I have read a number of posts regarding self-levelling a floating
floor.
In my case, I am working in a slightly below ground apartment suite
that has a concrete floor. The room I am working in dips 3 inches over
about 12 feet. I am trying to put in a floating floor since the old
carpet was hideous, but do not want to create a mammoth job for myself
as it is only a single bedroom and does not justify an extensive amount
of work or money.

** For the pragmatic among you:

My initial hope was to simply ignore the slope. Although it would be
nice to have it level too, I was more concerned with dips and valleys.
If I am willing to put up with a slightly uneven floor, I assume that
the primary drawback is 'bounce' in the areas of the floor over a
valley. I have also seen quite a variance in 'allowable' flatness
variations. I recognize that a 'proper' floor should be something like
1/8" over 8 feet, but have also seen posts that pragmatically
indicate that even dips of 1/8" over a couple of feet may be
acceptable, particularly if one can secure down the middle of these
sections to make them less mobile. Also, I was wondering if
realistically one can get away with less evenness in the direction
perpindicular to the direction that you are laying the floor. I
realize that this is all a little hacked, and not officially
recommended, but would appreciate any feedback on these ideas -
including future problems that any of these 'hack solutions' may cause.
(I don't mind losing out on the aesthetics of a perfect floor, but
want to clearly understand any 'flaws' that I may decide to live with).

** For those who maintain a 'do it properly attitude', perhaps you
could comment on the options below:

By the sounds of it, one option is to fill the room with a layer of
sand screed until it is close to level, and then (optionally ?) use a
self-leveller to make it even truer. (this would bring the concrete
slab above the low end of the drywall - I assume that I would leave a
3/4 inch gap or so between the edge of the new concrete and the wall -
is this ok?).

I was wondering, however, if it would be a little easier (or advisable)
to simply toss down some plywood and shim it where necessary to achieve
a fairly even surface. This would also allow me to secure down any
sections that may still 'bounce' a little if the end job is not
perfect.

The dip also rises again as the floor goes into the bathroom (where I
was hoping to lay tile).
This may also affect the decision above...(?)

Thanks very much,

- RG

Your best option is a product called Ardex which is cemintious and self
leveling. It comes in powder form and you mix the powder, some water
and a little latex they also sell. Once mixed it's kinda like a thick
soup for lack of a better description. Take a straight edge of some
sort, mark your low spots and pour it in these spots. It will go where
it needs to. Once you've poured enough to fill the low spot, feather
the edge in a little bit with a large putty knife.
Also, you can't anchor a floating floor, or I should say you can, but
it's really not a good idea. Hope that helps
Steve
wrote:
I have read a number of posts regarding self-levelling a floating
floor.
In my case, I am working in a slightly below ground apartment suite
that has a concrete floor. The room I am working in dips 3 inches over
about 12 feet. I am trying to put in a floating floor since the old
carpet was hideous, but do not want to create a mammoth job for myself
as it is only a single bedroom and does not justify an extensive amount
of work or money.

** For the pragmatic among you:

My initial hope was to simply ignore the slope. Although it would be
nice to have it level too, I was more concerned with dips and valleys.
If I am willing to put up with a slightly uneven floor, I assume that
the primary drawback is 'bounce' in the areas of the floor over a
valley. I have also seen quite a variance in 'allowable' flatness
variations. I recognize that a 'proper' floor should be something like
1/8" over 8 feet, but have also seen posts that pragmatically
indicate that even dips of 1/8" over a couple of feet may be
acceptable, particularly if one can secure down the middle of these
sections to make them less mobile. Also, I was wondering if
realistically one can get away with less evenness in the direction
perpindicular to the direction that you are laying the floor. I
realize that this is all a little hacked, and not officially
recommended, but would appreciate any feedback on these ideas -
including future problems that any of these 'hack solutions' may cause.
(I don't mind losing out on the aesthetics of a perfect floor, but
want to clearly understand any 'flaws' that I may decide to live with).

** For those who maintain a 'do it properly attitude', perhaps you
could comment on the options below:

By the sounds of it, one option is to fill the room with a layer of
sand screed until it is close to level, and then (optionally ?) use a
self-leveller to make it even truer. (this would bring the concrete
slab above the low end of the drywall - I assume that I would leave a
3/4 inch gap or so between the edge of the new concrete and the wall -
is this ok?).

I was wondering, however, if it would be a little easier (or advisable)
to simply toss down some plywood and shim it where necessary to achieve
a fairly even surface. This would also allow me to secure down any
sections that may still 'bounce' a little if the end job is not
perfect.

The dip also rises again as the floor goes into the bathroom (where I
was hoping to lay tile).
This may also affect the decision above...(?)

Thanks very much,

- RG