The modern construction industry does not stand still and is constantly introducing new and modern developments to the market. One of these developments is a self-leveling rubber floor, which, thanks to its technical specifications immediately gained popularity in the market. Most modern innovations are made with an emphasis on ease of use and accessibility, and self-leveling coatings allow you to lay them yourself without the help of specialists or complex construction equipment.

Benefits of rubber coating

Thanks to the main component of self-leveling rubber coating, these floors have a number of positive qualities, which have made them popular in the market. These qualities include:

• high shock-absorbing qualities of the coating and elasticity;
• elasticity of the material and resistance to external mechanical influence;
• traumatic safety due to the softness of the coating;
• anti-slip properties;
• aesthetics and complete absence of joints;
• the coating is non-flammable and in case of fire does not support combustion processes;
• Thanks to soft components, the material is resistant to wear and abrasion.

FYI. Liquid rubber floor coverings can have different physical characteristics, which are caused by the use of various modifying additives in the composition, which reduce or increase certain coating indicators.

Scope of application of rubber coating

Self-leveling rubber flooring has a relatively narrow scope of application, since its soft and elastic coating cannot be used everywhere. This coating has gained particular popularity in laying flooring in playgrounds and gyms. Due to the fact that rubber is not exposed to moisture, this floor can be installed in indoor and outdoor areas.

On playgrounds, such a coating can be thick, which significantly softens the impact of a fall and, due to its soft structure, does not cause damage to the body. On sports fields, the material is laid in a thinner layer and provides a non-slip surface. The coating can also be found in underground parking lots or on certain sections of stairs in the form of anti-slip inserts.

FYI. The rubber mixture can be painted in different colors, which we can see on sports fields in the form of markings on the playing field. Due to the porosity of the material, the paint stays on the surface for quite a long time.

Rubber floor composition

The main component of such a coating is crumb rubber, which can have different fraction sizes depending on the location of application. Self-leveling floors made from crumb rubber consist of the following components:

• crumb rubber, which is the main coating material;
• polyurethane or epoxy glue, which is a binding material and ensures the integrity of the layer when hardened;
• dyes that are added to the composition when mixing the solution to obtain a certain color of the coating;
• modifiers that are added to the mixture as necessary to achieve certain physical characteristics.

FYI. Rubber floors can be presented in the form of a ready-made mixture with the required amount of components and fillers, as well as in the form of separate materials that must be purchased separately and a solution of the required configuration must be made.

Options for laying rubber coating

Depending on the composition of the mixture and the area to be covered, several installation options can be used:

• Manual method. In this case, the finished mixture is poured onto a previously prepared base and leveled using a special tool. The mixture is mixed using construction mixer immediately before installation.

It is important to remember that the service life of the coating, which averages 10-12 years depending on the intensity of use, depends on the quality of mixing and adherence to laying technology. This method is used in small spaces.

• Automatic styling. In this case, liquid rubber flooring is prepared and applied through a special machine that can control the standing thickness and carry out installation in large areas such as stadiums and sports fields. The components of the mixture are poured into separate tanks and the machine automatically mixes them in the required proportion.
• Combined method used in cases where laying several layers is necessary. For example, when decorative decoration floors in the room, the base layer is applied first using an automatic device, then installed decorative elements, after which the top protective layer is laid manually.
• Spray method used for laying rough surfaces in parking lots, workshops and warehouses. The mixture is applied with a special sprayer, which dispenses the solution under air pressure. This method allows you to quickly process large areas, but does not guarantee uniform coverage.

If you need to lay a rubber floor in an apartment or house, then you can do it yourself without the help of specialists.

Bitumen-polymer mastic, the so-called liquid rubber, is a universal material that is used as insulation of surfaces from the penetration of water, vapor and sound insulation. To install the finished floor, hard coatings made of cast or pressed rubber and self-leveling compounds are used. Resistance to destructive processes occurring under the influence of temperature changes allows the use of rubber coating in enclosed spaces and under open air. They equip sports fields and park paths, floors in garages and industrial buildings.

Rubber flooring - advantages and disadvantages

For the construction of rubber coatings they make various materials, different from each other appearance and structure, but they are united by a number of useful advantages:

• durability, strength, abrasion resistance;
• resistance to impact chemicals;
• waterproof, soundproof effect;
• icing resistance, anti-slip properties;
• shock-absorbing effect, environmental safety;
• aesthetics, ease of installation, ease of cleaning.

