ASTM F2873-20

4.1 This practice provides minimum recommendations for the installation of self-leveling underlayments suitable to receive resilient floor coverings. This practice establishes the proper preparation of the subfloor, and installation methods and quality control requirements for self-leveling underlayments. This practice addresses any necessary preparation of the self-leveling underlayment’s surface prior to the installation of floor coverings.

4.2 Actual requirements for self-leveling underlayments are generally included as part of project plans or specifications and may vary from the recommendations set forth in this practice. Provisions in the project documents at variance with this practice shall take precedence.

1.1 This practice covers the installation of self-leveling underlayments, which may include a priming system, over solid wood, wood structural panel subfloors, over concrete, and over certain solidly bonded existing flooring systems such as epoxy floors, ceramic and natural stone tiles, terrazzo, metal subfloors and foils such as steel, copper and lead, solidly bonded patching and other leveling materials as well as properly prepared non water-soluble adhesive residues as recommended by the underlayment manufacturer. This practice also covers the preparation of the self-leveling underlayment’s surface prior to the installation of resilient flooring.

1.2 This practice points out the factors that are required to be controlled while installing a self-leveling underlayment to be used as a substrate for resilient flooring.

1.3 This practice does not cover the structural adequacy of the subfloor. The structural integrity of assemblies is governed by local building codes and may be superseded by the resilient flooring manufacturer's and the self-leveling underlayment manufacturer’s requirements.

1.4 This practice does not supersede the self-leveling underlayment manufacturer’s, adhesive manufacturer’s or resilient flooring manufacturer’s written instructions. Consult the individual manufacturer for specific recommendations.

1.5 Some self-leveling underlayments are not suitable for use on concrete slabs on or below grade due to potential moisture problems arising from moisture intrusion. However, most of the self-leveling underlayments may be suitable for use on and below grade if an adequate and effective vapor retarder or vapor barrier is present directly beneath the concrete slab or an effective moisture remediation system has been installed beneath the surface of the self-leveling underlayment. Consult the manufacturer of the self-leveling underlayment and flooring system for specific recommendations.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.7 This practice does purport to address the necessity for or the safe or correct removal of asbestos containing materials. Breathing of asbestos dust is hazardous. Asbestos and asbestos products present demonstrated health risks for users and for those with whom they come into contact. In addition to other precautions, when working with asbestos-cement products, minimize the dust that results. For information on the safe use of chrysoltile asbestos, refer to “Safe Use of Chrysotile Asbestos: A Manual on Preventive and Control Measures.”2

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.