Sub-flooring, whether it is plywood or concrete, has areas that are not level. Older homes can be especially prone to uneven sub-flooring. To level the sub-floor, self-leveling cement is added to areas that have dips or bumps. Preparing the sub-floor for self-leveling cement varies depending on the type of sub-floor in your home. Plywood sub-floors require a latex primer that seals the plywood. Self-leveling cement is non-structural. Plywood sub-floors also require joist bracing if the floor is unstable.
Instructions
1. Walk the plywood sub-floor to determine if it is stable. Listen for creaks. When you encounter areas of the sub-floor that creak or move when you apply weight, you will need to secure and support the sub-flooring. Secure loose areas of the sub-floor by screwing a 3-inch wood screw through the sub-floor and into the floor joists. Stubborn areas will require you to go under the sub-floor and install joist braces to the floor joists. Install the joist braces per the manufacturer's installation instructions.
2. Place the 4-foot level on the sub-floor. When you discover an area that requires attention, mark the area with the carpenter's pencil. After all areas of concern are found, sweep the floor to remove large debris. Wash down the sub-flooring with a damp mop to remove dust from the sub-floor. Allow the area to dry.
3. Open the latex prime can with the flathead screwdriver. Mix the primer thoroughly using the paint stirrer. Pour the primer directly from the can onto the sub-floor. Roll an even coat of primer on the sub-floor with the paint roller. Allow the primer to dry completely before mixing the self-leveling cement.
4. Fill the 5-gallon bucket 1/3 full with clean water. Pour 1/3 of the bag of powdered self-leveling cement into the 5 gallon bucket. Attach the hook mixer to the drill. Start mixing the self-leveling cement slowly. Add water as necessary to bring the self-leveling cement to the consistency of pea soup.
5. Pour the self-leveling concrete onto the sub-floor. Fill the lowest areas first. If more self-leveling concrete is required, mix it quickly. The floor leveling cement has a working time of 10 minutes. Pour the additional self-leveling cement onto the floor. Feather the edges of the self-leveling cement with the 12-inch drywall blade. Do not over-work the surface.
6. Allow the self-leveling cement to properly cure before you continue leveling the sub-floor. When new self-leveling cement is added to an area where cured floor leveler is located, it is imperative that you feather the edges thoroughly to avoid high spots. If you encounter high spots, lightly sand the area with a drywall sanding pad.
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