In its natural form, the balcony floor is bare concrete slab. Upgrading the slab and turning it into a full-fledged floor is impossible without quality leveling. The process is labor-intensive and resource-consuming, however, finishing coat needs a solid foundation.
Materials used
The leveling method is determined by the type of balcony. Depending on the glazing, temperature and humidity, the materials vary. With finished glazing, insulation and heating provision, you can use any material for decoration, just like for a living room.
No heating makes its own adjustments even with glazing. Temperature changes can lead to the formation of condensation, so the material must be stable. It is advisable to use cement coating or plasterboard with increased moisture resistance. For the finishing coating choose linoleum or laminate.
Demanding case – balcony without glazing. Here you will need a material with the highest degree of stability, so the choice most often falls on a screed. The face covering is ceramic materials And terrace board, able to withstand bad weather, moisture and sudden temperature changes.
For reference!
When choosing materials, it is worth remembering that the balcony slab must withstand the applied load. Major leveling is carried out with a cement screed, calculating whether the slab can withstand additional weight. For cases of large curvature, floors on joists are chosen, which have a small mass, but significantly raise the floor level.
Methods for determining level of alignment
Having decided on the material, measure the level of the finished floor - the line along which the alignment will be oriented. There are 3 measurement methods - water level, laser level and bubble level.
Using a water level, mark a point on the balcony wall, measuring a point at the same height along other walls. The points connected to each other will serve as the horizon level. Then, from the visually determined highest point of the floor, where it is raised up, the height to the horizon is measured. From the resulting length, subtract the height of the floor and set aside the calculated distance from the horizon to the bottom, leaving a point. From the point is drawn straight line above the floors, thus determining the level of future coverage.
Laser level greatly simplifies the task. The device is placed on the highest point of the floor and the laser is turned on. The lines left by the level on the wall are marked with a pencil and, by moving the tripod of the device, extended to other surfaces.
Bubble level used in extreme cases. With its help, having established a point on the wall at the elevation of the floor, extend it to the rest of the wall, marking the line of the clean coating. This method of measurement gives a large error, so its use is justified only when performed by a specialist.
Leveling with cement screed
This is the most quality option, used for a height of no more than 3-5 cm. A screed of less than 3 cm will be fragile and crack, and more than 5 will overload balcony slab.
To complete the work you will need:
- Primer with waterproofing;
- Cement mortar;
- Lighthouses;
- Level;
- Rule;
- Roller and mixer.
First, the coating is cleaned of debris and dust, cracks are sealed with cement or plaster, and covered with soil mortar. When decorating a balcony open type it is necessary to install plywood or board formwork to prevent the primer from spreading.
Then beacons are installed in half a meter increments. The length of the beacon must strictly correspond to the height of the future screed. To the balcony from standard sizes there are no more than two lighthouses. They are fixed with cement or plaster, checking the horizontal line with a level. After a few hours they begin screeding.
The solution must be mixed from one part cement and three parts sand. The mixture is brought to the consistency of thick semolina porridge with water. The resulting mixture is leveled on the floor, leveling with the rule and checking the level of the beacons.
After a few days, the formwork can be removed. The remaining space is filled with cement mortar of a thick consistency, leveling it to the floor level. After two weeks, they move on to finishing.
Self-leveling floor
The method is used for curvatures of less than 3 cm, when the use of a cement screed is not suitable.
To perform it you need stock up on primer, the mixture itself, a spatula and two rollers - a needle and a standard one.
The surface is prepared using a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove dust, cracks are sealed and covered with a primer. After 4-5 hours, dilute the mixture to a liquid consistency and pour it onto the floor as evenly as possible. Using a spatula, the surface is leveled, then rolled with a special roller. After a few days, the surface will set firmly, but finishing is carried out only after two weeks.
Dry leveling
This method has gained great popularity due to the speed of work completion and readiness for finishing immediately after leveling. In addition, the screed provides. For implementation use expanded clay, GSP or DSP, polyethylene film, U-profiles, rule and self-tapping screws.
Like any other method, the process begins with cleaning the floor and sealing cracks. The joints of the slab and walls are foamed.
Next stage - . The polyethylene film is laid out on the slab, placing the edges along the walls a few centimeters above the planned screed. The borders of the film should be secured with tape. Later, after filling the dry screed, the remaining polyethylene can be cut off.
