Bulk floors: coating characteristics + analysis of its advantages and disadvantages

Self-leveling floors have been developed for the construction of large industrial premises. The technology of their application and the reduced hardening time convinced the advisability of using self-leveling mixtures in the field of finishing large areas. Then they began to use the scheme, which showed excellent consumer properties, for arranging medical, children's institutions, entertainment, sports, and shopping centers. The opinion of the owners, who left only positive reviews about bulk floors, convinced designers and homeowners of the possibility of laying them in apartments and in country cottages.

Self-leveling floors are a “family” of mixtures that are self-leveling in accordance with the laws of physics with a polymer or mineral base. Here are the types they are:

• Compositions containing cement are used solely for the purpose of leveling the surface, although grinding, waxing and filling with colored mineral chips gives an amazing decorative effect;
• Methyl methacrylate floors are rarely used due to the excessively high cost of raw materials;
• Polyurethane floors, which are conceptually a one-component polyurethane enamel, are most in demand in the arrangement of premises of any size and purpose, their decorative capabilities allow you to embody any compositional ideas. Their industrial use has been substantiated by the excellent tolerance of mechanical shocks and vibration loads;
• Epoxy flooring compounds based on organic materials. They are poured in rooms with conditions that predetermine high requirements for the chemical and physico-mechanical stability of the floor covering.

Such epoxy floors are not afraid of high humidity conditions, their surface will not be damaged by intensive abrasive action

The glossy surface visually pushes the boundaries of the limited space, while the matte surface slightly reduces

The surface of the bulk floor can be matte or semi-gloss, as well as glossy or semi-gloss. Convincing reviews from designers suggest that this scheme can adjust the geometric data of the premises.

Unique consumer qualities of bulk floors

Why bulk floors have done so much furore in the building materials market at one time. Let's figure it out. Here are the qualities they possess:

• Seamless surface, excluding the accumulation of dirt and the presence of places favorable for the resettlement of colonies of microorganisms. It is easy to care for the monolithic sealed plane of the bulk floor, it does not allow moisture to pass through, and thus the service life of the floors is extended;
• Universality. Bulk floor is appropriate in any room;
• Antistatic properties due to which dust does not settle on the surface;
• Resistance to a wide range of chemicals, fire, ultraviolet radiation;
• The formation of an optimal microclimate. Floors do not emit dusty suspension, do not spread toxins, do not affect the moisture level. By the way, an unpleasant chemical smell is distributed only by polyurethane compounds during the pouring period. The toxic "aroma" disappears in a couple of hours.The smell of the epoxy floor is subtle and completely harmless;
• Curing times are negligible compared to cement-sand mixtures. There are brands on which one day after laying it is already possible to walk;
• Compatibility with the heating equipment of systems "heat-insulated floor";
• Long-term operational. With proper use, the bulk floor will last about 20 years;
• Colossal decorative features that allow you to embody countless design ideas.

Colorless polymer compositions have made a significant contribution to the field of design. Thanks to them, it became possible to apply realistic images with a stereo effect to the floor surface. Thanks to the decorative variability, many of the owners now choose 3d bulk floors that are very popular with both minimalist supporters and adherents of flashy and bright design techniques.

Bulk epoxy floors are considered one of the most resistant to moisture and aggressive chemicals. Such floors can be washed with hot water and almost any detergent. Let's talk about the installation technology of such a coating in the article:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/nalivnoi/nalivnye-epoksidnye-poly.html.

The bulk method of flooring has disadvantages:

• It is difficult and almost impossible to remove the coating that was flooded with a violation of technology or did not suit the host with the external qualities. Therefore, its color and design must be approached thoughtfully with the greatest caution;
• Filling technology is too complicated for an inexperienced artist.

A truly excellent bulk floor is the result of the efforts of professionals. At the slightest disturbance, surface areas may swell. In addition, pavers will need equipment for grinding and for preparing a rough surface. In principle, for those who want to definitely fill the floor on their own, you can rent a grinding unit and an industrial vacuum cleaner in a construction organization.

Self-leveling floors are versatile and appropriate in any room.

