Polymer floor covering: advantages and disadvantages. How to make a polymer self-leveling floor with your own hands? DIY polymer self-leveling floors

When planning to independently install a polymer floor, you need to remember that the work must be done as efficiently as possible so that the coating lasts as long as possible. The topic of today's article is the technology of pouring polymer floors; the procedure is complex and labor-intensive.

Self-leveling polymer flooring is the most common type of polyurethane and epoxy coatings, characterized by enhanced decorative properties.

The thickness of the fill in this case ranges between 2.5 mm and 5 mm. It is not advisable to make the layer thicker, since this will significantly increase costs, but the functional and decorative parameters of the floor will remain the same. Areas of application: residential and public buildings.

Types of self-leveling floors	Characteristics of self-leveling floors	Application
Thin-layer floors	thickness 250-300 microns	Thin-layer coatings are used for industrial floors subjected to medium mechanical loads, protecting concrete floors from aggressive environments and dust, giving a decorative appearance
	thickness up to 4-5 mm, sand filling by weight up to 50%	Self-leveling self-leveling floors are used in rooms with medium and high mechanical loads, where special, increased requirements are placed on the floors. Such floors have a smooth surface (glossy or matte) with dirt-repellent properties, are decorative, hygienic, easy to maintain, and repairable
Highly filled floors	thickness - 4-8 mm, sand filling by weight - up to 85%	Highly filled floors are suitable in conditions with high humidity and extreme temperature conditions. Such floors are characterized by particularly high resistance to impact loads and wear resistance. Their properties are close to polymer concrete.
Liquid colorless epoxy composition	Density 1.10. Ratio A:B - 100:60. Lifetime 35 min Dry residue 100%.	A two-component, clear, solvent-free epoxy system for high-performance decorative topcoats.
Universal epoxy filler	Density 1.50. Ratio A:B - 100:10. Life time 25 minutes. Min. application temperature +10. Dry residue 100%.	Two-component colored epoxy composition for leveling and finishing polymer coatings on concrete, both under other ESP® coatings and as a stand-alone coating.
Conductive epoxy filler	Density 1.65. A:B ratio -100:10. Life time 20 minutes. Min. application temperature +10. Dry residue 100%.	Installation of conductive protective coatings on concrete bases in warehouses, production, installation and other premises with requirements for conductivity.
Polyurethane floor	Density 1.45. Ratio A:B - 100:20. Life time 30 minutes. Min. application temperature +10. Dry residue 100%.	These coatings, which are based on a heterochain polymer, are classified as rigid-elastic, that is, with high mechanical strength they have a sufficient elasticity resource. They install polyurethane floor coverings in a wide variety of premises - production and industrial, residential and public, children's and educational institutions, in parking lots and in freezers etc. In terms of layer thickness, polyurethane flooring can be thin-layer (up to 1 mm), self-leveling or quartz-filled, which has increased resistance to abrasion and impact loads. The polyurethane coating can be given various special properties (antistatic, anti-slip).

Other advantages of polymer floors include:

wear resistance;
dustlessness;
immunity to aggressive chemical compounds;
wide range of colors - the coating can be either colored or transparent;
no odor during installation;
possibility of applying 3D drawings.

Pay attention! The quasi-three-dimensional image is made possible thanks to the decorative polyurethane component. In such cases, the floor is poured in two stages - first the polymer mixture is poured, then, after it dries, the finishing coating is applied (more on this at the end of the article).

Due to their high aesthetic level, polymer floors allow you to create complete compositions using marble chips or colored sand. The filling procedure has its own nuances; let’s consider them in more detail.

Stage 1. Preparation

The installation of a self-leveling polymer floor begins with preparatory work.

Wooden base

Step 1. First, the room is cleared of debris and dust, furniture is removed, and decorative elements (such as baseboards, cornices) are dismantled.

Step 2. Then everything necessary for work is prepared. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove small debris, and a grinder to remove glue and remnants of the old coating. By the way, the reliability and durability of the future floor largely depends on the quality of cleaning.

Step 3. Next comes the preliminary preparation of the base. In this case, it is very important what material was used for the previous coating, because if it is, for example, wood, then the base should be pre-sanded, all cracks should be filled with putty, treated with a degreasing compound - all these measures will improve the adhesion of the polymer to wooden planks. For degreasing, you can use gasoline, acetone or any other organic solvent.

If there are no difficulties in disposing of solvent residues, a surfactant or KM alkali solution can be added. Although today you can buy special means for degreasing wood (for example, Mellerud), which at the same time protect the surface from fungal formation.

Step 4. Floor moisture is assessed using a moisture meter. It should not exceed 10%, otherwise polymer filling will come out of poor quality.

A concrete floor is prepared for pouring in a slightly different way.

Step 1. The moisture content of the concrete is assessed; if it is above 4%, then the surface is dried. To determine humidity (in the absence of a moisture meter), you can use one old method: place it on the floor and press it firmly. rubber mat, and if the surface underneath has not changed color after 24 hours, then the base is ready for pouring.

Moisture meter for concrete floor

Step 2. The compressive strength of the floor is also checked (the norm is 20 MPa and above). To do this, a chisel mounted perpendicular to the surface is struck with a hammer. If the concrete did not crumble, and the chisel left barely noticeable marks, then the strength of the base is within acceptable limits.

Step 3. Check for waterproofing. If it is not there, then further work on creating a self-leveling floor is impossible, because the concrete will begin to flake off, which is especially important in the bathroom or kitchen.

Moreover, if the insulation is of poor quality, moisture will rise through the capillaries in the concrete coating to the polymer layer and sooner or later destroy it.