With the wide side facing the floor, profiles are laid out under the walls, leveling according to the rule. The upper boundary of the profile in this position should correspond to the level of expanded clay, which in the next step is poured between the beacon profiles and leveled along them.
Slabs are laid on top of the expanded clay layer, serving as the basis for finishing. It is better if the plate has a groove. They are driven tightly under the wall and moved from it to the edge of the balcony, fastening them at the joints with self-tapping screws.
Alignment with lags
The log allows you to additionally insulate the floor and raise its level, practically without exerting a load. General scheme consists of creating a timber frame, which is covered on top with a board or slab. Between the floor and the slab there is space for insulation or communications.
To complete this you will need bars, insulating material, screws, board or plywood, dowels.
After cleaning the surface from debris and sealing cracks, install the sheathing - wooden blocks 50x50 mm. The logs are placed at a distance of half a meter from each other and secured to the floor with dowels. Insulation can be placed in the resulting niches. Expanded clay is used for open balconies, while closed balconies can be insulated with basalt or glass wool.
Immediately after finishing the work, you can begin the front finishing.
Conclusion
The choice of material for leveling floors depends on the type of balcony being repaired, but in each case you can find best option. The most quick option A small height adjustment is the self-leveling floor. In case of serious errors, use wooden sheathing, significantly speeding up the finishing process on the balcony.
When selecting material, you should also pay attention to the load of the balcony base, so that rough finish did not shake the structure.
Video
The review shows how to do it right dry leveling floors on the balcony or loggia.
Quite often, apartment owners adapt the balcony as additional room. Naturally, in this case it is necessary to carry out a number of operations to give the loggia a more residential look. In addition to insulation and finishing, it is also necessary to level the floor. As a rule, the foundation in such premises is in far from ideal condition, so it is rarely possible to do without this operation.
There are two ways to level the floor on the balcony - using a concrete screed or using a joist device. Let's look at both methods in more detail.
For leveling the floor on the balcony using a screed device You will need a primer, a building level, a tape measure, a pencil, guides), a rule or lath, a wide metal spatula, a dry mixture for leveling, and a container for mixing the solution.
After preparing everyone necessary materials and tools you can get to work.
Preparing the base
Initially, it is necessary to remove all things from the balcony, clean the base from dirt and dust. You should also check the condition of the floor. If there are weak areas or damaged materials, they should be cleaned. Severe cracks and chips are sealed with cement mortar.
The composition must be applied to the entire floor surface using a brush. Using a primer will provide more reliable adhesion of other materials to the surface and protect against various negative impacts environment. The surface is left until the composition is completely dry (drying time is indicated on the packaging).
In order for the base to be level, it is necessary to determine the so-called “zero mark”. According to it, the height of pouring the concrete screed will be determined. To determine the height, select the highest place on the floor. According to the obtained value, corresponding points are plotted along the entire perimeter. To mark them evenly, you must use a laser or bubble level. This stage is very important, since the evenness of the subsequently obtained screed largely depends on the correct marking.
Installation of beacons
After determining the height level of the screed, guides (or beacons) should be installed. They will be used for future alignment. The guides are attached to the solution. Beacons should be placed in the transverse direction (widthwise) in increments of approximately 50-60 cm.
Before you start further work, you should wait until the solution on which the guides are attached sets.
For pouring, you can use cement-sand or concrete mortar. The mixture is poured between the beacons and then leveled using a rule or a lath. This way the entire surface is filled. You need to level with short movements, holding the working tool with light pressure. You need to work until the screed is completely level with the beacons. For getting ideal surface It is recommended to use a large metal spatula.
After this, the screed is left until completely dry. This may take up to several weeks.
Leveling the concrete floor along the joists
You can also use a log device to level the floor on the balcony. This method is quite easy to do yourself, and the production time is much shorter compared to creating concrete or cement-sand screed. To carry out the process you will need plywood (it is better to take a thickness of 20 mm), a drill or screwdriver, a hammer drill, wooden beam with a section of 40x40 mm or 30x40 mm, a hacksaw or a hand-held circular saw, a building level, a tape measure, a pencil, wood screws and dowels.
