Drying time of the bulk floor

Bulk floor - an alternative to the usual couplers. In addition, with its help you can create an original design in the room and get a durable coating.

Each view has its own fill characteristics. An important factor is the solidification time. Only after full hardening can such floors withstand standard loads and are ready for unlimited operation.

What determines the drying time?

Types of bulk floors differ in the composition of the mixture. The main thing in them is the basis, the drying time depends on its properties. The average is 7 days for conventional mixes and 1-2 days for quick-hardening.

The main conditions affecting the drying of the bulk floor:

• The basis of the mixture.
• Application Thickness.
• The number of layers.
• The presence and type of additives to the mixture.
• Type of finish
• External conditions.

The total drying time for various mixtures:

• Plaster - 12 days.
• Cement - 7-14 days.
• Polymer - 4-6 days.
• Polyurethane - 3 days.
• Epoxy - 2-5 days.

Each manufacturer of such building materials indicates the exact characteristics and parameters for its products. Practice shows that by the time of hardening on the packaging you need to add another 10-12 hours additionally.

On average, setting occurs after 12 hours. For quick-hardening mixtures, the surface hardens after 2-3 hours after pouring the last portion.

Cement mixes are one of the most common, but they dry the longest. This is due to many additives and modifiers. For polymer surfaces, the curing rate also depends on the pigments.

To reduce the time, special coatings are used that are suitable for a particular type of mixture and for further work. In any case, it is necessary to observe the pouring technology and create optimal conditions for the solidification of the material.

You can see the general order of work in the following video:

Topcoat and Self-leveling Floor

On the packages with mixtures it is written which of them are suitable for laminate, ceramics, parquet and the like. This condition allows you to determine how much the bulk floor dries in specific cases.

Manufacturers set the following hardening periods under the laminate:

• Universal Knauf Tribon (layer 10-60 mm) - 1 day.
• Universal Eunice Horizon (layer 2-100 mm) - 7 days.
• Volma Level Comfort (layer 1-100 mm) - 7 days.
• Weber Vetonit Strong (layer 10-50 mm) - 5 days.

• Axton finish (layer 5-100 mm) - 3 days.
• Universal self-leveling Knauf tribon (layer 10-60 mm) - 1 day.
• Reinforced Perfecta (layer 1-100 mm) - 1 day.
• Quick hardening Bolars (layer 2-100 mm) - 3 days.

• Prospectors "Fat" (layer 3-100 mm) - 3-4 weeks.
• Prospectors "Practical" (layer 5-70 mm) - 7 days.
• Reinforced Perfecta (layer 1-100 mm) - 3 days.
• Universal Unis Horizon (layer 2-100 mm) - 7 days.

Most self-leveling floors are suitable for all types of finish coatings. There are also options for the street. They dry in about 12 hours to avoid deformation of the coating. They are much more expensive, but can be operated at very low and high temperatures.

3D bulk floors harden in a short time. However, it is affected by the number of layers and the method of applying the pattern. If a film is used, then the drying time does not increase. Because of acrylic paint, the hardening time is usually extended. Each layer is the expectation of a standard time until complete solidification.

Linoleum, parquet, laminate, cork, wooden boards can be attributed to one group according to the time the screed hardens. It should be completely hardened and ready for further work.

If you are interested in how to make a bulk floor with your own hands, check out this material.

Optimum drying conditions

The rules for all types of bulk floors are very similar:

• Do not allow sudden changes in temperature in the room.
• Eliminate UV exposure.
• Avoid drafts.
• Maintain air humidity within 60-65%, for polyurethane - 80-85%.
• Fill only on prepared and dried surfaces.
• Make the most even layer of the mixture, otherwise the pour time will increase by 20-30%.

If the floor has not yet grabbed and its consistency is viscous, then they walk on it in special rubber boots with spikes in the soles. Even distribution increases the chances of hardening in standard terms, so use a roller with nozzles to process the still liquid mixture.

Protection from ultraviolet radiation will provide ordinary foil, a screen on the windows. Also practicing covering the floor with film for construction work. Warm floors do not include until the bulk is completely dry. Heating radiators should simply maintain optimal temperature conditions in the room:

• Plaster mixes - 40-46 ° C.
• Cement - 20-25 ° C.
• Polyurethane - 10-25 ° C.

Moreover, heating above these temperatures will stop the drying or deformation and damage to the coating.

You can check if moisture has remained in the bulk field in the following ways:

• Special appliance.
• Using film and tape.
• A basin of hot water.

Not all builders have a moisture meter. Therefore, it is advisable to use improvised means. This is important when laying parquet, laminate, linoleum and other similar coatings. They do not tolerate excessive moisture, which will come out over time.

Use two methods:

• A piece of film measuring 100 mm by 100 mm is fixed on any part of the floor. If, over time, the filled mixture darkens, then the screed is not ready for stress. Drops on the film indicate a slow evaporation.
• Hot water is poured into the basin and placed on the floor. A darkened area under the bottom indicates moisture in the screed. The pelvis outside should be completely dry.

