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Showing posts from December, 2022

Stainless Steel Profiles in Swimming Pool Environments

Stainless steel is the name given to a group of corrosion resistant and high temperature steels. Their resistance to corrosion is due to a chromium-rich oxide film which forms on the surface. When ordinary carbon steel is exposed to rain water, for example, it corrodes forming a brown iron oxide on the surface, commonly called rust. But when enough chromium (more than about 10%) is added to ordinary steel, the oxide on the surface is transformed - it is very thin, virtually invisible and protective in a wide range of corrosive media. This is what we call stainless steel. There is a common misconception that stainless steel is corrosion proof. It is in fact very corrosion resistant. It needs to be cleaned periodically to avoid the buildup of dirt and deposits that can interrupt the chromium-oxide film and make the material much more susceptible to corrosion, particularly in harsh environments. We recommend the installation of stainless steel 316L (1.4404= V4A) in pool environments, h

Profile Selection based on Environment

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Schluter-Systems manufactures profiles in several materials and finishes. The following information is designed to aid in selecting a profile finish/material based on the intended environment. Schluter profiles are resistant to most chemicals encountered in tiled environments. In special cases, the suitability of a proposed type of material must be verified based on the anticipated chemical, mechanical, and/or other stresses. Please note that all profiles must be tested to verify their suitability if chemical stresses are anticipated. Aluminum (A) Suited for interior dry areas not exposed to water, steam,etc. No exterior usage. Aluminum is sensitive to alkaline substances. Exposure to alkali may result in corrosion. Therefore, it is important to remove mortar or grout residue from visible surfaces. Aluminum will tarnish under normal conditions. Oxidation films on exposed aluminum can be removed by using a conventional polishing agent but will form again. Anodized aluminum (AE) Suited

4 New Reasons to try Primer-U!

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Schluter's Primer-U has quickly become one of my personal favorite products.  I keep at least a gallon with me in the truck at all times as I find I can use it at almost every job site.  Not only that, but at this time of year I can leave it in my truck as it is freeze/thaw stable.  See below for four new reasons to consider Primer-U ! New Less Mess Packaging!   You'll soon see the 1 gallon format in an F-Style jug for easier handling, pouring and less mess.  The 5 gallon pail will feature a spout for easy pouring. Increased Surface Coverage!   Based on extensive field testing, we're please to report that Primer-U offers even more surface coverage than originally stated. Additional Suitable Substrates!   Now approved over Epoxy, Aluminum, Resin-backed Mosaic Tiles, and Asphalt-based cutback adhesive.  Already approved substrates include gypsum underlayment, concrete, existing tile, glass, plywood and OSB subfloor panels, terrazzo, steel, VCT flooring, latex paint and well

Schluters 'Hidden Menu' of BIM/.RVT Files

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To access BIM Objects or .RVT files. Navigate to our website, www.Schluter.com . Click on Education and then select SpecWizard from the dropdown choices. You may also access the SpecWizard ARCAT website directly by clicking here . From the SpecWizard ARCAT website (below), click on the Schluter Systems logo on the left side of the page.   Below is the website that will load upon clicking our logo. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find the CONTENT box on the lower left side of the page. Click on the BIM Objects icon inside the CONTENT box. You may also access this page directly by clicking here.    Navigate to the Schluter product for which you are seeking the BIM/.RVT file - or alternatively - .DWG Cad file.   Architectural CAD Technical NA TINA

No Access Drain Connections

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NO UP-STEM | MEASURE THROUGH FLANGE INTO WASTE Place flange spacers from flange kit onto flange to designate height of assembly for the flange to be set above subfloor in order to accept a Schluter shower tray.  Position flange with spacers in hole through subfloor directly over the waste below.   Insert a tape measure through the neck of the flange down into the waste line to determine the length of the ABS/PVC stem that will need to be cut.  Reference red lines below. Cut ABS/PVC stem.  Clean burs and dry fit before spreading mortar for flange and glue for flange connection.  Make adjustment cut if needed.       PLUMBING STEMMED UP THROUGH SUBFLOOR     Stem up from the waste through the sub-floor.  Make sure the hole around the stem is no larger than template included in the flange kit (4.5” to 5” max). Two cuts will be made with this method of no access connection to the waste   Cut the ABS/PVC stem flush with the top of the subfloor using a plunge cut blade on an osc