Pay attention! Otherwise, preparatory activities for concrete base practically no different from those for a wooden base.

If a polymer floor is to be poured onto a tile, its voids are first checked (it may appear after the tile adhesive has dried). All components that have come loose from the surface must be removed, and the resulting voids must be filled with putty.

After this, the surface is degreased.

Stage 2. Level difference

This concept is used to denote the difference in height between the highest and lowest points of the floor surface. If the difference is 0.5-2.5 cm, then before applying the primer the floor is filled with a mounting leveling mixture (sand and polymer self-leveling mixture in a ratio of 1:2). A trowel is used to apply the mixture.

If the difference exceeds 2.5 cm, then the surface will need to be filled with a corrective mixture (sand and cement in a ratio of 2:1).

Pay attention! In both cases, instead of building mixtures, you can use a special leveling solution designed for this thickness.

Stage 3. Materials and tools

After preparing the surface, you need to take care of everything necessary. To work you will need:

polymer leveling mixture;
deep penetration primer mixture;
spatula;
building level;
squeegee;
electric drill with mixer attachment m;
needle roller;
container for preparing the solution.

Stage 4. Primer

It is better to use a roller to apply the primer layer. If the surface is porous, then the primer is applied in several layers and after each of them a short pause is made to allow the mixture to dry.

Here are the main functions of priming:

improved spreading of the polymer composition;
improved adhesion to the base;
preventing the appearance of air bubbles.

If the floor will be poured in several layers, then the primer must be applied before each of them.

Pay attention! In a room with a high level of humidity, the primer layer is covered with a waterproof compound.

You also need to remember that primers are toxic, so you should take care of them in advance. high-quality ventilation premises. Moreover, the temperature must not be allowed to drop - if it drops below +15ᵒC, the adhesion efficiency of the primer will noticeably deteriorate.

A minimum of 24 hours is required for the primed surface to dry completely.

Stage 5. Thermal compensation

One of essential elements The filler floor is a thermal expansion joint that should be applied around the entire perimeter of the room. For this purpose they take wooden slats(necessarily from hardwood). These seams will prevent the floor from deforming during significant temperature changes.

Stage 6. Preparation of the solution

The preparation of the solution must be taken very seriously, since poor quality of filling will hopelessly ruin polymer coating. It is typical that after preparation the solution must be poured out as quickly as possible, because it hardens within a few minutes.

Pay attention! The humidity in the room when pouring should be no more than 70%, otherwise moisture will condense on the surface.

All components are poured into the container in the ratio specified in the instructions for the polymer mixture. To avoid heating the solution too quickly, the container can be placed in another larger size filled with cold water.

All components are mixed with an electric drill operating at low speeds (no more than 400 rpm) until a homogeneous mass is obtained. To determine the readiness of the solution, you can use one simple method:

a small ring is cut out of a deodorant cap and placed on a flat surface (for example, a piece of sheet steel);
the ring is filled with solution and raised;
When the solution spreads evenly into a spot with a diameter of 3 cm, you can start pouring.

Pay attention! If the mixture turns out to be too thick, then it will not be able to level out properly, and if it is too liquid, then you will need to add a little more dry polymer.

Stage 7. Pouring the polymer floor

Do-it-yourself polymer floors are poured in the same way as conventional self-leveling floors.

Step 1. The first portion of the solution is poured along the wall farthest from the entrance with a strip 45 cm wide. Then, for better distribution, the solution is leveled with a spatula.

Pay attention! The entire room is flooded at once, otherwise there will be differences.

Step 2. After leveling, the surface is rolled with a needle roller - this is necessary to remove air.

Step 3. After this, a new strip of solution is poured and leveled. The procedure is repeated until the entire room is flooded.

Step 4. After 48 hours of pouring, a polyurethane coating is applied. During the entire drying period, the floor must be protected from the sun, drafts and temperature fluctuations.

Pay attention! If a “warm floor” is used to heat the room, then the first start of heating can be carried out only seven days after pouring. In this case, you need to start with room temperature, gradually increasing it - by about 2-3ᵒC per day.

Also read the article on our website - do-it-yourself poured floor.

There are two ways to create a decorative layer:

place the finished image in advance;
make a drawing on the coating.

In the first case you will need acrylic paints resistant to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It's more simple and cheap way, because today you can purchase the image you like as a printout on a plotter (in this case, banner fabric is used as the basis). During installation, the fabric is covered with a thermally insulating vinyl film to increase its service life.

The dimensions of the image should exceed the dimensions of the room, because it is always easier to cut the fabric than to re-glue it.

Video -

The technology for creating a 3D image is as follows.

Step 1. First, the base is thoroughly primed. For this, the same leveling solution is used, but diluted with water just enough so that its concentration is halved. It will take a day for the primer layer to polymerize.

Step 2. The image is pasted onto the primer and rolled with a dry, clean roller. It is typical that you can only move on the floor in special studded shoes.

Step 3. A transparent polymer layer 4-5 mm thick is applied. This happens in the same way as described above. After half an hour, the fill dries and can be treated with clear varnish.

The complete readiness of the polymer floor for use is determined by the drying of the varnish.

Video - Pouring polymer floors

It is quite difficult to find a more modern and unpretentious coating than polymer self-leveling floors in modern construction. This technology was successfully tested at industrial facilities and reached the private sector.

The general process of their installation requires knowledge of work technology, compliance with safety precautions and care when mixing components.

Technical characteristics and coating features

Polymer self-leveling flooring is a modern finishing coating based on polymer compounds that provide the final material with a range of unique properties. The use of polymers in construction is not uncommon, but it was their inclusion in liquid and bulk compositions that made it possible to significantly increase strength, impact and decorative qualities.

