because it is easy to apply and dries quickly.
While self-levelling concrete is convenient and relatively easy to use, you still need to ensure that you do the job right for two reasons: self-levelling concrete is expensive and if applied incorrectly can lead to even more costly repairs due to the amount of labour it would take fix it.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
If you choose to apply self-levelling concrete yourself, it is very important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are many different self-levelling concrete tools on the market right now and instructions vary. So make sure you follow the instructions precisely.
Do Your Own Research
Even if a self-levelling concrete product comes highly recommended by a salesperson, take the time to research whether the product you have in mind is the best option for you.
Hire a Professional
Levelling basement concrete requires a level of skill to apply correctly. If you are levelling a very small patch, you could do it on your own. However, keep in mind that mistakes may be costly to repair. Your floor may look good for a while, but eventually, it will start to crack if applied incorrectly.
This is where reaching out to an expert comes in handy. Spare yourself the trouble of faulty floor levelling and only trust a professional basement contractor to finish the job.