There are many reasons for the slow progress of the process. The main ones are improper preparation of the mixture and non-compliance with conditions and technology.

Popular types of bulk floors and the drying rate of coatings from these mixtures

In order to fully answer your question, you must first explain the features of each bulk flooring. Bulk coatings are thin-layer and thick-layer, while not always, but the first ones (thin-layer) will usually dry faster after application. Thin-layer polymeric bulk floors include: epoxy and polyurethane.

Two-component epoxy bulk floor drying time

It is often used to finish coating surfaces where there is a need to combine factors such as strength and beauty at the same time (3D, color, with logos, etc.). Depending on the purpose, you can lay the mixture in one or more layers. Laying thickness up to approx. 10 mm. In case of pouring in two layers or more, intermediate drying is not required. You can start using this floor (walking on it) after 24 hours. After 72 hours, objects can already be placed on it. It should dry completely within a week.

Two-component polyurethane bulk floor

Used for styling as a topcoat. Not afraid of shock loads, soft but durable (like rubber), does not let moisture in, tinted in different colors. Scope industrial premises, places with large pedestrian traffic. The solution is not toxic - laying is possible even in the children's room of a residential building. With regard to drying, all of the above is true. If everything is done correctly, it dries no longer than an epoxy coating in three stages. You can walk in 24 hours, put objects in 3 days, completely dry in a week.

Methyl methacrylate floors dry

The mixture contains substances such as methyl ether and methacrylic acid. Most often used to create the finish layer. Pros: the main feature, depending on the characteristics, can be poured into minus temperature, leveling the dry screed from cement or gypsum. Cons: this coating is toxic and expensive, difficult to use. Layer thickness 3 - 5 mm. It dries quickly, perhaps faster than anyone - drying completely in 3 hours.

Gypsum floors drying time

This is a gypsum based mixture. It is used to create screed, repair cracks and cracks in the concrete floor. Manufacturers advise the use of such a laminate floor on top, but other similar coatings, for example polymer, tile, parquet, are allowed. The pluses include the fact that it is easy to remove when repairs are required. Dry depending on thickness. A 50 mm layer dries in 10 days.

What affects the drying time of the bulk floor?

There is a myth aboutthat liquid compositions should dry for several days, during which it is better not to go into the room where the installation work is carried out. In order to dispel consumer doubts and provide comprehensive answers to all questions, it is worth pointing out factors that can affect the pour time.

How much the bulk floor dries and what can affect it:

• Layer thickness (with increasing thickness, the pour time increases proportionally),
• Qualitative and quantitative composition (the presence of various additives and complex polymers),
• Layered structure (with an increase in the number of layers, the installation time is proportionally increased),
• Type of compositions used (polyurethane, epoxy, highly filled (based on cement) or methyl methacrylate floors),
• Material quality (brand and type of compounds),
• Temperature condition and humidity level in the equipped room.

Citing an example average indicators, the following can be noted: some compounds acquire hardness that allows you to walk on the floor after 60-90 minutes, however, the working density occurs at least after a few hours. If such an expensive type of coating as a 3D floor is equipped, it is not recommended to test it for strength earlier in a day, because any imprint on the surface can significantly reduce the decorative level.

In what conditions is drying quickest?

To speed up the process drying of bulk floors, it is possible to create optimal conditions, however, it is important to remember that excessive effort is strictly contraindicated here. If you create a draft on some types of polymer floors, a surface flaw may form, which can sometimes be eliminated only through the use of repair compounds. Nobody needs such a waste of time, effort and finance, therefore, for quick drying, it is better to correctly create the most effective conditions that meet the following criteria:

• The creation of an optimal temperature regime (approximately 20-25 degrees), in strict adherence to the manufacturer's regulations (following the instructions is mandatory, since polymer mixtures can significantly differ in conditions and drying time),
• Humidity should not be critical and exceed the mark of 60% (with an increase in this parameter, the drying period increases significantly),
• During pouring, it is necessary to observe a uniform distribution of the mortar to be poured over the entire surface (in order to improve the quality of this process, it is important to properly prepare the base beforehand - remove all defects, indentations and cracks that increase the thickness of the layer),
• It is necessary to choose the right ventilation in the house (a competent approach in this matter can reduce the pour time of the bulk floor and improve the quality of aesthetics, especially on glossy surfaces),
• It is important to completely block the penetration of direct sunlight (exposure to ultraviolet light can significantly reduce the quality of the solidification process, contributing to the deformation of the coating),

It is necessary to completely exclude possible sudden changes in temperature.

The main factor the determining period of solidification is the layer thickness, therefore, to optimize the solidification period, it is important to correctly prepare the base. If this is a classic concrete screed, it is necessary to putty all microcracks, remove deep flaws, align the base as much as possible and, if possible, idealize its horizontalness. The more efficient the preparation, the shorter the solidification time, but, most importantly, you additionally get another advantage: reduce the overall consumption of expensive polymer composition.