Step by step guide. Leveling the floor on the loggia along the logs
- Preparing the base. All dirt and dust should be removed. The surface can be additionally treated with a primer, which will protect the surface from destruction and the influence of negative environmental factors.
- Determining the level of the leveled base. The process is carried out similarly to the above algorithm: the highest point is determined, according to which marks are made at the building level.
- Laying waterproofing. It is recommended to lay waterproofing between the joists. These can be films or liquid mastic. The mastic is applied to the surface using a brush. The film is attached using adhesive tape.
- Installation of lag. The logs are installed in increments of 50 cm. The height of the sheathing must correspond to the marks made. For even placement in low places, blocks are placed under the joists. The accuracy of installation must be constantly checked using a building level. The sheathing is attached to the base using dowels. Moreover, the deeper the fasteners are installed, the more securely the bars will hold. Therefore, it is recommended to choose dowels with a length of 80 mm. In order for the lathing to last a long time, it is recommended to pre-treat the bars with a special protective impregnation. She will provide reliable protection from negative environmental influences.
- Laying plywood. The plywood is laid on the sheathing and attached to it using wood screws (it is recommended to choose fasteners 65 mm long). Hats should be recessed into the thickness of the material. As a rule, the sheets need to be trimmed. To do this, measure the width of the balcony, which is then laid on plywood. After this, the sheets are cut according to the marks made using a hacksaw or circular saw. When laying, it is necessary to provide a technological gap of 3 cm. Plywood can be replaced with chipboard or OSB (thickness is also 20 mm). OSB and plywood are of higher quality and more reliable, so it is recommended to choose them.
In some cases, the balcony needs to be insulated. In this case, it is necessary to provide installation thermal insulation material. Can be used as insulation various materials: Styrofoam, mineral wool, bulk materials(expanded clay), foamed polyethylene, etc. It is best to choose polystyrene foam. It has excellent sound and thermal insulation properties, resistant to various environmental influences, including moisture, durable, inexpensive, and easy to install.
When insulating the floor, it is necessary to provide a waterproofing layer(film or special mastic). In this case, it is necessary to provide for the material to extend onto the wall to a height of approximately 7-10 cm.
Next, the insulation is installed. The method of fastening depends on the type of thermal insulation material. The insulation must be laid tightly to each other and to the joists (with the second method of leveling the floor). It is recommended to treat the joints with mastic. Next, a vapor barrier layer is provided. This stage depends on the type of insulation. For example, when using polystyrene foam, a vapor barrier device is optional.
The final stage is the installation of a leveling layer: screed or plywood. Next, the floor on the balcony can be finished with decorative material.
Also, to insulate the balcony, you can install a “warm floor” system. This procedure is carried out if the loggia will be used as a room for permanent residence.
Thus, there are two ways to level the floor on the balcony. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of a concrete screed is that it provides a strong and durable foundation. This floor will last a very long time for a long time. However, this will be ensured if the technology is performed correctly. In addition, the installation of a cement-sand or concrete screed may require long time to dry. Not recommended for use this method alignment with wooden interfloor ceilings. Filling the screed should not be done when negative temperature environment.
Alignment by lags is simple and fast speed process execution. And even if something was not done entirely correctly, the defect can be easily corrected. When installing the floor on joists, normal air circulation is ensured, and various communications can be laid under the base. However, compared to a screed, such a base may not last as long. long term. In addition, the strength is an order of magnitude lower than a screed.
Basically, the question of how to level the floor on a balcony is asked if future plans include glazing it and subsequent installation of the floor covering. In some cases, performing such work will have a beneficial effect not only on decorative form premises, but will also strengthen the structural strength of the balcony slab.
This is due to the fact that the house, and with it the balcony ceiling, built several decades ago, lose their former strength over time. For example, a slab can withstand a load of 400 kg/m2, but due to the fact that it was under open air, the influence of rain and wind, the coefficient can be safely divided in half. Thus, pouring the floor becomes a very useful activity.
Defining the terminology
For a closer look at the topic, we will consider 3 categories of balconies:
For each of them you can use separate material, which will level the surface. At wrong choice method, the coating may be destroyed under negative influence various factors.
