Schlüter-DILEX-KS Movement joint profile with edge protection
Schlüter-DILEX-KS is a maintenance free movement joint profile for tile, natural stone and surface coatings subjected to high mechanical stresses. DILEX-KS offers secure edge protection for surfaces exposed to continuous vehicular traffic and is, therefore, suited for use in warehouses, production facilities, shopping centres and car parks, or for floor surfaces maintained with cleaning machines.
General product information
Function
What this product does
Schlüter-DILEX-KS comprises perforated lateral anchoring legs made of stainless steel or aluminium. These are connected with an 11 mm or 6 mm soft movement zone made of thermoplastic elastomer. The profile’s rubber insert is replaceable in case of damage (not applicable to profile heights 2.5, 4.5 and 6 mm). The side sections of the profile provide effective edge protection for the surface covering.
DILEX-KS assists in reducing the transmission of impact sound in coverings.
Installation
How to install this product
Installation for tile and natural stone surfaces:
- Select the profile height according to the tile thickness.
- Apply tile adhesive to the area where profile is to be installed, using a notched trowel.
- Press the trapezoid perforated anchoring leg of DILEX-KS firmly into the adhesive and align it. The profile must align directly with expansion and movement joints in the substrate below.
- Trowel tile adhesive over the trapezoid perforated anchoring leg to ensure full coverage. Trowel tile adhesive against the vertical anchoring legs at an angle.
- Firmly press the adjoining tiles into place and align them in such a way that the upper profile edge is flush with the tile (profile should not protrude over the surface of the covering; preferably, it should be approx. 1 mm below the top level of the covering). All tiles in the profile area must be solidly embedded. Always adjoin the uncut tile edge to the profile.
- Leave a 2 mm joint to the profile, and completely fill the joint between the profile and the tile with grout.
- When creating cross joints, trim the profiles to ensure that the trapezoid perforated anchoring legs do not overlap in installation.
The tile inserts DILEX-KS/-K are available in all colours for neat joint appearance.
Material
What this product is made from
- E = stainless steel
V2A, material no. 1.4301 = AISI 304
V4A, material no. 1.4404 = AISI 316L
- A = aluminium
The movement zone consists of highly flexible thermoplastic rubber with inserts made of a harder material.
Material properties and areas of application
The suitability of the selected profile type must be verified based on the anticipated chemical, mechanical, and/or other stresses.
The support profiles of Schlüter-DILEX-EKSB are made of stainless steel 1.4301 (V2A). The support profiles of DILEX-EKSN and -EKSA are made of stainless steel 1.4301 (V2A) or 1.4404 (V4A). Stainless steel is particularly well suited for applications that, in addition to heavy mechanical stresses, require resistance to chemicals such acidic or alkaline media, detergents or de-icing salts. Depending on the anticipated stresses, you can choose between the alloy materials 1.4301 (V2A) or 1.4404 (V4A). The use of V4A is recommended if consistent exposure is expected, for example in the case of swimming pools (fresh water).
Even stainless steel of quality 1.4404 is not resistant to all chemical stresses such as hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid or certain chloride and brine concentrations. In certain cases, this also applies to seawater pools. Any particular stresses anticipated should therefore always be clarified in advance.
Schlüter-DILEX-AKSN and -AKSA with lateral anchoring leg profiles of aluminium are sensitive to alkaline media.
Cementitious materials, in conjunction with moisture become alkaline. Since aluminium is sensitive to alkaline substances exposure to the alkali (depending on the concentration and duration of exposure) may result in corrosion (aluminium hydroxide formation).
For this reason, remove mortar or grouting material immediately from all visible areas and do not cover freshly installed coverings until the adhesive and grout have dried. Solidly embed the profile in the setting material to prevent alkaline water from accumulating in small cavities.
The movement zones of all DILEX-KS and -KSA profile types consist of highly flexible thermoplastic rubber. This material is UV-resistant, suitable for outdoor use, and resistant to the chemical stresses typically associated with tile coverings and has been specially treated to resist fungi and bacteria.
The insert is resistant to temperatures ranging from -60 °C to +100 °C. The synthetic rubber can be heat bonded to extend the profile length.
The tile inserts DILEX-KS/K are available in all colours for cross joints created with the movement profiles DILEX-KS.
Maintenance & Care
How to look after this product
Schlüter-DILEX-KS are resistant to fungi and bacteria, and require no special maintenance or care.
The movement zone of thermoplastic rubber can be subsequently replaced (except for sizes 2.5, 4.5 and 6 mm).
Stainless steel surfaces exposed to the environment or aggressive substances should be cleaned periodically using a mild household cleaner. Regular cleaning maintains the neat appearance of stainless steel and reduces the risk of corrosion.
All cleaning agents must be free of hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid. Avoid contact with other metals, such as regular steel, to prevent corrosion. This also includes installation tools such as trowels or steel wool, e.g. for the removal of mortar residue.
We recommend the use of the stainless steel cleaning polish Schlüter-CLEAN-CP.