Bulk polymer floors - their advantages and disadvantages. Do-it-yourself polymer floors: the initial stage. Types of polymer floors
Floor coverings in this design are becoming increasingly common in civil and industrial construction. The reason for this is factors such as their exceptional strength and durability. In addition, polymer self-leveling floors are characterized by an extremely simple execution technology, which allows you to make them yourself.
The combination of the words “self-leveling floor” or 3D floor is familiar to many, but few know what these terms mean. How to arrange such coatings, how environmentally friendly and durable they are, and how to make them yourself. These and many more questions would like to be clarified by those who wish to acquire such a progressive floor covering.
On the advantages and disadvantages of polymer self-leveling floors
Like any engineering solution, flooring made of polymeric materials has a number of advantages, but it is also endowed with certain disadvantages.
The advantages include their properties:
- the elasticity of the coating, which determines their ability to endure building vibrations, both seismic and seasonal;
- sustainability polymer coating to any reagents and high humidity;
- Fire safety;
- simplicity of manufacturing technology, allowing you to make the coating yourself;
- ease of maintenance and care;
- long life cycle polymer coating;
- despite the very smooth surface, such coatings are non-slip;
- many options for execution, including original drawings and patterns.
The disadvantages include the following points:
- A high-quality polymer floor is really expensive, but it has no equal in terms of reliability and durability. There are no full-fledged statistics on their operation yet, but the practice of application speaks of their high performance. Of course, if the installer does not chase cheapness and does not purchase low-quality material that is exposed to harsh ultraviolet radiation. As a result, clouding of the composition, the appearance of yellowness and loss of visual perception are possible;
- for the installation of a polymer floor, a very even and solid base is required;
- there are problems when you want to replace flooring to another. The high adhesion of the material and its strength characteristics make it almost impossible to dismantle it, the next coating will have to be arranged on top of the polymer one;
- the polymer layer is very sensitive to the humidity of the base, which should not exceed 4%. During installation, the temperature in the room should not change by more than two degrees.
Classification of polymer floors
Separation of materials can be carried out according to various criteria. The most used is the classification according to the materials used:
- Epoxy self-leveling floors are the most popular due to their high elasticity and strength characteristics composition.
- Bulk floors from polyurethane, differ in the increased durability.
- Methyl methacrylate coatings are characterized by fast curing and increased coating strength. Most often used in industrial premises.
- Floors for the same purpose are made from urea, and there is no need to stop production, since they are applied by spraying.
- Polyester-based mortars are the cheapest and most unreliable way to install self-leveling floors, which cannot guarantee a positive result.
How much does a self-leveling floor device cost
The technology by which the polymer flooring is arranged is simple. The main labor costs in this case fall on the implementation of preparatory work. The final success of all work depends on the quality of preparation. Therefore, the price in each case depends on the amount of training and its content.
Therefore, in the market of services for pouring polymer floors, the price per square meter of floor ranges from 350 to 600 rubles and is determined after a thorough inspection of the object.
Self-leveling flooring technology
Before purchasing materials, you should decide on a number of points:
- type and purpose of the premises;
- the magnitude of the possible loads on the floor;
- the need to introduce decorative elements into the composition of the coating;
- the desire to give the floor certain properties - antistatic, anti-slip and others;
- optimization of costs, taking into account the price-quality ratio.
Self-leveling floor tools
During the work you will need:
- a container for the preparation of plastic mass with a capacity of at least 20 liters;
- drill with adjustable speed and a special nozzle for mixing the components of the self-leveling floor. It is necessary to choose a nozzle along the length - it should provide mixing of the mass to the bottom;
- a spatula designed to distribute the mixture in hard-to-reach places;
- spatula in the form of a doctor blade for uniform distribution of the plastic mass over the supporting surface;
- needle roller - to remove air bubbles from the plastic layer;
- studded soles - for moving around the filled space with the least impact on the filling layer.
- a solvent used to clean the tool from the remnants of the plastic mass. It must be selected, following the instructions on the packaging of the base material.
In addition to the above, you need to stock up on household rubber gloves to protect the skin.
