How to Apply Self-Leveling Floor Patches

Once the patches dry, you can continue installing the new floor.

There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a floor renovation project and discovering that the floor isn’t leveled enough to install the new floor. Whether you’re installing carpeting, sheeting or floor tile, you don’t have to stop your project and spend hours covering the entire floor with leveling compound. Instead, you can apply self-leveling floor patches. The term self-leveling floor patches is misleading, since the procedure is more involved than unrolling a self-leveling patch onto the floor and letting it work its magic. Typically, self-leveler is sold in a container and requires some work to apply.

Things You'll Need

• Framing square
• Vaccum or broom
• Sponge
• Self-leveling compound
• Drywall board knife

Instructions

Surface Preparation

1. Place a framing square on each area you’re patching to determine the depth of the low spots. This shows you the finished thickness of the patches to be added, according to the Ask the Builder website.

2. Remove any debris. You can use a vacuum cleaner or broom to remove the debris then sponge mop the floor. For the patches to work, you must have a clean, slightly damp surface.

3. Mix the self-leveling compound until it has the consistency of cake batter. Mix a small amount approximately one gallon or less. Use cold water instead of hot water, because hot water speeds up the curing time.

Apply the Self-Leveling Patches

1. Wet the floor with a sponge or mop to make sure it’s damp.

2. Dip the drywall board knife into the compound and apply. Repeat the process until you have enough of the mix in the cracks or holes.

3. Smooth out the surface area using the knife until it’s even with the floor. Place the framing square on the area to test the evenness. If the area is still uneven, apply more of the mix to the hole or cracks. Repeat until you’ve leveled all uneven areas. Allow the patches to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Self-leveling compound patches work on plywood subfloors or concrete surfaces.

• Clean all tools immediately after applying the patches. If you wait until the next day, you may not be able to remove the dried cement compound material.

• Don't use the self-leveling compound on surfaces with a large amount of unevenness. Instead use it to fill holes such as fastener or knot holes and cracks.

• Never add water to already mixed leveler compound. The water weakens the batter and tears apart the crystals and promotes floor leveling compound failure.

• The product consistency should never appear too thick or too runny. Anything other than a pancake batter consistency won’t allow you to properly use the application tools.

References

• DAP Products: Repair Products;
• Ask the Builder; Floor Leveling Compound/Ceramic Tile; Tim Carter;