Adding to its well established and diverse product range, Schlüter®-Systems has developed the Schlüter®-DILEX-F movement joint system to transform the appearance of tiled floors; completely changing the landscape in terms of visual impact: replacing the discordant intrusion of conventional movement joints with a much more discrete and elegant alternative.
An ideal solution for statement kitchens and connected dining or open plan living space, DILEX-F presents a well-engineered set of fully compatible components designed to address a technically and aesthetically challenging task facing flooring and fit-out specialists in both residential and commercial scenarios.
The effect is to skilfully overcome typical reservations about using movement joints.
Where, for instance, it is necessary to butt lengths of movement joint together across large floor areas - normally creating highly visible and jarring discontinuities - the DILEX-FCS carrier profiles are unified using the DILEX-FIS insert which is supplied in 30m roll lengths that are easily cut to length and inserted at the very end of the job, when other trades have finished their potentially damaging activities. In the interim, the FCS profiles are protected by an orange strip. Then a special tool is supplied with each roll of DILEX-FIS insert, which is used to clean the channel after the orange protection strip is removed; with the handy device also serving to push the colour matched insert snugly into place.
Another feature of the DILEX-F system is that the rectified tiles - avoiding any cut edges - are laid tight up against the DILEX-FCS profiles, rather than leaving a gap for grout between the tiles and the movement joint; this being a key factor in Schlüter®-System's fully functional yet barely visible insertion.
Manufactured from recycled rigid PVC, the DILEX-FCS carrier profiles have been developed to be set in place on the substrate using standard cementitious tile adhesive, prior to the commencement of tiling operations: with a choice of four heights rising from 9-12.5mm, to suit a variety of tile thicknesses. The profile legs are pushed into the tiling adhesive, spread with a notched trowel and aligned both longitudinally and to the correct level before being allowed to set. The flooring tiles are then laid flush with the top of the profile and any excess adhesive cleaned off immediately.
Importantly, the pliant, cross-linked silicone DILEX-FIS profile, which is available in 10 different colours to match or contrast with common grout colours, incorporates an anti-stretch ‘tendon', and a double arrowhead shaped stem to resist stretching or being accidentally dislodged. Ultimately it presents a pristine and resilient feature joint able to absorb both compressive and tensile forces resulting from thermal or structural movement across the zone. The DILEX-FIS can, however, be replaced if desired.
As well as being physically robust and able to withstand impact or long-term wear from foot traffic, DILEX-F is resistant to mould growth and bacteria and requires only routine cleaning with standard detergent products. The surface finish to the soft insert is, meanwhile, resistant to dirt particles adhering or becoming embedded. It is recommended to install the tiling and DILEX-F profiles in combination with a decoupling membrane from the manufacturer's DITRA range to help ensure a long, trouble-free installation.
In addition to its accessible and well-illustrated website, Schlüter®-Systems offers a comprehensive technical advisory service able to advise on the specification of movement joints: including the DILEX-KS, which might be recommended where greater degrees of movement are anticipated. However, as well as residential settings, the DILEX-F system can be utilised in locations where medium traffic loads are anticipated, such as for commercial offices and even car showrooms.
