self levelling bubbles

[kaharrison9]

Hi all
Would appreciate any help regarding self levelling a 16m2 concrete floor.
It does need self levelling and there are in some areas dips of up to 11mm.
My plan was to using Bal multibase put a first level down of 5mm then when dry a second one and feather in to the top of the humps.
Having now done the first level i've two concerns.
1-many bubbles appeared.
Will this affect the compound?
2-i checked and noticed in one area that the depth of the slc was 7-8mm.
Will there be any consequences as multibase maximum depth is 5mm.
Quickly learning and now think i should have used a compound that allowed me to do the depth in one go and should have used a spiked roller.
Cheers
Kev

 

[Fred]

You can get a slc roller from www.tradetiler.com that deals with the air in slc. a couple of mm's over the stated thickness, hopefully that small amount won't hurt...this time!!!!!!!!

 

[Gazzer]

Not sure if the Bal product calls for primer but did you prime floor 1st?

 

[Olz]

Hi all
Would appreciate any help regarding self levelling a 16m2 concrete floor.
It does need self levelling and there are in some areas dips of up to 11mm.
My plan was to using Bal multibase put a first level down of 5mm then when dry a second one and feather in to the top of the humps.
Having now done the first level i've two concerns.
1-many bubbles appeared.
Will this affect the compound?
2-i checked and noticed in one area that the depth of the slc was 7-8mm.
Will there be any consequences as multibase maximum depth is 5mm.
Quickly learning and now think i should have used a compound that allowed me to do the depth in one go and should have used a spiked roller.
Cheers
Kev

Hi Kev,

You've answered your own questions really mate, Tradetiler has just added the spiked roller to his shelves.

Trade tiler

 

[davy_G]

One thing ive learned is to mix it a bit thicker first, ie do not add all the latex and mix with the mixer on lowest speed to a smooth paste with no bubbles, then add the recommended amount to get your desired consistancy. Ive forund i get few if any bubbles and can speed up the mixer towards the end.
I used to mix it all together in one go. Hope this helps, might be worth a try!

 

[DHTiling]

The Odd air bubbles don't hurt nowt..unless you were laying vinyls or summit....and need a 100% smooth substrate...

 

[Fred]

A topps client decided to level his floor with toppfix...............I just stood there and died..................:smash:

 

[theyomper]

Invest in a spiked roller........I have and don't regret it............need a mirror finish ? This will do it

 

[sWe]

You can get bubbles in SLC from pouring directly onto concrete without priming, even with "primer free SLCs; as the SLC and moisture penerates the pores of the concrete, air escapes into the SLC, hence bubbles... "Primer free" SLCs minimize that risk, but it does still happen. If there isn't a good reason to not prime before pouring SLC, it is usually a good idea to prime.

 

[kaharrison9]

Thanks to all
I did prime the floor-bal apd.
Will be speaking to trade tiler tomorrow about buying a spiked roller.
Not the best day but have learned lots.
Cheers
Kev

 

[sWe]

Another reason for bubbles forming is mixing the SLC at too high RPM.

 

[Gazzer]

Another reason for bubbles forming is mixing the SLC at too high RPM.

I was just about to say that. Its a common thing i see when tilers have a mixer," just put it on full speed and go for it".
When mixing latex leveller or water based follow the instructions. If its Latex then one unit of Latex to One unit of powder, mix well but not too fast as this will add air to the mix and (i believe) warm the mix up, which is not ideal.
With water based mix, add the correct amount of water as specified by the manufacturer.
Try other brands and types of levelling compound and you will find one that will suit you. I recommend the Mapei range and yes i have tried a lot of others.

 

[BDS]

BAL`S acrybase can be used up to 10mm,where as multibase is only 5mm.i`m with the guys on the mixing speed regarding bubbles..i need to purchase a spiked roller too.

 

[kaharrison9]

Do take on board about drill speed and did look at the Bal acrybase but was quite more exspensive than the multibase.
Have now got a product list on Mapei products since buying the multibase and the Mapei ultraplan or ultraplan maxi looks like it would have been ideal.
Would it be okay to use a Mapei slc over the Bal multibase slc and if so would it be compatable with the Bal primer i've already used?
Thanks for your help
Kev

 

[woodie]

hi mate 'bubbles' come from the substrate being dry, before laying slc dampen the floor first 'not wet damp' and then you shouldn't get any if not as many bubbles :santa_cheesy: