TEC® Level Set LW-60

1 of 40 products in this brand
TEC® Level Set® LW-60 TA-053 is a calcium aluminate-based self-leveling underlayment, specifically designed for applications where the weight of materials is critical in load-bearing structures. It stands out as an ultra-lightweight, high-quality, and easy-to-handle self-leveling underlayment. It provides a flat, smooth, and durable surface for finished flooring installation while being only half the weight of conventional portland cement or gypsum-based underlayments, weighing just 60 pounds per cubic foot.

Product Type: Underlayment

Application Area: Ceramic Tiles, Floor, Quarry Tiles, Sheet Goods, Terrazzo

Physical Form: Powder

Chemical Family: Aluminum Compounds, Calcium & Calcium Compounds

Features: Durable, Ease of Handling, Fast Setting, Good Smoothness, Self-Leveling

Enhanced TDS

Identification & Functionality

Product Type

Features & Benefits

Labeling Claims
Product Highlights
  • Provides a smooth surface
  • Applications from 1⁄4"-2" (6-50 mm) neat and can be featheredged to adjoining elevations
  • 50% lighter than conventional cement and gypsum based systems
  • Walkable in 3-4 hours
  • Accepts non-moisture sensitive tile and stone in 4 hours
  • Install moisture sensitive floor covering in 16-24 hours
  • High compressive strength – 4,000 psi (27.59 MPa)
  • Contributes to LEED® project points
  • Zero VOC

Applications & Uses

Coverage

Coverages shown are approximate. Actual coverages may vary according to substrate conditions and thickness of applications.

Application Depth Weight/sq. ft.

Approximate Coverage per 25 Ibs. (11.34 kg)

¼" (6 mm) 1.3 Ibs./sq.ft. 24 sq.ft.
½" (12 mm) 2.6 lbs./sq.ft. 12 sq.ft.
1" (25 mm) 5.2 lbs./sq. ft. 6 sq. ft.
2" (50 mm) 10.4 lbs. /sq. ft. 3 sq. ft.
Suitable Substrates
  • Concrete
  • Ceramic, porcelain or quarry tile
  • Cement or epoxy terrazzo
  • Cement backerboard, properly prepared
  • VCT or full glue down, non-cushioned vinyl sheetgoods
  • Exterior grade plywood (with reinforcement lath)
  • Oriented Strand Board (OSB) (with reinforcement lath)
  • Gypsum substrates (properly primed) with minimum tensile bond strength 72 psi (0.5 MPa)
Substrate Preparation
  • All materials should be stored at 50oF (10oC) to 90oF (32oC) 24 hours prior to installation. It is required that all surfaces must be structurally sound and free from any contaminants that may inhibit bond, including oil, grease, dust, loose or peeling paint, floor finishes or waxes, etc.
  • Minimum tensile bond strength of 72 psi (0.5 MPa) is required. Substrate temperature should be a minimum of 43°F (6°C) and air temperature maintained above 50°F (10°C) and below 100°F (38°C) during and within 24 hours of application.
  • DO NOT cover existing building expansion joints, isolation joints or any crack or joint subject to movement. Provide control joints where specified.
  • Create 1⁄8" to 1⁄4" (3-6 mm) wide gaps where self-leveling underlayment abuts walls, columns, and fixtures by installing a self-sticking foam weather stripping tape or damp sand (vacuum up sand after self-leveling underlayment has cured). Surfaces must be primed with TEC Multipurpose Primer prior to installation of LW-60. See primer label for application instructions.
  • It is recommended to test for substrate moisture content to ensure it meets floor covering manufacturer's requirements. Level Set® LW-60 can be installed over new green concrete with a maximum of 99% RH. Remediation of excessive moisture conditions must be addressed prior to the installation Level Set LW-60.
  • This product is not a moisture vapor barrier. If substrate moisture content exceeds the maximum allowed by the flooring manufacturer, then moisture mitigation must be applied prior to application of Level Set® LW-60.
  • To reduce moisture vapor emissions to an acceptable level, use TEC® LiquiDamTM Penetrating Moisture Vapor Barrier or LiquiDam EZTM Moisture Vapor Barrier prior to application of TEC® Multipurpose Primer and Level Set® LW-60.
Wood Subflooring
  • Single Layer of Exterior Grade Plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) with Lath: Wood subflooring must be securely fastened with screw type or ring shank nails and adhesive.
  • Installations of exterior grade plywood or OSB (APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor OSB, Exposure 1 or better) require 3⁄4" (19 mm) single layer minimum thickness, from the highest point of the floor, on bridged floor joists up to 24" (60 cm) on center, with a maximum deflection of L ⁄360 of the span. Allow a gap of 1⁄8" to 1⁄4" (3-6 mm) between sheets of plywood or OSB.
  • Long edges of subfloor must be tongue and groove or supported by bridging between floor joists. Use suitable TEC® surface preparation products (Feather Edge Skim Coat, VersaPatch®, Fast-Set Deep Patch) to plug all floor openings, gaps and cracks and install termination dams to prevent any seepage.
  • Prime the floor and allow it to dry to a clear film. Next, staple 1⁄4" (6 mm) galvanized diamond metal or plastic lath to the floor overlapping 2" (5 cm) at seams. Staple every 6" (15 cm) around the perimeter and overlaps, and every 8" (20 cm) in the field of the lath.
  • Install Level Set® LW-60 based upon the following joist spacing in the table below:
Joist Spacing (0.C.) Minimum SLU thickness over
single layer ¾" (19 mm) tongue
and groove subfloor with lath
16" or less

