Schlüter-DILEX-F  Movement joint profile that needs no embedding

Schlüter-DILEX-F is a pre-fabricated plastic movement carrier profile for installation in tiled coverings. It has a very narrow, exchangeable soft zone insert made from a special type of silicone. This insert comes in ten different colours. The lateral, trapezoid perforated anchoring legs, made of rigid PVC, are secured in the tile adhesive beneath the tiles where they transmit any movements that occur to the movement zone.

The movement zone absorbs compressive and tensile stresses in that area. The retrofitted movement zone is made from a special type of silicone and has an integrated anti-stretch thread. It is approx. 3.5 mm wide when installed, matching common grout joint widths.

The narrow width of the movement zone absorbs relatively limited movements; this should be taken into account when evaluating the requirements for a specific application. DILEX-F can be installed as a movement joint in tiled coverings. We recommend using it in conjunction with our uncoupling membranes from the Schlüter-DITRA product family.

If greater movements of the tiled construction are to be expected, we are also happy to refer you to alternative products of the DILEX product range, such as Schlüter-DILEX-KS, for example.

DILEX-F can also be installed in residential applications as well as in areas with moderate traffic loads, such as offices, salesrooms or car showrooms.

1. Select DILEX-FCS according to the tile thickness and the thin-bed mortar thickness.
2. Apply tile adhesive to the area where profile is to be installed, using a notched trowel.
3. Press the trapezoid-perforated anchoring leg of the DILEX-FCS profile firmly into the adhesive and align it.
4. Position the bonding legs of the DILEX-FCS profile at a 45° angle in the area of a joint intersection. The adjacent DILEX-FCS profiles must abut the continuous DILEX-FCS profile without any joint.
5. Then, cover the perforated anchoring leg completely with adhesive. Avoid soiling the vertical profile leg while doing so.
6. Then firmly press the adjoining tiles into the tile adhesive without any joint to the carrier profile. Full coverage must be obtained between the tile and the profile’s anchoring leg. The surface of the tiles should be as flush as possible with the orange protective covering. When doing this, avoid having cut edges on the tiles adjacent to the carrier profile. Check that the tiles are correctly placed on both sides using an inverted piece of the DILEX-FIS insert. Prevent any tile adhesive from escaping between the profile and the tile or, if this does occur, wipe it up immediately.
7. Then grout the tiling surface with a suitable jointing material. Omit the joints fitted with DILEX-F.
8. After completing the grouting and cleaning, remove the orange-coloured protective covering. Remove excess mortar or dirt from the joints or tile edges in this area. To do so, use side C of the installation aid supplied. Any excess material can be removed with a vacuum cleaner.
9. DILEX-FIS is pressed into the profile chamber using sides A and B on the assembly aid. Sprayed-on water (spray gun) makes it easier to install the profile in the soft zone. In the area of joint intersections, the inlay can be installed in one direction and butted up against the soft zones adjoining each side.

Schlüter-DILEX-FCS is a narrow, prefabricated movement carrier profile with lateral, trapezoidal perforated anchoring legs. It is made of rigid PVC. The lower movement zone and the orange protective covering consist of soft PVC.

Schlüter-DILEX-FIS is an insert, made of cross-linked silicone roll material, with integrated anti-stretch thread. It is easily exchangeable later should the need arise.

Material properties and areas of application:

The profile is resistant to most chemicals encountered in tiled environments. It is also resistant to fungi and bacteria. The surface finish of the DILEX-FIS soft zone prevents dirt particles from adhering. In individual cases, verify that the intended material type of the profile is suitable for the anticipated chemical, mechanical or other stresses. The DILEX-FIS insert is UV-resistant and free of softening agents.

DILEX-F is a movement joint profile for tiled coverings set using the thin bed method in indoor areas. Here, we recommend the use of uncoupling membranes from the DITRA product family.

If, due to the dimensions of the rooms, movement joints are required in the surface, you can achieve the necessary absorption of movement by a higher number of DILEX-F profiles in the surface. The profiles are not suitable for use above structural movement joints.