Although concrete floors are renowned for their durability and overall convenience, they are still susceptible to sloping over time. It can be quite frustrating to have your concrete floors slope and deteriorate, especially since it can be quite costly to hire someone to level them for you.
You can level your concrete floor by yourself. To level your concrete floor, you will have to assess the situation, clean your floor, and clearly mark the uneven areas. Thereafter, you will have to grind the uneven points, get your hands on some self-leveling compound, and level your concrete floor by applying it over your floor.
If this is your first time dealing with a sloping concrete floor, this leveling process may seem complicated. However, do not fret because we will be taking you through each step of the process in great detail.
Leveling Sloping Concrete Floor (Complete Guide)
Step 1: Evaluate the Situation
Before you make any purchases or take any actions to fix your sloping concrete floor, it is crucial that you take some time to evaluate the situation and develop a plan of action. Bear in mind that if you do not plan well, you could easily end up ruining your entire floor.
A crucial component of this evaluation phase is identifying what caused your concrete floor to become uneven. When you know the cause, you will be able to compile a more effective plan to fix the problem.
We recommend examining the material that was used underneath the cement. There are materials, such as clay, that are prone to shrink and expand under different conditions. If you discover that the material beneath the cement is damaged, you will have to fix it.
While evaluating the situation, you should consider the gravity of the situation. You should also decide on the amount of self-level concrete you would need. By doing so, you will be able to estimate an appropriate budget for the project.
Step 2: Clean the Floor
You should prepare the floor for fixing by removing all furniture, appliances, rugs, and anything else that may be on your floor. The room should be completely clear. After clearing the room, you should use a designated chemical concrete cleaner.
You should apply the concrete cleaner onto your floor and use a brush to scrub. The cleaner will remove dirt and oil. After scrubbing, allow the cleaner to remain on your floor for an hour, then you may remove it.
After cleaning your floor with the concrete cleaner, you may notice that your floor is not completely clean. You may find some chips, flakes, or other forms of debris. Use a metal scraper to slowly remove these imperfections. Thereafter sweep and vacuum your floor.
You need to ensure that your floor is as clean as possible because that will ensure that the fresh layer of cement adheres well with the old floor. The cleaner your floor, the better the final result will be.
Step 3: Mark Uneven Areas
You can identify the uneven areas by using the level bar method. This method is quite straightforward – you simply must drag the bar across your floor. As you are dragging the bar, you should check that the flat edge remains against the floor.
If the flat edge is not completely on the floor, that is an indication of an uneven area. As you identify the uneven areas, you should clearly mark them.
Step 4: Grind Down the Uneven Points
Use a concrete grinder to grind down the uneven points. This process can be quite hazardous hence you need to wear protective gear while using the concrete grinder. We urge you to wear gloves and eye protection.
When using the concrete grinder, you should lay the disc on the marked areas and start moving the machine back and forth, until the area is level with the rest of the floor. Repeat this process until all marked areas have been leveled, then vacuum all the dust and debris.
Step 5: Prepare and Apply the Bonding Agent
To prepare the bonding agent, you should dilute it with some water according to the instructions on the bottle. Once you have diluted the bonding agent, you can apply it onto the floor by using a nap roller.
Wait until the bonding agent has dried to a point where it is sticky but no longer runny. The stickiness is essential for allowing the new cement to bond with the old floor.
Step 6: Prepare and Apply Self-Leveling Compound
You should prepare the self-leveling compound mix according to the ratio that is indicated on the packaging. Add the correct amount of water and leveling compound in a bucket and mix them using a mixing drill.
Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, which is thick but not too thick to the extent where you cannot easily pour it onto your floor, you can pour the mixture onto your floor. Thereafter, ensure that the mixture is evenly distributed by using a squeegee and the level bar.
Remember that at this stage of the process, speed is essential. The cement will begin hardening within 20 minutes, therefore you should level it as quickly and accurately as you can. You should typically only need to over about a quarter-inch above the only floor.
Your new concrete floor should be dry within 48 hours. Thereafter you can move your furniture back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much would it cost to level uneven concrete?
It has been estimated that the cost of leveling concrete could add up to half the cost of replacing the entire floor. However, in terms of actual prices, you can expect to pay between $3 to $6 for each square foot.
Is my uneven floor something to worry about?
An uneven floor is usually indicative of a more serious underlying problem regarding a foundational or structural malfunction in your home. However, an uneven floor is not always a cause for worry.
