Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: Floating floors
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 June 2005
Floating a solution - better safe than
sorry
Schluter-Systems explains the importance of knowing which floating floors are suitable to take tiles.
While it is possible to tile onto many types of floating floors - provided the correct tile protection systems are used - there are also many types that are not suitable, and the installation will fail irrespective of the protective measures taken Ian Knifton, Technical Manager of Schluter-Systems ., explains that the trick is knowing which floating floors are suitable to take tiles
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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As with any substrate, while the different layers may compress, deflect or move, we have to remember that tiles are rigid, so any movement under the tile assembly usually results in the tiles cracking or debonding.
Floating floors are normally an insulation layer, either for sound or heat, laid over the base substrate.
The installation can include a flooring grade chipboard system - or other system, such as a baton-based one, over the top.
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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
Where the insulation is the correct density, giving only little movement, the tiles can be protected from damage by installing an uncoupling membrane.
Schluter has considerable experience on the wide range of floating floor systems currently available in the UK, and we're frequently asked for technical advice as to whether it is safe to tile onto them using a protective membrane.
There are certain systems on the market where the movement is negligible, and an uncoupling membrane will easily accommodate it.
Failures happen because the insulation layer beneath the flooring itself is too compressible, and even the uncoupling properties of a polyethylene membrane such as Schluter-DITRA, would not be able to compensate for the movement.
However, in some cases it is possible for the installation to be strengthened sufficiently - perhaps with overboarding - for the membrane to absorb or disperse the shear stresses.
But where systems do have a higher degree of movement, which cannot be successfully absorbed, the advice would have to be that tiling should not be carried out.
As with everything, there are new systems coming onto the market regularly - particularly since the introduction of new regulations both for acoustic and heat insulation means that floating floors now tend to be used in the majority of refurbishment projects at private houses and apartments, along with commercial buildings such as offices.
In refurbishments, the floating floor would be used over the existing substrate, and would be required in order to comply with the new building regulations, which apply to all finished floors.
The problem does not occur in New Build, because the insulation is incorporated into the concrete slab, or into the ceiling void.
The majority of these new systems are usually acceptable for successfully uncoupling tiles - and all it takes is a 'phone call to Schluter to find out.
When contractors seek advice about new systems, Schluter will carry out the relevant calculations, and, if necessary, undertake full tests, to see if the new system is compatible with a protected, uncoupled, tiled surface covering.
So, in order to be safe rather than sorry, every case should be looked at on an individual basis.
To successfully bond the protective, uncoupling membrane, first ensure that the substrate is even and load-bearing.
Bonding adhesive is then applied using a 3mm x 3mm notched trowel.
While the type of bonding adhesive depends on the substrate, for most substrates a dry-set tile adhesive is suitable.
The anchoring fleece on the underside of the matting must be fully embedded into the adhesive so that its entire surface is bonded.
Work the membrane into the adhesive in just one direction using a float or screed trowel.
Then, using the thin-bed method, set the tile covering directly on to the membrane, so that the tile adhesive becomes mechanically anchored to the cavities which form the top surface.
However, there is one other consideration to take into account.
A common problem is that once the tiles have been fixed, the customer is too quick in using and trafficking the floor.
For instance, if fridges and cookers etc are wheeled into place before it is fully cured, the floor can be damaged.
However, if the installer fully explains to the customer about the correct length of time, and the work has been carried out properly on a floor that can take tiles, it should be a trouble-free installation. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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