Manufacturers and contractors are welcome to contribute to the Expert Advice section. Schlüter-Systems have prepared a series of advisory technical articles relating to the ongoing problems associated with movement in floor tile installations. Contract Flooring Magazine leads the way for publishing such expert advice online for reference by the flooring, building and construction industry.
Contract Flooring Magazine articles are read by industries top professionals and decision makers including Architects, Specifiers, flooring and building industry manufacturers.
If you would like to contribute to this section, please contact us.
Read our definitive series on movement joints and why they are needed. We also cover the technical aspects regarding their installation.
Schlüter®–Systems 'Ian Knifton' expert in this field, have contributed a Movement Joint Series of technical articles. A valuable trade resource.
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| How To Ensure Your Tiled Floors Are Waterproof |
| Schlüter-DITRA Protective Membrane |
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In recent articles we've looked at how the use of polyethylene uncoupling membranes are vital to ensure the long-life of tiling installations.
These versatile underlayments not only provide the perfect solution to uncouple floor tiles from problematic substrates, preventing them from cracking, splitting and debonding -- they have another very important use: waterproofing tiled surfaces.
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager for Schlüter-Systems -- world market leader in tiling solutions -- answers your questions on ensuring that tiled floors are waterproof.
Q, I'm installing a tiled floor in a bathroom, and will be using impervious grout and water-resistant adhesive, so I don't need to worry about any other form of waterproofing, do I?
A, Impervious grout and water-resistant adhesive don't necessarily stop water seeping through into the fabric of a building, especially where modern, high-performance power showers throw out a lot of water at high force. So, yes, you do need to ensure that the installation is fully waterproofed.
Q, How can I do that?
A, The British Standards Institution (BSI) recommends the use of impervious membranes such as the polyethylene Schlüter-DITRA. BSI also says that further advice should be sought from specialists in the waterproofing field. As the world market-leader in tiling accessories, Schlüter is regularly called upon by specifiers to advise about waterproofing on particular projects.
Generally, waterproofing is a matter of education -- first of all about the overall need for it, and secondly which type of membranes to use.
Q, What sort of damage can occur if the installation isn't properly waterproofed?
A, We were recently discussing a problem at a private house where water was dripping heavily from a first-floor shower cubicle into a garage below every time the power shower was used.
The sealant between the shower base and tiled wall was leaking, meaning water was finding its way to the room below. It's discoloured the plaster on the garage ceiling and wall -- no real problem in a garage -- but what if it had been a lounge? A correctly installed waterproofing membrane prevents this damage.
