Self-levelling cement screed is now widely used for concrete floors because of its versatility and ease of use. This liquid, fast-drying product is an excellent option for achieving a polished and tidy finish, whether you are tackling a small DIY flooring project or undertaking significant renovations. However, for this kind of screed to produce the best results, it must be complemented by the right tools. In this article, we will go through the essential self-levelling cement screed tools for beginners and experts. This post should serve as a helpful guide to adequately equip you for your next flooring endeavour.
Although most flooring is more of an art form than a science and every contractor has their own specific personal preferences there are several items than must be used to achieve the required result. These systems may be called self-levelling screeds, but they are technically not self-levelling but self-smoothing. This means the system has to be placed and levelled out first, before the system becomes smooth. This is the reason you will require the list of tools below.
Floor Preparation Tools
Before the self-levelling cement screed pouring process, you must ensure that the floor has been perfectly flattened. It is important to smooth out the surface to get rid of ridges, bumps, and any unevenness with a few handheld grinders. A solid concrete floor grinder (250mm to 500mm) with relevant diamond wedges, cups, or segments, a hand grinder, or a 125mm to 180mm edge grinder with related diamond cups, an angle grinder with crack-chasing blades, and a level to ensure you’re on the right track will be your best bets. Additionally, remember some extension cables, a dust mask for health and safety purposes, and a sturdy vacuum cleaner to clear up the cement dust.
Recommended Tools Checklist:
- Concrete Floor Grinder (250mm to 500mm) with diamond wedges, cups, or segments
- Hand Grinder or Edge Grinder (125mm to 180mm) with diamond cups
- Angle Grinder with crack-chasing blades
- A level for accuracy
- Extension Cables
- Dust Mask for health and safety
- Vacuum Cleaner to clear up cement dust
Mixing Tools
Once the floor has been prepared, the next step is creating the self-levelling cement screed. This will need a high-quality, high-torque electric hand-held mixer with accompanying drum clips and paddles, a few mixing buckets, and a measuring jug to measure the required water accurately. Mixing needs caution and strict adherence to the instructions because too much or too little water will seriously affect the material and the final product.
Recommended Tools Checklist:
- High-Quality, High-Torque Electric Hand-Held Paint Mixer
- Mixing Buckets
- Measuring Jug for accurate water measurement
Installation Tools for Self-Levelling Systems
The ultimate step takes the form of self-levelling cement screed installation and requires a notable list of items. Ensure you have these tools ready.
Recommended Tools Checklist:
- Moisture Metre for concrete moisture content
- Gauging Rake for systems from 2mm to 4mm thick
- Tri-Glide for systems from 3mm to 10mm thick
- Floor Spreader for systems from 10mm to 50mm thick
- 31mm Spike Rollers to de-aerate the screed
- Spike Shoes to walk on the screed while spike rolling
- Medium Nap, No-Shed Rollers for applying primer
- Quality Paint Brushes
- Putty Knives for patching compounds
- Sandpaper for surface imperfections or unwanted grit
- Steel Sprung Squeegees for smoothing the screed before spike rolling
- Extension Poles for gauging rakes, rollers, and spike rollers
- Safety Gear: Gloves, knee pads, safety glasses
- Additional Supplies: Cotton cloths, garbage bags, barrier tape, masking tape, plastic sheeting
How to Find High-Quality Tools
Discovering top-notch tools is essential for the success of your self-levelling cement screed venture. Begin by researching well-known brands that are recognised for being sturdy and dependable. Checking out online reviews and testimonials allows you to gain understanding of the experiences of fellow users. Shopping at specialised stores, whether in-store or online, that specialise in flooring and construction materials can guarantee you receive expert guidance and suggestions. For instance, FloorHQ provides a wide selection of approved, top-notch tools. Also, think about purchasing tools that come with warranties or guarantees, as these often indicate the manufacturer’s belief in their product’s durability and quality.
Conclusion
FloorHQ offers premium products for sale. Getting professional results every time is made easy with FloorHQ’s durable and user-friendly tools, just a click away. Having the correct concrete levelling tools is crucial when it comes to properly preparing, mixing, and installing self-levelling cement screed to achieve optimal results. Arm yourself with these tools, adhere to the instructions, and revolutionise your flooring projects effortlessly and effectively.