Sika® Level-525 Rapid
Rapid setting, durable, cementitious self-leveling underlayment
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Sika® Level-525 Rapid is a one-component, durable and versatile cementitious underlayment for interior concrete and cementitious substrates. It can be applied manually or by pump to produce a self-smoothing, rapid-setting, and flat substrate prior to the application of a final floor finish. Typical application thickness is 1/16” to 1/2” (1.5 to 12.7 mm).
- Fluid self-leveling
- Levels new and renovates old floors
- Interior only
- Manual or pumpable applications
- Excellent underlay for all type of residential and commercial flooring
- Compatible with subfloor heating systems
- Superior workability for easy installations
- Rapid setting for fast job turnaround
- Very high strength
- Very low shrinkage
- Can accept caster wheel loading if the thickness is greater than 1/8’’ (3.2 mm)
- For forklift truck traffic, layer thickness at least 1/8” (3.2 mm)
Usage
- Concrete
- Cement substrates
- Rapid drying cement screed systems
- OSB/Plywood only suitable for flexible coverings
- Ceramic tiles, terrazzo or natural stones
Advantages
- Fluid self-leveling
- Levels new and renovates old floors
- Interior only
- Manual or pumpable applications
- Excellent underlay for all type of residential and commercial flooring
- Compatible with subfloor heating systems
- Superior workability for easy installations
- Rapid setting for fast job turnaround
- Very high strength
- Very low shrinkage
- Can accept caster wheel loading if the thickness is greater than 1/8’’ (3.2 mm)
- For forklift truck traffic, layer thickness at least 1/8” (3.2 mm)
Packaging
55 lb (24.9 kg) bag
Color
Gray powder
Product Details
Chemical Base
Cement-based, polymer-modified binder system and fillers
Shelf Life
12 months from date of production if stored properly in original, un opened and undamaged sealed packaging
Storage Conditions
Store dry at 41–86 °F (5–30 °C)
Protect from moisture. If damp, discard material
Compressive Strength
| 1 day | 5,000 psi (34.5 MPa) |
| 7 days | 5,500 psi (38 MPa) |
| 28 days | 7,600 psi (52.4 MPa) |
Flexural Strength
| 28 days | 1,600 psi (11 MPa) |
Tensile Adhesion Strength
| 3 days at 1/8" | 400 psi (2.8 MPa) |
Application
Mixing Ratio
6-6.3 qts (5,75-6,0 L)
Fresh mortar density
| 118 lb/ft3 (1.8 kg/l) | (ASTM C-138) |
Layer Thickness
| Min. | Max. | |
| Neat | 1/16” (1.5 mm) | 1/2” (12.7 mm) |
| Extended | 1/4'' (6.3 mm) | 1'' (25 mm) |
Product Temperature
65–75 °F (18–24 °C)
Ambient Air Temperature
41–86 °F (5–30 °C)
Note: When using water based adhesives on the finished product the best results will be achieved at ambient and substrate temperatures between 59 and 77 °F (15–25 °C).
Relative Air Humidity
< 75 %
Note: The substrate and uncured product applied on the floor, must be at least 5 °F above dew point to reduce the risk of condensation, blooming or cement laitance forming on the surface.
Substrate Temperature
41–86 °F (5–30 °C)
Pot Life
~ 25 minutes
As the temperature will affect the pot life, application temperature:
-
Above 73 °F (23 °C) will reduce the pot life and the working time.
-
Below 73 °F (23 °C) will extend the pot life and the working time.
Waiting / Recoat Times
Walk-on time: 1–1.5 hours
Suitable for overcoating with:
| Non moisture sensitive floor covering | 1.5–2 hours |
| Polyurthane adhesives | 12 hours up to 1/8" (9.5 mm)* |
*Mat test (ASTM D-4263) above 3/8" (9.5 mm)
The actual times will be affected by changing substrate and ambient conditions, particularly the temperature and relative humidity, plus the thickness of the material applied. When overcoating Sika® Level-525 Rapid always ensure the moisture content has achieved the required value for the subsequent floor finish adhesive / product being used, as the necessary waiting time will vary (with the application thickness and ambient humidity). Also please refer to the floor finish / adhesive PDS.