Nuances to which you should additionally pay attention when installing yourself

Solidification subject to availability differences in the surface, since in these places the filling layer is always thicker. In order to speed up the process a bit, it is important to pay attention to secondary criteria, having improved which, you can additionally win a couple more hours. Here's what you can do:

• When preparing the base, it is important to pay attention to the moisture content of the screed and the strength of the rough base (additional drying can speed up the drying process in the future),
• After pouring (after about an hour), you can cover the floors with an entire cloth - a thin plastic film (you will win a couple of hours in the future and eliminate the possibility of dust or debris getting on a glossy surface),
• After 5-7 hours, the floor can be additionally coated with polyurethane or epoxy varnish (contributes to a significant increase in aesthetics and, importantly, the strength of the entire coating during operation),
• If the premises provide for underfloor heating, their inclusion can be done only after the full hardness of the floor surface.

Although commissioning can produce after 7-8 days, on average, after 5-6 hours you can walk on the finished floor surface. However, different solidification periods are provided for different two-component compositions, therefore, the indicated intervals can vary significantly.

Professional arrangement

Despitethat the pouring of self-leveling polymer compositions is a fairly simple process, it is only a superficial judgment. When mixing complex polymers, the hardening onset (the beginning of the polymerization process) is limited to a rather short period - 25-30 minutes and can be reduced in the summer season. Given this feature, it is important to remember that any broach in time is fraught with quite serious troubles: loss of elasticity of the working mixture and, as a result, the appearance of defects, a lot of money will be spent "in vain." It can be difficult to eliminate such a mistake, so you should not arrange dubious experiments if you are not confident in your own abilities.

The best option is to buy bulk floors in conjunction with the services for the arrangement. You can leave your comment, order coverage or cancel the answer, through the feedback form. Do not forget to provide your e-mail address for a response.

We are ready to offer you device (installation) of the bulk floor in any room. Our materials on a polymer basis can be poured in any room, as they contain additives giving them decorative (for example, colored - tinted according to the RAL color chart, transparent to the picture, linoleum, marble) properties and even other components giving them wear resistance - repair will not be needed for long. For self-application, it is better to see photos and videos on this subject.
Perfect base in order to fill the coating is a material such as concrete (or should be such as a concrete floor or cement screed). The thickness of the coating is variable and very much depends on what basis it will be poured.Calculation can be done by our employees, call our online store and we will tell you the price of materials and the cost of work for your area. Through the form "order calculation" you can ask a question, write a comment - share your opinion and cancel the answer, do not forget, please indicate your name, e-mail, and phone. All products are in stock, there is delivery.

What are bulk floors

How much the bulk floors dry, worries everyone who decided to use self-leveling mixtures during the repair process. There is no definite answer, because there are a number of factors that make this figure somewhat floating.

The first thing to note is the type of foundation. Further, do not forget about the manufacturing technology of the material itself, the conditions for the repair, and many other factors that determine how much the liquid floor dries.

At the moment, the following varieties of base can be distinguished:

• Polyurethane floors. They are very easy to install, they are plastic, and their design involves pouring a polyurethane cementitious mixture on a pre-primed base.
• Epoxy based. These mixtures are composed of epoxy resin and hardener. Such floors are very durable and as plastic as polyurethane.
• Mixtures containing cement. These floors are very durable, but they dry for a very long time.
• Methyl methacrylate bulk floors. This group of mixtures is based on methyl methacrylic resins. This coating is universal, it can be created in various industrial facilities, as well as in freezers. It is not afraid of ultraviolet and temperature differences, it can be stacked even at subzero temperatures. Such floors quickly harden, and during installation the room should be well ventilated due to the strong smell.

Drying time of the bulk base

It should be considered how long the bulk floor dries, based on the variety:

• Quick-drying surfaces usually last 2-6 days for complete drying. If all types of bulk floors are taken into account, then it may take 21 days to fully harden.

It is very important not to confuse the solidification of the screed, that is, its setting, achieved in 1-3 hours, with its full drying.

• In many premises for industrial purposes, including garages, mixtures with the addition of cement are used. In this case, the jellied floor - how much it dries, depends on various fillers, and can be 1 week. After hardening, the floors acquire a flat but grainy base, which prevents slipping.
• In residential buildings and apartments often make polyurethane or epoxy screed. Polyurethane floors dry within 48 hours, and you can walk on them after 10-20 hours.

It takes up to 5 days for the epoxy base to harden 100%.

What you need for proper drying

In order for the time indicators for how much the bulk floor should dry, were minimal, you need to take into account a number of rules:

• air humidity should be no more than 60-65%,
• temperature indicators should be in the range of 22-25 ° C,
• during drying, everything must be closed so that drafts do not form,
• direct sunlight should not fall on the surface,
• constancy of temperature.

If you follow all the rules, then ideal conditions will be created, and you will be aware of how much the bulk floor dries under the laminate, for example. In such conditions, the drying time will match as much as what the manufacturer indicated on the package with the mixture. If the list of recommendations is not taken into account, the screed will dry out anyway, it just takes more time.