Open balcony
In summer it rains and in winter it snows. For this type of premises, a cement floor screed is simply necessary. In addition to leveling, the surface of the slab will be strengthened with a fresh layer. If the house has recently been put into operation, and the condition concrete floor is in perfect condition, you can use a sheet of OeSBi or DSP. As decorative covering ideal option materials such as:
- Decking.
- Ceramics.
- Porcelain tiles.
- Paving slabs.
It must be taken into account that the base of the structure is largely in a suspended state. Therefore, when choosing a method for leveling the floor on a balcony with your own hands, you should not use heavy materials.
Loggia
In this case, the floor slab is protected from the effects of snow, rain and wind. However, it is subject to sudden temperature changes, due to which drops of condensation periodically form. That's why 
The ideal option would be to use moisture-resistant materials:
- Plywood.
- OeSBi.
- Cement strainer.
Only moisture-resistant floor coverings can be used: linoleum, tiles, laminate class 33 or 34.
Loggia with heating
A screed for a loggia, which is well-glazed and constantly heated during the cold season, is needed directly to level the surface. Absolutely all types are used as a finishing layer. floor coverings, used in the living room.
Installation of beacons
Beacons for level determination
You can determine exactly to what level the floor on the balcony needs to be leveled using a spirit level (water level) or using a laser level. Both tools allow you to mark the boundaries of the plane with an accuracy of 1 - 2 mm. The only difference is the complexity of the work. An electronic device will help you complete things much faster. necessary measurements. But its minimum price starts from 3,000 rubles, when a water one costs only 300 - 400. Naturally, in order to make a screed on a loggia or balcony, you should not buy a device that will not be useful in the future.
It should be noted that the poured floor on open balcony should have a slight slope towards the street. This is required so that the water that gets here does not stagnate, but flows out. For a meter of slab width, 1 cm of slope is enough.
Water level measurement
The highest point of the floor is visually selected (the place where it is raised up as much as possible) and next to it, the first mark is placed on the wall. Using a level, marks are made on the same boundary on the remaining walls. After which everything given points connected by a straight line. This is the so-called horizon. A calculation is made of the thickness to which the screed will be poured. Then, subtracting this value from the height of the horizon, the level of the finishing layer of the future floor is marked on the walls.
Measuring with a laser level
Laser level measurements
The device is installed at the highest point of the floor (preferably in a corner). After turning on the power, it will automatically determine the points of the even horizontal line. After making marks with a pencil or marker, you should rotate the level, holding it by the tripod, and mark the horizontal line on the remaining walls. After this, you can safely remove the device and start filling the floor on the balcony with your own hands.
More expensive device models show the horizontal line not as dots, but as a solid line, which is a more convenient option.
Watch the video on how to properly level the floor:
Floor leveling methods
Modern technologies allow 2 options for how to make a floor screed on a balcony. Moreover, each has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to a similar method.
Wet screed
Leveling the floor with a wet screed When choosing how to screed on a balcony, you should take into account that the thickness of the cement-sand layer should not exceed 7 cm. As a result of pouring, the total weight of the structure will increase significantly, and the base may not withstand the load.
The main disadvantage of this method is the time it takes to complete the work. Before complete hardening it will take at least three days from the moment of filling. This is only for a layer of 2 - 3 cm; with a greater thickness, an even longer period may be required. Again depending on the temperature.
How to fill the floor on the balcony with your own hands? Even a person inexperienced in construction can handle the job. The procedure is as follows:
- A layer of waterproofing is laid.
- Beacons are installed at a distance of 50 cm from each other.
This is done using self-tapping screws and fishing line. - The cement mixture or self-leveling floor is mixed in a container according to the instructions indicated on back side package and pours onto the surface. The resulting mixture is distributed using a trowel and then rules.
- After 1 - 2 days, the line of beacons is removed, the surface is rubbed with a trowel with a new mixture. Unevenness should be dealt with in the same way.
- It is recommended to lay the finishing coating on the floor only after the mixture has completely hardened.
In order to avoid possible cracking of the surface during drying, you need to cover it plastic film, periodically spray with water, and open only when necessary.
Dry screed
Leveling the floor with a dry screed Dry floor screed will be an ideal option for subsequent insulation. It is made with materials that have good thermal insulation properties and meet all fire safety requirements for residential premises. Screeding the floor on a loggia in this way is done with the following materials:
- Expanded clay sand.
- Expanded clay gravel.