Among the advantages of polymer floors, one can highlight a long service life, which correct installation and compliance with the rules of use, is more than 15-20 years. The coating is resistant to high and low temperatures, chemicals and various solvents.

During wear, the polymer floor does not emit dust, does not emit harmful substances, and is not subject to combustion or transmission of open flames. The elasticity of some types allows the use of such floors in industries and places where there is a risk of heavy objects falling. Hygiene, environmental friendliness, ease of cleaning and maintenance allow it to be successfully installed in medical and children's institutions, in the household and food industries.

The polymer base can have a glossy and shiny surface, or a completely matte or colored one.

The solidity and absence of seams when installing polymer self-leveling floors eliminates the formation of harmful fungi and the penetration of moisture under the coating. After laying and polymerization, the floor is completely suitable for machine cleaning using any detergents.

The disadvantages of such a floor include the technology of its construction, or rather strict adherence to all technological stages. Quality control must be carried out with each batch and pouring of the liquid mixture. Main disadvantage– this is the lack of possibility of sane repair.

That is, to carry out partial renovation external covering is less possible, but to eliminate all cracks and scratches you will need to dismantle and fill a new floor.

Types of coating and choice of composition for the private sector

The general classification of polymer-based floors is based on the type or composition of the coating. The substance included in the composition largely determines the strength, elasticity and wear-resistant qualities of the floor after pouring.

The main types of compositions used for flooring

Polymer self-leveling floors are divided into the following types:

Epoxy is the traditional and most common type of self-leveling floor. The final solution is obtained by mixing two components - a colored epoxy base with a hardener. Epoxy flooring is highly durable and resistant to moisture and temperature.
Polyurethane is a floor with high elasticity, wear resistance, high point tensile strength and impact. Mainly used for laying in factories and places with increased risk damage to the base. In some cases, it is possible to install it on a wooden surface or base made of wooden floors.
Epoxy-urethane - a coating that took useful qualities two main types. It has high abrasion resistance and is mainly used for laying pedestrian paths, transport routes, etc.
Cement-polyurethane - used in areas where exposure to aggressive environments in the form of chemicals, high temperatures or steam is possible. The structure of the floor effectively protects the surface, preventing substances from destroying the supporting base.
Methyl methacrylate - the most durable and frost-resistant variety. It is used for installing self-leveling floors in open spaces, in places with a lot of precipitation and natural irritants. It has a complex laying technology and fast polymerization.

Depending on the outer layer, the polymer coating can have a matte, glossy, transparent, rough or decorative surface. Perhaps a combination of a transparent-glossy or rough-matte surface.

For installation in apartments and private houses, polymer epoxy is usually used. The trains fully meet the requirements for the load generated, possible traffic intensity and cost.

Choosing a polymer floor and possible costs

When choosing a polymer floor covering, you should proceed from the technical equipment of the room, brand concrete covering, humidity level and required strength properties.

For example, a decorative polymer self-leveling floor on an epoxy basis would be better suited for a bathroom or toilet, garage or covered parking lot near the house, that is, for rooms with high humidity and possible exposure to chemicals.

For installation in a workshop or playground near the house, it is better to choose polyurethane-based solutions, since such a composition, after hardening, copes better with impact loads and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

A complete set of products for preparing a self-leveling floor from a domestic manufacturer

If we base our comparison on a domestic or foreign manufacturer, then first of all we should focus on the price/quality ratio. No one will argue that most foreign firms offer more quality product, but the prices for their compositions are at a completely different level.

Domestic manufacturers, for example “KrasKo” or “TeoKhim”, produce quite competitive mixtures that have proven themselves only from the best side. In terms of price to quality ratio, the composition of these companies is much more profitable, since operation for private purposes does not involve the creation of such heavy loads that these floors can withstand.

The cost of both types of polymer self-leveling floors is approximately the same and depends more on the pouring technology, the thickness and method of constructing the underlying layer, and compositions for preparing the base.

On average, the consumption of polymer self-leveling floor per 1 m2 is in the region of 300-500 g for the underlying layer, 1.2-1.7 kg for the leveling and facing layer. This consumption is valid for a thickness of 1 mm when applied to a concrete base treated with primers.

Two-component polyurethane composition from a Russian company

For comparison, we have collected data in a table that shows approximately the price ratio for self-leveling floors of both types from different manufacturers.

General preparation of the surface and necessary tools

The general technology for pouring and installing self-leveling polymer floors consists of preparing the load-bearing base, checking its quality, treating the surface with a primer, applying a base or underlying layer, pouring and leveling the finishing coating.

For grouting cracks, seams and other deep damage, it is better to use only recommended mixtures from the manufacturer

Preparatory actions for working with the base will include the following steps:

removal of old cladding and floor finishing;
cleaning construction waste, cleaning from dirt and dust;
elimination of severe damage to the concrete surface and deep cracks.

Dismantling old decoration performed using hand tools and handy accessories. Construction waste is collected in thick bags and taken to a landfill. Subject to availability greasy stains, drops of paint or oil, use solvents and carefully remove the deposits.

To carry out further work and install polymer self-leveling floors with your own hands, you will need to check the base for the degree of moisture content of the concrete, check its strength and visual inspection for serious damage.

The degree of moisture or residual moisture of concrete for new screeds is checked with special equipment. If it is absent, the check can be performed in a simple way– polyethylene material is glued to the surface of the concrete base.

