02-01-15

SECTION 09 05 16
SUBSURFACE PREPARATION FOR FLOOR FINISHES

SPEC WRITER NOTES:

1. Delete between //______// if not
applicable to project. Also delete any
other item or paragraph not applicable
in the section and renumber the
paragraphs.
2. Coordinate with Section 01 33 23, SHOP
DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, and Section 01
45 29, TESTING LABORATORY SERVICES.
3. Detail expansion joint conditions. Show
locations of expansion joints on
drawings.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
This section specifies subsurface preparation requirements for areas to
receive the installation of applied and resinous flooring. This section
includes //removal of existing floor coverings, // testing concrete for
moisture and pH, // remedial floor coating for concrete floor slabs having
unsatisfactory moisture or pH conditions, // floor leveling and repair //
as required.
1.2 RELATED WORK
// A. Section 07 92 00, JOINT SEALANTS.//
B. // Section 09 65 16, RESILIENT SHEET FLOORING // Section 09 65 19,
RESILIENT TILE FLOORING // Section 09 67 23.20, RESINOUS EPOXY BASE WITH
VINYL CHIP BROADCAST (RES-2) // Section 09 67 23.30, RESINOUS MORTAR
(Epoxy Resin Composition) FLOORING // Section 09 67 23.50, RESINOUS
(Epoxy Terrazzo) FLOORING (RES-5) // Section 09 67 23 60, RESINOUS
(Urethane and Epoxy Mortar) FLOORING // Section 09 68 00, CARPETING //
Section 09 68 21, ATHLETIC CARPETING.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete submittals for
products not used.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA
and TEST DATA.
B. Written approval confirming product compatibility with subfloor material
manufacturer and the flooring manufacturer
C. Product Data:
1. Moisture remediation system
2. Underlayment Primer
3. Cementitious Self-Leveling Underlayment

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4. Cementitious Trowel-Applied Underlayment (Not suitable for resinous

floor finishes)
D. Test Data:
1. Moisture test and pH results performed by a qualified independent
testing agency or warranty holding manufacturer’s technical
representative.
1.4 DELIVERY AND STORAGE
A. Deliver materials in containers with labels legible and intact and
grade-seals unbroken.
B. Store material to prevent damage or contamination.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Update applicable
publications to current issue at time of
project preparation.
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced. Publications are referenced in text by basic
designation only.
B. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):

D638-10
Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
(2010)
Standard Practice for Abrading Concrete to alter the
D4259-88
surface profile of the concrete and to remove foreign
(2012)
materials and weak surface laitance.
C109/C109M Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of
-12 Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube
(2012) Specimens) Modified Air Cure Only
Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Adhesion Strength of
D7234-12
Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion
(2012)
Testers.
E96/E96M
Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
-12
Materials
(2012)
F710-11 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to
(2011) Receive Resilient Flooring
Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor
F1869-11
Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous
(2011)
Calcium Chloride
F2170-11 Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in
(2011) Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
C348-08 Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Hydraulic-
(2008) Cement Mortars
C191-13 Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic
(2013) Cement by Vicat Needle

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PART 2 - PRODUCTS
SPEC WRITER NOTES:
1. Specify only that which applies to the
project. Delete non applicable items.
2.1 MOISTURE REMEDIATION COATING
A. System Descriptions:
1. High-solids, epoxy system designed to suppress excess moisture in
concrete prior to an overlayment. For use under resinous products,
VCT, tile and carpet where issues caused by moisture vapor are a
concern.
B. Products: Subject to compliance with applicable fire, health,
environmental, and safety requirements for storage, handling,
installation, and clean up.
C. System Components: Verify specific requirements as systems vary by
manufacturer. Verify build up layers and installation method. Verify
compatibility with substrate. Use manufacturer’s standard components,
compatible with each other and as follows:
1. Liquid applied coating:
a. Resin: epoxy.
b. Formulation Description: Multiple component high solids.
c. Application: Per manufacturer’s written installation
requirements.
d. Thickness: minimum 10 mils
D. Material Vapor Permeance: Application shall achieve a permeance rating
of less than 0.1 perm in accordance with ASTM E96/E96M.
E. Maximum RH requirement: 100% testing in accordance with ASTM F2170.
2.2 CEMENTITIOUS SELF-LEVELING UNDERLAYMENT
A. Property Test Value
Tensile Strength
System Descriptions: ASTM D638 4,400 psi

Volatile Organic SCAMD Rule 1113 25 grams per liter

Compound
Limits (V.O.C.)
Permeance ASTM E96 0.1 perms

Tensile Modulus ASTM D638 1.9X105 psi

Percent Elongation ASTM D638 12%

Cure Rate Per manufacture’s 4 hours Tack free

Data with 24hr recoat
window
Bond Strength ASTM D7234 100% bond to
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1. High performance self-leveling underlayment resurfacer. Single

component, self-leveling, cementitious material designed for easy
application as an underlayment for all types of flooring materials.
It is used for substrate repair and leveling.
B. Products: Subject to compliance with applicable fire, health,
environmental, and safety requirements for storage, handling,
installation, and clean up. Gypsum-based products are unacceptable.
C. System Characteristics:
1. Wearing Surface: smooth
2. Thickness: Per architectural drawings, ranging from feathered edge
to 1”, per application. Applications greater than 1” require
additional 3/8” aggregate to mix or as recommended by manufacturer.
D. Underlayment shall be calcium aluminate cement-based, containing
Portland cement. Gypsum-based products are unacceptable.
E. Compressive Strength: Minimum 4100 psi in 28 days in accordance with
ASTM C109/C109M.
F. Flexural Strength: Minimum 1000 psi in 28 days in accordance with ASTM
C348
G. Dry Time: Underlayment shall receive the application of //moisture
insensitive tile in 6 hours, // floor coverings in 16 hours, // and
resinous flooring in 3-7 days. //
H. Primer: compatible and as recommended by manufacturer for use over
intended substrate
I. System Components: Manufacturer's standard components that are
compatible with each other and as follows:
1. Primer:
a. Resin: copolymer
b. Formulation Description: single component ready to use.
c. Application Method: Squeegee and medium nap roller.
All puddles shall be removed, and material shall be allowed
to dry, 1-2 hours at 70F/21C.
d. Number of Coats: (1) one.
2. Grout Resurfacing Base:
a. Formulation Description: Single component, cementitious
self-leveling high-early and high-ultimate strength grout.
b. Application Method: colloidal mix pump, cam rake, spike
roll.
1) Thickness of Coats: Per architectural scope, 1” lifts.

