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• Features & Benefits
• Subfloor Preparation
• Substrates
• Application

Features & Benefits

• When mixed with clean cold water, Level IT BASE is a product that can be trowel or pump applied, to smooth and level, sound and strong internal subfloors prior to applications of Level It Top where a wearing surface is required
• Can be used prior to applications of Ultra Floor smoothing underlayments when a finished decorative floor covering is being installed
• Can be used as the finished floor prior to application of high build resin coating
• Protein free formulation and can used in biologically sensitive areas
• Can be applied to most cementitious subfloors including those incorporating fully commissioned warm water underfloor heating systems
• May also be used over fully cured and dry calcium sulphate screeds
• Should be applied at a minimum application thickness of 5mm and can be applied up to a maximum of 50mm

Subfloor Preparation

• Level IT BASE has a moisture tolerant formulation and can be applied to cementitious subfloors where there is an absence of a base DPM, provided there is no risk of hydrostatic pressure from the subground
• If systems incorporating Level IT BASE are to receive resin coatings or floor coverings then the product must be protected from rising moisture, including residual construction moisture by the application of Ultra Floor DPM IT Rapid Curing Primer Membrane to the subfloor (see relevant technical datasheet)
• Any surface laitance, adhesive residue, paints, existing smoothing underlayments and any other materials which will hinder Level IT BASE’s bond with the subfloor should be mechanically removed
• The subfloor should be clean, dry and sound and have a minimum compressive strength of 30N/mm2
• The area should also be dust free prior to any primer application
• Subfloors should always be primed prior to applications of Level IT BASE with Prime IT Multi-surface primer (MSP)
• This will enhance the application characteristics and improve the adhesion between Level IT BASE and the substrate
• Prime IT MSP applications should be in a thin uniform coating avoiding pooling and puddling of primer
• The dry film should be a clear translucent film
• All dilution ratios are water:primer
• Drying times are for guidance only and will be subject to subfloor absorbency, temperature, building humidity and airflow
• Level IT Base applications must be made within 36 hours of primer curing

Substrates

Level IT Base can be applied to strong sound cementitious substrates and also to fully cured , dry calcium sulphate screeds. It can also be used in conjunction with Ultra Floor Level IT TOP where a finished wearing surface is required (see relevant technical datasheet).

NOTE: Where warm water UFH (Underfloor Heating) systems are incorporated, they must have been fully commissioned and brought up to their maximum temperature, and ideally switched off 48 hours before application. In the absence of other heat sources, the UFH may be set to ‘cutback’ position to achieve an air temperature of 15o C. Any expansion or movement joints must be carried through to the finished floor surface.

Concrete subfloors:

Power floated concrete should be fully opened up to expose the cement/ aggregate matrix. This may be achieved by shotblasting or mechanically scarifying. Consult a subfloor preparation specialist for suitable equipment and methods. Apply Prime IT MSP diluted 3:1 with clean water and allow to dry fully (time subject to site conditions, typically overnight). Apply a further application of Prime IT MSP diluted 1:1 with water. Allow to dry.

Tamped or pan floated concrete should be treated as porous. Any laitance or weak material should be mechanically removed to ensure a sound, dry and dust-free surface. Apply Prime IT MSP diluted 3:1 with clean water and allow to dry fully (time subject to site conditions, typically overnight). Apply a further application of Prime IT MSP diluted 1:1 with water. Allow to dry.

Screed Subfloors:

Sand/Cement Screeds: These should be strong enough for an application of Level IT BASE (minimum 30N/mm2 compressive strength). Weak, friable or damaged screed should be uplifted and repaired. Apply Prime IT MSP diluted 3:1 with clean water and allow to dry fully (time subject to site conditions, typically overnight). Apply a further application of Prime IT MSP diluted 1:1 with water. Allow to dry.

Calcium Sulphate/Anhydrite/Hemihydrate Screeds: These screeds must be confirmed dry, below 75%RH when tested in accordance with BS 8203, and have a compressive strength of greater than 30N/mm2 . Level IT BASE applications must not exceed 10mm. Mechanically remove any laitance or weak material to leave a clean, dry and dust-free surface. We recommend an STG machine with suitable mesh grinding disc of 60-100 grade grit. Apply Prime IT MSP diluted 3:1 with clean water and allow to fully dry overnight. Apply a 2nd coat diluted 1:1 with clean water allowing it to dry to a clear film (usually 1-2 hours).

Ultra Floor DPM IT Rapid Curing Primer Membrane: Where subfloors have significant moisture levels and/or resin coatings are to be applied it is recommended that the subfloor be treated to suppress moisture using Ultra Floor DPM IT Primer Membrane (see relevant technical datasheet).

NOTE: For small domestic applications such as garage floors the DPM IT may be primed with Prime IT MSP applied neat in a thin uniform coating, and allow to dry.

Application

Level IT BASE can be applied both by hand mixing of individual units or by continuous pumping. Do not use warm water as this will reduce the products working time and may result in shrinkage. Tools should be cleaned in water immediately after use to remove excess materials.

For hand mixing application:

• Pour 4.25 litres of clean cold water into a clean oversized bucket (20+ Ltrs), and then gradually add the powder whilst mixing continually with an electric drill with power whisk
• When all the powder is added mix for a further 2 mins, keeping the whisk below the surface (to minimise air entrapment), until a lump free creamy material is attained
• The product can then be poured onto the floor and, using a smooth steel trowel, spread out to the desired application depth. When applying at thicker sections a long handled float or dapple bar is preferred
• A spiked roller can be used whilst the product is still fluid to minimise air entrapment and “marry” wet edges together to give a uniform finish
• The depth of spike must be a minimum of 30% longer than the application depth of product otherwise it will not be able to rotate in the product. This is particularly important in deeper applications (15mm +)

For pump application

• Follow pump manufacturer’s recommended set up guidelines
• Ensure the correct water ratio is used by carrying out a flow tube test at the beginning of the project and at regular intervals throughout (ideally once per pallet) to check that ideal flow is being maintained
• When using an Ultra Floor flow tube of capacity 200ml then a flow rate of 250 to 280 mm is acceptable
• When using other flow tubes we recommend that a single unit be mixed by hand as above and the flow rate of the mixed unit be assessed with the specific flow tube
• For large projects it is recommended that the area be sectioned off into manageable sized bays where a wet edge can be maintained throughout the pumping process

Joints

• All joints within the subfloor that are designed for movement MUST be followed through to the surface of the flooring system
• It is recommended that subfloor joints should be marked out prior to applying Level IT BASE and re-established by disc cutting after 24 -48 hours
• It is also recommended that a movement joint be incorporated at all perimeters and at door threshold to ensure building movement does not result in the Level IT BASE cracking

Curing & Drying

• All curing and drying times are based on applications of Level IT BASE in good ambient conditions of 20o C, 65% air humidity and good ventilation
• Cold, humid or damp sites, or those with poor airflow, will prolong curing and drying times, so make adequate allowances for such
• Level IT BASE is ready to receive foot traffic after 2 to 3 hours and applications of Level IT TOP after 24 hours
• Level IT BASE is ready to receive floor finishes after 24 hours (on applications between 5 and 15mm), 48 hours (on applications between 15 and 30mm) and 72 hours (on applications between 30 and 50mm)
• It is also recommended that the substrate be tested for moisture before applying floor finishes. Typically a moisture content of 5% or lower is required

Coverage Rates:

Coverage rates are based on 4.25 litre water addition and will vary according to the condition of the substrate. Coverage is for guidance only based on a smooth, non absorbent subfloor. Substrate texture and absorbency can affect consumption variations.