With many advantages, monolithic rubber floor coverings have only one drawback - they are quite difficult to repair in the event of gross defects - cuts, tears.

Review of materials for rubber floor coverings

Modern industry produces liquid polymer-bitumen materials that are used to perform insulation or create self-leveling floors. On sale on the construction market there are also ready-made coatings made from cast rubber or obtained by pressing rubber crumbs, a product of processing used car tires.

1. Liquid rubber. A material, various modifications of which are used for waterproofing surfaces and self-leveling floors. One-component bitumen mastics with the inclusion of polymer elements are completely ready for application to the prepared base. If the technology is followed, liquid waterproofing creates an airtight film on the surface, impenetrable to moisture and steam. To make self-leveling floors, mixtures consisting of polyurethane, chips and dyes are usually used. As a result of pouring, a seamless decorative coating is obtained that has excellent performance characteristics.
2. Modular tiles. Sector rubber elements consist of shredded tires, glue, modifiers and dyes, and are pressed into slabs of various sizes and thicknesses. They are used for covering sports fields, car garages, and industrial premises. Modular tiles are equipped with a locking system, so they are easy to assemble, like a children's construction set. Defective elements can be easily replaced with new ones if necessary. You can read more about this material.
3. Roll coverings. Rubber linoleum or relin is a two-layer material consisting of rubber and natural rubber. The relief surface gives relin excellent anti-slip properties. Rubber linoleum is laid in industrial and public premises, in gyms, and in open areas. It is indispensable in conditions of high humidity and is resistant to aggressive chemicals. Street paths made of cast rubber are not prone to icing, and the textured surface prevents slipping.

Waterproofing floors of wooden buildings

Wood – natural material, especially in need of waterproofing. With free access to moisture, wooden floor elements quickly lose their performance properties - they warp and crack. Liquid rubber ideally plays the role of protection against moisture. It has excellent adhesion to most surfaces and creates a waterproof film on them. . Liquid waterproofing applied to wood with special sprayers or a regular roller. Hard-to-reach places are treated with a brush.

Good results can be achieved when performing waterproofing wooden surfaces. Another name for the material is silicate glue. The composition is applied to the wood with a brush, roller or spray. It's inexpensive and affordable way hydrophobization. Liquid glass penetrates the capillary system of wood and creates an impregnable barrier for water. The potassium solution and magnesium silicate included in the silicate glue are natural antiseptics. Wooden floor, protected in this way, is not susceptible to rotting and fungus formation.

Do-it-yourself self-leveling rubber floor

Self-leveling rubber flooring indoors is an aesthetic and environmentally friendly coating with water-repellent properties. For his device first of all. When building a new house, the concrete solution is laid on the prepared base along the beacons, leveled and polished. It is also possible to pour self-leveling floors in the premises in use.

A subfloor for this purpose is installed even on a defective concrete base. The main thing is to repair it: putty the cracks, fill the potholes with mastic, make the surface as smooth as possible.

Applying the mixture with a spatula

The technology for installing self-leveling floors is extremely simple; it is quite accessible to beginners in construction. After careful preparation concrete base treated with polyurethane glue. Prepare a bulk mixture of glue and crumb rubber in a ratio of 1:7, distribute it evenly over subfloor layer over 1 cm thick. The composition is leveled with a spatula and rolled with a roller with light pressure. After 12 hours, the decorative textured coating is completely ready for use.

Installation of flooring in garages

The floor covering for installation in a garage must have water-repellent properties, chemical resistance, special strength and wear resistance. All these parameters are fully met by ready-made rubber coatings. For garages and parking lots, materials have been specially developed that can easily withstand the weight of heavy vehicles. These are modular tiles and rubber linoleum, designed for rooms with high loads on the surface.

Despite all its external solidity, concrete is a rather fragile material, susceptible to moisture. Water reacts with salts and destroys it from the inside. Liquid waterproofing for concrete will extend the life of walls and floors. Penetrating compounds are easy to apply and provide reliable protection.

