Exterior Applications | Introduction to Pedestals/TROBA-Level

A NEW APPROACH TO EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS.

Due to our harsh climate in the intermountain region (either baked by the Sun, or vulnerable to freeze/thaw conditions - or even both) tile assemblies see limited success. In fact, it’s safe to say that it’s not if an assembly is going to show distress - but when.

As such, Schluter has implemented a process to protect the installer, end user and ourselves by evaluating exterior requests on a case by case basis and thus eliminating high risk jobs. Exterior applications need time to study, plan, specify, estimate and install. They cannot be rushed, and ‘best’ assemblies cannot be assumed. 

• The LETTER OF EXPLANATION will lay out what Schluter will require before we can work towards creating a detail specific to a respective application.
• The CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST has bullet points that must be addressed. This document must be signed and dated by the respective parties involved (i.e. contractor, GC or/and home owner).
• The EXTERIOR PRICELIST is a non-printed Schluter document following the same look and format as our standard pricelist.  We have separated drain mats and other exterior products into this price list.  It also includes three exterior details.  If these details are followed without a signed and returned checklist, the end user assumes all risk, liability and responsibility.

With a signed and returned checklist, Schluter will begin the process of collecting job specific information. This may require a visit to the jobsite. Once the information has been collected, a request form for a detail will be filled out and submitted with the checklist to regional management for second review.  Finally, it will be at the discretion of our technical department to determine if Schluter will participate in providing the proper detail for issuing limited support. If case is approved a job specific detail will be assigned.  

When installed with precision to the assigned and approved detail, the warranty support may be 1 to 3 years for Schluter product, however, not full system (because forces of nature impacting tile have nothing to do with Schluter). Reverting back to the statement earlier - not if but when - the assembly will begin to show distress. Thus the choice is yours to follow this process and have limited support, or NOT and follow one of the ‘general’ details in the exterior pricelist and assume full responsibility.

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) A108.01 sub-article 3.9 Maintenance reads: 

“All tile installations and especially exterior installations require periodic inspection and maintenance.  All exterior installations require inspection and routine maintenance including the application of hydrophobic sealers, repair of movement joints, and replacement of cracked or missing tiles and grout...It is the homeowners responsibility to provide for routine inspection, appropriate maintenance...”

Further, TCNA (Tile Council of North America) includes the below ‘Limitations’ note with every section of exterior methods in their annual handbook:

“Where the installation will be subjected to freeze-thaw cycles, snow and ice accumulation, and/or snow melting chemicals, degradation can occur over time.” 

It should be noted that Schluter Systems products/details are assistive in evacuating moisture from and exterior tile assembly.  We are not the primary waterproofing.  Primary waterproofing should be done by a licensed and insured roofing contractor.

Please also note that the tile industry seems to be moving towards a pedestal system for exterior assemblies, which means eliminating direct bonding to a substrate. Pedestal systems allow the assembly to ‘float’ over a waterproofing membrane that has been installed by a licensed and insured roofing contractor. Any debris or water falls underneath the assembly and washes away as there is no grout/thinset creating a lock. There is no issue with freeze/thaw, expanding and contracting, etc. Porcelain pavers at 3/4” thick are becoming more available through tile distribution channels. Some stones may also be approved for exterior applications, however, it is strongly recommended to clear the stone for your application with the manufacturer. Stones are still vulnerable to weather by their nature. Included as an attachment is Schluter's recently launched TROBA-LEVEL pedestal.

We apologize for an inconvenience this implemented process may cause. Please know that it is in everyone’s best interest to take the right path - which may sometimes mean to walk away.

Kindest regards,
Chris Hill
Territory Manager UT/NV