Properties And Advantages Of Self Leveling Cement

Self-Leveling Cement is getting popularity as a unique construction material. As the name represents, this material has the ability to level the uneven surface by itself. So, you can have a new floor that is perfectly leveled. The self-leveling cement or concrete is the perfect solution for sunken and uneven elevations. You can use Self Leveling Cement to resurface cracked floors of your home.

What Makes Self-Levelling Concrete So Special?

Self-leveling cement is a polymer-modified cement and it requires less water. This cement offers smooth flat surfaces after placement in a very short time. On the other hand, it adds high compressive strength to the surface and provides a sturdy base. It is easy to install and can be applied to various materials such as plywood or wood, VCT, ceramic tiles, and concrete.

5 Distinctive Properties of Self-Levelling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete has 5 distinctive properties that make it special. These include:

1. Low Plastic Viscosity,
2. High Flow-ability,
3. Low segregation,
4. Low Bleeding, and
5. Stability

Let’s see how these properties affect the SLC's performance.

I. Low Plastic Viscosity

Self-leveling cement (SLC) has a very low plastic property. This is a feature that improves its flow ability and offers SLC its famed self-leveling property. The low plastic and self-leveling properties help the concrete to achieve the desired design.

II. High Flow-Ability

Concrete usually has low viscosity and contractors have to deal with the stability problems. This property of usual concrete then gives birth to bleeding and high segregation issues. SLC contains polymer agents or super-plasticizers that give it low viscosity along with high flow ability. Thus, SLC can flow quickly and maintains stability once it is spread.

III. Low Segregation

The viscosity agents present within the SLC helps the material to retain cohesiveness. These agents don’t allow aggregates to settle down and thus maintain cohesiveness within the bond.

IV. Low Bleeding

Low segregation and cohesiveness help to prevent bleeding. These two qualities sustain the viscosity within the SLC and throughout the concrete layer.

V. Stability

The self-leveling property provides homogeneity to SLC and ensures equal material distribution. Plus, the high flow ability offers a good finish and enables SLC to stele down quickly on the surface.

How to Apply Self Leveling Cement

The application of self-leveling cement is easy and requires minimum efforts. It is applied in liquid form and you can pour SLC as you feel suitable. However, make sure to clean the surface by removing loose material before you apply self-leveling cement. Your floor should be clean and free of water or moisture as well.

Spread the highly viscous mixture using a gauge rake throughout the surface once the floor is prepared. Make sure that you spread thick layers of SLC across the surface. Self-leveling cement is usually spread with a thickness of 1/4 to 1.5 inches in one pass.

Then use a soother to facilitate the surface tension and add a finishing touch. The polymer additives keep the viscosity throughout the surface and offer a uniform layer. These polymers don’t allow aggregates to settle down at the bottom and keep them afloat.

Self-leveling concrete offers better flatness and smoothness than traditional concrete. It adds a comprehensive strength to your floor thanks to its unique properties. Another reason why more and more people are using SLC is its decorative properties. You can apply concrete dyes or stains and/or decorative layers over SLC.

Advantages of Self Leveling Cement

Here’s a quick overview of the major benefits that Self-leveling cement has to offer. These are advantages the other cement or concretes can’t offer you.

• Less labor is needed
• Ease of Application to the surface
• Polymers provide a Water-Resistant surface
• Inhibited growth of microorganisms
• SLC hardens uniformly in a homogeneous way
• This concrete has cohesive properties which solve the segregation and bleeding issues.
• A smooth and evenly leveled surface is obtained
• Self-leveling cement provides better compressive strength as compared to traditional concrete
• SLC is arguably the best choice for a framework that has the unusual geometry 

Bottom Line

Self-leveling cement is among the newest commercial and architectural trends. You can install it quickly before or after the construction and can have a perfectly smooth surface. It goes well with almost all the surfaces whether you have tiles or plywood. Plus, you don’t need much labor as it levels itself and requires fewer efforts. SLC is hypoallergenic, settles quickly and flood-proof which makes it an ideal concrete for your home or building.