- Expanded clay crushed stone.
The advantage that sets dry screed on a balcony apart is the time spent on completing the work. After preparing the surface and determining the horizontal, the material is poured out and leveled using the rule. Immediately after this, a gypsum fiber board is laid on top, after which the finishing layer can be laid on the surface. flooring material. Another plus is the absence of “wet” work, since there is no need to stir cement mortar, use water and spread dirt. The main disadvantage is high price expanded clay in relation to cement.
Do-it-yourself dry screed on the balcony in the following order:
- Formwork is installed around the entire perimeter of the balcony.
- A layer of waterproofing is laid out.
- Expanded clay no larger than 30 mm is poured onto the surface and compacted until it is level with the upper edge of the formwork.
- Gypsum fiber boards are laid on a leveled layer of expanded clay.
The video below explains very well how to properly screed a floor:
Formwork made of plywood or boards must be treated with an antiseptic that protects the wood from rotting and fungus formation.
Everyone chooses how to level their balcony or loggia individually. The only thing worth remembering is that the quality, and perhaps the service life of the final decorative coating, will depend on how the work is done. For example, laminate flooring requires a perfectly flat surface. Otherwise, over time, due to the fact that he will “play”, the locks will become loose and become unusable. Therefore, the floor screed on a balcony or loggia must be perfectly flat relative to one plane.
A beautiful balcony is an expensive pleasure. The floor on the balcony is just as important as in the living room or kitchen. You can do it yourself or spend at least 50,000 rubles on workers.
You can put it on the loggia floor different coatings. The choice depends on the glazing of the loggia. For warm ones glazed balconies choose parquet board, parquet, tongue and groove boards, laminate.
Not every person knows how to level the surface on a balcony.
The floor on the balcony must be made strong if the owners want to use the balcony as a greenhouse or office.
Screed leveling technology
The base surface is made at the first stage of manufacturing. All furniture is taken out and the old covering is removed. The cement base is cleaned of old glue, dirt and debris. The screed helps balance the fill level of the slab. When making a balcony, you should remember that this is an unreliable structure and it is not able to withstand the entire load, such as, for example, a covering in an ordinary house. The impact on the balcony slab should be gentle. The floor on the balcony can be leveled, maintaining the integrity of the structure. In this case, non-traditional concrete screed, but a new solution with a lightweight structure. Foam inclusions with new ones cement screeds have on the balcony good performance. Gypsum solutions are also very light.
If the base is flawless, the decorative coating will last a very long time and will only experience natural aging.
The evenness of the base is determined by the building level, then leveling occurs using a screed. For the screed you will need several beacons. They are divided evenly across the entire width of the balcony. Beacons are distributed across the base in increments of 60 cm. The evenness of the beacons is determined by the building level; if necessary, pieces of hardboard are placed. If the floor is installed on an open loggia, then a slope from the building wall is required. First the beacons are leveled, then the loggia is leveled. And so each individually, in the end there is a general alignment.
There is no need to rush to install beacons. The evenness of the coating depends on the installation and accuracy of the beacon. Beacons are fixed.
Cement mortar is placed in places where hardboard was placed. The solution hardens for two hours. To ensure that the screeds hold the mortar, instead of a stone parapet, they are installed metal railings. On the edge outside a wooden beam is attached to the base. The gap between the timber and the floor is sealed with sealant.
The screed helps raise the level on the balcony. For better adhesion, prime the base well. The screed solution is made from special dry mixtures. The solution is made according to the instructions, brought to a homogeneous mass. For screed, dry mortars level themselves. Evenness is controlled by installed beacons.
This is how it’s easy to install roof ties with your own hands.
The screed beacons are distributed across the entire width of the balcony in 60cm increments.
You can install a wooden floor in the loggia with your own hands. When the screed is ready, you can begin laying the decorative coating. Boardwalk has considerable popularity. Wooden floor on the balcony, made with your own hands, has natural warmth and good air circulation. For an open loggia, it is recommended to install street wooden boards. Deck boards are perfect. The board does not deteriorate for many years. IN indoors Any boards will do.
Alignment with lags
It is not difficult to install and level the floor on the balcony with your own hands. A sheathing is made on which the boards are placed. The sheathing ensures rainwater drainage. Saved natural circulation air, thus extending the service life. Afterwards the wood is varnished.
