I only need SLU for resilient/ sheet vinyl – imperfections in sub- strate aren’t as ‘visible’ with tile. Reality: The use of bonding mor- tar to level, flatten or fill substrates does not conform to tile indus- try standards. Some tile setters mistakenly believe they can “fill” substrates with thin-set or “medi- um-bed” (now known as large- and-heavy-tile-mortar) mortar. But these products were not made for leveling substrate. Instead, they are designed to accommodate the fea- tures of the tile, such as preventing a large, heavy tile from slumping into the mortar. They also address allowable warpage, which is great- er in a larger tile, so there’s a need for a bit thicker mortar under the tile to accommodate the irregular- ity in the tile. Even setting small tiles on an uneven substrate can result in hazardous and unsightly lippage and callbacks. Self-leveling runs up extra charges. Reality: NOT installing a self leveling underlayment may result in costly call backs. You are going to have to smooth or level your floors. SLU is a great, efficient way of doing that to reduce callbacks. Self-levelers are time-consuming to apply; slows down the whole project schedule Reality: Efficiencies in instal- lation methods and fast-setting underlayments allow for same-day tile installations. These are not your grandfather’s SLUs – they’ve come a long way and feature enhance- ments, and advanced technology primers that may eliminate the need for shot blasting over clean concrete, regardless of porosity. They may even go over some types of coatings such as curing com- pounds, high-performance topical coating like epoxies or cutback residue. In this case, the primer/ SLU combo is a great time and money saver. Be sure to consult the SLU manufacturer and confirm the application. In addition, tools and equipment such as rakes, buck- ets or bucket carts that can be managed by one person can help expe- dite SLU application. Again for details of this talk, click the webinar link under the Education & Certification tab on tile-assn.com. This link also announces upcom- ing webinars and hous- es the archives of talks from the last few years. TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 78 TileLetter | July 2018