Schluter DILEX-KSN Surface Movement Joint Profiles

Schluter DILEX-KSN Surface Movement Joint Profiles

Application and Function

Surface joints must be placed within the tiled surface regardless of substrate conditions. They provide stress relief from movements in the tile field due to thermal and moisture expansion/contraction and loading.

Schluter-DILEX-KSN is a pre-fabricated, maintenance-free surface movement joint profile. It features trapezoid-perforated anchoring legs, made of stainless steel, solid brass, or aluminum, which are secured in the mortar bond coat and provide edge protection for adjacent tiles.

The profile separates individual fields in the tile covering and accommodates movement via the 7/16" (11 mm) wide, soft thermoplastic rubber movement zone, which also forms the visible surface. The thermoplastic rubber movement zone can be replaced if damaged.

DILEX-KSN, with solid brass or stainless steel anchoring legs, offers secure edge protection for surfaces exposed to heavy-duty commercial traffic (e.g., warehouses, production facilities, or shopping malls).

Schluter-DILEX-EKSB, featuring stainless steel anchoring legs, is available in 3/32" (2.5 mm), 3/16" (4.5 mm), and 1/4" (6 mm) heights to accommodate thinner floor coverings (e.g., VCT flooring or coatings). DILEX-EKSB is appropriate for residential to medium-duty commercial applications.

Available Sizes and Materials

*To complete the item number, add the color code (e.g., MKSN 125 G)

H = Tile thickness	Aluminum (A)	Stainless steel 304 (E)
5/16" - 8 mm	AKSN 80 + color*	EKSN 80 + color*
3/8" - 10 mm	AKSN 100 + color*	EKSN 100 + color*
1/2" - 12.5 mm	AKSN 125 + color*	EKSN 125 + color*
17/32" - 14 mm	AKSN 140 + color*	EKSN 140 + color*
5/8" - 16 mm	---	EKSN 160 + color*
23/32" - 18.5 mm	---	EKSN 185 + color*
13/16" - 21 mm	---	EKSN 210 + color*
1" - 25 mm	---	EKSN 250 + color*
1-3/16" - 30 mm	---	EKSN 300 + color*

View images of available finishes

Purchase rubber insert replacement

Installation

1. Select Schluter-DILEX-KSN according to tile thickness.
2. Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set mortar over the area where profile is to be placed.
3. Press the perforated anchoring legs of the profile into the mortar and align. The profile must align directly with movement joints in the substrate below.
4. Trowel additional thin-set mortar over the perforated anchoring legs 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 approx. 1/32" (1 mm) lower.
6. A joint of approximately 1/16" - 1/8" (1.5 mm - 3 mm) should be left between the tile and the profile.
7. Fill the joint completely with grout or setting material.

Material

Schluter-DILEX-KSN is available with solid brass, aluminum, and stainless steel anchoring legs. All profiles feature a thermoplastic rubber movement zone.

In special cases, the suitability of a proposed type of material must be verified based on the anticipated chemical, mechanical, and/or other stresses.

The thermoplastic rubber movement zones are resistant to most chemicals commonly encountered in tile environments.

The stainless steel anchoring legs are manufactured using 304 (1.4301 = V2A) stainless steel. Stainless steel can sustain high mechanical stresses and is especially well suited for applications requiring resistance against chemicals and acids.

The solid brass anchoring legs can sustain high mechanical stresses and are resistant to most chemicals used in tiled environments. Solid brass that is exposed to air will oxidize, resulting in a natural patina. If exposed to moisture or aggressive substances, heavy oxidation and spotting may occur.

The aluminum anchoring legs must be tested to verify 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.

Maintenance

Schluter-DILEX-KSN/-EKSB requires no special maintenance and is resistant to mold and fungi. Clean profile using common household cleaning agents. The thermoplastic rubber movement zone of DILEX-KSN can be replaced if damaged.