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2) Number of Coats: More than one if needed.

c. Aggregates: for applications greater than 1inch, require
additional 3/8” aggregate to mix.

2.3 Property Test Value

Compressive Strength 2,200 psi @ 24 hrs
ASTM C109/C109M
3,000 psi @ 7 days
Initial set time 30-45 min.
ASTM C191
Final Set time 1 to 1.5 hours
Bond Strength 100% bond to
ASTM D7234
concrete failure
CEMENTITIOUS TROWEL-APPLIED UNDERLAYMENT(NOT SUITABLE FOR RESINOUS FLOOR
FINISHES)
A. Underlayment shall be calcium aluminate cement-based, containing
Portland cement. Gypsum-based products are unacceptable.
B. Compressive Strength: Minimum 4000 psi in 28 days
C. Trowel-applied underlayment shall not contain silica quartz (sand).
D. Dry Time: Underlayment shall receive the application of floor covering
in 15-20 minutes.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
A. Maintain ambient temperature of work areas at not less than 16 degree C
(60 degrees F), without interruption, for not less than 24 hours before
testing and not less than three days after testing.
B. Maintain higher temperatures for a longer period of time where required
by manufacturer's recommendation.
C. Do not install materials when the temperatures of the substrate or
materials are not within 60-85 degrees F/ 16-30 degrees C.
SPEC WRITER NOTES:
1. Coordinate specifications and details
for existing conditions
2. Remove surface preparation requirements
for existing conditions that do not
apply
3.2 SURFACE PREPARATION
A. Existing concrete slabs with existing floor coverings:
1. Conduct visual observation of existing floor covering for adhesion,
water damage, alkaline deposits, and other defects.
2. Remove existing floor covering and adhesives. Comply with local,
state and federal regulations and the RFCI Recommended Work Practices
for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings, as applicable to the floor
covering being removed.

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B. Concrete shall meet the requirements of ASTM F710 and be sound, solid,
clean, and free of all oil, grease, dirt, curing compounds, and any
substance that might act as a bond-breaker before application. As
required prepare slab by mechanical methods. No chemicals or solvents
shall be used.
C. General: Prepare and clean substrates according to flooring
manufacturer's written instructions for substrate indicated.
D. Prepare concrete substrates per ASTM D4259 as follows:
1. Dry abrasive blasting.
2. Wet abrasive blasting.
3. Vacuum-assisted abrasive blasting.
4. Centrifugal-shot abrasive blasting.
5. Comply with manufacturer's written instructions.
E. Repair damaged and deteriorated concrete according to flooring
manufacturer's written recommendations.
F. Verify that concrete substrates are dry.
G. Perform anhydrous calcium chloride test, ASTM F 1869. Proceed with
application only after substrates have maximum moisture-vapor-emission
rate of per flooring manufactures formal and project specific written
recommendation.
H. Perform in situ probe test, ASTM F2170. Proceed with application only
after substrates do not exceed a maximum potential equilibrium relative
humidity per flooring manufacture’s formal and project specific written
recommendation.
I. Provide a written report showing test placement and results.
J. Prepare joints in accordance with // Section 07 92 00, JOINT
SEALANTS //and material manufacturer’s instructions. //
K. Alkalinity: Measure surface pH in accordance with procedures provided
in ASTM F710 or as outlined by qualified testing agency or flooring
manufacturer’s technical representative.
L. Tolerances: Subsurface shall meet the flatness and levelness tolerance
specified on drawings or recommended by the floor finish manufacturer.
Tolerance shall also not to exceed 1/4” deviation in 10’. As required,
install underlayment to achieve required tolerance.
M. Other Subsurface: For all other subsurface conditions, such as wood or
metal, contact the floor finish or underlayment manufacturer, as
appropriate, for proper preparation practices.

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3.3 MOISTURE REMEDIATION COATING:

A. Where results of relative humidity testing (ASTM F2170) exceed the
requirements of the specified flooring manufacturer, apply remedial
coating as specified to correct excessive moisture condition.
B. Prior to remedial floor coating installation mechanically prepare the
concrete surface to provide a concrete surface profile in accordance
with ASTM D4259.
C. Mix and apply moisture remediation coating in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
3.4 CEMENTITOUS UNDERLAYMENT:
A. Install cementitious self-leveling underlayment as required to //
correct surface defects, // floor flatness or levelness corrections to
meet the tolerance requirements as or detailed on drawings, // address
non-moving cracks or joints, // provide a smooth surface for the
installation of floor covering,// or meet elevation requirements
detailed on drawings.
B. Mix and apply in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
3.5 PROTECTION
A. Prior to the installation of the finish flooring, the surface of the
underlayment should be protected from abuse by other trades by the use
of plywood, tempered hardwood, or other suitable protection course
3.6 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Where specified, field sampling of products shall be conducted by a
qualified, independent testing facility.

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