Liquid waterproofing: types, features, advantages

The solution permeates the thickness of the floor, closes pores and cracks, and forms a film on the surface. Types of liquid waterproofing for concrete:

• One-component. Bitumen-polymer mastic for water based. Apply with a roller, brush or spatula. Even an amateur can buy liquid waterproofing and treat the bathroom floor.
• Two-component. Liquid waterproofing with bitumen-polymer emulsion with cold spray is suitable for large areas. Its unofficial name is liquid rubber; it provides a monolithic, plastic and durable coating.
• Seamless liquid waterproofing for concrete adheres perfectly to the surface. Forms a waterproof membrane layer.

Liquid waterproofing does not need heating. It is applied cold and does not require much labor. Just three workers can cover more than 1000 square meters with insulating composition. during the day.

Depending on your needs, it is reasonable to buy liquid waterproofing in the form of powder, mastic, or special ready-made mass. We recommend that you consult with a manager before purchasing to select the appropriate material.

In private homes, industrial and commercial buildings, liquid waterproofing for the foundation is required. Groundwater gradually undermines the foundation. You can’t do without prevention and protection from excess moisture.

Advantages of liquid waterproofing for foundations and floors:

• increased strength;
• gives uniform coverage;
• hardens quickly;
• withstands temperatures from -55° to +95°;
• does not contain flammable or volatile substances;
• liquid waterproofing does not need to be preheated;
• does not allow moisture and steam to pass through;
• resistant to ultraviolet radiation, gas, acid precipitation.

Liquid waterproofing for foundations with specific compositions is suitable for external application and internal work.

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Previously, solving the issues of protecting premises from the penetration or spread of moisture became a real problem. It was not easy to find on sale necessary materials, and many technologies were known and available only to professionals. However, today, if you wish, you can find everything.

Waterproofing materials for floors are produced in various forms, and from this variety you can easily choose the most suitable one in terms of characteristics and application technology.

Much, of course, depends on what specific floor and what rooms need to be protected from moisture, since each of them requires a special approach. Therefore, before you go to the store and rush to spend money on waterproofing compounds, you need to familiarize yourself with each of them.

In addition to the floor material, which a protective composition will be applied; factors such as temperature conditions are also taken into account when choosing waterproofing premises and the floor of its location.

Today, there are several ways of laying or applying different moisture-proof materials - these are coating or plastering, painting, impregnation, pasting, casting, injection and backfill. In order for any type of waterproofing to give the expected effect, a very important condition is a well-prepared, cleaned surface on which it will be applied.

These materials are applied to floors using a roller, brush or spray, and are the most popular and used. Painting waterproofing agents create a thin hydrophobic film on the surface, with the composition penetrating into the structure of the material up to two millimeters deep. This happens thanks to additives from lime, talc, asbestos, which can close the pores waterproofing surface - brick or concrete.

Painting technology can easily be called the easiest to apply and affordable. To carry it out, materials based on polymers, resins, minerals, bitumen and other compounds with good adhesion and hydrophobicity are used. These can be polyurethane, rubber, epoxy compounds, silicone gels, acrylic or bitumen suspensions.

Sometimes they try to replace these waterproofing agents with thickened oil paint or varnish, but we must not forget about the special properties of the profile material, which conventional paint and varnish compositions cannot replace.

TO separate group Painting waterproofing compositions can be classified as sprayed, which are applied using spray guns. These suspensions are made on an acrylate base. These include, for example, such a well-known product as liquid rubber. This composition is applied in several layers and conscientiously performs protective functions for 40-50 years, and under the most unfavorable conditions of high humidity.

The application process is as follows:

• the old coating is removed from the surfaces down to the base, then it is cleaned;
• are sealed with thick concrete mortars found damage - cracks or chips, then leveled and dried well;
• then the surface is impregnated with special primers or coloring compounds diluted 1:3;
• after the soil has been absorbed, waterproofing compounds are applied;
• some of them are slightly heated, but, for example, certain bitumen-based suspensions require heating even to 150-160 degrees;

Corner of the room treated with "liquid rubber"

• For reliable waterproofing it is necessary to apply two layers of the composition. The first of them should have a thickness of about two millimeters, since it should be well absorbed into the surface being treated, and the second, control layer can be very thin;
• Drying of each layer can take from one and a half to 15 hours.