⅜" (9 mm)

(40 cm or less)
20" or less

½" (12 mm)

(50 cm or less)
24" or less

⅝" (15 mm)

(60 cm or less)

  • Radiant Heating Systems: For radiant heat system installations, always prime the substrate before installing heating system components on the substrate surface. Heating system must be off 2 days before and kept off for 7 days after installation.
  • Electric Wire Systems Installed Over Substrate – Level Set® LW-60 may be used in conjunction with wire systems installed over concrete, single layer plywood/OSB subfloors with plastic lath or double layer plywood floors without lath. Follow the requirements for each substrate stated above and maintain minimum thickness above the wire when used as a self-leveling underlayment of 1⁄4" (6 mm).
  • Electric Mat Systems Installed Over Substrate – Mat system configurations can vary by system manufacturer. Contact system manufacturer for installation instructions. Hydronic Systems Installed Over Substrate – Level Set® LW-60 may be used in conjunction with hydronic systems installed over concrete or 3⁄4" (19 mm) single layer plywood/OSB subfloors with lath.
  • Follow the requirements for each substrate stated above and maintain minimum thickness of Level Set® LW-60 over the heating tubes of 1⁄2" (12 mm) (depending on the diameter of the tubing, two lifts of self-leveling underlayment may be required).
  • When installing ceramic tile over hydronic systems the application of a crack isolation membrane over the self- leveling underlayment is recommended.
  • Hydronic Systems Embedded in Concrete Substrate – Follow the requirements for concrete substrate installations stated above and maintain minimum thickness of concrete over the embedded heating tubes of 3⁄4" (19 mm), from the highest point of the floor.
  • When installing ceramic tile over hydronic systems the application of a crack isolation membrane over the self-leveling underlayment is recommended.
Metal Substrates
  • Suitable metal substrates include non-galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum and lead.
  • Metal substrates must be fully supported, firmly attached and rigid with no flexing or vibration.
  • In addition to the General surface contaminants listed above, metal surfaces shall be free of rust or corrosion.
  • Remove by sand blasting, wire brush or other mechanical means. To prevent rusting of unpainted steel, prime with TEC® Multipurpose Primer immediately after surface cleaning.
Limitations Information
  • For interior use only.
  • Not for use in conditions of hydrostatic pressure of excessive moisture.
  • Do not use as a wear surface. Do not allow heavy or sharp metal objects to be dragged directly across the Level Set LW-60 surface.
  • Do not overwater, retemper or add any additives.
  • Do not install over dimensionally unstable substrates such as particle board, lauan, asbestos or chip board.
Coverage
TEC® Level Set WL-60 High Quality,
Ultra-Light Self-Leveling Underlayment (053)
Description Typical Results
28 Day Compressive Strength > 4000 psi (27.59MPa)
28 Day Flexural Strength > 1100 psi (7.59 MPa)
28 Day Shrinkage < -0.07%
Application Instruction
  • Mix 2 bags of Level Set® LW-60 at a time. In a clean appropriate sized container add 6.0 qts. (5.7 L) of clean, cool potable water for EACH 25 lbs. (11.34 kg) bag. Next add the Level Set® LW-60, while mixing at full speed using a mixing blade suitable for the mixing container shape attached to a heavy-duty 1⁄2" (12 mm) drill (minimum 650 rpm).
  • Do not add extra water. Mix completely for a minimum of 2 minutes until lump free, adding no additional water.
  • Do not over mix or move the mixer up and down during mixing as this will entrap air, lower the strength and may cause cracking and/or pin holing. The formation of a white film on the surface is an indication of over watering.
  • To keep the job moving, it is recommended that two mixing drums be used simultaneously.
  • This will allow one mixing container to be poured while the other is being mixed. After use clean all mixing equipment thoroughly to avoid hardened product in subsequent batches. Use full bags only.
  • For applications utilizing a pumping system: Level Set® LW-60 can be mechanically mixed using either an in-line continuous mixer and pump or a batch mixer and pump using 6.0 qts. (5.7 L) clean potable water for EACH 25 lb (11.34 kg) bag of powder.
