The smoother breaks the surface tension of the SLU. This tooling contributes to product flow and distribution across the concrete, allows entrapped air to escape and refines surface smoothness. Gauge raking and smoothing must be completed before the product’s working, flow, and healing times are exceeded. Any attempts to work the SLU once it loses workability will leave permanent depressions on the surface.
Generally, non-moisture sensitive ceramic and stone tiles can be installed after the SLU has cured for four hours, and other floorcoverings after 16 hours. SLU drying time and subsequent flooring installation can be impacted by temperature, humidity, and material thickness. It is advisable to confirm moisture limitations of flooring and adhesives before installing over a self-leveller (Figure 8).
Conclusion
What is under the tiled floor should not be a mystery or reveal itself through failure. If specified and correctly executed, there are many methods, materials, standards, and guidelines that will minimize the possibilities of failure due to insufficient floor preparation or any other stage of an installation.
Authors
Howard Jancy, CSI, CDT, is a commercial architectural services representative for Custom Building Products. He has 30 years of experience with tile, stone, and concrete flooring design, installation, and remediation. His responsibilities include specification writing and review, technical services, and continuing education. He can be reached at howard.jancy@cbpmail.net.
John Alley is the Commercial Architectural Services Representative in Western Canada with Custom Building Products. John’s duties include specification writing and review, technical support, and industry ongoing education. Alley has more than 15 years of experience in the flooring and construction industry with the last seven years with Custom Building Products based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He can be reached at john.alley@cbpmail.net.
