Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-FK-PS  The self-adhesive, lightweight studded panel

The reliable Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-12-F-PS covering assembly technology is a system for crack-free and functionally safe screeds and heated screeds, with coverings made of ceramics, natural stone and other covering materials.

The bonded assembly is installed directly on load-bearing, weight-distributing substrates, such as concrete, existing screeds or wooden ceiling structures. The special pressure-sensitive adhesive on the underside of the studded panel achieves an excellent bond with the substrate. The suitability of the substrate for heating purposes has to verified (movement joints, edging strips, etc.).

This system is based on the studded screed panel BEKOTEC-EN-12-FK, but with a special pressure-sensitive adhesive on the underside. The geometry of the BEKOTEC-EN-12-F-PS studded panel dictates a minimum screed layer thickness of 20 mm between and 8 mm above the studs. The stud spacing allows for clamping the heating pipes of the system, which have a 10 mm diameter, in a 50 mm grid to produce a heated screed.

Since just a relatively small amount of screed has to be heated or cooled (with a coverage of 8 mm, approx. 40 kg/m² ≙ 20 l/m²), the floor heating system is easily adjustable and ideally suited for operation at low supply temperatures.

The curing stresses that occur in the screed due to shrinkage are absorbed by the studded pattern. Tensions resulting from contraction buckling do not, therefore, affect the entire area, and it is not necessary to install movement joints in the screed.

Once the cement screed is ready to support weight, the Schlüter-DITRA uncoupling mat (alternatively, Schlüter-DITRA-DRAIN 4 or Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT) can be installed (gypsum-based screed ≤ 2 CM %). Ceramic tiles or natural stone can then be installed directly over this layer, using the thin-bed method. Movement joints in the covering layer have to be created with Schlüter-DILEX according to industry standards.

Cover materials that are not susceptible to cracking, such as parquet or carpeting, are installed directly over the screed as soon as it reaches the corresponding residual moisture level.
Please refer to the Technical Manual for further information.

1. Install BEKOTEC-EN-12-F-PS on a sufficiently weight-bearing and level substrate. Carefully inspect this area to make sure it is clean and compatible with the materials to be used. Remove all surface components that may weaken the bond. The substrate must be dust-free before installation and must therefore be thoroughly vacuumed.
   
   Note: Although it is not mandatory to apply a primer, a standard primer without coarse components such as quartz sand may be used if the condition of the substrate necessitates it. Correct uneven sections in the floor with screeds or suitable levelling compounds in advance.
   
2. Adhere the Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-BRS-808-KSF 8 mm edge strip in places where the covering adjoins walls and other construction elements. The adhesive leg integrated in the edging strip features a self-adhesive strip on the underside for attachment. The adhesion on the substrate and the pre-tensioning of the integrated foil leg push the edge strip toward the wall. When the BEKOTEC studded panel is adhered to the top of the adhesive leg, the panel bonds with the substrate and flowing screed can no longer flow underneath the panel.
   
3. The BEKOTEC-EN-12-F-PS studded panels must be precisely cut to size in the edge areas. The BEKOTEC panels are connected by overlapping a row of studs. To install the studded panel, peel the release film off BEKOTEC-EN-12-F-PS and place the panel on the substrate. It can be lifted and re-positioned providing no pressure has been applied to it. However, the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the underside will firmly stick the studded panel to the substrate once pressure has been applied. In door threshold areas and near distributor boxes, the BEKOTEC-ENFGK-PS smooth levelling panel may be used to simplify the pipe installation. The pressure-sensitive adhesive on its underside attaches the panel. The Schlüter-BEKOTEC-ZRKL 10/12 self-adhesive pipe clamping strip enables precise pipe layout in these areas.
   
4. Clamp the system pipes with a diameter of 10 mm between the cutback studs to create a BEKOTEC-THERM floor heating system. The spacing of the pipes must be determined based on the required heating output, as shown in the BEKOTEC heating diagrams.
   
5. As part of the screed installation, install fresh cement screed of screed quality CT-C25-F4, max. F5, or gypsum based screed CA-C25-F4, max. F5, over the studded panels with a minimum screed cover of 8 mm (recommended aggregate size 0-4 mm). The layer thickness can be partially increased to max. 15 mm for levelling. When installing a flowing screed, carefully place the studded panels and seal the abutting edges/end points. Make sure the screed does not flow underneath the BEKOTEC panels.
   
   Note: Please contact our Technical Department in advance to discuss different screed properties for specific projects. To prevent impact sound transmission between two rooms, separate the screed in the relevant places with the Schlüter-DILEX-DFP expansion joint profile.
   
6. The DITRA uncoupling mat (alternatively, DITRA-DRAIN 4 or DITRA-HEAT) is installed in accordance with the installation instructions of product data sheet 6.1 (alternatively, 6.2 or 6.4) as soon as the screed is ready to bear weight. The uncoupling mat can be installed over gypsum-based screeds as soon as they have reached a residual moisture level of 2 CM % or less.
   
7. Install the Schlüter-DILEX-EK or Schlüter-DILEX-RF corner movement profile as a flexible edge joint in the area of the floor/wall transition (see product data sheet 4.14). Cut off the protruding part of the BEKOTEC-BRS-808-KSF edging strip in advance.
   
8. If the BEKOTEC-THERM ceramic thermal comfort floor is to function as a floor heating system, the full covering assembly is ready for heating only seven days after completion. Start from a water temperature of 25 °C and increase the supply temperature by no more than 5 degrees C a day until the desired usage temperature has been reached.
   
9. Covering materials that are not susceptible to cracking (e.g. parquet, carpet or vinyl coverings) can be installed without the uncoupling mat, directly on top of the BEKOTEC screed. The screed thickness must be adjusted to the relevant material thicknesses.
   
   Note: In addition to the applicable installation guidelines, the permissible residual moisture level of the screed must be observed for the selected covering material. For detailed installation instructions in conjunction with non-ceramic surface coverings, please refer to our technical manual for Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM or contact our Technical Department.

Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-12 F PS is made of impact resistant structured polystyrene with a pressure-sensitive adhesive laminated on the underside. It is suitable for use with conventionally applied cement or gypsum screeds as well as flowing screed. The material must be stored in a location above freezing, where it is not exposed to UV radiation.