Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: Preventing Damage To Ceramic Steps
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 April 2004
Preventing Damage To Ceramic Steps
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager for Schluter-Systems, the market leader in tiling solutions, explains how to prevent future damage on ceramic steps.
If you walk down any High Street you'll see there's some sort of damage to ceramic steps at the entrance to many shops, caused by heavy objects, deliveries, or even pushchairs being dragged over the top of them However, the answer is simple
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Ian Knifton, Technical Manager for Schluter-Systems, the market leader in tiling solutions, explains how to prevent future damage on ceramic steps.
Q I'd like to use ceramics on steps and stairways, but I'm constantly seeing damage on external edges of steps, and, quite frankly, it looks awful.
Is there a solution? A While there are specific tiles incorporating step treads, they suffer the same problem if a heavy load is dragged over the top, or there's an impact on the edge: they'll still fail.
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In reality, the best solution is a specially engineered stair-nosing profile.
This may not be the best-looking solution, but it is by far the most effective way of preventing all-too-common damage to steps and stairs, while also providing a slip-resistant surface.
Q Will any type of stair-nosing profile be all right, or are there different ones for different types of job? A There are several types available: most are specifically designed for particular types of applications.
What is right for one type of installation may not be right for another.
PVC is generally suitable for residential or light commercial use, while heavy duty products are often two-part profiles, where aluminium or stainless steel anchoring legs incorporate a replaceable tread area.
This is because the actual tread area is bound to become worn or damaged over time, and a new one can simply be inserted without having to remove either the tile or the profile.
Q So why do we continue to see all this damage when there appears to be a simple and cost-effective solution? A Possibly it is lack of knowledge as to what the answer is -- but it may also be down to misconception about price.
Most stair-nosing profiles are probably cheaper to buy than a purpose-formed stair-nosing ceramic tile.
Therefore, overall, although they probably don't look as good in the short-term, they do a much better job in the medium to long-term, in protecting the front edge of the tile from wear and damage, and preventing the installation from failing.
Accessories may not be at the top of the list when it comes to ceramic tiling projects, but in many cases they are essential, and without their correct use, applications will continue to fail.
Q Can stair-nosing profiles contribute to safety on stairs? A They can and do! Ideally, from a safety perspective, using a stair-nosing profile with a contrasting colour to the tiles, creates a highly visible accentuation to the edge of the step.
The need for contrasting stair nosings will need to be used to conform to the new building regulations.
Also, there is a growing market for stair-nosing profiles with a luminous inlay.
Fluorescent inserts for the Schluter-TREP mean stair edges become more visible at dusk or in darkness, considerably reducing the risk of accidents.
Pigments in the 5mm-wide inlay which is incorporated into the 19mm tread surface, stay luminous for up to 10 hours after being exposed to light.
Q How easy are they to install? A The Schluter-TREP range of aluminium, stainless steel and PVC profiles covers most types of requirements, and while there are minor differences to the way they are installed, the general techniques apply to them all: * Select the appropriate profile according to the thickness of the tile.
* Apply suitable tile adhesive along the edge area above the riser.
* Fill the cavity on the underside of the profile with adhesive, and press the profile completely into the adhesive bed, ensuring that its front edge overlaps the riser tile.
* Completely cover the perforated anchoring leg with adhesive, then firmly press the tread tile into place, leaving a grout joint of approximately 2mm between the tile and profile.
The profile must not be higher than the tile -- it should be either flush, or up to 1mm lower.
* Fill the grout joint completely with grout. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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