S3
Surface Solutions
TDS & Application
S3 – Barrier SL
Self-Leveling Cementitious Moisture Mitigation System

Description

Barrier-SL is a specially formulated and versatile self-leveling cement and moisture vapor barrier-in-one, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, which exhibits low permeability and excellent bonding performance to existing concrete and asphalt substrates. Barrier-SL bonds to itself for higher lifts without creating cold joints and can be applied at thicknesses ranging from 1/8" to 1.5" in a single lift. The product sets to a walkable surface in 4 hours and allows for finished floor installation within 8 hours.

Features & Benefits

Green technology, ZERO VOC with high recycled content
Eliminates need for moisture remediation coatings
Capillary-free protective layer blocks moisture penetration
Single pour from 1/8" up to 1.5" (thin to feather edge)
No primers required between lifts — bonds to itself
Self-leveling, smooth, level, crack-free surface
3000 psi (24 hrs); 4000 psi (3 days); >6500 psi (28 days)
Adhesives adhere directly (use S3 #4151 or #2075)
MVER protection at 3/16" thick and greater

Applications

Self-leveling / moisture vapor barrier over concrete
Indoor and outdoor applications
Trench and deep hole fills (with aggregates)
Vertical wall skim coat (with field additive)
Polished floor systems
Floor patching (feather edge to 1/2")

Product Details

PropertySpecification
Packaging50 lb. protective bags (40 per pallet)
ColorGray (field tintable)
Shelf Life12 months, humidity-controlled storage
Coverage21 SF per bag at 1/4" thick
Mix Ratio1 gallon potable water per 50# bag
Cure TimeWalkable 4 hrs, Install flooring 8 hrs at 70°F, full cure 28 days
Bulk Wet Density130 lbs./cu ft
Application Temp40°F to 90°F
ASTM F2170-11Slab RH up to 99%
Surface Alkalinity~9 pH (stable regardless of sub-slab moisture)
ASTM C579 Compressive1800 (4 hrs); 3000 psi (24 hrs); >6500 psi (ultimate)
ASTM C321 Bond Strength>350 psi (failure in substrate)
ASTM C413 Water Absorption<0.3%

Set Time Guidelines40°F70°F90°F
Healing Time30 min30 min20 min
Foot Traffic>4 hrs4 hrs>3 hrs
Finished Floor Install>8 hrs8 hrs8 hrs

Substrate Preparation

ALL substrates must be clean, sound, with minimum 250 psi tensile bond strength per ASTM D4541.

Important: Do not apply over concrete previously treated with S3 MoistureShield (can inhibit bonding). Do not apply over slabs subject to hydrostatic pressure. Use S3 Surface Prep EXT for concrete cleaning and etching (CSP 2-3 recommended).

Mixing & Application

Requires accurate 1-gallon water to 50# cement ratio. Do not divide pre-measured bags. Do not mix more than can be placed in 20 minutes.

Mixing Methods

  • Bucket Mixing (1–3 bags): 5-gallon pail, 10+ amp drill at 500–800 rpm with grout mixing blade. Pour water first, meter in half the cement, mix 30–60 sec, add remaining, mix 2–3 min.
  • Hippo Mixing (up to 5 bags): Same process as bucket mixing with larger container.
  • Collomixers: Multiple bags simultaneously. Same metering and mixing procedure.
  • Strong Mixers & Pumps: For large-area continuous placement. Contact S3 Barrier Solutions team.

Placement

Empty contents onto application area immediately after mixing. Distribute with gauge rake, straightedge, squeegee, or trowel. Roll with spiked roller to remove entrained air. Work quickly — initial set within 40 minutes. Healing time up to 40 minutes at 70°F.

Special Applications

Polished Floor Systems

Can be applied as neat, salt & pepper, or cement terrazzo for polishing. WET polishing recommended for grinding. Polishing/grinding can start within 12 hours of placement.

Trench & Deep Hole Repairs

Pour over stone-filled trenches (leave ~1" from top), or pre-mix aggregates into Barrier SL using portable cement mixer. Finished floors can be installed over trench the next day.

Floor Patching

Feather edge to 1/2" for ramping. Impervious to water when cured. Walkable in 2–3 hours, floors placed within 6 hours.

Vertical Placement

With S3 dry powder additive, material hangs vertically up to 1" thick and trowels smooth to feather edge.

Limitations & Storage

Surface must be free of contaminants. Do not use in areas subject to hydrostatic pressure.

Clean Up: Water. Storage: 50–80°F. Do not freeze.