Paint shoes are used for free movement through liquid solutions

If after a day moisture has settled on the film and the floor is wet, then it is necessary to dry the surface for some time and repeat the test. Otherwise, you can check the strength with a sclerometer and perform an inspection.

If there are deep cracks, sinkholes and potholes, they are cleaned, primed and grouted with putty from the manufacturer of the self-leveling polymer coating or with a composition according to his recommendations.

The final stage of preparation is checking the level of differences. This can be done using a regular bubble level with appropriate markings. Permissible deviations should not exceed 2-3 mm per 2-2.5 m of surface. A more precise value is indicated on the packaging of the polymer floor.

Tool for distributing mortar over the surface of the base

To perform further finishing works You will need to prepare two clean rollers with a pile of 12-16 mm, paint pads and a needle roller, a metal squeegee and a steel spatula up to half a meter wide. When kneading and mixing components, it is recommended to use a drill with an attachment or a mixer with a power of at least 1 kW.

As personal protection It is mandatory to use gloves, construction glasses and overalls. For some floors, the use of a respirator will be required, as they contain volatile components that evaporate during polymerization.

General sequence for two-component mixtures

Carrying out further work on applying primer and coating with your own hands will require preparation working area, where the mixing and preparation of the solution will be performed.

It is better to cover the floor surface plastic film, prepare protective clothing and solvent in case the liquid mixture gets on your skin or spills.

It is advisable to entrust the preparation of the mixture to a separate person who will mix the components while another applies and levels the mixture.

Do-it-yourself polymer self-leveling floors - priming and applying a base layer

Do-it-yourself polymer self-leveling floors are made using the following technology:

Flooring technology may have a slightly different look when using solutions that involve the use of quartz sand, applying more layers or laying decorative elements.

For example, some compositions involve sprinkling the surface with purified sand already at the stage of priming the base. Others may contain an additional sanding step to improve adhesion, etc.

IN lately The technology of applying polymer floor coverings is becoming increasingly popular. The second name of the technology is self-leveling floor. This partly explains the manufacturing technology. Ready composition not mounted, but poured onto the prepared floor surface.

Polymer floors

Self-leveling polymer floors do not contain cement. This significantly speeds up the installation process. The polymer mixture consists of two, in some cases three phases.

The basis of the mixture is acrylic, polyester or epoxy. The most resistant to external damage are mixtures containing epoxy.

In addition to the main component, the mixture includes the following elements:

hardener;
granite chips or gravel;
colored pigments.

Advantages of polymer coatings

Let's consider the main advantages of this type of coating:

short polymerization period;
high level of elasticity;
resistance to low temperatures;
high level of wear resistance;
long term operation;
ease of use;
safety for human health;
aesthetic appearance;
variety of textures and shades;
possibility of installing three-dimensional coating.

Disadvantages of technology

Speaking about polymer floor coverings, one cannot fail to note their inherent disadvantages:

high cost of materials;
installation complexity;
high cost of installation work;
when installing polymer coatings on a new foundation, it is necessary to wait at least 1 month before installation;
vapor tightness;
when installing the coating on a cement base, it is necessary to apply an additional layer waterproofing material. Otherwise, the coating may be damaged due to vapors penetrating through the concrete.

Peculiarities

Polymer flooring has the following characteristics:

The absence of connecting seams ensures a high level of hygiene. The coating is easy to clean both wet and dry. Seamless technology prevents the spread of insects indoors. The material does not absorb moisture and retains its aesthetic appearance for a long period of time.
High level of resistance to various chemicals. Alkaline and acidic solutions are not capable of destroying the finished coating.
Lots of modifications. Any final surface appearance result can be achieved. The coating can be either smooth or rough.
Diversity color range. Possibility of creating unique design coverings. 3D printing technology is also popular.
High level of strength. Thanks to the polymers included in the mixture, it is possible to achieve strength equal to that of a concrete base.
High level of elasticity. Thanks to this, the surface is not subject to external damage.
The material does not support combustion.
Durability. If you follow the basic rules of caring for the coating, you can achieve a long service life.

Main types of polymer coatings

Do-it-yourself polymer floors are applied using two main technologies:

Thin coating. The thickness of the applied mixture does not exceed 0.35 mm. This technology is suitable for working in standard premises with an average level of load on the floor surface. The mixture can be used as a final coating or a layer under a waterproofing mixture.
Coating with high level filling. Its average thickness can reach 4 mm. This technology is intended for installing coatings in buildings with an increased level of floor load. It has a high level of durability and strength. Various surface decoration options are possible using additional inclusions.

Installation work

To fully become familiar with how to make polymer floors, you need to study the main stages of work:

Preparation of materials for work.
Treatment of the base surface.
Priming the floor.
Finish coating.

Preparing materials for work

The work is carried out using metal tools. In order not to damage the polymer coating, it is recommended to pre-soak them in an acetone solution for 6 hours.

During installation, the roller must also be moistened in an acetone solution as often as possible. This will prevent polymerization of the remaining mixture on the roller.

Pay attention! The work is performed only with dry tools. It is unacceptable to use contaminated ones.

To install the self-leveling floor you will need the following tools:

plastic roller;
bucket;
painting spatula;
rule;
shoes with specialized soles;
mixer;
squeegee – adjusts the level of coating thickness;
personal protective equipment - work with toxic materials. Therefore, during installation, be sure to use protective gloves and a respiratory mask;
vacuum cleaner.

Substrate surface treatment

Before you begin, you must first prepare the base of the floor. It must be level and free from chips and cracks.

The polymer coating can be applied to any type of substrate. However, before applying it, it is imperative to prepare the surface for work.

First of all, you should check the evenness of the coating. To do this you need to use a level.

