Self levelling compound nightmare

Discussion in 'Subfloor Preparation' started by Paulie67!, Aug 1, 2021.

  1. Paulie67!

    Paulie67! Member

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    Hi Guys,

    Would appreciate some advice after a frustrating and expensive weekend please.

    I attempted to level a plywood utility room floor and connecting gangway floor in preparation of laying Quickstep click vinyl tiles.

    Despite trying to follow all YouTube demos, first attempt resulted in some big dips so tried a second thinner layer. This has turned out worse with some bumps and different dips!

    I tried shaving some of these raised areas down whilst slightly wet but has now completely dried. Ive got a number of bumps still.

    The overall height is too high for another layer and frankly I don’t trust myself to do it. I guess my only option is to grind these areas down. This will be a painful process I’m sure. How perfect does it have to be for vinyl tiles? Will I get away with some minor bumps, dips /imperfections? What is tolerable? Dips are probably 2mm at worst but bumps turn the spirit level into a see-saw.

    Does any one have any tips how to tackle this?

    Many thanks
    Paul
     
  2. Rugmunching

    Rugmunching Well-Known Member

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    Bite the bullet and get a pro in.

    You took on a big challenge for your first go!

    Did you use (or know about) a spikey roller?
    What screed did you use?
     
  3. Yiddo1982

    Yiddo1982 Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you've cost yourself a lot more money because now you gotta grind the floor down and do it again

    Sent from my SM-G998B using Tapatalk
     
  4. Paulie67!

    Paulie67! Member

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    Thanks for your reply. I used Setcrete High Performance from Wickes after using the acrylic primer. Unfortunately didn’t know about the spiked roller. I just trowelled it.

    looking again this morning the utility room seems not too bad but it’s the gangway that I have the problem. It’s 7m long and I had to do both ends first and then the middle section due to access. It seems it’s this middle section that is higher causing the rocking. I obviously put too much on. I think this whole middle third will need grinding down a few mm. Width ways seems flat across.

    Would you suggest going to a traditional flooring company or are their specialists I should look up. I’m in the Surrey area in case of any recommendations.

    Many thanks
     
  5. HC&F

    HC&F Well-Known Member

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    Any pictures?
     
  6. J d clarkson flooring

    J d clarkson flooring Well-Known Member

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    Hire a diamond grinder and take off the high spots and then give it all another skim……
    Or rip it up and get a professional in to sort it, you might get someone as it’s click so isn’t super critical but I won’t fit on subfloors I haven’t fully prepared myself as if it’s not down correctly it could fail.
     
  7. Paulie67!

    Paulie67! Member

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    Thanks very much for responses and sorry for the delay. Unfortunately it won’t let me upload photos for some reason saying files too large.

    Had a flooring company come out and they said it’s adhered properly and they would add a thin layer to feather out. They didn’t seem to grind down for some reason. My concern is this floor is going to get even higher.

    Tried Googling for floor grinding services but all I can find are commercial concrete polishers.

    How easy would it be to use a hired floor grinder given it would be operated by a novice? Would you wet the floor to reduce dust or just attach a suitable vacuum?

    How much do these things take off? I think I could be looking at needing to take off 3mm for quite a large section say 4m2. How long would that take for example?



    many thanks
     
  8. dazlight

    dazlight Super Moderator

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    If you find a local flooring shop that sells LVT / commercial vinyl they should have a grinder and see if they can do it.
     
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  9. merit

    merit Well-Known Member

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    Dont do it yourself or you will be bursting out the front door like a contestant from starts in their eyes. Those grinders kick up some dust without the correct dust extractors attached. I found in the past even if you find a company that has a floor grinder to hire they don’t have the extractor to go with it.


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