I am going to self-level an undrained basement and want to ensure that moisture can migrate as it likes. I have bought self-leveling compound from Byggmax, but now another hardware store says you need special self-leveling compound to ensure that it is diffusion open.
I have also read in some forums that you cannot use regular primer if you want it to be diffusion open.
What is the deal with this?
What should I use?
I plan to drain the basement next summer. But still want to ensure long-lasting secure results.
I have also read in some forums that you cannot use regular primer if you want it to be diffusion open.
What is the deal with this?
What should I use?
I plan to drain the basement next summer. But still want to ensure long-lasting secure results.
Normally, a primer is diffusion-open, as is the spackel. But to be sure, contact the manufacturer or ask byggmax for the information.
If a filler is diffusion-open or not, I won't say, but most fillers do not withstand being in areas with added moisture, such as basements without insulation and capillary-breaking layers.
Whether a primer is or not probably depends on the mixture; for example, if you mix P51 1:3, it is likely quite dense; for basement floors, it should be mixed 1:7, I believe.
Ardex has K301mix and Heydi offers flow screeds, among others, that can withstand added moisture.
Whether a primer is or not probably depends on the mixture; for example, if you mix P51 1:3, it is likely quite dense; for basement floors, it should be mixed 1:7, I believe.
Ardex has K301mix and Heydi offers flow screeds, among others, that can withstand added moisture.
After talking to professional self-leveling compound applicators, I'm thinking this way... Seal the concrete floor with sodium silicate. A few weeks later, apply primer and self-leveling compound. I'm unsure if sodium silicate is vapor permeable. It probably won't let water through, although it might let steam through.
Does anyone have experience using sodium silicate in this way? Are there any risks to sealing a floor where there are often damp spots?
I should probably break up the floor. Lay gravel and insulate. But I hope I can postpone it for 20 years this way.
Does anyone have experience using sodium silicate in this way? Are there any risks to sealing a floor where there are often damp spots?
I should probably break up the floor. Lay gravel and insulate. But I hope I can postpone it for 20 years this way.