Pay attention! Deviations from the level should not exceed 4 mm.

Treatment features depend on the type of floor surface.

Working with a wooden base. Cleaning the surface, checking the humidity. Skirting boards, paint and stains must be removed. The surface should be sanded. Dust and dirt are removed using a vacuum cleaner. To prevent damage to the polymer surface, it is necessary to apply a layer of screed to the wooden surface. It will prevent damage from natural deformations wooden surface due to temperature difference. It is not recommended to pour the filling mixture in a layer that is too thin.
Working with concrete surface. The floor should be leveled, cleaned of dust, paint and dirt, then additionally sand the surface. If the base is severely damaged, it is recommended to apply a new one on top. In this case, the polymer mixture is applied 3 weeks after the installation of the new screed is completed.
Working with ceramic surfaces. It is necessary to check the strength of the coating. To do this, each tile is tapped. If the resulting sound is ringing, the tile should be removed. The place must be primed and covered with a layer of putty. Then the surface is degreased and primed.
Working with metal surface. Cleaning the base. Removing paint, grease and oil stains. Degreasing. Removing traces of corrosion and rust by sanding.

Floor priming

Before applying the polymer mixture, the floor surface is primed. The base must be dry and free of dust. Priming is carried out 2 hours after the dust removal procedure.

Primer is carried out using special mixture– impregnation. It is applied to the base using a roller. The primer will improve the adhesion of the polymer mixture to the floor surface. Impregnation is applied in one layer when working with a metal base, in 2-3 layers when working with other types of bases. Each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has polymerized.

Putty

After the floor surface has been primed, it is necessary to give it evenness using putty. In this case, existing cracks and irregularities will be corrected.

It is necessary to start applying the polymer solution at least 24 hours after priming the surface.

Work should begin from the farthest corner of the room, gradually moving towards front door. To ensure that there is no residual air in the applied solution, it should be treated with a needle roller.

The mixture is applied in strips. For ease of application, you can use a special hose. The liquid is leveled using a squeegee. Next, you need to compact the layer using a special roller. Work is performed in shoes with metal studded soles.

Finish coating

After the base layer of the mixture has been applied, you should begin treating the surface with the finishing layer.

The finishing treatment is carried out 48 hours after pouring the polymer solution. As finishing mixture You can use polyurethane varnish. It improves the quality of the polymer mixture and adds shine to the floor surface.

Applying a finishing coating will significantly extend the service life of the self-leveling floor. The varnish should be applied in at least two layers. After applying each of them, you must allow at least one hour to dry.

Pay attention! The self-leveling floor is ready for use no earlier than two days after the finishing coating has dried. If an increased level of load on the floor surface is envisaged, the polymerization period must be increased to one week.

Most homeowners planning renovations or flooring installations try to focus on modern technologies and the most popular design solutions. Often in the process of choosing a floor covering you have to face a number of difficulties, since modern material for finishing the floor must meet many characteristics and be appropriate even in rooms where the floor covering will be exposed to a whole “set” of harmful influences - from chemical to abrasive, without losing its decorative and hygienic characteristics. All these requirements are met by a polymer floor covering, which is extremely popular in modern construction sites and characterized by high performance characteristics. Polymer floors, also called liquid linoleum, are a seamless finishing polymer floor covering applied to a concrete base, cement-sand screed, ceramic tile or wooden floor. Polymer floors, being a high-tech modern floor covering, have all the characteristics that are not characteristic of concrete, linoleum, or ceramic tiles and are relevant in modern stage design development. Despite the fact that previously polymer floors were considered only in the context of premises industrial purposes, then today, thanks to the use of modern technologies in the process of their production, they have become relevant in residential premises. Due to the relevance of polymer flooring, this article will discuss its main varieties, their brief characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Types of self-leveling floors: brief description

Mineral self-leveling coatings

The demand for self-leveling flooring is partly explained by the wide selection of its varieties presented on construction market. Modern manufacturers offer two main types of self-leveling coating: mineral and polymer. Mineral self-leveling coating is a cement mixture supplemented with a number of fillers, which largely determine its performance characteristics. Mineral self-leveling flooring is a leveling composition that is used to prepare the surface immediately before installation. ceramic tiles, linoleum, laminate and other floor coverings.

There are three types of mineral mixtures:

A base mixture designed for the initial leveling of concrete and cement surfaces with slopes up to 80 mm. Leveling the surface with the base mixture is not final, since it is necessary to make additional adjustments using mixtures for the middle layer;
The middle mixture is used as the main composition for leveling surfaces characterized by slopes of no more than 30 mm;
The finishing mixture is intended for the final leveling of the bases on which the flooring is laid.

Polymer self-leveling coatings

Another type of self-leveling flooring is no less popular - polymer coatings. They are characterized by their primary use in rooms where increased requirements are placed on the floor covering, such as resistance to mechanical and chemical influences, lack of tendency to abrasion and environmental safety. There are several current classifications of polymer coatings that group types of polymer coatings according to a certain characteristic. Most often, polymer coatings are classified taking into account:

The binder component used in the mixture;
Degree of filling and material thickness.

Let's look at the main types of polymer coatings for concrete floors.

