The Schluter-DILEX-BWA perimeter movement joint profile isolates the tile covering from
walls or other fixed building elements, such as bathtubs, shower trays, and door and window frames
to allow movement of the assembly and prevent stresses that can damage the system.
The profile eliminates the use of sealant, resulting in a permanent,
maintenance-free installation. The profile matches common grout joint
widths and is available in a variety of colors to match grout selection,
allowing it to blend into the tile field.
In this video, we will show you how to install the DILEX-BWA movement joint profile between
the floor tile and walls (PAUSE) and in a bathtub surround application.
Let’s start with the floor to wall example. The floor has been prepared to receive tile,
including installation of the Schluter-DITRA-HEAT electric floor warming system.
We have determined our layout and selected the DILEX-BWA size according the thickness
and format of the adjacent tile. Measure where the DILEX-BWA will be
installed at the floor to wall transition… …and transfer the measurement to the profile.
The PVC DILEX-BWA profile is easily cut using Schluter-SNIPS or similar.
Make sure the blade is sharp to help ensure a clean cut.
Dry fit the prepared section of the profile.
The anchoring leg must be trimmed where the DILEX-BWA profiles meet at the inside wall corner.
Anchoring legs must also be trimmed to avoid overlap with any adjacent profiles
since this would interfere with the tile installation
The DILEX-BWA is placed against the walls and will be held in place with the adjacent tile.
Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set mortar over the anchoring legs of the profile
to ensure full coverage and support of the tile edges.
Solidly embed the tiles, so that the tiled surface is flush with the top of the profile.
Leave a joint of approximately one-sixteenth to one-eighth inch between the tile and profile.
Set the remainder of the tile.
The installation of the DILEX-BWA on the floor is now complete.
Another common area where the DILEX-BWA is installed
is in a bathtub surround application.
Typically the area between the tile and the bathtub is filled with sealant to help
prevent the tiles from damage from abutting to a restraining surface. The sealant can become
unhygienic and will need to be replaced over time. One solution for this is to use the
Schluter®-DILEX-BWA perimeter movement joint between the tile and bathtub.
At the outside corners, we make a miter cut at the end of each profile.
Making this cut precisely requires some attention to detail. Once you are satisfied
with the miter cuts, trim the opposite end of the profiles to fit accordingly.
At the inside corner we are using the DILEX-EKE
corner movement joint profile. Mark the anchoring legs where the two
pieces pf DILEX-BWA meet the DILEX-EKE. Then, trim the anchoring legs to avoid
any overlap since this will interfere with the tile installation.
The profile is installed simply with thin-set mortar in conjunction with the tile.
The installation process is the same as shown previously.
Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set mortar over the anchoring legs of the DILEX-BWA
to ensure full coverage and support of the tile edges.
Solidly embed the tiles, so that the tiled surface is flush with the top of the profile.
Leave a joint of approximately one-sixteenth to one-eighth inch between the tile and profile.
Set the remainder of the tile. The profile is easy to clean
and matches common grout joint colors to integrate seamlessly into the finished tile application.
With proper planning and execution, the DILEX-BWA perimeter movement
joint profile will provide a permanent, maintenance-free alternative to sealant.
If you still have questions, please contact our Customer Support Specialists. For more information
on Schluter products, visit schluter.com or check out our YouTube channel to view our videos!