Is Self-Leveling Concrete Good?: When and When Not to Use
If you spot a few sections of concrete in your slab floors that don’t align, you’re not alone. Uneven concrete is common in many homes but can quickly become a safety hazard.
That makes prompt repair important, but it needs to be done correctly. Many homeowners choose quick and easy fixes like self-leveling concrete, but while they may work temporarily, they are not a lasting solution. Many factors can cause them to fail.
Learn when to use self-leveling concrete, when to avoid it, and why it’s not a reliable solution for concrete lifting or repair. Discover how local professionals can help you create a safer living environment.
What Is Self-Leveling Concrete?
Self-leveling concrete is designed for ease of use, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. Made from polymer-modified cement, advancements have made it more user-friendly than ever. With quicker drying time, minimal water requirements, and compatibility with various materials and finishes, DIY enthusiasts can achieve smooth, level surfaces when patching or resurfacing interior floors. Self-leveling concrete costs vary based on area size and thickness, with additional labor costs for professional installation.
When to Use Self-Leveling Concrete
Although more expensive than traditional concrete, self-leveling products—typically applied at a depth of 1 to 2 inches—can be used for small-scale repairs and home improvement projects where structural reinforcement isn’t necessary. Self-leveling concrete has applications in various commercial and residential contexts, including radiant heating system installation, surface renovation, and floor leveling. Once considered a specialty material, innovations have made self-leveling concrete accessible to homeowners looking to refresh their concrete floors affordably.
When Not to Use Self-Leveling Concrete
Self-leveling concrete is also not appropriate in certain situations, namely when thicker slabs or structural support are required. The material is also not ideal for outdoor surfaces, large areas, or areas with too much moisture.
It can be particularly challenging to work with self-leveling concrete. Issues include limited working time due to the material’s quick drying time, the potential for staining tools and surfaces, and not strengthening unstable underlying surfaces.
Additionally, DIY repairs with self-leveling concrete can quickly become dangerous and costly if not done correctly. DIY mistakes are a common issue we encounter when inspecting homes that require concrete repair.
What Can Go Wrong with Self-Leveling Concrete
Before running out to a local big-box store and purchasing self-leveling concrete to fix your problematic slab floors, it’s essential to know how to use the material and what can go wrong in the process.
- Inadequate Site Preparation: If your slab floor is not clean, free of debris and other obstructions, or primed ahead of time, the self-leveling concrete may not bond properly.
- Existing Moisture Issues: If there’s too much moisture in the area where you plan to apply self-leveling concrete, such as a basement, it will not cure properly and can contribute to additional problems and damage.
- Improper Mixing: Adding too much or too little water to the premixed powder or liquid and not using proper mixing tools creates inconsistencies and lumps. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential.
- Incorrect Pouring and Spreading: If you pour too much of the material in one area or do not use a smoothing tool, it will not distribute evenly or achieve the needed thickness.
- Curing and Drying Issues: While self-leveling concrete may only take a few hours to dry (as opposed to a day or more with conventional cement), problems can arise, including air bubbles and cracks.
- Missing or Wrong Tools: For the process, you’ll need several tools and pieces of equipment, including a broom, mixing buckets, a gauge rake, a spiked roller or cleats, and primer. One misstep or missing tool can lead to a failed installation.
Any misstep during installation can cause the compound to spread uncontrollably, creating a mess and cracks in the finished product.
5 Practical Alternatives for Thick Slabs and Structural Support
Self-leveling concrete isn’t the only answer to your concrete repair. It’s important to consider factors including load requirements, necessary thickness, moisture concerns, time constraints, and budget so you can choose the most appropriate solution for your specific project needs.
1. Traditional Concrete Slab
- Best For: Large areas requiring significant thickness (2 inches or more) and structural strength.
- Advantages: It can be reinforced with rebar or wire mesh for added strength. Suitable for load-bearing floors.
- Application: Pour the concrete mix, level with screed boards, and finish with trowels or power floats.
2. Dry Pack Mortar
- Best For: Thick applications (up to 4 inches) and sloped areas.
- Advantages: Low shrinkage, high compressive strength, can be applied in varying thicknesses.
- Application: Mix with minimal water, apply in layers, and compact thoroughly.
3. Structural Lightweight Concrete
- Best For: Projects requiring reduced dead load but maintaining structural integrity.
- Advantages: Lighter than traditional concrete, has good insulating properties and can be reinforced.
- Application: Similar to traditional concrete but requires careful mix design and placement.
4. Two-Stage Concrete
- Best For: Very thick applications (6 inches or more) where cost is a concern.
- Advantages: Economical for deep pours, reduces shrinkage.
- Application: Place large aggregate in the form, then grout with a cement-sand mixture.
5. Foam Concrete
- Best For: Situations requiring minimal weight but substantial thickness.
- Advantages: Extremely lightweight, good insulation properties, can be poured in place.
- Application: Specialized equipment is required for mixing and pumping.
Professional Concrete Lifting: The Better Alternative
Whether you want to lift your slab foundation floor, concrete basement floor, or garage slab floor, it’s worth it to invest in concrete lifting and leveling from a seasoned pro like your local Groundworks company.
Along with the tools and training big-box store solutions can’t match, we have decades of experience addressing problematic concrete slabs and installing innovative and customized solutions to meet your needs.
Our state-of-the-art PolyRenewal™ system is a fast-acting, cost-effective, long-lasting approach. While some drilling is involved, only small holes are required to inject high-density polyurethane foam underneath the affected concrete slabs. The foam quickly hardens (completely cures within 15 minutes) to fill any voids, allowing for the precise lifting and leveling of the concrete.
We fill and smooth out the drilled holes, leaving no trace of concrete repair except for your level floor.
Contact Groundworks for Concrete Leveling Near You!
An uneven concrete floor is unsightly and unsafe for you and your family. Don’t put off its repair or waste time and money on temporary solutions like self-leveling concrete. Ensure your concrete floors remain stable with trusted professional concrete leveling from Groundworks.
Our teams know how frustrating it can be to deal with concrete problems, but you can benefit from our expertise and personalized, lasting repairs. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and repair estimate and take the first step toward a safer living environment.
Concrete Lifting FAQs
Common problem signs indicating that your concrete may need to be lifted and repaired include cracks, heaving or sinking areas, or visible gaps between slabs. Unevenness can cause safety concerns, such as tripping hazards, and can also negatively impact the aesthetics of your property.
The polyurethane foam injection method from Groundworks allows the surface to be used on the same day as the installation. The foam cures within 15 minutes. This is far more efficient than other methods like mudjacking, self-leveling concrete, or repouring, which can take hours or days to harden.
The costs of concrete lifting vary based on project-specific details like the size of the concrete area and the severity of the damage. PolyRenewal™ injections are cost-effective compared to complete slab replacement or DIY installations. Contact a local professional for a free concrete inspection and estimate.
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Holly Richards-Purpura
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.