Leveling a cement slab for vinyl flooring

I've got a bathroom remodel going on. I have a signifcant depression where the foundation settled. The slab has settled about an inch in the space of 4 feet. The total area to be leveled about 15 square feet.

Is self leveling compound a good choice here or what else? If so what brands are recommended and general application tools, do's and don't's.

Thanks for any help!

Ron

 

I've used a product called Level-Quik. I got it at Home Depot. It's kind've expensive but for your bathroom you shouldn't need a lot. You basically mix it with water, pour it on the floor, and it seeks its own level. A 5-gallon bucket works great. One bag will cover about 50 square feet to a depth of 1/8 inch, and it can be applied up to 1 inch thick.

You'll need a mixing paddle and a 3/4" drill - my 3/8" drill didn't have enough oomph to mix the stuff up and you won't be able to do it by hand unless you're a weightlifter LOL. The instructions say to use a gauged spreader to smooth the leveler out, but I couldn't find one anywhere so I just started at the lowest point and slowly poured the stuff on the floor. The time needed to mix the next bucketful gave it time to level out. Be careful not to let the stuff splash.

 

My recommendation is the same with a little modification. Level Quick is what I use also and works well. But I discovered the first time I used it that self leveling doesn't mean self spreading. Use a good straight edge and screed it into the area being leveled but don't mess with it too much. I normally do one pass with the straight edge and then leave it alone and it smooths out well. It sometimes leaves a bit of a "ridge", for lack of a better word, around the edge that can be scrapped flat with a trowel once it sets up some. Once it sets completely it's pretty hard so I do any needed feathering before it's completely dry. Sheet vinyl is very floor prep sensitive and any little imperfection shows through so I use Ardex Feather edge, (or feather finish) to do the final prep after everything has been leveled.

 

The details are helpful, thanks again guys I'll give it a shot when I find the time.. these projects always turn out way bigger than you ever think they will!

Ron