Here are the steps recommended for installing Bordertec drip profiles for terraces:

1. Apply a waterproofing layer (liquid or sheet membrane) on the substrate; (take a look at the different types of waterproofing to find out more).

2. Adhere the profile with thinset, allowing about 1 cm between the profile and the front of the substrate.

3. In order to prevent water infiltration from entering under the profile, seal the perforated portion of the profile with Foiltec waterproofing strips.

4. Proceed with the tile installation:

- BBS/BCS profile: leave the space of one grout joint between the end of the Border profile and the first tile row. Subsequently seal the gap with a flexible sealant.

- BBO/BCO profile: leave the necessary space for the drainage holes and then seal with a permeable sealant. In corner joints or linear joints, leave about 2 cm between the joints to allow the aluminum to expand. (A cover profile will hide the gap).

The self-leveling version of the Uptec pedestal allows the installer to compensate up to a 5% slope in the substrate. In this way you can realize a perfectly leveled floor installation without having to insert spacers under the pedestals.

Coflex CTL in aluminum and brass and Coflex CTM in brass can be ground on-site.

Profiles in stainless steel must be cut by hand with a metal saw; the use of a flexible saw heats the steel, leaving black stains on the edges of the profile that are difficult to remove.

Are there particular precautions to be taken when installing stainless steel profiles? The most important precaution when using stainless steel profiles is not using blades used for cutting iron, in order to prevent the iron residue from touching the steel, causing it to rust). For the same reason it’s very important to make sure that iron particles do not come into contact with steel profiles. Another precaution is that of leaving the adhesive protective film on the profile until the installation process is complete. Once the installation is complete, remove the film and clean the profile immediately to remove stucco or adhesive residue which could damage the profile or require cleaning with products aggressive to stainless steel.

We recommend applying a protective varnish or other products for the treatment of wood to the Stairtec FW before installation, given that it may be damaged by chemical substances present in normal tile adhesive.

To install the base of the Plano BF flush baseboard profile, you can use adhesive to attach it directly to the wall. Otherwise, you can attach the base track of the profile to the first layer of drywall by screwing it to the studs. Make sure to drill the base profile in the center, on the lower part of the profile. Then, proceed with the installation of the second layer of drywall and finally interlock the finish profile of the baseboard onto the base track.

For the installation of terrace perimeter profiles it's important have the external corner joints and linear joints on hand. These elements must be placed during the installation process of Bordertec profiles.

Before installing the flooring it’s important to turn on the heat progressively from 10º to the maximum temperature for a couple of weeks, in order to dry the substrate completely before installing the flooring. Then place a perimeter joint, a joint on the threshold, and joints in areas where the passage of hot water and cold water intersect because the flooring is most subject to compression and contraction.

We recommend against using profiles or joints in natural aluminum outdoors, given that natural aluminum is porous and could be damaged. The anodized aluminum profile finish (AS) can be used outdoors, offering good resistance to oxidation, yet limited resistance to mechanical impact. For best results outdoors we recommend using stainless steel or brass joints and profiles.