Calculation of the amount of materials
The self-leveling floor is arranged in different thicknesses, the average value is 1.5 - 3.0 mm. Also, the amount of material depends on the use of the filler, or what the quartz sand is used for.
The calculation is simple: for 1 square meter of the floor surface, 1 liter of polymer mixture is required with a layer thickness of 1 mm. Accordingly, the need is recalculated at the planned thickness. The result must be multiplied by the density of the composition, which is indicated by the manufacturer on the package. Usually it is 1.25 - 1.40 kg / liter. Wanting to reduce consumption, the manufacturer often includes a filler in the composition, achieving a density of up to 1.70 kg / liter.
With a filler in the composition, the consumption of plastic is halved.
Preparing the base for the 3D floor
The main requirements for the supporting surface on which polymer floors are installed are their strict horizontality and humidity level. Therefore, for a concrete floor, it is better to use a semi-dry screed, on top of which you need to make a leveling layer up to 5 mm thick. This will allow you to get a fairly flat horizontal surface. In the material of the leveling screed, fiber chips should be used as a reinforcing additive. The finished floor must be thoroughly dried. Further:
- surface concrete screed must be cleaned of dust with an industrial vacuum cleaner;
- remove grease stains and dirt, using solvents if necessary;
- when working with an old concrete base, it is necessary to cut the detected cracks and fill them with epoxy, and only after that do a leveling screed;
- the porous surface must be treated with sealing - this is a solution with strong penetrating properties.
It is traditionally believed that the surface of an old wooden floor is not suitable for polymer self-leveling floors. However, with some preparation, in a residential environment, this is quite possible. For this you need:
- open the floor, inspect the logs, if necessary, replace or repair the unusable ones;
- close the floor, additionally strengthen the fastening of the boards;
- remove old paint;
- close cracks in the boards and the gaps between them with putty on wood, dry, sand the repair sites with sandpaper;
- remove dust from the surface, arrange a leveling self-leveling screed.
The next steps are the same as for concrete base, and for wood.
Surface primer
What kind of primer is needed for a specific floor material is always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the base material. These recommendations must be followed carefully. The primer is applied to the surface with a fine-haired roller or, for small areas, with a paint brush. Quartz sand is added to the composition of the soil. This increases the adhesion surface of the main floor and the base. After the primed surface has dried, a second coat of primer must be applied.
Polymer coating
stirring finishing composition produced in accordance with the instructions on the package. In this case, it is imperative to achieve the highest possible uniform mixing using a drill with a nozzle.
At the end of mixing, the resulting mass must be poured onto the floor and dispersed along the supporting surface with the rule. After that, the applied layer is carefully rolled with a spiked roller. This operation is needed to remove air bubbles and evenly distribute the plastic mass over the floor surface. Moving along the floor during the pouring process is possible only on needle soles.
If there are signs of thickening of the composition, work with it must be suspended. On the surface of the layer you need to place decorative elements 3D floors: shells, coins, pebbles and other things that the performer wants to see on his floor.
The final transparent layer of the coating is applied after the previous one has cured. Moving along the newly created surface is possible on the second day after pouring, full operation - on the eighth day.
Application area
Self-leveling polymer floors can be used in premises of any purpose, both domestic or industrial, and office.
The main limiting parameter for 3D floors is their high cost. But at the same time, there are positive points as high strength, durability as well as beauty performance.
The simple technology of the device allows you to do them yourself. I wish you success!
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Self-leveling polymer floors have become one of the most popular coatings recently for finishing industrial, public and residential premises due to a number of its advantages.
The main advantages of polymer floors
- Self-leveling floors have no analogues in their own way. appearance which makes them the market leader in this segment. The polymer coating can have a wide variety of colors, patterns or patterns. Its glossy reflective surface visually gives the rooms space and light. Especially popular are polymer floors with a 3D effect, which transmit three-dimensional images. Thanks to these properties, polymer floors are used in luxury residential areas, exhibition halls, halls of cultural palaces and other places where a spectacular look is needed.
- The strength of bulk polymer coatings contributes to the fact that they are widely used in industry. Industrial polymer floors are selected depending on the scope of production. For enterprises of heavy production, cement-acrylic floors of high impact strength are more suitable, and for industries with an increased level of vibration, polyurethane polymer coatings are more suitable.