In accordance with the binder component used, the following types of polymer coating are distinguished:

Epoxy polymer coating for the floor is characterized by moisture resistance, high strength and resistance to mechanical and chemical effects of acids, alkalis and oils, which not every floor covering can boast of. The use of epoxy coating is only relevant in enclosed spaces where certain sanitary and hygienic requirements are established. It is in them that conditions are created for intense exposure to mechanical loads and aggressive liquids;
Epoxy urethane mixtures, the use of which is justified only in areas characterized by heavy traffic, such as platforms and parking lots. Being high-strength, abrasion-resistant compounds, they retain their elasticity throughout the entire period of operation;
Polyurethane self-leveling coating characterized by high wear resistance, resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, which leads to a long coating life, reaching 20 years. Distinctive feature polyurethane floors - smoothness and lack of seams, thanks to which they will never turn into a dust collector. This is the main principle of their high aesthetics. Taking into account these features, it should be noted that polyurethane self-leveling flooring is an ideal choice for rooms characterized by constant vibration load and floor mobility, as well as frequent abrasive effects on the floor covering;
Methyl methacrylate coating characterized by the least popularity, which is due to the difficulties that arise during its installation. Despite the fact that methyl methacrylate coating is characterized by minimal resistance to mechanical loads, it still remains unrivaled for unheated rooms.

Taking into account the above, we can conclude that there is a wide variety of polymer materials for flooring. Despite the fact that the binder component of the polymer composition largely determines its performance characteristics, it is not the only factor that is taken into account when choosing a self-leveling coating.

Important! Another important parameter characterizing the self-leveling coating is thickness. During operation, a layer of polymer of a certain thickness is erased from the surface of the polymer coating every year, which is determined by the composition of the polymer, as well as the intensity of the load and varies between 10-30 microns.

In accordance with the thickness and degree of filling of the coating, the following categories of polymer coatings are distinguished:

Thin-layer polymer coatings(thickness usually does not exceed 0.5 mm), also called painting based on the method of application, are characterized by a minimum service life and primary use in rooms with minimal traffic, and, consequently, mechanical load;
Liquid, also called self-leveling, being the most popular type of flooring, are characterized by a thickness of 4-5 mm, a fill rate of up to 50% and universal performance characteristics;
Highly filled coatings(average thickness 4-8 mm, but can reach 20 mm) are characterized by a filling degree of up to 90%, which determines their long-term resistance to high mechanical loads.

Polymer floor covering: advantages and disadvantages

Despite the unpretentiousness of the polymer coating, it still remains one of the most aesthetic options for arranging the floor in any room. From the name it follows that the composition of the floor covering includes polymaterials included in it in the form of a liquid and undergoing polymerization during the process. technological processing. Thanks to this feature, the surface is perfectly smooth and uniform.

Important! Thanks to the rapid polymerization of the composition, the floors can be used within a short period of time from the moment the floor covering is laid.

Advantages of polymer coating:

High elasticity, which makes the floor covering resistant to intense impact loads;
Resistance to constant exposure to low temperatures, thanks to which polymer compositions can be used for arranging floor coverings in open areas. trading platforms, for laying flooring on the territory of commercial organizations for various purposes, as well as in freezers;
High wear resistance, which determines the ability to withstand long-term mechanical loads without loss of initial performance characteristics;
Resistance to high humidity and chemicals;
Long service life, which can exceed 40 years;
Easy to maintain - the floor covering can be cleaned with ordinary water, without the use of special cleaning agents;
Non-toxic and fireproof;
High aesthetic characteristics, absence of seams and absolute smoothness of the coating. The polymer coating gains additional decorativeness of the surface and a unique special effect due to 3D varnish. Moreover, modern manufacturers They offer a polymer coating with a textured surface and an original pattern.

Disadvantages of polymer coating:

In the process of surface preparation, which takes quite a long time, one may encounter difficulties;
The polymer coating is characterized by a long service life, during which it may become obsolete or become boring to the owner;
Difficulties arising during the process of removing floor coverings;
Vapor permeability of polymer floor covering;
Polymer flooring belongs to a fairly high price category, which is due to the high cost of the component materials that make up the polymer coating;
Despite the relevance of the previous point, there are also cheaper types of polymer coatings on the market, but they are prone to rapid yellowing when exposed to ultraviolet radiation;
Compared with traditional flooring, the design of resin materials is not large enough;
In the process of repairing a polymer floor covering, difficulties may arise, since it is subject to increased aesthetic requirements. Thus, if you are faced with the need for local repairs, difficulties will arise in selecting the required color scheme.

Important! Polymer floors intended for laying on a concrete base and characterized by the absence of active waterproofing will soon begin to peel off due to evaporation groundwater, which rise through the natural capillaries of concrete slabs.

Installing polymer floor coverings: a step-by-step guide

To avoid repairs to the polymer floor covering, ensuring it has a long service life, in the process of installing a self-leveling floor, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of specialists. If you follow all the technological stages of installing a floor covering, this process will seem quite simple to you.

Materials and tools for arranging self-leveling floors

To install a self-leveling floor you will need:

Some plastic buckets volume 30 l;
A drill equipped with a mixer-mixer and characterized by a small number of revolutions (no more than 300);

Notched roller and spatula;
A special needle roller designed to remove air bubbles. Required quantity tools is determined by the area of the room - on average 40 square meters. m of room you will need one roller;
A squeegee with an adjustable gap, which is required to evenly distribute the mixture on the surface;
Paint shoes, which will be required to move on a freshly poured floor;
A solvent with which you will clean all tools after work.

Preparation of the base is an important stage in the installation of a self-leveling floor.

It is important to pay close attention to at this stage arrangement of the floor, since otherwise, if there are uneven bases, this will cause deformation of the floor covering and subsequent damage. The technology of preparatory work depends on the initial state of the base and the material from which it is made.

