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Join us in this episode to learn everything you need to know about surface levelling. What it is, why we need to level, how to level, and what products and techniques will help you achieve the best results.We hope you enjoy this video and feel free to leave any suggestions and tips you have learnt about surface levelling in the comments below!
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[Music]
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Hello and welcome to another episode of Prep Set Go proudly brought to you by RLA Polymers.
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In today's episode we're going to take a look at surface levelling. What it is, when it's used, and
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materials commonly used for the process. So let's dive right in. What is surface levelling? Surface
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levelling is a preparatory step that utilizes proprietary cement based levelling and smoothing
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compounds to smooth and even out rough or undulated surfaces, or to elevate surface to raise
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finished floor levels. It can be a fundamental step in construction, renovation, and remedial
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projects, to ensure a uniform level and sound base layer on which to work from. Surface levelling is
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common for remedial applications particularly after the removal of an existing floor finish
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that may have damaged the substrate, or where adhesive residues have been left behind - but
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it's just as common in new construction where the surface may need a smoother, more even profile to
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support the flooring application. So let's begin by understanding why substrate levelling can be
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critical to the final floor finish. An uneven or irregular substrate can lead to several problems
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in your project including poor aesthetics. Uneven surfaces look unsightly and levelling of surfaces
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can be a cost effective and practical way of instantly improving the aesthetic of the existing
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floor. This is also true for floor finishes to be laid over the subfloor, particularly for
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vinyl and resilient flooring finishes. Uneven or undulated surface can result in unsightly waves,
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imperfections, and bumps that show through these floor types. Structural issues - uneven surfaces
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and general voids may cause structural problems and compromise the integrity of the construction
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and overlaid finish. Finished flooring systems whether it be tiles, carpet, or timber, require a
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sound and stable base on which to be laid in order for it to retain its own integrity and perform as
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intended. Safety concerns - uneven surfaces can pose tripping hazards and create safety risks,
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especially in high traffic areas. Now while there are different remedial fillers and smoothing
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compounds on the market for localized repairs, and smoothing of surfaces, we will be mainly focusing
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on broader levelling applications and the use of self-levelling compounds. Self-levelling compounds
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are the most widely used and universally accepted method for the effective smoothing and levelling
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of rough or undulated surfaces, or for raising surface levels. Cement based with special polymer
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and additives self levellers possess a fluid, almost watery consistency, where they are poured
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onto the substrate and automatically settling into low areas, or easily manipulated to create
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a level finish. Available in multiple variants, each provides different properties depending on
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the application requirements - including strength, drying and set times, maximum and minimum build
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heights flexibility, and the suitability for use over different substrate types. So let's look at
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a typical levelling application and the general steps involved. Step one, surface inspection. As
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with any application before starting the levelling process it's crucial to thoroughly inspect the
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substrate and identify any major defects or structural issues that may require separate
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remedial action. This includes the repair of large cracks or high build structural repairs. Identify
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the type of substrate you're working with, whether concrete, timber, or lightweight structural
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flooring, as this will determine the type of level are required. Step two marking levels - for floors
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that need to be raised mark levels accordingly. Step three - surface preparation. Prepare the
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surface by removing any loose objects such as dirt, dust, to laminated coatings or adhesives
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and other contaminating materials. Prime the surface as required based on manufacturers
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recommendations. Step four - choosing the levelling material. As mentioned previously there
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are a number of different self-levelling materials available, each with different properties and
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attributes depending on project specifications and the substrate type it's being applied to. Select
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the appropriate one for your requirements. Step five mixing and application - As we've discussed
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self-levelling compounds they're cement-based compounds, they're mixed up to quite a fluid
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sort of consistency so when you pour them out they do find their own level and they they fill
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in all the the low spots basically to create a level surface. Here we have a a concrete surface
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that's been primed with a universal primer which is used in conjunction with the RLA range of self
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levellers and we can see here that it's a quite an undulated sort of surface, but we've just mixed
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some self leveller up previously, and we'll just show how it actually pours out and the consistency
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of the product. If we just pour it directly out we'll have a look. So as you can see it's quite
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a smooth and fluid sort of consistency. Basically it's applied to the surface and use a trowel or a
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gauging rake to sort of move it around and find its own sort of level. Always always follow the
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manufacturer's instructions on mixing, including water addition, the type of mixer required,
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and mix times. Once mixed pour it onto the substrate and spread it evenly using a trowel
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or gauge rake until substrate is smooth and even or acquired levels are achieved. Final
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inspection - Allow the levelling material to dry or cure according to recommendations,
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and once it's dry inspect the surface again for any remaining irregularities or imperfections.
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Secondary layers can be applied as required as well as smoothing or feathering compounds
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for repairing any imperfections. In conclusion substrate levelling and in particular the use
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of self-levelling compounds is an easy and cost- effective method for the remediation or smoothing
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of rough surfaces and flooring substrates, providing a solid foundation for the successful
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installation of your selected flooring. Thanks for joining us today we hope you've enjoyed the
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episode and found it informative. Please feel free to reach out via our socials or give our friendly
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customer service team a call with any question you may have. We'll hope to see you next time.
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time