Self-leveling underlayment (SLU) is a product that is used underneath flooring that levels itself. This product is used over other underlayments because it promises a level surface for your new floors, and it is supposed to take a lot of the work out of prepping to install your new covering.
However, to ensure that this form of underlayment works for your flooring needs, you have to make sure that you’re opting for the right one for your job. This crucial decision can cause you to walk out of the hardware store empty-handed, even though you’ve already ripped up your old floor.
But not to worry. We’re going to take the guesswork out of which self-leveling underlayment you need, and we’re even going to tell you how to lay it down correctly, so you can start enjoying your new floors as soon as possible.
So, let’s dive into the world of self-leveling underlayment and see how it fits into your new flooring design plans.
What Is a Self-Leveling Underlayment?
Self-leveling underlayment is a product that goes in between layers on your floor. Atop the subfloor and below the stuff you tread upon comes the underlayment. It has multiple purposes to serve, such as:
- Keeping Moisture to a Minimum - Underlayment serves as a barrier between your flooring’s surface and the moisture that can build up from the ground up. This keeps your finished floor from future damages caused by that menacing moisture.
- Breaking the Sound Barrier - It is useful to help absorb sound from traveling from room to room. This is especially helpful if you have more than one floor or live in a building with multiple stories, like in an apartment or condo.
- Leveling the Playing Field - Not all floors are flat enough. Underlayment helps to make the subflooring more level, helping to ensure that your new finished flooring is flawless.
- Keeps Your Floors Warm and Temperate - Underlayment helps to insulate the floor, so your feet will not turn to ice when you step on it in the winter.
Self-leveling underlayment is a specific kind of underlayment. It has the same properties and consistency as concrete when mixed. When poured on the subfloor, it is ideally meant to spread out to all areas of the floor and level the subfloor, thus making for a flat, level surface to install your new finished flooring.
This product is intended to offer a flattened surface without re-leveling the house itself, making it more cost-effective. Also, self-leveling underlayment is a fast solution for leveling the surface, and it isn’t as labor-intensive as other alternatives.
Which Self-Leveling Underlayment is Right for You?
Now comes the hard part. You have to figure out the one ideal for your floor. This may seem overwhelming at first, but with careful attention, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Keep reading to weigh out all our options to decide which one is perfect for you and perfect for your home.
The Two Different Types of Self-Leveling Underlayments
The first thing to consider is the two different types of self-leveling underlayments that are available.
- Acrylic - This is kind of flexible in terms of what concrete usually has to offer. It is also a more scratch-resistant surface. So, if you require a longer drying time, this one's for you.
- Water-Based - Coming at you in powder form, just add water, and this SLU gets down on the floor like concrete, and it’s super-fast to dry.
Top Four Criteria to Consider When Choosing Your SLU
Looking at all of your options when choosing your SLU can feel like being in a maze. However, just by considering these four things, you will be showing off your new floors faster than you could have ever imagined.
Review these four points to make your final decision about which SLU is the first pick for your new floor
Go with the Flow
The flow concerning SLUs is an essential factor to consider. High flow means that the product will take longer to set. This will give you more time to get the SLU smoothed out just right.
Yes, it’s supposed to be self-leveling, but your floors will need a little assistance. You may have to help the SLU out a little and smooth things out to ensure that it’s as level as you need it to be for the proper insulation of your new flooring.
Time to Dry
This is crucial when deciding which SLU is right for you. Some of these products will have your subfloor ready for you to tread upon in less than 90 minutes. That’s pretty fast. On the other hand, waiting for others to dry (sometimes in the span of several days) may feel like too long of a time for some people, especially those who want to move in quickly.
You need to make sure that you opt for an SLU that will meet all your drying needs, so you can put your new flooring down in your time frame.
Can Its Compressive Strength Handle the Pressure?
To make sure that you’ve picked the right SLU for your needs, you need to determine if its compressive strength can handle what you’re planning to lay down on it. The higher the PSI on your SLU, the more weight it can take without buckling under pressure.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Thick?
This area can get a bit complicated when determining if you’re picking the right SLU for you. Try to keep in mind that if you can apply it thinly, it can’t be used thickly. If you can apply it thickly, it can’t be used thinly.
With the thickness varying from 1/16” to up to 5,” there is a lot of room for variation, so make sure to always double-check what you bring home.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Before you begin your dream remodel, there are several points to remember as you prepare to lay down your SLU.
Some of the finer points of pouring the SLU right include:
- Prepping is super important. Ensure that you have your materials prepared and ready to roll as soon as the mixture is ready. Because this stuff can dry extra fast, you do not have time to waste. Having everything ready will ensure that this is not a problem.
- It’s getting hot in here. Then, do not start the process. The same goes for cold. This stuff is very touchy, and it must be mixed at the right temperature. The bags are not even supposed to get too hot.
A renovation is an art form, and art supplies do have a tendency to be temperamental. - Measure your water twice - pour once. Ensuring that you have the right amount of water for your SLU mixture is imperative to your SLUs success. Too much or too little, and you have an issue that will not be easily fixed. Take your time and make sure that you’ve got the right amount of water for the job.
- Too much may not be enough - It is better to over-purchase than under-purchase when buying your SLU. Because the product is so finicky, you don’t want to get almost to the finish line of pouring the mixture onto your floor and realize you come up short.
By the time you get to the store and back and get the new batch mixed and ready to roll, the SLU that’s on the floor will already have reached a stage of curation, and your new batch won’t level up. You want to avoid this mistake at all costs.
Am I Ready Now?
While this topic is a broad one, and there is certainly more to talk and learn about, here is the basic info that you need to understand what a self-leveling underlayment is and the different factors involved to ensure you use the right one for your job.
By now, you should be armed with the proper knowledge to make an educated choice as to which SLU is the go-to for your new floor’s needs. To be honest, picking the right SLU is probably the most challenging part of the process.
That doesn’t mean that installing the SLU will be a cinch, but it will probably take less time and effort to pour the materials than it did for you to determine which one to purchase: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And That’s a Wrap
Educating yourself now and ensuring you choose the correct SLU for your home and your floor will hopefully prevent you from spinning your wheels, picking the wrong one, and starting over. Think about the time and money that you will ultimately save. When your beautiful floors are ready to support you and your family, the time, patience, and hard work you have invested in this process will certainly be worth it.
When picking flooring, it is also important to use equal caution. Hardwood Bargains offers the best flooring with prices that are as attractive as our floors. Home design is exciting and a fantastic way to express your creativity and handywork.
Sources:
2021 Cost To Raise A House | Home Advisor
Home Remodel Tips: 19 Ways to Keep Costs Down | This Old House
18 Tips for working with Self-Leveling Underlayment | Family Handyman
