Platform ALG
Advanced Liquid Gypsum Self-Leveling Underlayment
Platform ALG™ is a micro-fiber reinforced, advanced polymer, easy to apply gypsum based self leveling underlayment. Platform ALG is a super high-flow leveler with outstanding coverage and flattening abilities. It is ideal for use over existing gypsum, wood and other dry, compromised substrates. Platform ALG may be used over approved wood subfloors without reinforcing lath and quickly provides a high compressive and flexural strength substrate for a wide variety of floor finishes, in less time.
Features and Benefits
- Superior flexural strength
- Designed for approved wood, gypsum and other difficult to bond substrates
- Fast strength build with 28-day strength greater than 6000 psi
- Install flooring in as little as 6 hours after placement at ¼” depth
- Non-alkaline – adhesive friendly
- Withstands construction/renovation traffic with a fast return to service
45 lb (20.4 kg) double wall bag
Preparation & Application
Reference the floor covering and adhesive manufacturers documentation to verify suitability of Platform ALG as a subfloor for the flooring system (any adhesive used for concrete is generally suitable for ALG).
Moisture Assessment: Platform ALG is not a moisture barrier and will allow moisture to pass through to the finished flooring. All substrates are to be interior, dry and free from ongoing moisture and water penetration through leaks, damage or other.
Refer to installation instructions, ASTMs F710, F1869, F2170 & F3010, C1708, etc.) and all industry best practices.
Honor all moving joints. Complete crack and substrate repairs prior to installation. Consult an engineer for required joints and crack repairs prior to installation.
Maintain a minimum of 50ºF (10ºC) during the pour and for 72 hours after the pour or until dry. Acclimate the material to a minimum of 50ºF (10ºC) prior to mixing. To maximize flowability and working time, utilize cool water when temperatures exceed 85ºF (29ºC).
For installation over hydronic or electrical heating systems, utilize a minimum of 3/4” of material above the surface of the heating system. Platform ALG is compatible with and accepts the direct application of urethane, moisture cure and other typical floor covering adhesives.
Extension: Platform ALG can be applied in one lift to a maximum depth of 3” NEAT (in confined areas). In areas deeper than 3”, extension of Platform ALG is required. Extend Platform ALG with clean, washed and SSD (saturate surface dry) 1/4 - 3/8” pea gravel up 50% by weight (22.5 lbs pea gravel per 45 lbs ALG). Ensure pea gravel is thoroughly mixed in (encapsulated) by the Platform ALG. Contact Technical services for details.
Surface Preparation
All Substrates must be sound, clean, dry and free of contaminants (oil, dirt, laitance etc.) that may interfere with adhesion. Areas of the substrate that do not exhibit a tensile pull strength greater than 72 psi are not suitable and must be mechanically removed to a
sound, stable base and subsequently repaired prior to application of Platform ALG. Do not use solvents, acids or chemical adhesive removers to prepare the substrate. All bond breaking substances (cure residues, excess salts from silicates etc.) must be removed prior to priming with Platform P360. Completely vacuum all dust and debris from the substrate prior to priming.
Gypsum Substrates
Gypsum substrates must exhibit a sound surface free from dusting, chalking and surface weakness. Repair weak, soft and dusty gypsum prior to application of ALG using the recommended gypsum repair solution, such as Platform SLV or CSX. See related TDS’s to determine use.
Wood Substrates
Platform ALG is suitable for use on an APA approved wooden substrates in residential and light commercial applications without use of reinforcing lath. Wood substrates must satisfy local codes, with maximum joist spacing 16” - 19.2” OC, using suitable Type 1 exterior grade plywood or equivalent OSB.
Remove contaminants (oils, wax, dirt etc) that could function as bond breakers. Flash patch all joints and penetrations with Platform GP or FP. Ensure patch is completely dry before priming.
Single coat prime wood subfloor to a thin, shiny film with Platform P360 NEAT, without puddles or bare spots by using a 3/8” nap roller. When dry, apply Platform ALG to desired depth as per specifications.
Adhesive Residue
Platform ALG is suitable for use over well-bonded residue of non-soluble, non-PSA adhesives. Remove friable, compressible, poorly bonded adhesives prior to applying Platform ALG. Prime translucent adhesive residue with Platform P360 (NEAT), using a 3/8” nap roller.
