Self-leveling mortar is sometimes essential for proper flooring preparation.
Many home owners are inspired by the aggressive pricing the big box stores are offering these days on tile and laminate flooring. They are quick to pull up that old carpet with the hope of a simple DIY project -- only to find an unlevel floor underneath. But, with the right tools and know-how, fixing this problem is straightforward. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean the floor where the mortar will be poured. This is crucial to the installation of any type of mortar product. Be sure that all dust is swept up or vacuumed from the surface. If needed, set fans on the floor to help dry any wet or damp concrete.
2. Apply the primer as directed by the manufacturer. Primer is crucial to obtaining a good bond between the floor and the self-leveling mortar. Allow this to dry as directed.
3. Fill the bucket with the amount of water designated on the bag of mortar. You may want to hold back about 10% of the water and add it once the mortar has been mixed to ensure the proper consistency.
4. Begin churning the water with the mixing paddle. You will want the water moving when you begin to add the dry mortar mix, maintaining approximately 500 RPM.
5. Add the dry mortar mix to the churning water. Continue adding the mortar mix until the entire bag is empty. You want a consistency similar to that of pancake batter. Add the remaining 10% water if you held back.
6. Pour the mixed mortar immediately onto the floor. Don't allow the mortar to set too long in the bucket once it's mixed. Depending on the mortar you're using, the set time can be as quick as 15 minutes.
7. Work the mortar with the gauge spreader. While you don't want to push the mortar in any specific direction, you do want to keep it moving so that it can find the proper place to set. The idea here is to ensure the mortar has had a chance to find its own level and not simply sit in a pool. Again, if you have mixed the mortar as directed on the bag, the material will be at the perfect consistency to "flow" in the right direction.
8. Feather the edges of the mortar with the trowel. Once the mortar has reached its level, it's a good practice to smooth the edges with the steel trowel to ensure a smooth transition. Do this very lightly only where needed.
Tags: churning water, mixed mortar, mortar with
