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-BWS is a prefabricated, maintenance-free surface movement joint profile. It features trapezoid-perforated anchoring legs, made of recycled rigid PVC, 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 soft chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) movement zone, which also forms the visible surface.

The movement zone is only 3/16" (5 mm) wide, matching common grout joint widths.  The profile absorbs relatively limited movements, given the width of the movement zone. This should be taken into account when evaluating the requirements for a specific application.

If larger movements within the covering are anticipated, the Schluter-DILEX-BWS may be installed with greater frequency to create smaller fields, or the Schluter-DILEX-BWB (3/8" (10 mm) movement zone) may be used.

Schluter-DILEX-BWS is suitable for both residential and medium-duty commercial applications, such as offices and stores, subject to light mechanical loads (e.g., offices and stores).  The profile is also suited for exterior use.