Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need level floors?
If you are renovating your floor “subfloor leveling” is definitely the first most important step you can take. Cosmetically your new floors will look significantly better and feel great if installed on a flat surface. It warranties your flooring product and increases its lifespan after installation. Your furniture will sit flat and you will not have any peaks and valleys throughout your floor which are definitely noticeable when walked on. You walk on your floors every day, it’s definitely worth leveling your floor the right way the first time. It only needs to be done once if installed correctly.
Why shouldn’t I just patch uneven areas the old fashioned way?
Don’t waste your time and money. Old school patch and grind bar systems take longer and never fully flatten your floor. That type of leveling does not guarantee uniform flatness throughout your subfloor and there is no way to properly guess how much material to put down and where. Leveling compound doesn’t magically level your floor with little effort. It must be maneuvered into place to create the desired effect. If you pour on a high spot you get an even higher spot. If you don’t pour enough in a low spot you still have a low spot once dry. There is no effective way to screed with a bar. Only the screed system by LEVEL MASTER can guarantee results the first time by installing the exact amount of material exactly where it needs to be. You are left with a floor that’s flat level and perfect for any type of new flooring. Why take the risk with a patch system when you can get your monies worth with LEVEL MASTER.
How much does it cost?
We would be happy to provide you with a free estimate. Estimates are based upon square footage, surface conditions, how “out of level” is the floor, the amount of materials needed, and other important logistics. Call us at 604-803-6367 or contact us via our website to get an estimate!
Will level floors really save me money?
Yes! In the long run having your floors properly leveled will ensure better natural aging of your floors and will give you the ability to replace old flooring with new materials without having to level them at that time. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of a flood or other disaster, insurance companies will often pay to bring your home back to the state it was in before the event. Level floors before mean leveled floors after, saving you money.
How long will it take to level my floors?
That depends on your subfloors current condition and how much concrete needs to be used. The average residential job under 1000 square feet takes five to six days to complete with an addition 24-72 hours of cure time before installing new flooring.
What can I expect to happen in my home during the leveling process?
When we first arrive we do a walk-through. We lay down drop sheets and tarps. We protect all surfaces that may come in contact with concrete. We begin to prep your subfloor. We set up our mixing station (outside if possible) on tarps. We vacuum your floor and apply a primer specific to your subfloor. Setting up our Screed System 100 takes only a few minutes. We begin mixing leveling compound and leveling each room and hallway working our way out towards the door. Once complete we carefully remove ourselves and equipment from your home without damage to your walls doors and painted surfaces. We gently wash our tools and pack them away. Your home is left in the same condition it was in before we arrived, only your floors will be perfectly flat & leveled.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes, LEVEL MASTER offers a five year warranty on every job. Specific steps are taken for this warranty to take effect. We cannot warranty a job unless all professional recommended steps advised by LEVEL MASTER are taken by the client. LEVEL MASTER is trained and certified to install leveling compounds the right way. This means removal of all materials and impurities from the concrete or plywood subfloor prior to leveling are crucial. Moisture issues in a subfloor can also void a warranty unless steps are taken to counteract the effects. It is important to understand LEVEL MASTER has years of experience and knows what it takes to do leveling right. We only offer services that are important to the job at hand and never upsell services you don’t need. A lot of it is common sense and as a client you will be able to understand the benefits to our techniques and installations.
What happens if I choose not to level my floors and hire a cheaper alternative?
One of two things will happen if your skip this step or have the leveling done without results promised. Your floor will be wavy and uneven after installation. You will have gaps along your baseboards that are ugly. The overall look of your floor will be disappointing. You will either have to live with what you have or rip it up and start over again. Your floors are a big investment. By choosing Level Master you’re choosing to have them done right the first time.
The "myth" about self-leveling concrete
Self-leveling compound, self-leveling concrete, self-leveler, or leveling compound will not flatten or level your floor by itself with little effort. Some people are under the impression because it’s called “self-leveling” that it’s as easy as spreading it across a room to make the floor flat. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The reality is self-leveling compounds do not flow to areas of your subfloor by simply spreading the material out and screeding it with a straight edge or by hand tools. How an installer spreads the concrete is exactly how the concrete will dry. If the installation is done incorrectly then more grinding and pouring of additional material will be needed to fix the first attempt. That is why traditional leveling techniques are not as efficient or guarantee a flat floor the first time. Installing leveling compound requires skill and experience. It must be maneuvered correctly to create a flat & level surface. The Screed System used by LEVEL MASTER is the only proven method capable to achieve perfect results. In order to elevate, flatten, and level an entire subfloor correctly with leveling compounds you should trust LEVEL MASTER’s techniques and experience for this type of installation.