- Due to the good adhesion to the side walls and the absence of seams, polymer floors have become indispensable where needed. increased requirements hygiene and cleanliness - in medical laboratories, pharmaceuticals.
The only drawback of such coatings will be quite high price, as well as the cost of work, since the installation of a polymer self-leveling floor implies compliance with an accurate and technological process.
Materials for self-leveling polymeric floors
Polymer floors are divided into several types, depending on the materials from which they are made. In turn, the main characteristics of the polymer coating and its scope depend on the composition of the materials. Consider their main types.
- Acrylic - methyl acrylic and cement-acrylic
By mixing acrylic with cement, a polymer coating of increased strength is obtained. Methylacrylic floors harden very quickly and withstand high temperatures. Such floors are most often used for premises of the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
- Epoxy
Epoxy coatings are made from epoxy resins. The material is safe for health, and therefore the coatings are used for public spaces. Increasingly, self-leveling polymer floors are used as a coating in an apartment, they look especially beautiful in rooms with a large area or near the pool.
- Polyurethane
Polyurethane floors are the most durable, but at the same time, the most expensive. They withstand some vibration and surface instability, therefore they are relevant in industrial applications.
No matter what material polymer floors are made of, they go on sale mainly in bags of 25 kilograms. This amount covers an average of 10 square meters floor, but it all depends on the thickness and material from which the mixture is made. Experienced professionals use the mixing of polymer mixtures with sand or other components to improve the quality. In order to apply polymer coatings, you need to follow the process technology, consider the main features.
Do-it-yourself self-leveling polymer floors
In order to make a self-leveling polymer floor with your own hands, you must first prepare the base. This is one of the main and important steps that will take the most time and effort. To fill the polymer floor, it is necessary to provide a perfectly even coating with adhesion (sticking property).
Most often they make a concrete screed, which is the basis for pouring a polymer floor. To do this, you need to mark everything, install beacons, distribute between beacons concrete mix, mixed before this in correct proportions. This is a whole process that will require a lot of effort, and then you still need to endure a cycle of 28-30 days until the screed is completely solidified.
Before pouring the polymer floor, the concrete screed is leveled with a special grinder, you can do it with a grinder. How smooth the coating can be measured with a ruler level. Then it is cleaned of dust and debris.
To improve adhesion, the floor is treated with a primer and waiting for it to dry completely. Then, using a construction mixer, the mixture of the polymer floor is stirred and poured. To level, you need to smooth the polymer layer with a special mop.
Walking on a liquid consistency will help special - wet shoes (nozzles for shoes with needles). Needles not only do not spoil the liquid layer, but also help it to level out. A special roller with needles is also used to prevent the formation of air in the polymer coating. Everything must be leveled very quickly, since the solution hardens within an hour.
Industrial polymer floors cannot be made without the use of special machines and mechanisms that will ensure fast grinding large areas and complete dust removal.
Bulk polymer floors are considered to be the coating of the future, as they are able to perform many functions and have undeniable advantages over their counterparts.
Video how to make self-leveling floors with your own hands
Building mixtures for self-leveling floors appeared relatively recently. Despite high cost fluid screeds quickly became in demand as an alternative to traditional cement screeds, and polymer compounds are popular as a topcoat and are valued not only for protective, but also for decorative characteristics. They are made from different components, but they all have a high fluidity.
Such mixtures are also called self-leveling or self-leveling, and in relation to polymer compositions, the name liquid floors is also found. They are easily and evenly distributed over the surface, without forming bumps, sagging, deviations from the horizontal plane.
Some sources equate self-leveling floors and polymer finishes, others refer to self-leveling floors all fluid screeds, including those without polymer additives. Self-leveling floors in a broad sense are called:
- Dry mixes for the main screed, which have a higher fluidity compared to CPS (cement-sand screed), harden and dry faster
- Dry mixes to eliminate minor irregularities in the existing concrete screed, which are applied in a thinner layer
- Polymer topcoats that perform protective as well as decorative function and applied with a layer of a couple of millimeters
Self-leveling floors differ in composition and scope. Initially, polymeric liquid floors were industrial and were used to protect concrete from wear, damage, and prevent dust formation.