Coverage
30 ft2 at 1/4” (2.78 m2 at 6 mm) per bag
(Coverage figures do not include allowance for surface profile and porosity or material waste)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All substrate must be dry, stable, sound and free of all contaminants such as grease, oil, paint, wax, dust, curing and sealing compounds that will interfere with the penetration the primer and the adhesion of Sika® Level-525 Rapid.
MIXING
- Pour 6 qts (5.7 L) of cool potable water (~ 70 °F, 21.1 °C) into a suitably sized and clean mixing container, using a calibrated measuring jug, or similar, to ensure strict control of the water content (do not over-water). If available water is not at this temperature, then consideration should be given to cooling/heating the water.
- Add Sika® Level-525 Rapid to the water, while slowly mixing, adding the complete contents of the bag.
- Mix with a high-speed drill (> 650 rpm) and an egg beater style mixing paddle to blend water and powder for approximately 3 minutes, until a lump-free and uniform mix has been produced.
- Do not overmix or allow the paddle to rise above the level of material as this will introduce and entrap air into the mix, potentially shortening the working life or causing pin-holing in the underlayment.
- Let the mixed material stand until the majority of air bubbles have dispersed.
APPLICATION
- Pour the mix and spread using a smoothing trowel. Even surfaces are easily achieved using a pin leveler.
- It’s not recommended to remove troweling defects or to level more than once.
- If a second layer of leveling compound has to be applied, prime the first layer with Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus (1:1) when the first layer is walkable. The maximum layer thickness must not be exceeded in case of two layer applications and the second layer must not exceed the layer thickness of the first layer.
- Protect curing Sika® Level-525 Rapid layers from high ambient temperatures, direct sunlight and ensure an adequate air circulation.
- Sika® Level-525 Rapid does not provide an aesthetic finish and is not intended to be use as a wear layer even if coated or sealed. Sika® Level-525 Rapid must be protected from any type of contamination by installing a suitable floor covering like ceramic tiles, carpet, VCT, wood floor, etc.
- Always install an adequate number of properly located test areas, to include the finish flooring.
- As floor coverings vary, always contact and rely upon the floor covering manufacturer for specific directions such as maximum allowable moisture content, adhesive selection, and intended end use of the product.
CLEANING OF TOOLS
- Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use.
- Hardened / cured material can only be removed mechanically.
FAQ
No, they are not. For standard-size tile < 15”, the substrate flatness tolerance is no more than ¼” variance in 10”. For tile > 15”, the substrate flatness tolerance is no more than 1/8” variance in 10’. This applies to any substrate whether it is a wall, floor, ceiling etc.
No. Thinset is an adhesive, not a patching or leveling compound. Thinsets are
designed to be a certain thickness and when that thickness is greater than what the thinset can handle, shrinking will occur. Use a product that is designed for patching or leveling.
Almost all self-leveling underlayments require a primer. A primer helps with drying, flowability and bonding. Check with the manufacturer to see if the selected SLU needs a primer. For SikaLevel® SLUs, a primer is required for each pour.
Some old “cutback” black residues may contain asbestos. If the residue has asbestos, a professional will need to remove it. If the black residue does not contain asbestos, it may be removed by mechanical means such as sand blasting or grinding. Some products can encapsulate the black residue, preventing mechanical removal. Check Technical Services to find the correct products.
In most cases, flat is better than level. For example, an exterior deck needs to be flat and not level. Building codes require the deck to be pitched away from the building, which would make the deck not level. But, to install tile the deck must be flat. So, it all depends on the application.
When a flooring substrate does not meet industry flatness tolerances or when a substrate needs to be raised/lifted. Every self-leveling underlayment has a thickness threshold it can be used for. Speak with a SikaTile® Technical Representative for assistance.