How-To-Use
SikaLevel® Self-Leveling Underlayment
Materials:
• Safety glasses and gloves • Exactly 1 gallon of water for desired mix
• 50 lb. bag of SikaLevel Self-Leveling Underlayment • Rake / Leveler (for spreading material)
• 1 gal. SikaLevel Concrete Primer • Drill, mixing container and mixing paddle
Procedure
1. Remember to always wear waterproof gloves and safety goggles whenever mixing or using cement-based products. All concrete and cement substrates must be primed using
SikaLevel Primer in accordance with the Product Data Sheet. The substrate must be dry, clean and stable before priming and applying the underlayment materials. Remove all existing treatments such as coatings, sealers, wax, latex compounds, impregnations and curing agents, together with all contaminants i.e. dirt, dust, laitance, grease, oils, and foreign matter, which will interfere with the penetration of SikaLevel Primer and the adhesion of SikaLevel underlayment. Once SikaLevel Primer is applied and becomes translucent, the application of SikaLevel Self-Leveling Underlayment can begin.
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Pour 1 gallon of cool, potable water into a suitably sized and clean mixing container, using a calibrated measuring jug (avoid over-watering). Cool water 70°F (21°C) serves to maximize the working time. Add SikaLevel underlayment to the water, while slowly stirring, adding the complete contents of the 50 lb. sack. Once all the powder has been added, continue mixing until a lump free and uniform consistency is achieved. This should typically take no more than 5 minutes. If mixing in a barrel or similar container, employ the water to powder ratio as stated above and use a low speed electric mixer (at about
600 rpm) and egg beater style mixing paddle to blend water and powder for a minimum of 3 minutes, until a uniform mix has been produced. Do not over-mix or allow the paddle to rise above the level of material as this will introduce and entrap air into the mix, potentially shortening the working life or causing pin-holing in the underlayment. Let the mixed material stand until the majority of air bubbles have dispersed.
Prior to placing the underlayment, ensure that all sources of premature drying or direct sunlight are blocked off to avoid accelerated curing and reduced physical properties. The stated ambient and substrate application temperatures are to be achieved before installation and should be maintained for a period of at least 3 days thereafter. Should colder conditions prevail, make allowances for the use of indirect and vented heaters to achieve and maintain the application temperatures required. Where temperatures exceed 86°F
(30°C), refer to and follow ACI hot weather application and protection guidelines. Before laying the material, organize labor to operate most effectively, ensuring that installers can maintain a continuous flow of material and avoid creating cold joints. The dimensions of the pour, in terms of width, should also be set accordingly.
Suitable for overcoating with tiles or other moisture insensitive floor covering after 2-3 hours. Can be overcoated with carpet, vinyl, PVC and rubber flooring after 24 hours (1 day). Can be overcoated with hardwood or engineered wood floors after 72 hours (3 days).
Times are approximate and at 73ºF(+23ºC) and 50% R.H. and thus will be affected by changing substrate and ambient conditions, particularly the temperature and relative humidity. When overcoating SikaLevel always ensure the moisture content has achieved the required value for the coating product, as the waiting time will vary with the application thickness and ambient humidity. Typical moisture content of the product should be
<4% prior to overcoating. Other test recommended by floor covering manufacturer should be used as the final decision making tool.
Refer to Product Data Sheet for more information Learn more at: usa.sika.com/retail