Now they are actively used in residential areas to create a protective and decorative coating, there is a fashion for self-leveling 3D floors (a pattern is attached to the base and poured on top with a transparent polymer). But household ones are considered to be cheaper and less durable compounds without polymer components, which are used as a screed and leveling layer, and polymer self-leveling floors are traditionally classified as industrial.
Varieties of self-leveling floors by composition
Concrete, gypsum and polymer concrete mixtures can be used to make a screed and level the existing one. Cement-free, anhydrite-free, non-water-thinnable polymer formulations are more expensive, typically used for top coats, and applied in thinner coats.
Concrete self-leveling floors
Mixes are made on the basis of non-shrinking cement and fine sand and/or limestone. The finer the filler fraction, the smoother, even surface is obtained, therefore self-leveling screeds with the finest filler are also used as a top coat (for example, Vetonit 3000, a mixture based on special cements with limestone filler with a fraction of up to 0.3 mm, it can be applied layer up to 5 mm).
Such a mixture spreads better than DSP, the coating from it is highly durable (for products of different brands, the compressive strength is 15-20 MPa and higher). It dries faster - you can walk on the screed in a maximum of a day, for Vetonit mixtures such a load is possible after 3-4 hours, for Eunice Horizon fast-hardening - after 3, for Osnovit Termlite - after 2. Final hardening, after which you can proceed to the next stage work takes up to 3 weeks.
Gypsum screeds
It is more correct to call them anhydrite, instead of cement, they use substances that practically do not contain water (“anhydrite” means “anhydrous”) and due to this they have minimal shrinkage. It can be calcium sulfate anhydrite (an anhydrous analogue of natural gypsum), synthetic anhydrites of various origins. The composition of such mixtures for screeds also includes mineral fillers and modifying additives:
- superplasticizers, allowing to achieve greater fluidity with a lower water content in ready mix
- defoamers that reduce the content of air bubbles in the finished mixture, due to which the porosity of the coating increases and the strength decreases
- hardening accelerators
Such mixtures, due to minimal shrinkage, practically do not form cracks during the aging period, have the best thermal insulation characteristics in comparison with DSP, harden faster. So, you can walk on a screed from a mixture of Hercules after 24 hours, Knauf-Boden-15 hardens enough to withstand a pedestrian load after 3 hours, Eunice Eco - after 4. And you can start laying the floor base on a gypsum screed after 1-2 weeks.
Most often, such compounds are used to level the surface in residential and administrative premises, they are applied with a layer of up to 45 mm. They are sensitive to water and are suitable for rooms with a normal level of humidity, and the floor covering can be laid on top of them after the residual moisture content of the screed drops to 0.3-0.5%.
Polymer concrete self-leveling floors
These compositions, along with cement binder and filler, contain additives of polymer resins that increase the fluidity, plasticity of the mixture and give additional strength to the floors. Such coatings withstand significant mechanical loads, their compressive strength is 30-40 MPa, so these mixtures are more often used in industrial premises. They are more affordable than polymer self-leveling floors, so they can be applied in a thicker layer and used as a leveling layer and protective coating. Their advantages:
- durability - up to 10 years
- good adhesion to the concrete base, no shrinkage and cracks
- ecological cleanliness
- concrete dust neutralization, ease of maintenance
- the possibility of adding dyes and creating decorative coatings
- fast hardening. For example, different brands polymer concrete industrial self-leveling floors Weber Vetonit foot load can be subjected after 1-5 hours, full - after a week
Polymer self-leveling floors
Polymer-based mixtures do not contain any cement or gypsum or water. They have different composition, emit epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, polyester, methyl methacrylate self-leveling floors, the first two varieties are the most popular.
