The right flooring choice can speak volumes about the overall look and functionality of your space. But whether it’s calling out for tile, carpet or a treatment you haven’t yet chosen, one thing is certain — you’ll need a totally flat floor surface to begin any application process.

Chances are, a wood-framed subfloor or even a poured concrete substrate will have uneven, unlevel, dipped or pitted areas. In some cases, the entire surface may be riddled with imperfections that pose a challenge when it comes to the proper installation of different flooring solutions. Fortunately, self-leveling underlayment applied by expert commercial flooring contractors can transform any substrate into a perfectly smooth, flat floor.

How Does Self-Leveling Underlayment Work?

Sometimes called “hydraulic cement” or “flowable mortar,” self-leveling underlayment is a liquid product that seeks its own level and lies flat when cured. These highly advanced engineered cement products allow experienced contractors to address substrate unevenness, which can be a complication during the application process for many flooring treatments, including stone and tile.

While very small areas of unevenness can be patched with cement, it’s simply not a feasible solution for providing a smooth floor surface on a larger scale. Self-leveling underlayment products provide a surface preparation that can be applied across very large areas to create a smooth, even and flat floor. It is then ready for intricate flooring solutions requiring the most precise substrate finishes, including large tile and stone applications.

These products are poured, with pins sometimes placed for precise depth gauging, depending on a variety of factors. Once poured, the surface preparation product is moved into place using gauged rakes, spiked rollers and other specialized tools.

Depending on the unique demands of each individual jobsite, your substrate will be carefully prepared, and the surface modified in order to ensure superior adhesion strength and proper bond.

How to Get Picture-Perfect Smooth Floors

Though the products used are self-leveling, they still need to be joined together and the product must be distributed properly across the area to be leveled in order for the surface preparation to be effective. For this reason, it’s wise to work with professionals instead of attempting this complex process yourself.

When you’re ready for perfectly smooth floors, look to the professionals at Düraamen of Chicago. Our team of experts is here to help you achieve all your flooring dreams, whether you’re looking for self-leveling underlayment or have something more intricate in mind. The options really are almost endless, and we can help you reach your industrial, commercial or residential flooring goals.

Call or contact us today to learn more about our process for turning uneven substrates into beautifully smooth, flat floors that are ready for anything you have planned. Our support staff will walk you through the entire process, from conceptualization all the way through the final finished product and every moment in between.