Bulk up self-levelling compound

You may be contemplating Bulking up your self-levelling compound. In this article, I will tell you the best way to bulk up your self-levelling compound without affecting the strength of your floor. In some cases, you can actually improve certain properties of the floor by adding sand and aggregates to the self-levelling compound.

Reasons for bulking up self-levelling compound

• Save Money Reduce Costs – when doing a deep pour over a larger area
• Improve the compressive strength of the floor – to withstand heavy foot traffic and other loads

One important thing to understand is that as you increase the amount of bulking agent (sand, cement, fine aggregate, stone chippings) you decrease the self-levelling compound’s ability to self-level.

It is the fine cement particles suspended in the self-levelling compound that enable it to flow around the room almost like a liquid. The larger the particles you add the less it will behave like self-levelling compound and more like traditional concrete.

One of the best things to do may be to do an initial pour of self-levelling compound using a bulking agent such as sand to bring up the level. Then do a final 5mm thick finishing pour with purely self-levelling compound to get a smooth flat finish.

The double pour can work well for beginners as it gives you a practice run at applying a self-levelling compound before you go for your final pour. Self-levelling compound will always stick to itself. Your first pour is to build up the depth and your second pour is to leave you with a perfect finish.

It is a lesser-known fact that you can always use self-levelling compound over self-levelling compound once it has dried.

What can you add to self-levelling compound?

1. Fine Sand is probably the best way to bulk up self-levelling compound for beginners. Sand is relatively cheap and inexpensive and can be found at your local builder’s merchants. It does not alter the properties of the self-levelling compound too greatly, because the particles of sand are very small they stay suspended in the self-levelling solution so it can still flow around the room and perform its function.
2. Cement: Mixing cement with self-levelling compound can also help increase its thickness, making it a good choice for areas that will be subjected to heavy loads or foot traffic.
3. Aggregate: Adding aggregate materials such as gravel or crushed stone to self-levelling compound can help increase its bulk and make it more durable.
4. Perlite or vermiculite: These lightweight materials can be added to self-levelling compound to increase its thickness without adding excessive weight to the floor.
5. Microspheres: Microspheres are tiny hollow spheres that can be added to self-levelling compound to increase its thickness and improve its ability to level out uneven surfaces.

It’s important to keep in mind that the right bulk-up material will depend on the specific project, as well as the type of self-levelling compound being used. It may be necessary to consult with a professional or manufacturer to determine the best material to add.

Adding Sand to Self-Levelling Compound

Sand is a common additive for self-levelling compound to bulk it up and increase its thickness. When added to the self-levelling compound, sand helps improve the compound’s ability to level out uneven surfaces and provide a sturdy base for flooring. It is important to use fine-grain sand that is free of impurities to avoid affecting the final finish of the floor. Always remember that the more sand you add the less the self-levelling compound will flow around the room and the more you will have to trowel it. The recommended ratio of sand to self-levelling compound will vary based on the specific project, but generally, adding 10-15% sand by volume to the compound should be sufficient.

Adding Cement to Self-Levelling Compound

Adding Cement is basically just like adding more self-levelling compound. Self-levelling compound is basically just a bag of finely sieved cement, with a few other additives mixed in that help it spread around your room and set solid.

The ratio of cement to self-levelling compound will depend on the specific project and desired thickness. Generally, adding 1-2 parts cement to every 5 parts self-levelling compound should be sufficient. Mixing cement with the compound will increase its thickness, making it a good choice for areas that will be subjected to heavy loads or foot traffic.

Adding Aggregate to Self-Levelling Compound

Aggregate materials such as gravel, limestone chippings, and crushed stone can be added to self-levelling compound to increase its bulk and make it more durable. Aggregate helps improve the compound’s ability to level out uneven surfaces, and it also provides additional strength and stability to the floor.

The size and type of aggregate will depend on the specific project, but a coarse-grain aggregate is typically used for flooring applications. The recommended ratio of aggregate to self-levelling compound will vary, but generally, adding 15-20% aggregate by volume to the compound should be sufficient.

Adding Perlite or Vermiculite to Self-Levelling Compound

This should be left to the Professionals. Perlite or vermiculite are lightweight materials that can be added to self-levelling compound to increase its thickness without adding excessive weight to the floor.

Both materials are porous and can improve the flow and workability of the self-levelling compound, making it easier to spread and level out. The recommended ratio of perlite or vermiculite to self-levelling compound will depend on the specific project and desired thickness, but generally, adding 5-10% of the material by volume to the compound should be sufficient.

Adding Microspheres to Self-Levelling Compound

Microspheres are used to reduce the weight of the self-levelling compound. They are tiny hollow spheres that can be added to self-levelling compound to increase its thickness and improve its ability to level out uneven surfaces.

The spheres are lightweight, which means they won’t add excess weight to the floor, and they also improve the flow and workability of the self-levelling compound. The recommended ratio of microspheres to self-levelling compound will depend on the specific project and desired thickness, but generally, adding 1-2% of the microspheres by volume to the compound should be sufficient. These almost look like little polystyrene balls that can be added to the self-levelling compound.

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