Epoxy
This is a two-component composition, sold separately epoxy resin, hardener separately, and they are mixed immediately before use. After polymerization, a monolithic coating with a compressive strength of about 65 MPa is obtained (for example, the epoxy bulk composition QTP® 1030). Such a composition quickly gains strength, the coating is distinguished by hardness, heat resistance and resistance to chemical agents, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, the ability to withstand abrasion and shock loads. The sealed layer protects the concrete base from any adverse effects and prevents the formation of dust.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane self-leveling floors are one-component and two-component, the former are often purchased for domestic needs, the latter are preferred by professionals working at industrial facilities. They differ from epoxy in greater elasticity, their compressive strength is lower, but their bending strength and impact resistance are higher. This composition is widely used in facilities where the floor is subjected to intense vibrations, it is able to prevent the appearance of cracks in the base. Polyurethane liquid floors are non-toxic, do not emit bad smell in the process of application, resistant to temperature fluctuations, not afraid of water and humidity. In terms of resistance to chemical agents, they are inferior to epoxy ones, but they resist household chemicals quite well.
Polymer self-leveling floors can be applied with a layer of 1 mm, there are also cheaper thin-layer epoxy floors that form a layer of 0.5 mm and wear out in 2-4 years, after which they need to be updated.
In the process of preparing two-component formulations, the ratio of components can be changed depending on the requirements for the coating. Also, quartz sand can be added to polymer blends as a filler and create a thicker, rougher coating with anti-slip characteristics. Compositions can be tinted and get floors different colors. Such coatings are durable, thick-layer epoxy floors last 10-20 years, and polyurethane - up to 40.
Outcome
Self-leveling floors in the narrow sense are one-component or two-component polymer compositions that can be applied in a thin layer to create a protective and decorative finishing floor covering. In a broader sense, self-leveling screeds based on special grades of cement or anhydrites, with and without polymer additives, are also referred to as self-leveling floors. Such compositions make it possible to obtain high-strength floors that quickly harden and do not give noticeable shrinkage. Polymer mixtures belong to industrial floors, but they are also used in residential areas.
Polymer floors - coating for floors made of concrete, metal, wood and others building materials created on the basis synthetic materials, which give the surface special properties. This type of floor is widely used in food production shops, laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, medical and educational institutions.
Polymer floors, when properly performed, have high wear resistance and resistance to aggressive chemical environments (oils, gasoline, solvents). And the almost perfect evenness of the floor surface creates convenience and ease of cleaning, which distinguishes polymer floors from other types of structures.
Types of polymer floors
Polymer coatings are most often made on the basis of polyurethane or epoxy compounds, as well as methyl methacrylate resins. Each of these compounds has certain characteristics and can be used for certain conditions.
- Best of all are suitable for operation in rooms with intensive vibration loadings. In addition, they are able to withstand the impact of abrasives on the surface.
- more suitable for workshops with shock and mechanical loads, high humidity and application chemical compositions. Vapor-permeable epoxy floors can be laid on a damp concrete base.
- especially fast in execution and curing, which allows them to quickly start exploiting. Due to their unique composition, this type of floor can be created even at low temperatures. In addition, they are characterized by increased strength and resistance to most damaging factors.
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Depending on the thickness, polymer floors are:
- High strength - the most reliable floors that can withstand any load, having a thickness of up to 6 mm.
- Medium strength - floors of medium thickness (1.5-3 mm).
- Thin - thin floor coverings used in places of minor physical exertion (apartment). The thickness of the coating layer usually does not exceed 1.5 mm.
- Dedusting - floors that are thin film, applied over a concrete base, and acting as a protection against dirt and dust.
- Coloring - floors in which the polymer is applied in order to give the desired shade. The average layer thickness is - 0.4 mm.
Depending on the filler contained, the polymer flooring can be:
- with a smooth or rough surface;
- with a textured surface;
- containing particles of mineral substances;
- highly filled, i.e. contains large particles;
- combined.
The applied mixtures can be:
- One-component - mixtures ready for application and containing only the base.
- Two-component - consist of a base and a hardener, which must be mixed before starting work.
- Three-component - mixtures containing in their composition a base, a hardener and various additives.
Advantages of polymer floors
- Solidity. Polymer floors are seamless, which makes them airtight. That is why they do not create conditions for the accumulation of moisture.
- Dust free. Formed over the floor polymer film prevents dusting of the concrete base.
- Wear resistance. Polymer floors are able to withstand abrasion that occurs under the influence of abrasive substances.