Once again, we should not confuse the preliminary drying of the screed with the final, complete, drying. In the first case, it is already possible to walk on the floor, but it is still not possible to lay a finish floor on it, until all the excess moisture has evaporated and leaves the room. The same recommendations apply to how much the bulk floor dries under linoleum.

It is especially worth noting underfloor heating that cannot be connected to a power source until the screed has finally dried.

Installation of finish flooring

Any master who decides to arrange a repair should know how much the floor dries after pouring, whether it be a house or an apartment, after which it would be possible to start laying the flooring.

Below are some helpful tips:

• If you make repairs in the bathroom and make gypsum screed, then the period that determines how much the bulk floor under the tile dries will be 3 days or more (in more detail: “We make the bulk floor for the bathroom with our own hands”).
• If the plans are for the installation of parquet, laminate, linoleum and other floor coverings on a plaster floor, then it can be realized only after 7 days.
• It is cheaper to make a cement-based casting mixture than to use gypsum, but in this case, the drying time of the screed will increase significantly. If the screed layer is thin, then you have to wait up to 2 weeks, if the layer is thick, then the drying period can increase up to 6-7 weeks.

Important! If you are going to make a very thick screed for any reason, it is best to pay attention to lightweight mixtures, due to which the load on the base will be significantly reduced. But such a layer will dry much longer.

conclusions

From the above it follows that the period, affecting, for example, how much the bulk floor of the prospector dries, will depend on many factors and causes. They should not be neglected in any case, otherwise it is possible that the repair work will have to be redone. If you take into account all the factors, rules and recommendations, then the future floor will surely serve you for many years, and you will not regret anything not done for the sake of saving money.

Visual information can be seen in the attached video.

Tile self-leveling floor - classification and types

In fact, bulk floors are divided into two types - polymer and mineral, which can immediately characterize the basis of the mixture.

Polymer mixtures are prepared on the basis of various polymers, such as epoxies, polyurethane or methyl methacrylate compounds. This type of bulk floors is actually the final finish, as in the end you get a surface ready for use, which also looks very nice and does not need further finishing, so if you decide that the floor in the bathroom will be tiled, then This option does not suit you, especially since the cost of these bulk floors is more than impressive.

Mineral self-leveling floor for tiles is the option of screed, which is suitable for subsequent tiling. This mixture is created on the basis of cement with the addition of various plasticizers, which allow the solution to spread evenly on the surface, hiding all the bumps and achieve perfect horizontalness.

Note that mineral bulk floors are also divided in turn into three types:

1. Basic - this mixture is designed to align large differences in height - about 80 mm,
2. Medium - a mixture to eliminate bumps up to 30 mm,
3. Finishing or final - in fact, it is with this mixture that the final surface is poured for subsequent finishing.

Leveling the bulk floor under linoleum

All the advantages of linoleum will turn into its disadvantages if the material is laid on an uneven base. Leveling casting surfaces is an important stage in the construction of the floor. It is better to do this with the help of a semi-industrial grinding machine, a particular brand does not matter much. All units of this type are eccentric, which allows them to change the direction of movement by slightly raising / lowering the control handle.

The bulk floor has dried unevenly

Step 1. Install a large sandpaper on the machine, number no more than 40. This will speed up the process of aligning significant tubercles.

Step 2. Connect the unit to the vacuum cleaner. There are times when the diameters of the hoses and inlet couplings do not match, and there is no time or place to look for adapters. The solution is simple - twist the metal tip from the vacuum cleaner and screw the flexible hose into the hole in the handle of the grinder.

Step 3. Release the collet on the handle, set the optimal length and tighten the nut again. The length of the handle should ensure convenient use of the unit. The operator is recommended to stand upright and control the movement without much physical effort.

Step 4. Turn on the machine and start leveling the floor. Do not work randomly, move sectorally, constantly monitor the quality of the surface.

Grinding of a bulk floor

Step 5. Using a vacuum cleaner, carefully remove the dust, check the surface. If problem areas are found, they must be re-aligned.

Factors Affecting Drying

The process of waiting for the floor to be fully prepared is divided into two stages: setting and hardening. Hardening begins 30 minutes after pouring and lasts from 2 to 12 hours. It is at this stage that one cannot walk on the floor.

Hardening is a finishing process that can take up to two to three weeks. But at this time it is already possible to walk on the floor and nothing more. Full operation is possible only after complete drying. What can affect the drying time? In fact, there are a lot of factors. First of all, this is the type of mixture that we examined above. Drying is affected by both the thickness of the layer and their number.

Manufacturers usually indicate the drying time on the package, but this refers to ideal drying conditions, so usually add another day or 12 hours to the time indicated on the package. 3D surfaces dry much longer than usual. Approximately you need to count on a weekly period. When using quick-drying mixtures, it will take 3-4 days to solidify.

Types of bulk floors

Mineral (self-flowing or self-leveling)

Mineral bulk floors

This coating is a screed made from a dry mixture of cement, modifiers, sand, mineral-based fillers. Purpose - leveling concrete screeds and preparing the surface for installation of the finishing decorative material (laminate, linoleum, etc.).