  • The minimum required hose length is 100 ft. (30.5 m) for In-Line Mixers. Do not use for pumping applications that have a horizontal hose length of 300 ft. and/or a vertical hose length of 40 ft. Before starting ensure the mixer and pumps are completely clean and in good working order.
  • Prior to Level Set® LW-60 installation adjust the pump to ensure proper mixing and that a uniform distribution of sand is achieved throughout the mix. Do not overwater as this will lower the strength and may cause cracking and/ or pinholing.
  • To avoid segregation and over watering during installation, the water settings may require adjusting. Check the product consistency to ensure a uniform distribution of the aggregates during pumping. The conditions that can affect the overall performance are, but not limited to, length of hose, water temperature, water pressure, substrate, ambient air temperature and powder temperature.
  • On the end of the hose attach a mesh-screen sock to trap any foreign or unmixed material. Always test pump using the actual maximum hose length and conditions before installation to ensure proper application and appearance is achieved.
Recommended Applications
  • Apply when air and substrate temperatures are between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C) within 24 hours of application. For applications outside this range of temperatures, contact TEC® Technical Services. Close all windows, doors and HVAC vents to minimize air flow.
  • Divide the areas to permit continuous placement without cold joints. Pour or pump the blended Level Set® LW-60 on to the floor and disperse with a gage rake. Use cleated shoes to avoid leaving marks. Optimum results can be obtained by providing a continuous wet flow throughout the placement.
  • Level Set® LW-60 has a working time of 25-35 minutes at 70°F (21°C). Temperature and humidity will affect flow, working time and set time. Outgassing can occur when applying multiple lifts. If capping is required contact your TEC® representative.
  • It is the sole responsibility of the installllllllllllller to determine the suitability and compatibility of the Level Set LW-60 for the user's intended use. NOTES: When vinyl, wood or other types of floor coverings are to be installed over Level Set® LW-60, the requirements of the floor covering manufacturer are to be followed with respect to, but not limited to, levels of moisture.
  • Level Set® LW-60 will not correct or compensate for a structurally defective substrate. Faults in the substrate can appear in the underlayment. The use of alkali resistant glass fabric or galvanized metal reinforcing (Federal Specification QQL 101C) can be helpful in reducing reflective cracking.
Installation Instructions
  • For installations using multiple lifts of self-leveling underlayment, the first lift should be allowed to cure until walkable.
  • Application of two coats of primer are required prior to the second lift as outlined on the Multipurpose Primer product data sheet with the first coat being 1:3 primer to water, and the second coat being 1:2 primer to water.
Cleaning Instructions

Use clean potable water to clean all tools immediately after use.

Curing
  • Protect from excessive drying due to temperature, air movement and direct sunlight.
  • The use of damp curing or the use of curing compounds is not recommended. Turn off all forced air ventilation and radiant heating systems whenever possible for up to 24 hours after installation.
  • Note: Level Set® LW-60 is not a wear surface and should be protected from construction trade traffic until the final floor covering is applied.

Properties

Color
Physical Form
Appearance
Dry gray powder
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Ideal Flow Range*12.7 - 15.2cmASTM C1708
Walkable Hardness3 - 4Hours-
Working Time25 - 35Minutes-
Properties Note

Flooring Installation:

  • Non-moisture sensitive tile and stone: 4 hours*
  • Moisture sensitive floor coverings: 16-24 hours*

*Temperature and humidity will affect flow, working time and set time.

Regulatory & Compliance

Certifications & Compliance

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type
Packaging Information

25 lb. moisture-resistant bags (11.34 kg)

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life
1 year
Storage and Handling Conditions
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Do not store open containers.
  • Maximum 1 year from date of manufacture in properly stored, unopened package.