- chemical neutrality. In other words, polymer coatings do not emit harmful substances and do not react with most chemically active components.
- Anti-slip. At special processing surface is formed textured coating, which does not allow slipping, which prevents the possibility of injury.
- Fire safety. Polymer floors are made of special self-extinguishing or non-combustible compounds. And even if you hit the surface of such a floor metal object, then a spark will not occur, which makes polymer floors ideal solution when performing it in the oil refinery.
- Decorative. They have high design flexibility, capable of making the most incredible dreams come true.
Polymer floors are durable. At correct execution installation techniques, the floor covering can serve from 10 years, while maintaining its properties in full.
Technology for creating polymer floors
Before proceeding to the implementation of polymer floors, you first need to choose the type of polymer coating, and for this it is desirable to take into account the following factors:
- type and quality of the base;
- purpose of the premises;
- mechanical loads on the floor;
- the possible presence of decorative elements;
- the use of additional properties (anti-static, anti-slip, etc.);
- financial opportunities.
Only after that you can proceed directly to the implementation of polymer floors, the stages of which consist of:
- Foundation preparation.
- Foundation primers.
- Application of the base (main) layer.
- Applications decorative layers.
Subfloor preparation
The quality of the preparation of the base can determine further performance characteristics finished cover. The preparation of the base (whether it is made of concrete, wood or metal) comes down to cleaning its surface from contamination by any substances, as well as to roughen it.
Based on the specific conditions of the object and construction capabilities, the technology for creating a base under the floor surface is determined. To increase the level of adhesion (adhesion) with the concrete base, mechanical processing is used, i.e. shot blasting machines.
Mechanical restoration concrete surface shot blasting machines, allows you to qualitatively remove hardened cement "milk" and increase the degree of roughness. In addition, they can be used to increase the area of adhesion of the polymer to concrete by removing loose particles.
In addition to the use of shot blasting equipment, milling and grinding are also often used. This choice of equipment used depends on the quality and evenness of the concrete base. After all, it is thanks to high-quality initial processing that it will be possible to prevent subsequent delamination of the coating layer from the base of the floor. This is often achieved through the use mechanical methods processing or method of chemical etching with hydrochloric or orthophosphoric acid of a mineral base.
The dust and large particles formed during the cleaning and processing are removed using industrial vacuum cleaners.
All irregularities formed on the surface (chips, potholes, expansion and temperature-shrinkage seams) must be properly sealed.
Temperature-shrinkage and expansion joints of the concrete base, as well as cracks, potholes and chips, are sealed with putty compositions before applying the polymer coating. However, before that, they must be cleaned with an industrial vacuum cleaner, primed and filled with a special putty composition. Cracks are primed with a polymer composition, then glued with fiberglass and sprinkled with quartz sand. The rest of the sand is removed after a day. After sealing the cracks and cracks, cement "milk" and loose particles are removed from the base, leveling and puttying the surface. After removing foreign bodies, the entire area intended for applying the polymer composition should be dedusted.
Padding
It is used to close pores to give the top layer strength and also to promote adhesion. After all, the complete sealing of the pores of the base is the most important element during its preparation. With open pores of concrete, the air escaping from them can cause a violation of the integrity of the surface of the freshly applied liquid polymer. As a result - the formation of numerous craters, pores and air bubbles on the coating.
Also due to the fact that the primers penetrate the base to a depth of up to 3 mm, their strength can increase by 50%, and the possible delamination of the polymer layer is minimized. This is due to the fact that the composition binds microscopic dust particles remaining after all cleaning procedures.
To increase the surface roughness, it is necessary to sprinkle the freshly applied primer with dry quartz sand. This is done when:
- pause between applying primer and coating for more than 24 hours;
- polymer flooring is applied outdoors;
- the coating will be operated under conditions of large temperature differences and significant mechanical loads.
After the primer has hardened, excess sand is removed and the surface is polished.
The consumption and number of primer coats depend on factors such as the type of primer material and its composition, the properties of the concrete base and the method of application. The average consumption for most polymer primers is about 350 g/m 2 . It is recommended to apply primer compositions in one or several layers, while using a roller for priming, which must meet certain requirements - be chemically resistant, have a pile of 2-4 mm. Polyacrylic or polyamide rollers with spiral stitching are suitable for these requirements.