Cement mixture

Using such mixtures, it is easy to level the floor in any room. The thickness of the poured layer is recommended from 2 to 50 mm.

Depending on this, drying takes place after 3-5 hours (complete after about 7 days), after which the final layer of the floor covering is immediately laid (cork, ceramic tile, etc.).

Anhydride or gypsum mixtures

Gypsum-based mixtures (also include antifoam agents, hardening accelerators and superplasticizers) are cheaper than cement, but in rooms with high humidity (kitchen, bathroom, showers, etc.) they are not recommended because of their ability to soften and lose strength in contact with water. The thickness of the poured floor is 10-100 mm.

The drying period for pedestrian loading is 1-2 days (for quick-hardening mixtures for at least 2 hours), and furniture can be installed or finished flooring can only be installed after 3-14 days.

Polymer

Such flooring mixtures are finishing. The composition includes resins (polyurethane, acrylic modified resins, epoxy).

Polymeric epoxy coatings

Such coatings, in addition to all the advantages, are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and they do not emit odors during the pouring process. Apply epoxy coatings in those rooms where aesthetic requirements come to the fore (business facilities, offices of large companies, banks, shopping centers, beauty salons).

However, for rooms where the floor is exposed to vibration and dynamic loads, such a coating is not recommended. And the work itself can be carried out at an air temperature of less than five degrees heat.

Polyurethane filling coatings

Polyurethane filling coatings

Thanks to the polyurethane binding components, such coatings cope well with their tasks in rooms where sharp temperature changes, shock and mechanical loads (workshops and workshops, warehouses, parking lots, etc.) are allowed. To increase the strength of the floor during the pouring process, quartz sand is added to the polymer mixture.

Cons: during the work, the composition emits a smell (protection of the respiratory tract with special masks is required), the dyes in the mixtures are unstable (over time the floors “burn out” and become faded), which does not allow the use of polyurethane floors in rooms where decorative qualities are more important than operational ones.

Methyl methacrylate floors

Floor coverings based on modified acrylic resins are used in industrial enterprises, food warehouses, as well as in non-residential premises, where there are high requirements for hygiene and environmental friendliness. The coating can be poured at low air temperature, the drying time is a maximum of two hours. The disadvantages of the floors are their high cost.

Impregnation and coating based on polymer binders

Impregnations are designed to protect the surface of the floors, dedust it and give strength and wear resistance. The lack of coatings is the complete absence of any decorative qualities. Externally, the floor looks like concrete covered with glossy varnish. Epoxy or polyurethane thin-layer coatings, in turn, are not deprived of the opportunity to decorate the room. Both those and other compositions are applied in a thin layer, so that their drying period is minimized, and the cost of money decreases markedly.

When drying bulk floors, you should beware of direct sunlight, drafts, temperature differences (optimal mode 22-25 degrees).

The "setting" of the surface of any screed occurs after one to three hours. But walking on it is still prohibited.
The average speed of preliminary hardening of mixtures from three hours to a day. However, the complete evaporation of moisture from the bulk floor occurs only after a period of 6 days to 7 weeks for particularly thick layers of the floor.

Overview of types of substrates and coatings

Example of laying a self-leveling self-leveling floor

How long will the base dry after pouring the solution? To answer this question, we will consider the most common options for arranging a draft basis:

• Gypsum is an easily laid screed that hardens after 4 hours. The full drying period of this composition varies from 6 to 10 days,
• Cement - includes several types of solutions: bulk, semi-dry, dry. The drying time for wet mixtures is the longest and is at least 25 days,
• From sand concrete - by consistency is less liquid than cement screed, and therefore its drying period is reduced by 6-8 days,
• For tiles - if ordinary tile adhesive is used during installation, the base is completely dried out (at least 14 days), if the installation is done with waterproof glue, the drying period for the base under the tile will be about 5-6 days,
• Under the laminate - the moisture content of the base in this case should not exceed 5%. But if a non-hygroscopic material is used as a substrate for the laminate, the installation of the final coating is done immediately after the screed is cured - after 3-4 days.

Wet cement mixes

During drying, the mixture remains wet for a long time, not from the outside, but from the inside.

Concrete mortar is a traditional composition that is used to finish a rough base. This type of coating in terms of drying time takes first place among other types of materials. Why? A very large amount of water is used for its preparation, which is necessary for uniform distribution of the composition on the floor surface.

In the process of drying, the mixture remains wet for a long time, not from the outside, but from the inside. Even if it seems that the coating is already ready for use, it is undesirable to lay the facing materials earlier than after three weeks. How long does it take to dry a cement-sand composition?

• If the thickness of the concrete layer is 4-5 cm, drying the coating will take at least 28-30 days,
• Pouring the solution in layers increases the drying time of the base - 2 weeks per 1 cm. when pouring the cement mixture in two layers of 2 cm, it will take about 7-8 weeks to completely dry the subfloor.

Semi-dry mixes

At the time of screed strength gain, the binder in the composition is experiencing severe stress

Semi-dry screed - a dense and non-liquid consistency composition with which you can level rough floors and give them greater wear resistance. Unlike wet solutions, semi-dry mixtures contain a very small amount of water and their solidification time is reduced by about half

Why is it important to dry the foundation before laying the finish?

