Use and Care Guide

5
MOVEMENT JOINTS AND COVE-SHAPED PROFILES
4.21 Schluter
®
-DILEX-AHK/-PHK features
a single trapezoid-perforated anchoring leg,
which is secured in the mortar bond coat
and a cove section that forms the visible
surface. The profile’s 3/8" (10 mm) radius
makes DILEX-AHK/-PHK an attractive option
for countertop/backsplash transitions, as it
prevents the accumulation of dirt and makes
cleaning simple. The profile separates tile
fields that meet at inside corners where limited
movement is expected. DILEX-AHK/-PHK
prevents surface water penetration and meets
the maintenance and hygienic requirements of
commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and food-
processing plants, or any tiled environment
where a sanitary cove base is desired. DILEX-
AHK is available in anodized aluminum and
textured color-coated aluminum, while DILEX-
PHK is made of rigid PVC with a pre-colored,
rigid PVC cove section. Accessories for
DILEX-AHK/-PHK include: inside and outside
corners, connectors, and end caps. Outside
corners to integrate with Schluter
®
-QUADEC
are available for DILEX-AHK only.
4.22 Schluter
®
-DILEX-AHKA is an anodized
aluminum, cove-shaped profile for transitions
between walls to be tiled and previously finished
floors. The profile features a single trapezoid-
perforated anchoring leg that is secured in the
mortar bond coat and a dovetailed channel,
which can be bonded to floor surfaces using
Schluter
®
-KERDI-FIX, epoxy resin, silicone, thin-
set mortar, etc. A 3/8" (10 mm) radius cove
section forms the visible surface and prevents
the accumulation of dirt, making cleaning
simple. DILEX-AHKA prevents surface water
penetration and meets the maintenance and
hygienic requirements of commercial kitchens,
bathrooms, and food-processing plants, or
any tiled environment where a sanitary cove
base is desired. DILEX-AHKA integrates with
the DILEX-AHK and Schluter
®
-RONDEC
profiles at 90° inside and outside vertical wall
corners, respectively. Accessories for DILEX-
AHKA include 90° and 135° inside and outside
corners, and end caps.
4.15 Schluter
®
-DILEX-EHK features
trapezoid-perforated anchoring legs, made
of stainless steel, which are secured in the
mortar bond coat, and a stainless steel cove
section that forms the visible surface. The
profile’s 23/32" (18.5 mm) radius prevents
the accumulation of dirt and makes cleaning
simple. The profile separates tile fields
that meet at inside corners where limited
movement is expected.
4.15 Schluter
®
-DILEX-HKS features a soft,
thermoplastic rubber movement zone that is
attached to the profile via rigid rubber grip
bars to absorb larger movements at floor/
wall transitions and at inside wall corners.
DILEX-EHK and DILEX-HKS prevent surface
water penetration and meet the maintenance
and hygienic requirements of commercial
kitchens, bathrooms, food-processing plants,
and hospitals, or any tiled environment where
a sanitary cove base is desired. Accessories
for both DILEX-EHK and DILEX-HKS include:
inside and outside corners, connectors,
and end caps. 90° outside mitered corner
accessory sets available for DILEX-HKS for
ease of installation.
Material Properties and
Areas of Application
DILEX profiles are resistant to most
chemicals encountered in tiled
environments. In special cases, the
suitability of a proposed type of profile must
be verified based on the anticipated chemical,
mechanical, and/or other stresses. Exceptions
and special considerations are listed below:
Stainless steel profiles are roll-formed,
resulting in a slightly different contour from
those made of extruded brass or aluminum.
Stainless steel can sustain high mechanical
stresses and is particularly well suited for
applications requiring resistance against
chemicals and acids; for example in the
food industry, breweries, dairies, commercial
kitchens, and hospitals, as well as in residential
applications. Typically, the profiles are formed
using stainless steel 304 (1.4301 = V2A).
For more severe chemical exposure, such
as de-icing salts and chemicals used in
swimming pools, we recommend the use of
stainless steel 316 L (1.4404 = V4A), which
offers even higher corrosion resistance than
the 304. Even stainless steel cannot withstand
all chemical exposures, such as hydrochloric
acid, hydrofluoric acid or certain chlorine,
chloride and brine concentrations. Both
stainless steel 304 and stainless steel 316 L
are approved for use in exterior applications.
Stainless steel 304 is not as corrosion resistant
as 316 L; however, profiles in stainless steel
304 are acceptable for exterior use as long
as the intended area is not susceptible to
de-icing salts, chlorine, or saltwater.
Aluminum profiles must be tested to
verify their suitability if chemical stresses
are anticipated. Cementitious materials, in
conjunction with moisture, become alkaline.
Since aluminum is sensitive to alkaline
substances, exposure to the alkali (depending
on the concentration and duration of exposure)
may result in corrosion (aluminum hydroxide
formation). Therefore, it is important to remove
mortar or grout residue from visible surfaces.
In addition, ensure that the profile is solidly
embedded in the setting material and that all
cavities are filled to prevent the collection of
alkaline water.
Anodized aluminum profiles feature
an anodized layer that retains a uniform
appearance during normal use, but is not
color-stable in exterior applications. The
surface is susceptible to scratching and
wear and may be damaged by grout or
setting material. Therefore, these materials
must be removed immediately. Otherwise, the
description regarding aluminum applies.
Textured color-coated aluminum is
pretreated (chromated) aluminum that is color-
coated with a polyurethane powder coat.
The coating is color-stable, UV-resistant, and
suitable for exterior use. Protect the profile
against abrasion or scratching.
Thermoplastic rubber inserts are highly
resistant to chemicals and can withstand
chemical stresses typically encountered
in tile coverings. The insert is resistant to
aging, weather, UV-rays, and ozone within
a temperature range of -76 °F (-60 °C) to
212 °F (100 °C). Thermoplastic elastomers
can be connected by welding if profiles are
joined to produce longer lengths.
CPE movement zones contain no softeners,
are UV-resistant, and can withstand exposure
to weather. They are resistant to fungi and
bacteria and are, therefore, suitable for use
around food. The CPE material is also resistant
to a number of acids, alkalis, oils, greases,
and solvents. DILEX movement joint profiles
with CPE movement zones may be used in
swimming pools and the surrounding areas.
AHK PHK