The quality of a primed base is the visible film of primer on the surface, which is noticeable after the base has dried.
Creation of the main polymer layer
The application of the top coat depends on the type of flooring resin used. As a result, coatings are divided into three main types:
-
- the smallest coatings in terms of thickness, the main requirement of which is a carefully executed and processed base. If the base is uneven, then all existing defects and irregularities will be quite noticeable at the end of the work.
Polyurethane mixtures are most often used as materials for painting coatings. This is due to the fact that they are much more stable than epoxy ones. Polyurethane paint systems are more durable than epoxy paint systems. However, when performing them, it is necessary to take into account the fact that one-component polyurethane materials can foam at a consumption of more than 150 g/m 2 per layer. In turn, when applying epoxy paint systems, the consumption increases to 500 g/m 2 , but this allows you to hide most of the surface imperfections.
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- coatings created from two components - resin and its hardener. The mixing of the components takes place immediately before they are applied to the floor, after which the applied mass is leveled. To level and remove air from the polymer layer, it is necessary to use a spiked roller.
When applying two-component materials, the mixture is prepared only in the amount that can be used for 15-40 minutes. After pouring the surface, do not allow moisture to enter it until the coating has gained strength. In this case, the hardening of the water-dispersed material should occur simultaneously with the drying process. The first signs of drying of the material (in the form of a crust) appear on the surface after 15-20 minutes. This is the first reason why the leveling of the mixture must be completed no later than 15 minutes after the application of the material.
For decoration, “chips” are scattered on a freshly applied coating, the choice of which is guided by
- - coatings in which various fillers are used. At the same time, their laying is carried out by mixing with the composition of the filler or resinous composition. In the first case, the procedure for powdering the filler onto the resin is used - a procedure that does not require skilled labor, but leads to an increase in material consumption. In the second case, a filler is introduced into the mixture, which requires highly qualified workers and the use of specialized equipment. The method is cost effective.
Application of decorative layers
The application of decorative layers is carried out depending on the type of polymer composition used for the floor.
Advantages and disadvantages of polymer floors
Advantages:
- Elasticity and high strength
- Chemical resistance
- fire safety
- Easy to install and do-it-yourself installation
- Dust repellent and low maintenance
- Durability
- Have anti-slip
- Flexibility and the embodiment of design ideas
Flaws:
- Costs for the purchase and implementation of a polymer floor
- Under self-leveling polymer floors, a perfectly even and very strong base is required.
- The difficulty of dismantling the polymer coating
- When laying another floor covering, you will have to lay it on top of the existing one.
- The sensitivity of the floor material to humidity and temperature changes during installation.
With development construction technologies The range of materials for finishing floors is expanding significantly. Instead of traditional floor coverings parquet board, linoleum, laminate, polymer, self-leveling epoxy, polyurethane and polymethylacrylate floors are increasingly used.
Polymer flooring is a thin film, most often about 2 mm, on the surface of a concrete base, if the floors are based on epoxy or polymethyl acrylate, on metal or wooden bases, if the floors are based on elastic polyurethanes. Such a film not only protects the base from external mechanical and aggressive chemical influences, but also adds aesthetic appeal to the room. With the help of such polymeric coatings, it is possible to create a perfectly flat surface with high impact-resistant, wear-resistant and sanitary-hygienic properties.
Polymeric materials are used to install new and restore old floor coverings:
- production shops and storage facilities;
- shopping centers, office and administrative buildings;
- medical and educational institutions;
- enterprises Catering;
- closed parking lots and garage boxes;
- residential buildings and apartments.
The scope of bulk polymer floors is determined by the characteristics of the material:
- thin layer coatings (0.1–1 mm) – best option for rooms with low foot traffic;
- self-leveling floors (1-4 mm) suitable for floor coverings in places with medium and high traffic, chemical and mechanical stress;
- highly filled polymer compositions (up to 10 mm) capable of withstanding very significant mechanical loads and are used in production shops.