How long does it take to dry a semi-dry mixture?

1. On average, the mixture dries for 10-14 days,
2. With a layer thickness of 4-5 cm, the period of complete cure is 15 days,
3. If the layer thickness is 70 cm, it will take at least three weeks to dry,
4. Partial hardening of the surface occurs in about half a day.

As already noted, the time of drying the floor is largely determined by the microclimate in the room. To create optimal conditions for the evaporation of moisture from a solution, it is necessary:

• Observe the temperature regime - the temperature in the room must be stable and approximately 22-24 degrees,
• Protect the coating from cracking - to prevent the screed from drying out and cracking, it is advisable to cover the base with plastic wrap,
• Regulate air humidity - the optimum humidity ranges from 60 to 65%.

Quick drying mixes

Example of laying and leveling a quick-drying mixture

The quick-drying screed hardens quickly. However, few know that this does not always indicate the permissible moisture content of the substrate. Fast hardening allows you to freely move around the coating, but this is not enough to lay tile, laminate or other types of finish coatings. Due to what should a quick-drying composition dry faster?

It should be noted that the quick-drying screed can include various “accelerators” of the solidification process, which include:

• Converters - perform a drainage function, contributing to the rapid removal of moisture from the inner layers of the coating,
• Accelerators - significantly reduce the need to add a large amount of liquid to the working solution,
• Thinners - affect the consistency of the solution, making it more plastic. This helps to minimize the amount of liquid in the mixture.

The hardening time of flooring depending on the composition of the mixture

The drying time of bulk floors depends, first of all, on the type of mixture used for coating.

To understand how the composition of the mixture and the various additives applied to them affect the solidification time of the self-leveling floors, it is necessary to consider some of them:

1. Polymer floors, used mainly in industrial production, can gain the required strength within 2-6 days. Moreover, various factors such as the thickness of the layers and their amount, the presence or absence of various additives, as well as various coloring pigments can affect this.
2. Floors made from cement-based formulations are finally hardened after 7-14 days, and the use of plasticizers used to improve the workability of the mixture can significantly increase these periods.

On polyurethane floors, you can walk in 10 - 15 hours

Using any mixture for the device of bulk floors, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for their use and fill the floors in full accordance with the specified technological sequence.

Depending on the type of finish coating, the curing time of the coating varies.

How much does the coating dry

Polymer surfaces for industrial needs dry out in a period of 2 to 6 days, but much will depend on the characteristics of a particular solution. The greatest period of time for drying will be required for cement-containing mixtures in which standard cement is used. For example, how long the bulk floor of a prospector dries will depend on the type of composition in which the cement base is used.

At the same time, polymer coatings are inexpensive, and can be used to level any coatings. They are also used as an independent coating for garages, utility rooms, in industrial and commercial facilities.

Among other things, the compositions of such solutions include special plasticizers, fillers, all kinds of additives and dyes, which can increase or decrease the drying time. On average, filler coatings with fillers also dry for about 7 days, while gaining anti-slip or rough surfaces, depending on the filler used.

Another equally popular bulk floor is the already mentioned polyurethane coating. The composition of such a solution for the floor is laid strong and resistant to all kinds of influences polyurethane. Such coatings are more often used in residential buildings, so the question is - how long should the bulk floor dry? not as important as in the case of production facilities.

A distinctive feature of polyurethane coatings is their reliability, chemical resistance. substances, as well as mechanical stress. In addition, their hard and dense surface is able to withstand even cuts from sharp and sharp objects, after which no traces remain. The solidification time of such surfaces is two days, but you can move on them after 20 hours.

Polyurethane solutions are poured in thin layers, which significantly reduces the time required for drying. Bulk coating, consisting of epoxy-containing resins or mixed ingredients, is produced on the basis of different types of synthetic components that give the flooring elastic qualities and increased resistance. The time to complete drying of epoxy coatings can vary from 2 to 5 days.

In recent years, with the installation of flooring in residential buildings, original and attractive 3D surfaces have become popular on which certain patterns can be created. Bulk 3D coatings are applied in two layers, between which there is a special layer of paper with a colorful image or a pattern of sand.

Pros and cons of quick-hardening polymer floor

Previously, every builder dreamed of such an installation technology, because pouring the liquid mixture was quick, but it took a lot of time to harden the floor. Today, quick-hardening mixtures can easily cope with this problem.

The fast floor has exactly the same properties as a simple polymer floor, but at the same time it freezes for two to three hours, after which the strength of the bulk floor becomes such that it can be freely moved around. And this is thanks to special additives - methacrylic resins, which are part of the mixture.

Their use is relevant if you want to fill the coating in a short time. Quick-hardening compositions are used in apartments and private houses, industrial premises. The use of quick-hardening products makes it possible to even out the height differences of the rough base from 5 to 200 millimeters, after which it is possible to carry out installation of the floor covering.