Various coverings are laid on loggias. The choice depends on the glazing of the loggia. For warm glazed balconies, choose parquet boards, parquet, tongue and groove boards, and laminate.
Laying ceramic tiles with your own hands:
The tiles should be laid from the far corner to the door.
- You will need a spatula-comb and tile adhesive.
- The floor is cleared of dust and debris. Glue solution mixed according to instructions.
- Laying begins from the far corner.
- Glue is applied to the back of the tile, leveled with a comb spatula, excess glue is removed, the tile is placed on the base and pressed lightly.
- The remaining tiles are laid in the same way; the gap between the tiles is controlled by fixing them with plastic crosses.
- The edge tiles are cut using a tile cutter.
Other types of coatings are easier to install.
Sometimes you have to level a concrete floor with your own hands, without screeds. For this, a wooden joist alignment system is useful:
- All debris, dust, dirt, and remnants of the old coating are cleaned out.
- The height is determined by the building level, and marks are placed on the walls along the entire perimeter of the balcony.
- You can use not only ready-made industrial logs, but also coniferous beams of a certain size.
- Logs are installed with a distance between axes of up to 50 cm.
- For desired installation The log is laid with beams, and between them there are pieces of roofing felt for waterproofing.
- At the required level, the logs are installed strictly horizontally by gradually moving the bars.
- Using anchors, the logs are attached to the concrete.
- After attaching the logs, sheets of plywood are laid on the surface. The sheets are secured using self-tapping screws. Plywood is coated with water-repellent compounds, as there is a possibility of water and moisture getting in.
By placing the beams in several layers, perpendicular to each other, we can raise the level to any height.
Since leveling has already begun, they can be insulated, but insulation increases the load on the structure. For lightness, penoplex and penofol are used. You should not skimp on materials for insulation, as this may lead to reconstruction of the balcony. Here you need to consult with specialists.
There is a wide variety of insulation materials on the market: heating mats, cable heating sections, film flooring. Insulation materials are installed only on a flat surface.
Warm film floor
A warm film floor is installed under linoleum, carpet, laminate, etc. The film floor has no additional load and heats the surface evenly and quickly. It is advisable to install warm film flooring on leveled surfaces, which will make installation of this type easier.
Many people want to know how to level the floor on the balcony. The fact is that a balcony in a new building does not always have a perfectly flat floor base. In old buildings, the concrete coating may even be crumbled or covered with a large number of cracks. Therefore, this room will need to be improved.
Owners of apartments with balconies can increase the area of their home. An insulated balcony, for example, can become excellent greenhouse or an office where it will be possible to place a computer and do work. However, in order for this room to become cozy, it will need to be insulated. It is worth understanding that effective insulation can only be performed with leveled floor foundations, and work should begin with them.
You can level the base of the floor various methods. The choice must be made based on what functions this room will perform in the future. The following methods exist:
- parquet for the garden;
- ceramic tiles;
- using logs and boards;
- screed
There are cases when it is not necessary to insulate a room of this type. Before you level the floor on the balconies with your own hands, you will need to do some preparatory work. Items that will be needed:
- cement;
- sand;
- spatula with teeth;
- perforator;
- plywood sheets or boards;
- waterproofing material;
- insulation material;
- beacons;
- primer deep penetration;
- squeegee;
- PVC pipes.
How to level a floor with a screed?
On an open balcony, the base of the floor should not only be level, but also have a slight slope. It is not allowed to do too much big slope, since it will be difficult to move on the floor.
If the base of the open-type balcony has an old cement screed, then it will need to be dismantled. This should be done very carefully so as not to touch the stove. It is recommended to carry out this process using a hammer drill. This device will also come in handy when leveling the floor on the balcony. closed type, if you plan to carry out repairs using wet screed. If the old screed is not dismantled and a new one is laid on top of it, the layers will greatly weigh down the concrete slab. This cannot be allowed, as the structure may collapse.
The slope of the floor from the wall on an open balcony should be approximately 3-5°. If there is no connection between the base and the fence, water will be able to flow down the base. If the floor and wall are connected to each other, then it will be necessary to provide a drain. You can use a small groove along the wall and a recess as a drain. You can also embed a PVC pipe and drain into the screed.