Preparing the concrete base

Check the moisture content of the base, which should not exceed 4%;
If you have laid a new base, at least 28 days must pass before laying the self-leveling floor;
If you are dealing with an old concrete base, remove the old floor covering, clean the surface of dirt, removing any remaining mastic, paint, glue and oil stains;
Clean the concrete base from dust and seal all existing irregularities, cracks and potholes using a mortar containing resin. If small cracks and tears are found, it is recommended to use an adhesive solution. To mask and remove the smallest defects, use a grinder;
Using a horizontal leveling rod, check the levelness of the surface.

Preparing the wooden base

Check the moisture content of the wooden base - it should not exceed 10%;
Remove the baseboards, as new ones will be installed during the installation of the flooring;
Clean the surface from varnish, paint and glue using a spatula, metal brush or grinder;
Open the cracks and clean the floor with sandpaper, which will increase the adhesion of the surface;
Using an industrial vacuum cleaner, remove any remaining dust and degrease the surface using cleaning powder;
Level the wooden floor cement screed or seal cracks with mortar.

The air temperature in the room where the floor will be poured should be from +5 to +25 degrees, and the humidity should not exceed 60%.
Any mixture for pouring a polymer floor covering in a garage or any other room is two-component, and therefore they must be mixed in a clean bucket using an electric drill.
The application of the polymer mixture must be carried out only after the primer has completely dried, which will take about a day. It is recommended to start pouring the mixture from the highest point of the surface. Prepared for this polymer mixture pour onto the primed base and spread over the entire surface of the base using a toothed roller. If bubbles form, remove them using a needle roller.
The thickness of the coating on average should not exceed 1.5 mm, but in some cases it can be increased to 5 mm.
To move across the floor you will need paint shoes. After waiting for the first layer to dry completely, proceed to applying the second, after which, after 12 hours, apply a layer of varnish.

Technology of pouring polymer floor coverings

Pour the prepared solution onto the floor surface and distribute it over the entire area. To make the distribution more uniform, each subsequent portion of the mixture is distributed near the previous one using wide spatula. To adjust the thickness of the mixture applied, use a squeegee;
To remove air bubbles trapped in the solution, use a needle roller by running it across the floor surface;
Pour the next portion of the solution and smooth it, thus filling the coating over the entire floor area;

After completing the work, cover the floor surface with plastic film, which will prevent dust from falling onto the floor that has not yet hardened, and will also make drying more uniform;
To improve the decorative characteristics of the polymer coating, apply polyurethane varnish to its surface.

Features of arranging a 3D floor

A decorative option for a polymer floor covering is a 3D floor, which is a three-layer structure, including three layers:

Base layer;
Drawing;
The final one is a protective layer.

The installation of a 3D floor covering is generally no different from the installation of a traditional polymer floor covering. The first stage of installation also consists of preparing the base and is carried out in accordance with the above recommendations for self-leveling floors;
To arrange the base layer, it is recommended to use a polymer coating or floor screed. At the same time, it is important to decide on the features of the future decor. Depending on whether it is small or large, the color scheme of the polymer coating is selected. If the decor is characterized by the presence of a small pattern, the polymer coating will serve as a background surface, which necessitates a responsible attitude to the selection of the color palette;
One of the most critical stages is applying the image. If you plan to stick the selected picture, select the image so that its dimensions are slightly larger than the floor area;
Gluing the picture is carried out only on a perfectly flat surface. At the same time, make sure that not a single bubble is formed during the gluing process;

Important! To apply a complex artistic design, use the services of professional artists.

To fix the resulting image, apply a thin layer of varnish.
The thickness of the final protective layer should not exceed 0.5 mm. To apply it, as in the case of a traditional self-leveling floor, a toothed roller is used, and a needle roller is used to smooth out the resulting air bubbles. The polymer 3D floor can be used within a week.

Important! One of the main difficulties that you may encounter in the process of arranging a 3D floor is the formation of bubbles. Their appearance may be due to factors such as increased humidity of the coating, poor mixing of components and improper preparation of the mixture. To avoid this, it is recommended to use an electric drill equipped with a mixer attachment to mix the mixture components. To ensure that the moisture content of the concrete surface is at an optimal level, use plastic film, laying it on the concrete and taping it in place. If after three days the film remains dry, you can start pouring the mixture.

Precautions during the installation of self-leveling floors

When working, use safety glasses and gloves;
Avoid getting the mixture on exposed skin, as this may cause irritation;
Take care of effective ventilation in the room where the pouring will take place, as the mixture has a strong, specific odor;
If you want to make the floor shine, use special chemicals;
Routine cleaning of dust and dirt can be done using running water.

The technology for creating a polymer self-leveling floor is complex and labor-intensive, especially when it comes to 3D coating.

Specialists involved in the creation of polymer floors must have experience not only in pouring this type of mortar, but also in other related construction work.

This requirement is associated with the stage-by-stage actions of installing a polymer self-leveling floor, which also includes rough work with concrete.

Just a few years ago, polymer self-leveling flooring was used for pouring only in industrial buildings with high levels of mechanical or chemical stress.

Over time, the material has been modernized.

High quality coating and appearance attractive appearance did their job, the polymer floor found its application in civil engineering. More recently, amazing technology has emerged that allows you to create a 3D coating.

Today, without resorting to the services of craftsmen, polymer self-leveling floors are created by the owners themselves in their apartment.

Before moving on to the diagram for installing self-leveling floors with your own hands, it is worth getting acquainted with their types and purposes.

Types and features of self-leveling floors

On at the moment Two types of self-leveling floors are in high demand in the construction market: polyurethane and epoxy.

Polyurethane self-leveling coating is an industrial floor that is used as floor surfaces in warehouses, hangars, and production facilities.