Video: example of applying paint waterproofing

Pasted waterproofing

The adhesive type of waterproofing is a sheet (roll) material that is laid out or glued with resins or mastics having a thick consistency to surfaces that require protection from moisture.

The material is produced in the form of rolls and sheets, they can be dense or thin, have a transparent, opaque or foil appearance.

• Materials such as glass batt, roofing felt, metalloizol, folgoizol, technoNIKOL and the like are produced in rolls.

• Waterproofing asphalt, polymer, bitumen materials and others with similar characteristics are produced in the form of sheets or panels.
• Membrane waterproofing, which has small rounded spikes on its surface, is also produced in the form of sheets and is well suited for laying under a screed.

It should be noted that protective materials are laid on the floor surface in different ways. But all forms of installation are quite simple, and bitumen or epoxy compounds are most often used for this process:

• the adhesive mass is applied to the base. Some types of mastics must be heated before spreading;
• on on When the composition is carried and, if necessary, heated, the cut roll material is applied, ensuring that each subsequent sheet overlaps at least how 10 cm;

When used roll materials Often two layers are laid, with the second oriented perpendicular to the first.

• waterproofing in the form of panels is also laid overlapping or end-to-end;
• each subsequent row of insulating panels is laid with a shift to the previous one in one direction or the other by half a panel (according to the brickwork system);
• Any waterproofing laid on floors must extend 10-15 cm onto the walls.

Coating waterproofing

Coating waterproofing compounds have a thick consistency with very good elasticity. Such materials include thick bitumen and polyurethane mastic, polymer cement, etc.

These waterproofing agents contain fillers made of polymer fibers and plasticizers, which increases their adhesion and hydrophobicity.

These compounds are distributed on the surface in the same way as plaster solutions - using a spatula. The thickness of such a seamless coating can range from 0.4 to 4 cm.

This type of waterproofing composition perfectly insulates the floors of problem areas such as balconies and loggias, basement rooms and cellars, bathrooms and kitchens from moisture.

Mastics based on bitumen and polymers are applied not only in the technical rooms of constructed buildings, but also directly on the foundation slabs. It should be noted that hot coating applied in living rooms is undesirable, since it is quite toxic and requires good ventilation during work.

Coating waterproofing also includes plastering work using appropriate moisture-resistant compounds, which can additionally be applied to bitumen coating or simply to waterproofing cleaned surface.

The mixtures are diluted with water, applied with a spatula and evenly distributed over the surface. There can be two or three such layers, and each of them must dry well.

Plaster waterproofing in dry form resembles conventional plaster mixture or construction adhesive, but contain special components that penetrate the pores of the material and close them.

Video: waterproofing the floor with a coating compound

Cast waterproofing

Cast waterproofing is divided into hot and cold, depending on the form in which it is applied to the surface. Apply hot to floors asphalt-polymer and asphalt composition - it can be pitch, hot bitumen or asphalt concrete.

In order for cast waterproofing to work effectively, the base underneath must be thoroughly cleaned and dropped.

Hot waterproofing

When laying this material, it must be heated to a temperature of 50 to 120 degrees, depending on the viscosity of the composition.

Bitumen is a natural material made from petroleum products, and pure form When it hardens, it will crack at any temperature. But its main advantage is water resistance and insolubility in water. Therefore, it is used as a basis for the manufacture of waterproofing compounds.

When heated, they are applied to clean surfaces in several layers.

Pitch is a product obtained by processing coal tar. There are several types of this material, they differ in melting point, usually in the range from 70 to 90 degrees. But this material is rarely used, and, mainly, it is used as an additive to other waterproofing compounds.

Cold cast waterproofing

This method of waterproofing is the most reliable of all existing ones, since it penetrates into every pore of the surface material without forming cracks. Most often, cold waterproofing is made from an epoxy mixture or liquid glass. This material is today used for the construction of self-leveling 3D floors, which at the same time serve not only as waterproofing, but also as a decorative design for the room. This method of protection against moisture penetration is especially suitable for a bathroom that requires 100% waterproofing.