This can be done anywhere on the base. If there is a small border at the extreme part of the slab, then a drain will also need to be made. The slope of the screed should be directed towards the drainage recess.
The stove should be cleaned old concrete and small stones. After this, the floor base must be coated with a deep penetration primer. Next, you will need to install formwork around the perimeter of the balcony. The joints between this structure and the floor should be caulked so that the leveling mixture does not leak down.
How to fill the screed?
You will need to lay a wire mesh on the floor large thickness. Next, beacons will need to be installed and fixed on the structure. On an open-type balcony you cannot do without them, since you will need to set the direction of the water to the drain.
The beacons should be placed along the long wall at a level from which it will be possible to determine the angle of inclination of the leveled floor.
On next stage You will need to mix a construction mixture of cement and sand. To insulate the base, you can additionally add expanded clay to the mixture.
The mixture must be spread in parts onto the prepared base and leveled using a rule that will be followed by beacons. The mixture is laid out 4 cm above the beacons. When the screed is completed, you need to wait until it dries. Concrete must be moistened with water every day.
In this way you can set the required screed slope in the room. The mixture will need to be poured in the form of small puddles and distributed over the base with a squeegee, and then rolled with a needle roller.
At this stage it will be possible to lay ceramic tiles and parquet. If you plan to use parquet that is made from thermowood, then liquid will not be able to stagnate on its base.
How to level a floor with tiles?
If the base is in good condition and has the required slope from the wall, but there are minor cracks and chips on it, then it is recommended to level the floor with tiles. First of all, you need to repair all the damage. The sequence of actions will be as follows:
- Cracks and chips will need to be widened and cleaned of dust, and then treated with a deep penetration primer.
- Next they should be sealed mortar, then smooth it well.
- The tiles are laid on the adhesive mixture. It should be mixed into a homogeneous mass. It is important to adhere to the recommendations contained in the instructions.
- The adhesive mixture is laid out on the base and spread with a notched spatula. The base is uneven, so you need to pour more glue. Next, you will need to lay a tile on it, the back side of which is recommended to be coated with glue and leveled with a notched spatula. Between the tiles, crosses or other products should be installed that can be used to maintain the thickness of the joints.
- Excess glue will need to be removed. At the next stage, it is necessary to dismantle the crosses, after which the seams should be sealed with grout.
How to level the floor base on a closed balcony?
In most cases, to alignment floor base indoors they begin when the entire balcony is insulated. This process is more complex and time-consuming. Alignment can be done using the following methods:
- Laying extruded polystyrene foam and pouring screed.
- Raising the base on joists and insulating it with the selected material.
- Insulation and leveling of the floor with screed.
All methods require identical preparation work.
How to prepare the base?
Sequence of actions in in this case will be like this:
- First of all, you will need to seal significant gaps, which most often exist at the junctions of the room fence and the floor.
- Next, you should clean the room. If gaps are found, they must first be enlarged and then sealed with plastic cement mixture or sealant.
- When the material dries, you will need to cut off the excess.
- Next, the waterproofing sheets are laid. They can consist of an ordinary dense film of polyethylene or roofing felt, which can be glued to bitumen mastic. Waterproofing material It will definitely need to be lifted onto the walls.
- Waterproofing should be installed hermetically, without joints. If it is not possible to eliminate joints, then the material should be laid overlapping, and the joints should be sealed with tape or welding.
After this, a base leveling system is installed.
Using joists for leveling
With the help of logs it will be possible to level the surface, insulate and raise the floor by required height. The logs can be attached to the base or raised using special products. If the coating rises, you will need to accurately measure the level. In most cases, the floors are leveled at the threshold of the balcony door. To raise the logs, you can use adjustable clamps - metal pins, stands or plastic elements.
First of all, you will need to install logs along the walls. Insulation material will be laid between them in the future, so the distance between the walls and the joists should be approximately 8-10 cm. When the stands with the joists are installed and fixed, you will need to adjust the level. This can be done by raising or lowering the elements to the required height. At the next stage, you need to install the logs in the middle in the same way and adjust the height to the side ones.
At the end, the logs should be covered with thick plywood sheets or boards. A covering can be laid on top of the structure. Leveling the floor on a balcony with your own hands is not a difficult process.