3D bulk floors - a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of design

It is quite difficult for a novice to perfectly make a bulk floor, most likely you will have to attract specialists

Self-leveling floors can be found not only in residential premises, but also in various enterprises, in shopping and entertainment complexes or office buildings. We will tell about types of industrial floors and features of their device in the material:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/ustroistvo-rmnt/promyshlennye-poly.html.

What are good bulk 3D floors?

Self-leveling floors with a specific optical effect are a special segment that allows the wings of designer imagination to unfold fully. Among the options are:

• Plain surfaces with small inclusions;
• Plain-colored floors with stencil ornaments, hand-painted, with decor applied by analogy with the fastening of vinyl stickers;
• Planes with volumetric photos;
• Floors with real coins, shells, sand, gravel or abstract motifs from these components located under a colorless finish layer.

To create a three-dimensional bulk floor, a base layer with a picture, ornament, inclusions or photo is applied to a perfectly aligned base, then the composition is covered with a layer of transparent epoxy resin. The volumetric effect of drawings and photographs is created through the use of a vinyl film containing microlenses.

Coin-filled epoxy floor

The choice of floors with the illusion of volume should be approached with reasonable accuracy. Often a completely unexpected impression is made bulk 3D floors - Before implementing the idea, you should draw up a graphic layout and imagine how the finished surface will affect the overall compositional picture.

Bright large drawings filling the entire plane are not recommended. Too much pressure on vision and the subconscious will be a similar gender.Openwork ornaments around the perimeter with a central screen pattern in the center and floors with geometric filling look great.

An excessively large pattern can spoil the bulk floor

A little bit about the process of pouring bulk floors

The steps of the device include:

• Surface preparation, including only grinding a new screed or repairing and grinding an old floor covering, removing dust, grease, moisture and components that impede adhesion of the mixture to the rough foundation;
• Processing of the trimmed area with a primer that optimizes adhesion;
• Application of the main layer with a uniform distribution of the composition on the surface, with the removal of air bubbles from the flooded mass using a studded aeration roller. The color of the base layer only matters if the finish is a transparent composition;
• Fill the topcoat, after which the floor can be opened with a protective and decorative layer of polyurethane varnish.

The base foundation can be poured into one layer or made by pouring several layers. To increase adhesion, before applying another layer, the surface is treated with a null-sandpaper or a grinder, and another layer of soil is applied.

There are no deformation changes in bulk floors, but technological seams should still be left to compensate for linear movements of the underlying rough foundation. The chopped shrink holes are filled with elastic sealant.

You can read more about the technology of applying bulk floors on our website:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/nalivnoi/texnologiya-naneseniya-nalivnogo-pola.html. We will tell you about everything you need to know when working with this foundation.

Self-leveling floor

Draft floors compatible with bulk floors

For the installation of bulk floors, the rough foundation must be carefully prepared. Suitable for curling polymer and epoxy floors:

• Concrete screed with a moisture content of not more than 4%. It is better to fill in the thoroughly destroyed old concrete screed with a new leveling compound according to the technology described in the corresponding section. Small cracks are usually sealed with sealant, glued with fiberglass, then covered with sand, the excess of which should be removed after 24 hours. After repair, a primer is applied. A basic concrete floor with a moisture content above 4% is poured with two-component epoxy primer-enamel, used for processing concrete floors with residual moisture.
• Ceramic floor tiles. Flooring can only be done on firmly glued tiles, cleaned of oil and grease. Easily separated elements are removed, the surface freed from them is covered with putty, then soil is applied over the entire area.
• Wood flooring. Minimum humidity of 8% is permissible. Wooden floors must be cleaned in the same way for all coatings. Before applying the self-leveling floor, the surface is ground or sanded; after these measures, a primer is not required.

Please note that wood is a material that does not differ in stable geometric parameters. Deformations can occur from a variety of reasons: damp floors, temperature increase in a puff floor structure. It is advisable to make a screed before installing bulk floors.

It is strongly recommended that you make a screed before pouring polymer floors.

It is possible that polymer bulk floors burst too quickly into our lives, but in practice they have confirmed the indisputability of their merits. Bulk floor is rightfully associated with long-term, convenience, excellent aesthetic qualities. The scheme is not perfect for self-finishing, but beginners can still take risks. Subject to strict observance of technological requirements, everything will work out.

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