• The epoxy mixture consists of two components - epoxy resins and a special solvent, which are mixed immediately before pouring and distributing it over the surface. The working composition is prepared in portions, as it sets quickly enough.
• Liquid glass is an excellent waterproofing solution for cellars and rooms on the first floors. This composition will reliably protect the room from moisture penetration and will work no less effectively than a two-component epoxy mixture. The durability of such waterproofing can be determined by the service life of the entire structure, i.e. Having arranged it once, you don’t have to worry about repeating the procedure or repairs.

The material is environmentally friendly and does not emit fumes harmful to human health, and at the same time has excellent penetration qualities into the most microscopic pores of concrete or other waterproofing basics.

Liquid glass is produced in dry and liquid form. Dry powder of the material is added to cement mortars, making them waterproof. It is possible to add the composition and liquid consistency to ready-made concrete - in this case, the mixture is made in the proportions of one liter of waterproofing per 10 liters of mortar.

Application of cast waterproofing

Any cast waterproofing is arranged as follows:

• The surface is cleaned and dusted using a powerful construction vacuum cleaner.
• Then the surface is repaired - cracks and defects in the base are repaired.
• After repair work The floors need to be thoroughly dried.
• Next are the floors primed. In each specific case, the composition of the soil will depend on the material that will subsequently be used for waterproofing work.
• The waterproofing composition is prepared in accordance with the instructions attached to it, brought to the required consistency and poured in parts onto the surface.

• Level the mixture using wide spatulas or a squeegee, then leave the surface to dry and harden.
• Waterproofing may not be limited to one layer - two or three fills can be done, but after the final hardening of each previous layer.

Penetrating waterproofing

A penetrating type of waterproofing is applied to floors with an already installed screed. The compositions used in this case have the ability to penetrate the concrete structure and seal the pores, creating a moisture-resistant layer. The solution can be applied in several layers.

After deep impregnation of the surface has been achieved, the waterproofing should not be damaged by mechanical actions or perforation. Therefore, this type of material is very often used to protect basements and cellars. In addition to water resistance, this composition gives the concrete surface additional strength by creating special crystalline bonds intertwined with the structural crystal lattice of the cement and closing all pores in the base. These processes occur thanks to special silicate or lithium additives.

The penetrating mixture is applied to any smooth or uneven surface. surface - leveling It is quite possible to carry out the floor on top of it. It is necessary to take into account that each layer applied to the floor surface must be completely dry.

Injection waterproofing

For injection waterproofing, polyurethane one-component solutions with low viscosity are used. A chemical reaction in such compositions occurs when they come into contact with water - this contact leads to a significant expansion of the solution, an increase in its volume, and an increase in internal pressure. Such features allow him spread inside concrete structure, displacing water and taking its place. The result is a waterproof polyurethane composition. Some of the materials used in chemical reaction become elastic, while others take on rigid forms. Bringing the composition used to a similar state occurs within 2 to 20 minutes.

Special equipment is used to carry out injection waterproofing. It can be carried out in combination with other measures, and is even suitable for conditionally mobile elements of the structure, for example, joints load-bearing walls and foundation.

But it should be noted that this process is quite expensive, both in terms of the price of materials, labor intensity and the use of special equipment. It is almost always accompanied by drilling additional holes for introducing the composition. In this regard, this option is usually used in extreme cases, when it is impossible to use other methods for emergency isolation of previously erected building structures.

Backfill waterproofing

There is the simplest and most affordable type of waterproofing, although it is quite labor-intensive - filling areas with water-impermeable bulk materials.

To carry out this process, materials of a powder, fibrous or granular consistency are used, such as waste, mineral wool, clay, foam granules, sand, etc.

For rooms with high humidity - cellars, semi-basements, basements, perlite sand is used mainly to protect the floor, which is considered a universal material for waterproofing work.

Each layer of the poured composition must be well compacted, so the entire area of ​​​​the room is enclosed by walls (formwork), which will prevent the material from spilling beyond their boundaries.

On top of the compacted backfill should be laid concrete screed, which is arranged according to all the rules with reinforcement and alignment with beacons.

In addition to the materials described above, modern production produces a large number of other products, but, as a rule, they are not fundamentally different from those mentioned. In some rooms it is simply impossible to do without waterproofing, therefore, when choosing a material, as well as the technology for its application, you need to carefully consider all the characteristics of the compositions intended for this important process.