Do-it-yourself semi-dry floor screed technology

Modern construction offers new strategies that guarantee excellent results in the shortest possible time. Semi-dry screed - German technology, proven high efficiency and low financial costs. If the work is carried out by professionals, the surface does not require processing and is ready for laying the finish coat earlier than in the case of a conventional wet screed.

 

Do-it-yourself semi-dry screed technology is a simple solution for many owners who want to save on repairs. A detailed description of all stages is given below.

 

What do you need?

 

It is important to understand that the speed and quality of the screed is determined primarily by professional equipment. This technology involves the use of a pneumosupercharger and a vibrotrowel. A semi-dry screed can be made on a monolithic slab, a wooden floor, well-compacted and prepared soil. The surface must be well compacted, a film must be laid on top of it, which provides waterproofing and prevents rapid moisture from leaving the base.

 

The material used is a cement-sand mixture. Reinforced fibers help to improve its characteristics, in some cases expanded clay, granite chips are added.

 

Do-it-yourself semi-dry floor screed in the apartment will be an excellent basis for any coating: tiles, laminate, linoleum. Step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourself semi-dry screed technology.

The process includes four main steps

 

1. Foundation preparation. The surface is cleaned of foreign objects, cracks and tile joints are laid. Thermal and sound insulation is mounted, a waterproofing layer is placed on top: isolon, PPE or polyethylene. A damper tape is fixed along the perimeter, separating the walls from the screed. At this stage, the marking of the floors is performed, the level and limits of the fill are determined. The procedure requires experience and qualifications to draw the horizon line throughout the apartment. For visual indication of the level, beacons are set.
2. Creating a working mixture and presenting it to an object. The technology is characterized by fast installation - it is allowed to move on the floor after 12 hours. Cement and sand are added to the mixing tank in a ratio of 1 to 3,5 - 1 to 4. Reinforced fibers are added at the rate of 40 g per 1 m² (calculation is given for a thickness of 50 mm). Liquid is added to the dry components in the proportion of 5 parts of the mixture and 1 part of water. The ratio is named for the brand of cement M500, it may vary depending on the type of cement and the thickness of the layer. Interested in how to make a semi-dry floor screed with their own hands, many do not take into account that the technique should carry out the kneading. Only in this case a homogeneous solution of optimal consistency comes out. To simplify the mixing of the solution by hand, as well as to increase the workability, a plasticizer is used. We recommend using low consumption ArmMix plasticizer – you only need 1 liter per 20 m². The pneumosupercharger delivers the finished mixture into the room, which makes it impossible for the screed to become contaminated and foreign particles to enter the composition.
3. Floor leveling. The distribution of the finished mixture is carried out, focusing on beacons from the solution and a laser level. Leveling is performed manually, using a rule, reaching the surface of the same level. The process requires experience and qualifications, only in this case the height difference will not exceed 2 mm per 2 m, as with a mechanized semi-dry screed. Since the mixture naturally loses moisture, all manipulations must be carried out quickly and smoothly.
4. Grout. The stage involves sealing the top layer and creating a perfectly flat surface, ready for installation of the top coat. The optimal grouting time is within an hour: it is important that the top 2 cm of the coating is not yet set and processed. Distinguish between manual and machine grinding. The first is carried out with a grater, the second - with a trowel, controlled by an operator in concrete shoes. For better adhesion, a small amount of water is applied to the surface. The machine compacts and equalizes the top layer.

 

Do-it-yourself semi-dry screed in the apartment ends with cutting expansion joints, the area should not exceed 36 m². This stage relieves the formation stress, prevents the appearance of cracks and ruptures, and allows the mixture to form a high-quality monolithic block.