Use and Care Manual

3
STAIR-NOSING PROFILES
Material Properties and
Areas of Application
Schluter
®
stair-nosing 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.
Exceptions and special consider-ations 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 (1.4031
= 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.
Thermoplastic rubber inserts are highly
resistant to chemicals and can withstand
chemical stresses typically encountered in
tiled environments.
Mineral grain coated treads are resistant
to heavy mechanical stresses and can
withstand chemical stresses typically
encountered in tiled environments. They can
be used for interior and exterior applications,
except for the transparent tread that has
limited UV resistance and is intended for
interior use only.
Due to variations in raw materials and
manufacturing, the exact color, shade, and/
or texture of individual profiles may vary.
The customer must inspect the products
upon delivery and notify Schluter in writing
of any physical damage to the products or
nonconformity with the purchase order or
invoice.
Cutting Profiles
Observe all safety instructions and standards
as directed by the cutting tool manufacturer,
including protective eyewear, hearing
protection, and gloves.
Always measure carefully and dry fit the
profiles, corners, and connectors to ensure
proper fit and alignment prior to setting tile.
Aluminum profiles may be cut using any of
the following options:
• Hacksaw with a bimetal blade and the
highest teeth per inch (TPI) available.
• Variable-Speed Angle Grinder set to
the lowest speed using the Schluter
®
-
PROCUT-TSM cutting wheel.
• Chop saw or Miter Saw with a non-
ferrous blade.
Regardless of the cutting tool used, remove
any burrs from the cut end of the profile with
a file or similar before installation.
Stainless steel profiles may be cut using
any of the following options:
• Variable-Speed Angle Grinder set to
the lowest speed using the Schluter
®
-
PROCUT-TSM cutting wheel.
• Band Saw with a metal cutting blade.
Regardless of the cutting tool used, remove
any burrs from the cut end of the profile with
a file or similar before installation.
Installation
RONDEC-STEP and SCHIENE-STEP
1. Select the profile according to the tile
thickness and format and the sub-
assembly thickness.
2. Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set
mortar over the area where the trapezoid-
perforated anchoring leg will be placed.
For SCHIENE-STEP, apply several beads
of KERDI-FIX or similar to the back side
of the vertical wall section of the profile.
3. Press the perforated anchoring leg of
profile into the thin-set mortar and align.
4. Trowel additional thin-set mortar over the
perforated anchoring leg to ensure full
coverage and support of the tile edges.
5. Solidly embed the tiles so that the tiled
surface is flush with the top of the
profile; the profile should not be higher
than the tiled surface, but rather up to
approximately 1/32" (1 mm) lower.
6. Set the tile to the integrated joint spacer,
which ensures a uniform joint of 1/16" –
1/8" (1.5 – 3 mm).
7. Fill the joint completely with grout or
setting material.
8. Work with materials and tools that will not
scratch or damage sensitive surfaces.
Setting materials must be removed
immediately, especially from aluminum.
Note: Matching corners are available for
RONDEC-STEP. Matching corners and
connectors are available for the stainless steel
version of SCHIENE-STEP only, depending
on the vertical leg length.
RONDEC-STEP corners are held in place
with thin-set mortar. Fill the ends of the profile
with thin-set mortar prior to inserting the
accessories.
SCHIENE-STEP corners and connectors are
installed using KERDI-FIX, silicone, or similar
adhesive. Prior to application, any contact-
inhibiting substances (e.g., grease, etc.) must
be removed. The accessories should overlap
the profiles by at least 3/8" (10 mm). The
accessories must be slid on the profiles
during profiles installation (cannot be placed
over the profiles after installation).
TREP-FL, TREP-SE/-S/-B, TREP-E
and TREP-G
1. Select profile size according to tile
thickness and format.
2. Install riser tile flush with the stair
tread surface.
3. Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set
mortar along edge area above riser.
4. Fill cavities on the underside of the profile
with thin-set mortar.
5. Press the trapezoid-perforated anchoring
leg of the profile into the thin-set mortar,
making sure the front edge of the support
section is aligned flush with the riser
tile (Exception: TREP-E, TREP-FL and
TREP-G are installed such that the front
edge of the profile overlaps the riser
tile). Full coverage must be obtained at
the edge area to ensure support of the
profile.