Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The new TEC® Level Set® 300 Self- Leveling Underlayment is a high-per- formance underlayment formulated for fast-track flooring installations. Ideal for quick turnarounds, it is walkable in just two to three hours – and provides a flat, extremely smooth, durable surface. TEC Level Set 300 is suited for a feather edge to 2” single application and boasts a compressive strength of 5,500 psi. It is pourable or pumpable for interior applications and accepts non-moisture- sensitive tile and stone in four hours, while moisture-sensitive floor coverings are ready for installation in 16-24 hours. The TEC Level Set 300 Self-Leveling Underlayment is part of a recently expand- ed TEC surface prep line that includes 10 new products in five general categories: self-leveling underlayments; skimcoats; patches; crack isolation systems; and spe- cialty products, including wear layer over- layments. The TEC surface prep line deliv- ers numerous installation advantages and improved product performance. www.tecspecialty.com. dissipation requires the UV rays of sunlight. A simple moisture test can help you determine what action is need- ed for a concrete substrate. Place a drop of water on the surface and then observe how long it takes for the concrete to absorb it. If the spot where the drop landed darkens, that is a sign of absorption. If the spot doesn’t darken the surface then it probably indicates the presence of a sealant or curing compound that will compromise the bond. It needs to be removed. On the other hand, if the drop of water is absorbed very rapidly (in five to ten seconds), then the concrete is porous and can pull the moisture out of the setting materials, thereby compromising the installa- tion. A simple primer can improve the bond to the substrate. Process methods One method to remedy contami- nated concrete is shot blasting, a method by which a machine shoots One “process” method to remedy con- taminated concrete is shot blasting, by which a machine shoots beads to break up the surface to remove contaminants. 60 TileLetter | November 2016