When carrying out construction work in most cases it is very important to achieve perfect horizontal or vertical surfaces of various kinds. Until recently, this could only be achieved with the help of a not very user-friendly water level. Today, a much more accurate laser level is increasingly used to align the structural elements of buildings, as well as during repair work.
What is this device?
Laser level (or level) - a small design that emits a laser beam. The light source is the diodes located inside the device. The body of the level is made of durable rubberized plastic. During operation, the device can be installed either on any flat surface, or on a special tripod.
Scope of use
Before talking about how to use the laser level, let's see in which areas this wonderful device can be used. The level is ideal for leveling, for example, the foundations and walls of houses, both vertically and horizontally. When repairing premises, it is also quite difficult to do without it. Wallpapering, screeding, tile installation - this is an incomplete list of works in the production of which a level of this type can be used.
Main varieties
There are two main varieties of laser levels:
- with manual adjustment;
- with beam self-alignment.
Next, let's talk about how to work with the laser level of both types. In the first case, before starting the alignment, it is necessary to set the device according to a special built-in water level. Work can only be started after the air bubble has taken a certain position. The alignment of the beam in the constructions of the second type occurs automatically. Such levels, in turn, are divided into electronic and pendulum.
Static and rotational levels
How to use the laser level, consider a little below. Now let's talk about what type of device is best used in a particular case. Today, only two types of construction of levels are produced - static and rotational. The first project two permanently visible planes intersecting at right angles. These devices are considered ideal for performing not too complicated repair work. Unlike static, rotational levels can project a line over the entire area of the room.
Laser level. How to choose and use?
When choosing a level should be guided by a number of criteria:
- Type of work. On the street, they usually use rotational, more complex and functional models. Indoor repair is most often done using cheaper and less functional static structures.
- The range of the light beam.
- The degree of error of the device.
Next, consider the question of how to use the laser level. The principle of its operation is extremely simple and consists in projecting a laser beam onto the surface that needs to be leveled. The appliance is installed on the floor or mounted on a tripod and turned on. Although the use of the latter is not considered mandatory, its presence guarantees complete immobility of the level, and therefore, the highest possible accuracy during the work. If necessary, with the help of the laser level, it is possible to carry out the installation of structural elements not only strictly vertically or horizontally, but also at a certain predetermined angle.
The best brands of laser levels
The most popular brand of laser levels today is considered BOSCH. This company produces many different models, for use both in everyday life and in industry. Another popular brand is Matrix. Professionals use such devices quite rarely, but in everyday life they can be very useful. You can also take a closer look at the laser levels of the Robotoolz RT brand. Reviews about these devices are more than positive.
Using a laser level to level the floor
Now let's see how to set the floor level to the laser level. The procedure is not complicated at all. The most important thing is to install beacons perfectly horizontally and at the same level. To achieve this, it is necessary to make marks on the walls around the entire perimeter of the room, focusing on the thickness of the future screed and the zero line. This is where the laser level comes in handy. The more frequent the marks, the better. All found points are connected by a solid line. They are guided by them, mounting lighthouses.
Zero Level Definition
The question of how to use the laser level may be relevant when determining the zero floor level. This procedure is performed first. This is done in several stages:
- At a distance of one meter from the floor, put the starting point. Then through it, using the level, draw a horizontal line around the entire perimeter of the room.
- From it down, measure the distance in several places to the base plate. The height difference can be more than significant.
- They mark the highest point, which they subsequently orientate when drawing the zero line.
Beacon Installation
The thickness of the concrete screed is usually 3 cm. For the future floor to be perfectly horizontal, wooden beams are placed under the lighthouses in the right places. This will ensure the horizontal surface of the finished screed. Install beacons parallel to each other. The direction in this case is best chosen from the front door to the opposite wall. The more often they are located, the better. In any case, in this regard, you need to focus primarily on the length of the rule. Extreme lighthouses are exposed at a distance of about 30-40 cm from the wall.
Those who want to carry out construction and repair work with a high level of quality of the final result, of course, should think about purchasing such a device as a building laser level. How to choose this device, we examined in detail above. When buying, it is worth orienting both on the type of work performed, and on the brand, as well as a variety of the level itself.