In addition to quick hardening, such mixtures also have other advantages: wear resistance, excellent strength characteristics, shrinkage resistance, and high yield.

It is believed that quick-hardening mixtures emit fumes harmful to human health, do not differ in practicality and do not last long. But this is not so, in practice it is proved that exactly the same characteristics are inherent in such compositions as that of a traditional screed, and special additives that are completely safe for health are responsible for the hardening speed. In stores, quick mixes are presented in bags weighing 20 or 25 kilograms.

But in addition to numerous advantages, fast-hardening mixtures also have disadvantages. The main one is that because of the quick solidification, the finished composition must be poured onto the floor and leveled in just twenty minutes.

True, such a drawback nevertheless translates into advantages, therefore, pouring the finished solution is simply recommended to be done with assistants. One prepares a quick-hardening composition, the other brings it up and delivers the necessary tools for work, and the third performs the pouring of the solution with subsequent alignment.

Filling of a quick-hardening bulk floor

Variety of terms - read the label

Please note that in the case of a bulk coating, no one except the manufacturer will answer the question of how long the bulk floor dries. Therefore, read the instructions on the packaging very carefully - this is just the case when you can find many important tips there! Different composition - different terms. By the way, it was noticed that the cheaper the mixture, the longer it will dry, so count twice - it turns out that the money saved on the mixture will be spent on extra waiting time? If there is no hurry, then you can save.

• Cement-containing compositions are known for the greatest "slowness." On average, this floor will dry for about a week, depending on the amount of plasticizers and other additives. However, this floor has a significant advantage, for which it’s worth the wait - the floor surface has anti-slip properties, which is used by the owners of pools, saunas and other water institutions. In addition, this floor perfectly tolerates the effects of various detergents, it is easily washed from oil and greasy stains.
• The polyurethane floor, which is most often used in residential premises, dries up to two days. You can walk on it and perform other tasks (except dragging furniture, bags and equipment) after 12-15 hours. Such bulk coatings are known for their durability and wear resistance. Average life is up to 40 years. Polyurethane blends can have a glossy or matte finish. The first option is best used if you want to tint the floor with a special color and set it as the final coating. However, keep in mind that even small flaws will be very clearly visible on a glossy surface, as there are scratches, pits, and tubercles.
• Epoxy compounds dry a little longer - it is recommended to walk on it no sooner than after 24 hours, and it will completely dry after 4-5 days. Epoxy floors are very hard and hard, but also very fragile. However, such coatings have excellent water resistance, they can not be penetrated by almost any chemistry - it is not surprising that epoxy floors are poured at chemical and pharmacological enterprises.

All recommendations regarding the timing are given in relation to a standard floor thickness of 10 mm. Bulk mixes intended for a thicker floor can dry 2-3 times longer.

How to measure screed moisture

How to measure screed moisture

Even after this period, the moisture content of the cement base may remain elevated. To know exactly whether it is possible to lay the coating, you should check the degree of moisture in the screed. It is very simple to do this: take a paper napkin, put it on the floor, cover it with polyethylene and leave it for 24 hours. If the napkin is not damp after a day, then the screed is completely dry. If the cloth is wet to the touch, you need to wait a few more days. There are also special measuring instruments - electronic moisture meters. The readings of the device should not exceed 3.4%, otherwise the screed should still dry.

Table of maximum permissible humidity values

In addition to measuring moisture, the screed must be checked for strength, the absence of visible defects, delamination and shrinkage. To do this, carefully inspect the surface, gently tap with a hammer in separate places. A durable high-quality screed should have a uniform color and make a clear sound when struck.

Screed quality rating table

Types of bulk coatings

Currently, builders use the classification of bulk floors by type of manufacturing method and characteristics. The most common are the following types of bulk floors:

• Epoxy coatings, using special resins and additives in the solution that improve certain qualities. Including additives that accelerate the polymerization time of the floor can be used. In this case, how much the bulk floor dries will determine the filler will contribute to the solidification process. Such coatings are resistant to very severe loads from chemicals.
• Bulk coatings containing cement. These coatings are based on basic bulk mixtures, which are distinguished by the introduction of cement into the base. Such coatings are convenient with a simple laying technology, and the presence of cement allows you to save on the basic composition.
• The most widely used option is a coating based on polyurethane. This type of floor is also classified by its technological qualities into two-component and one-component mixtures.The first category is mainly used for installation in residential premises, and the second includes compositions intended for industrial workshops and utility rooms. Such coatings do not differ in decorative qualities, but their ability to withstand mechanical loads is appreciated in the industrial sector.

Regarding the possibility of creating decorative textures and patterns, it is worth noting that much is determined by the styling technology, on which the composition depends.

The use of special inclusions is combined only with some technologies that involve the final filling with chips. Therefore, how much the self-leveling bulk floor dries will depend on the decorative component of the coating. In addition, the introduction of additional "patterned" elements affects the time of curing of the coating.