All Substrates
Platform ALG is very flowable and will flow through voids and penetrations in the substrate. Utilize Platform GP / Platform FP to flash patch and seal all joints and penetrations. Ensure patch is completely dry before priming.
Platform ALG has tremendous bonding properties. It is recommended to isolate all vertical surfaces (walls) with a bond breaker (isolation tape or other) on vertical surfaces that will come in contact with Platform ALG during application.
Priming
Prime properly prepared substrates with Platform P360 prior to the application of Platform ALG.
Non-Porous/Non-Absorbent
For wood, adhesive residue, epoxy, epoxy terrazzo, some existing floor finishes or other non-porous materials: Prime NEAT (undiluted) without puddles using a 3/8” nap roller.
Porous/Absorbent
For gypsum underlayment, or other highly-absorbent substrates and floor finishes: Platform P360 must be diluted, generally 3:1 (Water:Primer) and applied without puddles using a soft/ fine tipped broom, allowed to dry, and followed by 2:1 (W:P) using a soft/fine tipped broom.
Standard Concrete can be single-primed at 2:1 (Water:Primer). Pour onto concrete and let primer soak in for 5-8 mins, working it in with a soft/fine broom, and sweep off the excess to a thin, shiny film.
Reference Platform P360 data sheet for additional details.
Mixing
Mix Ratio: 4.5 - 5 quarts of potable water: 45 lb. bag of Platform ALG
Mix Time: 2 minutes with minimum 650 rpm drill or through pump
Over-watering and/or under mixing (failing to generate adequate shear) will result in lower ultimate compressive strengths. Add designated clean, potable water to a clean mixing barrel, then gradually add the powder and mix at the designated speed for 2 minutes. Ensure all material is homogenous, and no dry lumps or unmixed material is
at the bottom of the mixing barrel. While mixing, keep the paddle below the surface of the material to reduce introduction of excess air into the mix. Once mixed, immediately pour onto the substrate to maximize material flow and placement time.
Platform ALG may be mixed and/or pumped with most standard batch or inline mixing/ pumping equipment. Contact Technical services for pump questions.
Material Application
Immediately after mixing is complete, pour the Platform ALG on the substrate, gauge rake or trowel to the required depth and smooth using appropriate tools (smoother or porcupine roller). When placing newly mixed material, maintain a wet edge, always pouring back into the leading edge of the previous placement.
Drying Time
Do not used forced air to assist in drying Platform ALG during application but do provide adequate ventilation (venting) and continuous circulation of air in the application area. Platform ALG generally hardens to accept light foot traffic 1-2 hours after placement. Avoid construction traffic for a minimum of 16 hours (temperature dependent).
Platform ALG requires suitable conditions for drying, do not wet cure or use curing or sealing compounds. Do not introduce heavy airflow to the surface of Platform
ALG until after 4 hours of drying. Depth of application, water utilized in mixing, ambient temperature, humidity and airflow all impact drying time. Reduced water, higher temps and proper air exchange will enhance drying performance.
The use of a moisture meter is recommended to verify readiness for flooring. Multiple areas should be surveyed to ensure dryness throughout. The PROTIMETER Surveymaster® or Aquant®, the Delmhorst Navigator® BDX Series, and the Tramex CME5 or CMEX5 are all generally acceptable for use to indicate suitable dryness for any floor covering. In all cases, floor covering and adhesive manufacturers’ recommendations supersede all others.
General drying guidelines assuming ambient temps of 70ºF and ambient humidity of 50% with continuous air circulation:
Breathable Flooring Systems
Install breathable flooring systems after 6 hours at a 1/4” depth. Increase this time by 8 hours for each additional 1/4” of depth desired.
Non-Breathable Flooring Systems
Install non-breathable flooring systems after 6 hours at a 1/4” depth. Increase this time by 12 hours for each additional 1/4” of depth desired.
Platform ALG dries to a hard, dense surface. Prime dried Platform ALG prior to application of cementitious adhesive or patch as per manufacturers specifications. In all cases, floor covering and adhesive manufacturers’ recommendations supersede all others.