They can also be used in parking lots, food processing facilities and industrial refrigeration units.

Industrial polymer floors are endowed with a high degree of wear resistance and are resistant to mechanical and chemical influences.

Due to their unique structure, industrial self-leveling floors can perfectly cope with deformation loads on the base.

Epoxy polymer floors (another name for them is “ liquid linoleum") - also have high strength characteristics and resistance to chemicals.

In addition, epoxy self-leveling coatings differ smooth surface and a wide selection of colors.

The epoxy polymer material contains no solvents, so the coating does not emit any pungent odors.

This type of flooring is used for making floors in residential premises with your own hands.

The 3D technology for creating coatings stands out. This innovation is currently only affordable for a person with an above-average income. In an ordinary apartment or a simple private house, 3D coating is practically not found.

Preparing the base for pouring self-leveling floors

The technology for pouring a polymer coating involves performing the following step-by-step actions:

preparation of the concrete base;
device of the first - main layer;
applying the second – decorative layer;
the third stage is the varnish layer.

If 3D creation technology is used, then such a drawing is created according to a completely different scheme.

A properly prepared subfloor base is the key to obtaining a high-quality self-leveling surface.

As a rule, epoxy polymer coatings are applied to a concrete base, which has the following requirements:

evenness of the plane, complete absence of defects on the base (cracks and gouges);
arrangement of waterproofing;
cleanliness of the coating, absence of greasy oil stains;
moisture content of the concrete base is not more than 4%;
The screed is installed using cement of at least M 200.

Therefore, if the base of the floor leaves much to be desired, it is recommended to apply a new one. concrete screed, under which they lay waterproofing material with their own hands.

It will take several days for the base to ripen, after which you can begin priming it.

A carefully primed base should have a surface that visually resembles sandpaper, which will indicate its high adhesive properties and will ensure ease of application of the polymer solution.

Decorative elements and a set of necessary tools

In addition to the fact that epoxy polymer coatings differ from all other floor finishes in their high level of performance, they can also surprise with their decorative properties.

Such floors allow you to create an original surface that has never been used anywhere else with your own hands.

To do this, just stock up on decorative elements, which can be sea pebbles and small shells, coins or multi-colored buttons.

Subsequently, you can lay out a beautiful mosaic from them.

Flooring is not limited to the above-mentioned decoration method.

In some places, such a floor is designed in the form of an artistic system, which involves the use of stencils and the application of certain patterns with paints.

That is why self-leveling floor can be safely called a prominent representative decorative surfaces.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the 3D design technology. Of course, such 3D coating is not cheap, but it is worth it.

Before installing a self-leveling floor, you must have the following set of tools and auxiliary materials on hand:

a container with a volume of about 30 liters for preparing the composition;
shoes with spikes (paint shoes) for walking on the treated surface;
simple spatula, for use in hard-to-reach areas;
a squeegee spatula, which, using an adjustable gap, will allow you to evenly distribute the mixture;
whisk, low speed drill;
aeration roller (with spikes) to remove air bubbles from the freshly laid layer.

Pouring a polymer self-leveling floor

The technology by which liquid linoleum is applied consists of two stages. At the first stage, the underlying layer is poured with your own hands, at the second stage the front (finish) coating is applied.

This is how liquid linoleum is obtained.

The components of the first coating are two components: fine quartz sand and liquid epoxy polymer material.

The liquid polymer composition is distributed over the base in order to completely hide minor defects. In this case, the thickness of its layer should not exceed 1.5 mm.

Work begins no earlier than the primer has dried. It takes a day for the liquid layer to dry.

Using a level, determine the deviation of the floor plane.

If the thickness of the base at the highest point should be about 2 mm, then an acceptable thickness of the epoxy layer at the lowest point is approximately 10 mm.

The finished liquid solution is distributed over the base using a metal spatula, focusing on high point floor surface. The thickness should not be greater than stated.

The liquid solution in portions must be prepared quickly and according to the instructions, with a maximum time period of use of no more than 10 minutes.

It will take at least a day to polymerize the applied layer. If defects are found on the base, then the self-leveling linoleum is cleaned with your own hands using abrasive materials.

After this, the process of applying the front finish is repeated again.

At the next stage, they proceed to applying the finishing polymer layer.

Polymer linoleum is poured onto the floor surface in strips, their thickness is leveled using a special tool called a squeegee.

In hard-to-reach areas of the apartment, a spatula is used to distribute the layer.

After the self-leveling linoleum has been completely distributed over the base and covered the entire area to be treated, you need to walk over the surface with a needle roller with your own hands.

The technology involves the use of an aeration roller so that the thickness of the polymer layer gets rid of air bubbles that negatively affect the quality of the polymer floor.

In order to further protect the polymer coating, self-leveling linoleum in an apartment can be treated with wear-resistant varnish. The thickness of the coating does not matter in this case.

In rooms with a large area, the technology for applying polymer self-leveling floors yourself is slightly different from installing floors in small spaces.

Before pouring linoleum, the base is divided into several sections using expansion joints.

After the epoxy floors are poured, the expansion joints are sealed with a sealant specially created for self-leveling floors.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that self-leveling polymer floors, in addition to decorative functions, have many advantages in the apartment, one of which is sufficient thickness.

Therefore, such coatings are ideal for underfloor heating systems and are highly durable and practical.

In addition, they are endowed with the ability to respond to temperature changes without changing the structure.

Floors made from such materials are vapor-permeable, which means that the polymer coating breathes.

After reading the article, you learned a lot about polymer self-leveling floors, which can be found in the apartment (even in 3D version). But often industrial enterprises also choose self-leveling floors.