For safety or for aesthetics, your floors need to be level. If you try to tackle the problem after installing a full epoxy system, you'll most likely end up regretting it. That's why it's important to deal with any level issue at the very foundations!
At Xtreme Polishing Systems, we work to make your job easier. With this guide, you'll be prepared to build a great foundation for any floor!
Why Level Concrete Matters
Uneven surfaces compromise aesthetics, safety, and durability. You'll need to create the strongest foundation possible to guarantee beauty and prevent future damage.
What You Need to Level Concrete
- Job-appropriate Concrete Grinder
- Self-leveling Concrete Compound
- Application Tools
- Various sizes of levels
Step-by-Step: How to Level Concrete
1 Identify Problem Areas
Before anything, you need to figure out if you have a problem in the first place. It's good practice to observe & measure out your concrete before you start any work. Take a visual analysis of the floor, and if you want to be extra careful, use a large level.
Not every floor will be perfectly level, and that's okay. But any significant irregularities will threaten your future project, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
2 Apply Self-Leveling Compound / Grind
Evaluate the nature of your floor's issues. Are there patches of dips, or small ridges & mounds? If it's the first, your issues need to be solved by a self-leveling concrete compound. You don't need to grind an entire floor just to fix a few dips!
If your issue are mounds and ridges, self-leveling concrete might be work than is necessary. Take your job-appropriate grinder & sand down any irregularities. Make sure to check with your level along the way.
3 Allow Drying Time
If you've used a self-leveling concrete compound, you'll need to factor in drying time to your project. Let the compound dry for 24 hours (or according to manufacturer's guidelines) to achieve a flat, even surface.
This is why it's important to double check your work as you go along. Once your concrete is fully dried, you'll have to start from step one all over again.
4 Address Remaining Issues
Whether you use a self-leveling concrete compound or not, you'll need to analyze the floor again before you start any work. Break out the large level and look around for any missed spots.
If there are any missed spots, deal with them accordingly. Otherwise, you should be left with a beautifully even concrete floor for your space!
5 Install Your System
Resin system or just a simple polish, you're good to go! Continue with your surface preparation as you otherwise would, and start getting to work on creating your gorgeous and strong new flooring on a solid foundation!
Conclusion
Uneven floors aren't just unsightly, they can be dangerous. Don't let your floors be a liability or an eyesore. Practice good concrete habits and learn how to level concrete today!
Xtreme Polishing Systems (XPS) is your one-stop shop for all things concrete and epoxy flooring! Reach out to our technicians at (877) 958-5264 and get all the assistance you need, or check out our shop to refill your kit!