Bulk mixes for preparatory work: hardening features

As you know, self-leveling mixtures consist of a binder, mineral filler and modifying additives. The basic component - cement or gypsum - after mixing with water is converted into a stony body. This happens, of course, not instantly, but over a certain period. All physicochemical processes can be divided into two stages:

1. Grasping - during this period, the initial transformation of the cement paste occurs. Due to the reactions of hydration of minerals and the formation of a colloidal (adhesive) gel, the solution loses its plasticity and sets. Thixotropy is characteristic - at rest, the material increases viscosity, that is, it thickens, and it is liquefied by mechanical stress. By time: starts in about 30-40 minutes from the moment of mixing with water and lasts from 2 to 12 hours. That is why manufacturers write on the package "you can walk 2..3..8 hours after pouring."
2. Hardening and strength gain (aging). Here, the processes of formation of crystalline structures are already taking place. The bulk floor is gradually compacted and hardened.

There is a scientifically documented pattern of increase in the strength indicator for cement under normal conditions (air t = +20 ºС, humidity - 60%):

• After 7-14 days - 60-80% of strength (depending on brand),
• After 28 days - 100% (of the design).

For gypsum, there are no strictly fixed indicators of the time of complete drying. It all depends on its brand (from G1 to G25) and the moderators introduced into the solution (lime, glue, etc.). On average, the material sets in 30 minutes, and a full set of strength occurs in 14-20 days.

Installation of massive parquet on the bulk floor.

So how much does the bulk floor dry? 14-28 days is the standard for basic formulations. However, manufacturers “stimulate” certain physical and chemical processes by introducing various plasticizing, modifying additives, polymer additives, etc. into bulk mixtures. They are:

• accelerate or slow down the initial drying time of the solution,
• increase the coefficient of strength of the finished coating for fracture and tear (elasticity),
• contribute to an increase in the density and hydrophobicity of cement-gypsum stone.

Useful additives significantly increase the price of the dry mix, but the result justifies the investment.

How much does the bulk floor dry - read the instructions

Drying time and curing period are different concepts. The first implies the possibility of temporary foot loads, and the second - constant, intensive operation. Simply put, in this way, manufacturers make it clear to customers when it is possible to just walk and mount the finish coat on the finished screed, and when to install heavy objects (furniture, equipment), etc.

The initial setting of the solution is already dense, but still thixotropic.

Based on the technical documentation of the manufacturers of bulk floors, we have compiled a table that will help you with the choice of a mixture for interior work (residential and office premises). All measurements were carried out in laboratory conditions at a surface temperature of 18-20 ° C, relative humidity of 50-60%.

As can be seen from the table, the most “high-speed” are gypsum-based mixtures. Drying time does not exceed 7 days. Positioned as non-shrinking, but what will happen in reality depends on external conditions, up to air humidity. Operational restrictions: only for internal rooms with normal humidity at a temperature not lower than +5 ° С.

In contrast, cement self-leveling floors are more durable, withstand temperature extremes, and besides, they are universal - they can be used in ordinary and humid rooms. The drying time and final hardening is optimal - 14-21 days. But no self-respecting master in installing massive parquet or heavy porcelain stoneware will do the laying earlier than after 28 days. That is, before the floor gains 100% strength and can withstand all loads without damage.

We note one more nuance: in the table, floor coverings are specially divided. The fact is that during installation, special importance is attached to the so-called indicator of residual moisture content of the base. Manufacturers of linoleum, flooring, laminate, carpet clearly indicate - not more than 4% SM, ideally 2.5% SM. For ceramic products, artificial and natural stone, higher values ​​are permissible. Accurate information is always indicated in the instructions for the laying mortar or adhesive.

Hygrometer for measuring the moisture level of the substrate.

How to find out if the bulk floor is dry enough? Indeed, any factor affects the speed. More than 14 days can pass, but if the air temperature is below +5 ºС, and the humidity is above 80%, then the hardening and curing time increases almost twice.

For wood finishing materials, the basis must be checked with a hygrometer. For everyone else, including carpet, vinyl and ceramic tiles, you can do rapid tests:

1. Take a piece of plastic film 1x1 m, fix it on the base with tape and leave for a day. If drops, darkened areas appear under it or condensation forms, then the drying time for the base was not enough and we must wait.
2. Place a basin of hot water on the floor and wait a bit. The area underneath has darkened, which means the humidity level is still elevated, laying flooring is undesirable.

Tests can be repeated at intervals of several days. An obvious indicator of the correct base is an absolutely dry surface without spots and drops.

Care for bulk floors during setting and curing

Optimum drying conditions for the poured solution:

• The temperature of the basement indoors before the start of work, during and in the next 2-4 days - from +10 to +25 ºС,
• Relative humidity - 50-80%,
• Lack of drafts, direct sunlight, a working floor heating system and other heating appliances.

72 hours before starting work, you must turn off the base heating. Re-inclusion is allowed after 14-28 days after the development of the solution. To avoid premature or uneven drying, you can cover the floor with polyethylene.

The ideal base for the installation of topcoats.

All this will prevent the appearance of cracks and uneven areas. Accordingly, you will get the required, that is, perfectly even, durable coating for the installation of any finishing materials.

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