Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: The Essential Accessories
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 29 July 2003
The Essential Accessories
Many tiling "accessories" are actually essential to prevent tiling installations from failing -- and more and more architects and specifiers are increasingly including them at the design stage.
All too often tiling accessories are thought of as optional bolt-ons, which simply enhance the appearance of the main flooring installation However, many "accessories" are actually essential to prevent tiling installations from failing -- and more and more architects and specifiers are increasingly including them at the design stage
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Amongst essential accessories now widely specified during those initial stages are the tiling solutions specifically designed and engineered by world market-leader Schluter-Systems.
The development of Schluter's range of profile and matting systems to guarantee the long-term integrity and appearance of ceramic and stone tiles, began with the edge protection profile Schluter-SCHIENE in 1975.
It marked the beginning of an entirely new category within the tile industry, which propelled Schluter to become what is currently the largest and most innovative supplier in the market.
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Stone floor cracking or debonding from substrate
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter - Systems, says very often stone floors crack or debond because installers have not fitted an uncoupling membrane, or movement joints correctly
Technical Manager Ian Knifton says their range of 3,500 accessories takes a "complete systems" approach, and includes everything designers and installers need to overcome even the trickiest tiling challenge.
"Schluter started by simply producing accessories to protect tile edges, moving on to the development of technically engineered movement joints.
Then came waterproofing membranes and systems to uncouple tiles from the substrate, preventing strains and stresses from being transferred from the substrate into the surface covering.
And they've now diversified into modular screed systems and drainage systems." Amongst Schluter's most popular essential accessories are edge protection profiles such as the SCHIENE and RENO ranges.
BSI recommendations for the maximum size of individual tile fields means the DILEX range of movement joints is now regularly specified by architects.
The TREP range of stair nosing profiles is helping installers meet the new requirement of Building Regulations which calls for the edge of steps to be visually accentuated.
The upsurge of customers wanting walk-in shower cubicles means the system comprising DITRA and KERDI waterproofing and uncoupling membranes and KERDI-DRAIN has grown considerably over the last 12 months.
And the new BEKOTEC modular screed system which does not require movement joints or reinforcement in the screed has also seen considerable growth, not only in the UK, but worldwide.
With over 3,500 essential accessories in the range, how do architects, designers, specifiers and installers know which one is right for their particular installation? Says Ian Knifton: "Schluter provides the industry with comprehensive technical support, site surveys and training programmes -- including a variety of RIBA Continuing Professional Development courses.
The training can be carried out either on-site, or at our purpose-built training centre in Leicestershire." And a recent addition to Schluter's training and support material is the introduction of an interactive CD-ROM to make essential accessory selection even simpler. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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