Products are lightweight modular screed systems that are used to create continuous screed surfaces without control joints or reinforcement and can also accommodate hydronic radiant heating tubes.
- Produce permanent flooring assemblies that are free from internal stresses by confining the shrinkage and curing stresses to smaller modules
- Controls deformations such as curling and continuous cracks that are common in traditional screeds
- Designed to be used for ceramic tile, natural stone, or other surface coverings
- Studded screed panel measure 1-3/8" (35 mm)-thick and is made of expanded polystyrene
1. BEKOTEC is installed over an even and sufficiently load-bearing substrate. If additional insulation is required, place a layer of expanded or extruded polystyrene foam panels over the substrate and cover with a sheet of polyethylene.
2. At the perimeter, where the covering meets walls or restraining surfaces, place the 5/16" (8 mm)-thick edge strip, Schluter®-BEKOTEC-BRS or -BRSK. The edge strips feature an integrated foil that must be carried over the separating layer covering the insulation. If a poured screed is to be applied, the Schluter®- BEKOTEC-BRS/KF or -BRS/KSF edge strip with adhesive leg is used. The -BRS/KF edge strip is attached to the wall using the adhesive strip on its backside, while the -BRS/KSF edge strip is self-supporting. The screed panel is placed onto the self-adhesive foam leg of either the -BRS/KF or -BRS/KSF to prevent back-flow of the screed under the panel.
3. The modular screed panel is cut to fit accurately at the edge area. The BEKOTEC panels are connected via the mortise-and-tenon-type joints.
4. To produce radiant-heated floors, suitable heating tubes, 3/8" - 5/8" (10 - 16 mm) O.D., can be wedged between the cut-back studs. The cut-back design of the studs ensures that the tubes are securely held without clamps in straight runs. Clamps may be necessary where the tubes are turned into a relatively tight radius. The Schluter®-BEKOTEC-THERM-RH 75 clamps can be used to attach tubes to the BEKOTEC foam panels. The distance between tubes is determined based on desired heat output.
5. Fill the modular screed panel with a mortar screed or poured gypsum screed, ensuring a minimum screed coverage of 5/16" (8 mm) above the studs. If leveling is required, the mortar thickness can be increased up to 1" (25 mm) above the studs. The screed can be separated at the doorsill using the Schluter®-BEKOTEC-DFP movement joint profile to prevent sound bridges.
6. As soon as the mortar screed can be walked upon, the DITRA or DITRA-XL uncoupling membrane can be applied. With respect to poured gypsum screeds, maximum residual moisture of 2.0 percent by volume shall be observed. Ceramic tile or stone coverings can be installed on top of DITRA or DITRA-XL using the thin-set method.
7. The surface covering on top of DITRA or DITRA-XL is divided into fields with movement joints according to the Schluter®-DITRA Installation Handbook and industry standard guidelines. The family of Schluter®-DILEX prefabricated movement joint profiles includes a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different applications. When installing a DILEX perimeter or cove-shaped profile at the floor/wall transition, the protruding sections of the edge strip should first be trimmed.
8. When using the modular screed assembly for radiant heating, the completed floor covering can be heated after 7 days. Beginning at 77 °F (25 °C), start-up temperature shall be increased daily by 9 °F (5 °C) maximum, until the desired working temperature is reached.
9. Covering materials that are not subject to cracking (for example, parquet, carpet, or resilient flooring) can be placed directly on the modular screed; no uncoupling is necessary. In addition to the specific installation instructions, the allowable residual moisture for the selected covering must be observed.
