Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to level
72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools I'll
need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs revision.
Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber plates to
completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on mixing and
pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if any, additional
pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage I'll estimate and
mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be applying the primer before
each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI

"YTK" wrote in message
...
Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to
level 72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools
I'll need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs
revision. Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber
plates to completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on
mixing and pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if
any, additional pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage
I'll estimate and mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be
applying the primer before each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI

That's a pretty thick requirement for leveling. What is the thinnest area?
If 13/16 is the thinnest section then plain ole concrete will do IMO. Does
the floor really need to be level? Sometimes just flat is all that is
required. No one will notice if the toilet is tilted just a tiny bit or if
the shower pan is off kilter a bit. If it so severe that the shower pan wont
drain then you have real issues and floor leveling is not really the best
solution. It may be better to just break up the existing concrete and pour a
level/flat floor. That way you wont have a step up and a trip hazard.

"YTK" wrote in message
...
Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to
level 72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools
I'll need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs
revision. Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber
plates to completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on
mixing and pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if
any, additional pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage
I'll estimate and mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be
applying the primer before each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI


I've used the stuff twice now. The first time was an absolute disaster.
The second time went a little better.
First, do not try to do this by yourself. You will need help. The stuff
just sets up too quickly to let you pour, mix, pour some more, etc...If you
can mix it all at once, then that should really help. I recommend having a
helper to mix while you're pouring.

Basically, their datasheets (on the web) give pretty much all the details of
pouring it down. You will need some sort of a rake or something to move it
around, it doesn't just spread out like water. Basically, pour it in and
move it around until you think it's fairly flat then let the concrete do the
rest of the work.....here's where it's important to really pour it in one go
if possible.

I wish you luck. I had to chip out approx. 150 SF of the crap when my
first pour went awry!
Cheers,
cc

On Thu, 29 Dec 2005 18:55:29 GMT, "YTK" wrote:

Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to level
72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools I'll
need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs revision.
Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber plates to
completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on mixing and
pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if any, additional
pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage I'll estimate and
mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be applying the primer before
each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI


Did this to level the floor in a small basement bath.

Your plan sounds reasonable, but there are a few things to watch out
for.

Have help. The stuff starts setting quickly and if you want it to
self level, you will need to get all 5 bags mixed and poured quickly.
Have a *big* electric drill with a paddle mixer, and plenty of buckets
to mix in. I would recommend about 3 people, 1 to run the mixing
paddle, one to measure and add the water and mix, and the 3rd to dump
the compound and roughly spread it. It self levels, but it works a
lot better if you spread it manually around so it's approximately
level. Mark lines on your perimeter so you know what level is.

Have enough buckets so you don't have to wait for one to be emptied
before you start on the next, at least three plus a couple more for
measuring water. Mark 1 or 2 buckets with a line indicating the right
amount of water so you don't have to measure each time. If you are off
on the water too much either way it won't work as designed.

It's heavy, and it takes a lot more effort to mix it, even using the
drill and paddle, than I expected. I used a Milwaukee 1/2 in heavy
duty drill, and it was still slow going to do the mixing.

The powder is very fine, and when you dump it in the bucket to mix, it
will form a big cloud of dust that gets on everything, so be prepared
and block off any areas you can. Dust masks or respirators are a good
idea.

Seal any holes or gaps in the formwork with caulk or foam. The stuff
doesn't seem that runny, but I had a small gap and it slowly seeped
out as it was setting and I ended up with a depression in the surface
next to the gap. I also had a small hole in the underlying concrete
that I assumed was shallow, and a surprising amount of compound ran
into it, leaving another depression.

Be prepared to mix and place an extra bag or two on the first pour. I
had estimated 1.5 bags and it took more like 2.5. Fortunately I had
bought an extra bag, just in case, intending to return it if I didn't
need it.

Good Luck!

Paul Franklin

In article ,
says...
On Thu, 29 Dec 2005 18:55:29 GMT, "YTK" wrote:

Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to level
72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools I'll
need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs revision.
Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber plates to
completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on mixing and
pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if any, additional
pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage I'll estimate and
mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be applying the primer before
each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI


Did this to level the floor in a small basement bath.

Your plan sounds reasonable, but there are a few things to watch out
for.

Have help. The stuff starts setting quickly and if you want it to
self level, you will need to get all 5 bags mixed and poured quickly.
Have a *big* electric drill with a paddle mixer, and plenty of buckets
to mix in. I would recommend about 3 people, 1 to run the mixing
paddle, one to measure and add the water and mix, and the 3rd to dump
the compound and roughly spread it. It self levels, but it works a
lot better if you spread it manually around so it's approximately
level. Mark lines on your perimeter so you know what level is.

Have enough buckets so you don't have to wait for one to be emptied
before you start on the next, at least three plus a couple more for
measuring water. Mark 1 or 2 buckets with a line indicating the right
amount of water so you don't have to measure each time. If you are off
on the water too much either way it won't work as designed.

It's heavy, and it takes a lot more effort to mix it, even using the
drill and paddle, than I expected. I used a Milwaukee 1/2 in heavy
duty drill, and it was still slow going to do the mixing.

The powder is very fine, and when you dump it in the bucket to mix, it
will form a big cloud of dust that gets on everything, so be prepared
and block off any areas you can. Dust masks or respirators are a good
idea.

Seal any holes or gaps in the formwork with caulk or foam. The stuff
doesn't seem that runny, but I had a small gap and it slowly seeped
out as it was setting and I ended up with a depression in the surface
next to the gap. I also had a small hole in the underlying concrete
that I assumed was shallow, and a surprising amount of compound ran
into it, leaving another depression.

