The use of expanded clay filling in the process of laying the floor helps to save time and effort, as well as money. This is a universal coating agent with all the qualities of a dry screed. Using crumbs helps to carry out a large amount of work in a short time.
Backfill Features
Although precast flooring technology is only beginning to peak in popularity, base material has been used for a long time. You can purchase both on the official websites of manufacturers and in construction stores. Expanded clay filling has the composition of a granular mixture, which speeds up the process of use.
This also provides a reliable base for the floor without the possibility of subsidence. Expanded clay is sometimes used instead of granulate, but its parameters are much larger, which creates additional difficulties in the process of placing flooring. In addition, the gaps between the elements of the material complicate the installation process.
After the dust settles and layers of sand are applied to the substrate, serious surface deformation is possible. The developers of expanded clay backfill took this into account and made all the pellets of the same size. Due to this, the shape and density of the material are well suited for this type of work.
Variety Comparison
Technologists conducted an experiment. During the study, expanded clay backfill and natural material were used. The results showed that expanded clay is not suitable for the role of the base under the floor, since it does not meet the necessary standards and parameters.
The advantages of dry backfill include factors such as a possible coating height of up to 2 cm, which provides protection before sagging. The material consumption is small, 10 kg of backfill is required per 1 square meter, provided that the layer thickness is 1 cm.
A sufficiently high bulk density of expanded clay filling for the Knauf floor allows minimizing the risks of deformation of the main coating. It also protects against moisture condensation and creates good sound insulation. The material is strong enough and they can make a dry floor screed. As for expanded clay, it is used less and less, since it does not guarantee the level of endurance and strength that backfill.
Implementation and use
The process of using expanded clay filling for the Knauf floor can be divided into several stages. First, the concrete base of the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt. This is necessary so that the material lies flat on the surface and the ramming is dense.
Experts advise using wooden logs as a basis. The surface is prepared by straightening a plastic film and a special edge tape, on which dry expanded clay backfill will be made.
After this, a layer of dry backfill is applied. Some masters divide the stage into two parts, applying the main and final layer. It can be applied immediately in one approach, using a building level to level the surface. Next, you need to start laying sheet material.
The advantages of dry backfill include the absence of a concrete mixer and mortar in the process. Many builders use this option and because of the ability to quickly complete the work, which reduces labor costs.
Most often, a dry screed is used to equip old buildings or premises in which it will be costly to make a new floor. The option is suitable for the quick completion of construction work and for the flooring of a wooden base. Work on installing the floor on the expanded clay base can be carried out at any time, even low temperatures and high humidity do not interfere with the process.
Work stages
First, preparatory moments are performed. The surface is cleaned of the old coating and protective elements, all irregularities are removed so that only a smooth concrete fill remains. After dismantling the old floor, the necessary amount of material is calculated.
To prevent water from seeping through the dry screed, a waterproofing layer is required. Moisture in a dry screed can appear for two reasons: steam from rooms and moisture from concrete. After this, the gaps between the floor and the walls are filled with glass wool to create sound insulation.
When using construction expanded clay as the main material, it will not work to make good sound insulation. Next, a backfill layer is made and floor panels are installed on its surface.