Is it possible to pour a self-leveling floor over the tiles?

Self-leveling flooring is a modern type of flooring. Lately it has become very popular. The great popularity is due to the fact that installation work can be carried out quite easily on your own and as a result you will get a very smooth surface, which can become the basis for further finishing or an independent floor covering.

What is self-leveling floor

The self-leveling coating is a one-piece finish that has no seams. It also has a solid structure.

The product contains a variety of resins and mineral fillers. To make the surface decorative, various additives are added to the solution. The structure is a viscous substance that hardens quite quickly.

The substances included in the solution provide the coating with excellent resistance to various external influences. The self-leveling floor differs in its purpose and the substances included in its composition. According to its purpose, it is divided into rough and finishing.

The rough version is used to level the base for further installation of tiles, laminate or other selected floor covering. To prepare the base, it is not necessary to take an expensive composition. There are special self-leveling mixtures on sale.

REFERENCE! For the finishing coating, solutions containing polymers are used. Thanks to them, the surface acquires a monolithic appearance.They have a very beautiful design that you can choose and make yourself.

This type of self-leveling floor differs in its characteristics and mixture composition. There are four options:

• Epoxy. Used to create 3D drawings on the floor. Resistant to acids and other aggressive chemicals. But it tolerates mechanical stress very poorly;
• Polyurethane. A universal coating that can be installed in absolutely any room. Resistant to stress and chemicals;

IMPORTANT! Caring for polyurethane self-leveling floors can be carried out even with the help of abrasive cleaning agents.

• Methyl methacrylate. They can be transparent in structure and dry very quickly. Three hours after completion of work, the surface is completely ready for use. But the coating does not withstand the effects of reagents and mechanical stress;
• Cement-acrylic. The most durable option. Mainly used in industrial premises;

Advantages

This flooring has a number of advantages:

• It is very easy to care for. It is enough to carry out wet cleaning using a regular mop;
• Resistant to chemicals. Therefore, when stains form, they can be removed using chemical-based cleaning products;
• Very long service life. It can be more than 20 years;
• Dries quickly. The floor is ready for use a few hours after completion of installation work;

Is it possible to pour a floor over old tiles? The most common finishing material for kitchens and bathrooms is ceramic tiles. However, recently, self-leveling floors are increasingly used for finishing premises.And many people have a question: is it necessary to dismantle the tiles in order to carry out work on pouring a new floor? The answer is no!

The base for the floor can be any flat and prepared surface: wood, concrete, tiles and other surfaces.

How to do it right

Before starting installation work, you need to inspect the tiles and prepare them:

• Each element must be tapped with a mallet to check for voids. If they are present, then the tile must be dismantled and a new one laid;
• If the tile is glossy, then it should be sanded to ensure the necessary adhesion;
• The surface must be cleaned of debris and dirt;

REFERENCE! If the room has a large area, then installation on top of the tiles is not recommended, since it will be impossible to achieve the required level of adhesion!

After the surface has been prepared, work should begin:

1. The entire surface should be primed;
2. Prepare the solution exactly according to the instructions. Since the mixture hardens quickly, it is better to dilute in small volumes;
3. It is necessary to start pouring from the far corner, gradually moving towards the door;
4. The solution is poured out in small portions, which should be immediately leveled using a roller;

Self-leveling floors are a high-quality, beautiful and very durable coating. If installed correctly, they will decorate the room for many years.