Be prepared to mix and place an extra bag or two on the first pour. I
had estimated 1.5 bags and it took more like 2.5. Fortunately I had
bought an extra bag, just in case, intending to return it if I didn't
need it.

Good Luck!

Thanks Paul. I haven't needed to use the stuff, but have been
wondering how it worked. I guess I'm glad I don't need to use it,
but your warnings are information I'll commit to memory. ;-)

Can you pour the stuff in stages/layers?

--
Keith

Paul Franklin wrote:
{snipped a bunch of a very good post}

Seal any holes or gaps in the formwork with caulk or foam. The stuff
doesn't seem that runny, but I had a small gap and it slowly seeped
out as it was setting and I ended up with a depression in the surface
next to the gap. I also had a small hole in the underlying concrete
that I assumed was shallow, and a surprising amount of compound ran
into it, leaving another depression.

I use tape to seal off those cracks and gaps. Very quick, no setting
up time like caulk.

R

On Fri, 30 Dec 2005 00:31:11 -0500, Keith Williams
wrote:

In article ,
says...
On Thu, 29 Dec 2005 18:55:29 GMT, "YTK" wrote:

Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to level
72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools I'll
need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs revision.
Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber plates to
completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on mixing and
pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if any, additional
pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage I'll estimate and
mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be applying the primer before
each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI


Did this to level the floor in a small basement bath.

Your plan sounds reasonable, but there are a few things to watch out
for.

Have help. The stuff starts setting quickly and if you want it to
self level, you will need to get all 5 bags mixed and poured quickly.
Have a *big* electric drill with a paddle mixer, and plenty of buckets
to mix in. I would recommend about 3 people, 1 to run the mixing
paddle, one to measure and add the water and mix, and the 3rd to dump
the compound and roughly spread it. It self levels, but it works a
lot better if you spread it manually around so it's approximately
level. Mark lines on your perimeter so you know what level is.

Have enough buckets so you don't have to wait for one to be emptied
before you start on the next, at least three plus a couple more for
measuring water. Mark 1 or 2 buckets with a line indicating the right
amount of water so you don't have to measure each time. If you are off
on the water too much either way it won't work as designed.

It's heavy, and it takes a lot more effort to mix it, even using the
drill and paddle, than I expected. I used a Milwaukee 1/2 in heavy
duty drill, and it was still slow going to do the mixing.

The powder is very fine, and when you dump it in the bucket to mix, it
will form a big cloud of dust that gets on everything, so be prepared
and block off any areas you can. Dust masks or respirators are a good
idea.

Seal any holes or gaps in the formwork with caulk or foam. The stuff
doesn't seem that runny, but I had a small gap and it slowly seeped
out as it was setting and I ended up with a depression in the surface
next to the gap. I also had a small hole in the underlying concrete
that I assumed was shallow, and a surprising amount of compound ran
into it, leaving another depression.

Be prepared to mix and place an extra bag or two on the first pour. I
had estimated 1.5 bags and it took more like 2.5. Fortunately I had
bought an extra bag, just in case, intending to return it if I didn't
need it.

Good Luck!

Thanks Paul. I haven't needed to use the stuff, but have been
wondering how it worked. I guess I'm glad I don't need to use it,
but your warnings are information I'll commit to memory. ;-)

Can you pour the stuff in stages/layers?

I think it would be harder to do it in stages, but if you have a big
area it would probably be the only way. If I were going to try it, I
would start in the areas that need the most compound, and only fill
them up to about 1/4 inch below the final level. The last pour would
then cover the entire area a bring it all up to final level. The
stuff is very strong, even in thin sections, so pouring a thin layer
is not a problem.

IIRC, if you pour multiple lifts within a certain time limit, you
don't have to use the bonding agent between layers, but if you wait
longer, then they recommend using the bonding agent.

One other point...the stuff is *expensive*, so for big areas or deep
sections, it might make more sense to float a conventional mortar bed,
at least in the deepest areas.

Paul Franklin

YTK wrote:
Some one at this NG recommended LevelQuickRS to level my basement bath
floor. The floor is really out of level and I figure I need 7 bags to level
72 sq. ft. to a depth of approximately 13/16."

If you've used this or a similar product please let me know what tools I'll
need and if the plan I've devised for pouring the mixture needs revision.
Here is my plan: First, I'm going to install the treated lumber plates to
completely enclose the area of the bathroom. Next, I plan on mixing and
pouring about 5 bags in the first pour and then see what, if any, additional
pouring I'll need. Finally, if I need additional coverage I'll estimate and
mix and pour a second and final time. Oh, I'll be applying the primer before
each pour.

If you've used this type of floor leveler I'd appreciate your advice.

YTK in WI

I have used leveling compound before. Just as other forum members have
told you, this stuff is not forgiving. In my opinion, it is only good
for leveling a very small area if you want to pour it and spread it out
and largely depending on its "leveling" property to level itself out.
You definitely need to help it along by spreading it and leveling it;
this means it is not self-leveling.

The other thing is that it become very hard when it cured. This means
if you poured it wrong, you would have a hard time to undo the mistake.
You had better to be certain that you will get it right before you use
it.

Area where you need to pour very deep, you may be better off using
regular concrete (with sand) instead of leveling compound just to save
some money.

My suggestion is to check out the This Old House web site. It has an
article (with pictures) about the way Tom helped a home owner to level
a basement. The article was based on one of the show in "Ask This Old
House" TV show. His method seems like quite managable for a DIYer
despite the fact that I have a reservation about it (I haven't tried
it). The article is free in the last time I check it; you may as well
take a look.

Good luck.

Jay Chan