Installation Guide

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.
2. 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, poten-
tially shortening the working life or causing pin-holing in the underlayment. Let the mixed
material stand until the majority of air bubbles have dispersed.
3. Prior to placing the underlayment, ensure that all sources of premature drying or direct
sunlight are blocked o to avoid accelerated curing and reduced physical properties. The
stated ambient and substrate application temperatures are to be achieved before instal-
lation 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 eectively, 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.
4. 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 36 hours (3 days).
Times are approximate and at 73ºF(+23ºC) and 50% R.H. and thus will be aected 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 applica-
tion 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
How-To-Use SikaLevel® Self-Leveling Underlayment