Incorrect Sensor Connection/Placement

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Schluter recommends that 2 sensors are installed underneath the tile.  Not because sensors have a tendency to be bad (very rare to get a bad sensor), but because a sensor may unintentionally be installed in an area close to a heat source.   Installing a sensor close to a heat source will cause the thermostat to think that the floor is already warm.  It is a good idea to install the sensors in an open area of the floor where there will be no throw rugs, sunlight, HVAC/heat registers, etc.  Sensors must be installed between the heat wire of 3 puck spacing (do not install the sensor between 2 puck spaced wire in a tiled application). Occasionally we get calls about sensor errors (E2 Sensor Error) or floors reading incorrect temps - or not heating at all.  This can be the result of the sensor being installed in the incorrect ports, or as shown below, where the two sensors are twisted together and installed in the correct ports.  Although C & D are the input ports for sensors, twistin

Requesting Racks & Assembly Schematics

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Schluter offers racks to help organize and warehouse any product from profiles to membranes and accessories.   Standard racks are available at no cost to customers on condition of a completed and returned (1) schedule and (2) agreement .  These documents will be requested by your Schluter territory manager and sent directly to the requesting customer. They help us know which types of racks are placed where , and the agreement states (basically) that Schluter owns the racks - do not alter them or use them for competitive product. Once we have the signed and returned agreement and schedule, the rack can be requested through your chosen distribution partner.  They will request the rack with their next stock purchase order.  After the rack arrives at the distributor location, that respective distributor will notify the local Schluter territory manager and requesting customer.  The rack may then be picked up and installed by either party. Below are the racks available at no cost with comple

Wall Placement KERDI-Line | Wall to Drain-Center

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2” minimum from drywall to center of the water line.  Make sure the hole in the subfloor for the channel body does not exceed the diameter of the template included in the packaging’s literature.  Photos below are taken right from our pricebook. From the outside edge of the stainless steel flange to the dip into the channel body, the total flange width is 7/8”. If a metal grate is used, the width of the metal grate frame is 3/8”, which leaves 1/2” remaining of flange. This is noted in the photo below. NOTE: the KERDI membrane has been torn from the stainless steel flange as this photo shows a flange that I re-use for demonstration purposes. Do not install a flange that has the KERDI membrane removed. This is to note the dimensions from above. Most ceramic and porcelains are 3/8” thick. With a compressed bond coat of 1/8”, you will be at 1/2” finished wall assembly, which is the amount remaining on the flange in order to accommodate the metal grate. Thus, you may want to give yourself a

Space Heating | DITRA-Heat as Primary Heat Source?

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Can I rely on DITRA-HEAT as the only heating source in my bathroom, kitchen, or living space?  In some cases the answer is yes.  However, the amount of heat required to achieve a comfortable room depends on many variables that affect ambient temperature and mean radiant temperature, including but not limited to the following: • Starting temperature and target temperature • Outdoor temperature and desired indoor temperature • Heat loss through walls, windows, and doors according to size and R-value of the components  • Size of room and height of the ceiling  • Total heated surface area  All of these variables must be considered to calculate the required heat output of the system and determine if it can meet the needs of the owner.  SchluterSystems does not perform heating load calculations as a service and can’t make a final recommendation on the owner’s heating system requirements.  It is recommended that an HVAC professional be consulted to perform such an analysis and desi

Gauged Porcelain Panels over DITRA

Gauged porcelain tile panels are a growing trend in the tile industry, providing modern aesthetics and new design opportunities. These panels are available in dimensions as large as 3'-3" x 9'-9" (1 m x 3 m), and thicknesses as low as 9/64" (3.5 mm).  Gauged porcelain tile panels present unique installation challenges in addition to common porcelain tile installation practices. The ANSI A108 accredited standards committee developed the A137.3 “American National Specifications for Gauged Porcelain Tiles and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs” and ANSI A108.19 “American National Standard Specifications for Interior Installation of Gauged Porcelain Tile and Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels/Slabs” to address the unique challenges that these products present to tile setters at the national level.  Prior to any installation, consult the gauged porcelain tile panel manufacturer to determine the product’s suitability for the intended area of use. In response to custom