Depending on the composition, self-leveling floors are divided into epoxy, polyurethane and polymethylacrylate systems, consisting of one or two components. Polyurethane materials are resistant to direct sunlight And chemical substances and can be laid on a concrete, metal, wooden base. Epoxy materials have high impact and abrasion resistance and are suitable for sites with high traffic and foot traffic. Polymethylacrylate materials are less common, but are used in extreme conditions production of works (for example, at low temperatures) and under tight construction deadlines.
The Swiss building chemistry concern Sika produces, in addition to polymeric self-leveling coatings, also polymer-cement coatings in industrial, office and residential buildings. In addition, the company's product range includes different kinds primers and protective varnish coatings. Sika materials are suitable for all types of work - from pre-training and repair of bases for the installation of a polymeric floor screed to the installation of perfectly even finish coatings with the widest range of properties.
Advantages of polymer floors
- Long service life. Depending on the degree of intensity and type of operational loads, from 10 to 20 years or more.
- High performance. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings are highly durable, waterproof, resistant to temperature changes, abrasion and chemicals. If necessary, compounds with electrically conductive or anti-slip properties, as well as intrinsically safe and non-flammable, can be used.
- Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. Polymer floors do not contribute to the development of mold, fungus and other microorganisms, therefore they are widely used in children's and medical institutions, at pharmaceutical industry facilities, in laboratories, at public catering establishments.
- Low repair and maintenance costs. If the laying technology is followed, polymer floors practically do not require repair and are easy to clean.
- Environmental Safety . Polymerized self-leveling floors are odorless, do not cause allergic reactions, do not emit harmful components under the influence of high temperatures or chemicals.
- Excellent decorative qualities. By using polymer compositions you can create a floor of any color. When implementing design projects, the floor covering is decorated with mineral colored inclusions, ornaments or 3D volumetric drawings.
Polymer floors for the home
Traditional parquet, linoleum, laminate, tile and carpet are gradually losing ground. Instead, in residential areas, self-leveling polymer floors are increasingly being made. On sale there is a wide choice of materials that allow you to design coatings in any color scheme and create for real exclusive interior and provide comfortable conditions stay.
Epoxy floors are most suitable for hallways and kitchens as they are resistant to abrasion. Polyurethane coatings with high waterproof and soundproof properties, it is best to install in living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, gyms, as well as outdoor and closed balconies and loggias.
When choosing self-leveling floors for your home, you need to take into account not only the purpose of the room, but also its interior features. In a strict living room, it is better to use a plain coating of classic white or black. For the implementation of an exclusive design project, a floor with a decorative ornament is most suitable. In order for the floor covering to acquire a more spectacular texture or a beautiful shine, its surface is covered with a protective matte or glossy varnish, respectively.
Benefits of self-leveling flooring for your home include:
- seamlessness- polymer-cement floor screed and topcoat have no seams and prevent moisture from penetrating into the base;
- durability- the self-leveling floor will serve the owners of the apartment for at least 15 years;
- decorative– modern polymeric materials have various shades RAL palettes and are suitable for the implementation of the most complex design ideas.
The device of polymer floors
To get a perfectly flat and smooth surface, you must strictly follow the installation technology. The process of installing polymer floor coverings consists of several stages:
- Preparatory work. They include leveling or grinding the base base, installing a polymer cement or polymer floor screed, applying a primer.
- Composition preparation. At this stage, you must carefully study the instructions on the package, but rather technical description product on the site. Before pouring polymer floors, it is necessary to properly mix all the components of the material. All actions must be performed in strict accordance with the instructions.
- Polymer flooring device. At this stage, the self-levelling compound is applied to the primed substrate using a special wide spatula with rectangular or triangular teeth. If necessary, the surface can be decorated with special chips of various colors. The curing time of the polymer coating is 24 hours.
- Finishing work . The final stage devices of polymeric floors - applying a varnish composition (in one or several layers). The top coat additionally protects the floor from mechanical damage and gives it a decorative sheen or a noble matte finish. After 2-3 days, when the varnish completely hardens, the floor will be ready for use.
Resin floors from Sika
The range of Sika construction chemicals for flooring includes polymer cement dry mixes for leveling and preparing the base for finishing, one- and two-component resin floors, primers and protective varnish coatings. Materials can be used as
