Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: Movement joints
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 January 2005
Preventing tomorrow's tilng problems,
today
Looking at movement joints, uncoupling membranes, and waterproofing systems - which protect the tiles, if fitted at the same time as the tiling installation is carried out
In the previous article we looked at a couple of diverse training needs which came to light when problems started to occur, after tiles had been installed There are many technically-engineered essential "accessories" - including movement joints, uncoupling membranes, and waterproofing systems - which protect the tiles, if fitted at the same time as the tiling installation is carried out
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 4 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
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
Effects of new technology on tile design
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter-Systems, explains how advancing technology is eliminating the need for movement joints in screed, which gives greater flexibility in surface tile design.
It's in everyone's best interest, who is involved in the tiling chain -architect, specifier, tiling installer - to be as knowledgeable as possible about the wide range of tiling solutions which guarantee the long-lasting integrity of installations.
Schluter-Systems , world market-leader in providing solutions for all types of tiling problems, delivers a wide variety of training, both at its purpose-built training centre in Leicestershire, and in the form of technical assistance on site.
Technical Manager Ian Knifton explains.
Further reading
Movement joints: part of complete systems solution
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter-Systems explains why installation of movement joints needs to be Part of a complete systems solution.
Movement joints - the right one for the right job
The sixth item in our series of ensuring the long-term integrity of tiled floor installations by using protective movement joints
Movement joints - the right one for the right job
Schluter-Systems explain why different types of movement joints are required for different types of applications, and it is essential that the right one is used for the right job.
Question.
What training does Schluter provide for the industry? Answer.
We deliver numerous training courses to the flooring and tiling industry.
They're mostly one-day courses, covering a variety of subjects including: - Correct selection and installation of movement joints.
- Transition profiles, which need to be used when tiling abuts other surfaces such as carpets, wood and laminate.
- Stair-nosing profiles.
- Tanking showers and fitting completely water-tight drains.
- Correct installation of the new modular screed system.
Diverse training is also provided for architects and specifiers - much of it under the RIBA Continuing Professional Development Programme.
- explaining why the systems are necessary for compliance with the new Building Regulations.
In addition, tiling retailers, stockists and distributors frequently ask us to give basic training to their sales and showroom staff, so they can advise buyers on what's needed.
It's not our intention to teach people how to tile - that's not our area of expertise.
But we can advise and demonstrate to architects and specifiers, along with builders and installers, on methods and systems to guarantee the installation against failure and to make the job easier and quicker.
Basically, training today prevents problems tomorrow - as clearly demonstrated by the following enquiry:.
Question.
I was amazed to read in last month's item that waterproof grout and adhesives don't make a tiled installation waterproof.
Does this mean I need to waterproof a substrate in a first-floor bathroom before tiling? Answer.
"Waterproof tiles," "waterproof adhesives," and "waterproof grout" are terms meaning that the material is able to perform in water without breaking down.
They don't mean that the products stop water seeping through into the fabric of the building.
Movement within the application can cause fissures to open up in the grout line, which then let water penetrate into the substrate.
On a number of occasions we've seen quite horrific problems which have occurred because waterproofing wasn't installed.
Water seepage from first-floor showers or bathrooms has got through the tiled surface, causing damage to the rooms below.
So, yes, you do need to waterproof the substrate.
While there are types of brush-applied liquids which offer a degree of waterproofing, the British Standards Institution recommends using impervious membranes.
They are equally at home in domestic bath and shower rooms as in commercial applications such as ensuring that the swimming pool surround, shower and changing areas at the Holmes Places Health Club in Croydon, were fully waterproof. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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