48 2017 | TECH TEC’s Level Set® 300 Self-Leveling Underlayment is ideal for fast track applications. This high-performance, fiber-reinforced, calci- um aluminate-based, self-leveling underlay- ment provides a flat, extremely smooth, and strong, durable surface for finished flooring installation. It is pourable or pumpable for interior applications, offers exceptional workability for an ultra-smooth surface, is walkable in two to three hours. It can be applied up to 2” (50 mm) neat in single appli- cations and be featheredged to adjoin- ing elevations. www.tecspecialty.com USG engineered gypsum cement underlayments deliver strength with- out compromise for virtually any con- struction type. USG Levelrock® Brand and USG Durock™ Brand underlay- ments are stronger than concrete – 130% stronger, in fact. From commer- cial to multifarious, and renovation to new construction, USG engineered gypsum cement underlayments offer high compressive strength, are engi- neered for higher performance, are compatible with all floor coverings, and save time and money. www.usg. com/underlayments WATERPROOFING ––––––––––––– LATICRETE® 9235 Waterproofing Membraneisbestsuitedforwetareas and continuous water submersion applications. Specifically designed for the special require- ments of ceramic tile, stone and brick installations, it also protects concrete and reinforcing steel from corrosion. 9235 Waterproofing Membrane is flexible, easy to apply and will allow for rapid installations. www.laticrete.com. TEC® HydraFlexTM Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane dries fast to accelerate tile installation. Contractors can install tile in as little as one hour after applying a single coat of HydraFlex for a 1/8” crack-isolation application. E x c e e d i n g ANSI A118.10 and ANSI A118.12 specs for waterproofing (two-coat applica- tion) and crack isolation, respectively, HydraFlex is also IAPMO approved. It forms a smooth, monolithic, water- tight surface over walls, floors and ceilings, while stopping in-plane cracks from 1⁄8” up to 1⁄4” wide (based on application) at the substrate from telegraphing through to ceramic or stone tile. You can roll, trowel or spray rapid-drying HydraFlexon green concrete as few as three days old. www.tecspecialty.com CONTRACTOR PERSPECTIVE SUBSTRATE PREPARATION –––––– Jason McDaniel Stoneman Construction LLC Stafford, Ore. www.stonemanconstruction.com As tile setters, you spend countless hours on substrate prep. Having a flat surface to set over saves time and money. One of the ways to do this is by using self-lev- eling underlayments (SLUs). You can use ARDEX Liquid Backer Board (LBB), which is approved for use over plywood, a very common substrate used in residential projects. One of the first things to do is to make sure you have proper joist spacing and plywood thickness. Refer to ANSI A108 AN-2 “General require- ments for sub surfaces” and the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation for detailed information. SLU prep starts by sanding the plywood with a coarse sand paper. During this process, you can also take down any major high spots in the floor. Once you are done with sand- ing and cleaning, use ARDEX SKM to fill any pinholes, gaps, and joints between the plywood, then staple 1/4” sill foam around the entire perimeter of the floor. This insures that you have an expansion joint on all sides. Once that is completed, apply acrylic white caulking between the foam and the floor so that you don’t lose material into the walls when the pouring starts. Knowing how much product you are going to use is key to a success- ful pour. This can be done by map- ping out the high and low spots of the floor using various tools such as, lasers, levels and long screeds. Now you are ready for the ARDEX P51 Primer, which is made for porous substrates. P51 Primer is applied using a heavy bristled broom or brush. ARDEX P51 Primer must sit for a minimum of three hours, but no longer than 24 hours. Keeping people off of the primed area during this period is recommended so that contaminants are not introduced to Substrates