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The task and the challenge for the construction
chemicals specialist codex was and is to counter and work around the
trend “away from exterior use of ceramic tiles” using new techniques
and well conceived systems. As we all know, houses and apartments
with balconies sell better, they are more appealing as they are more
visually attractive, and they give the comfortable impression of a
closer connection to nature. Simply, balconies and terraces are
places associated with relaxation and rest – our individual place in
the sun. Sadly, more and more often they are built without ceramic
tiling despite that this type of covering brings outstanding
properties when used outdoors. That exterior ceramic tiling is
exposed to the highest demands, and that the risk of damage is
therefore considerably increased, is undeniable. However, to simply
throw in the towel because of this damage, and to maintain that the
outdoor installation of ceramic tiles is no longer practical, is
certainly wrong. The range of causes of the damage is very wide and
has already been covered in detail in many articles and papers.
For the technical division of Uzin Utz AG, the challenge was not
to find another cause of damage but rather a solution to the problem
of developing “exterior use of ceramic tiles”. This was realised in
co-operation with the company Gutjahr under the name of “Balkurapid”.
For several years already, throughout the Federal Republic, test
balconies and terraces have been installed and monitored. Even after
years, the results have been positive and in line with expectations.
Now the Balkurapid-System must also be introduced to the general
market. Together with the specialist company, Fliesen Singer from
Bad Feilnbach, 20 balconies in a project within the city of Munich
were refurbished.
Braving the unknown?
For a long time it had been the wish of the tenants and owners of
the apartment building in the inner city of Munich to have their
balconies modernised. This wish was in view of the fact that, 30
years ago, clinker tiles had been laid on asphalt, quite
understandably. But, whoever assumes that they would find only
damaged tiles is mistaken. Contrary to all experiences, this was not
the case.
The first challenge was to convince the occupiers about the new
Balkurapid-System. In this it was clear how important and decisive
for the overall success is the co-operation between the tradesman,
the manufacturer, the supplier and the planner. Braving the unknown
is pushed quickly to its limits if you don’t prepare in consultation
with technical advisers and the end-users. This requirement was
clear! Now it was time to dispense with previous experience and get
on with some convincing work. As the system meets all the
requirements of the construction management, once the contract was
awarded, work could begin.
 To refurbish the damaged cantilever balconies, a special
contractor was brought in who repaired areas where weak sections of
the concrete were removed using special products. Only then could
Fliesen Singer GmbH, who gave a refurbishment time estimate of five
weeks, begin the new construction work.
It was first of all necessary to create the falls of approx. 2%
in accordance with building standards. By way of preparation,
surfaces were primed with
Fliesengrund from codex, an edge
expansion-strip was fitted, thickness guides were placed and, with
NC 395 at around two centimetres thick at the centre-point, the
ramped screed was installed.
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Immediately after a drying time of only three hours under the
prevailing general conditions, the fitting of the drain
end-connection profiles could begin. For this, when the bonded
screed was laid, the leading edge was deepened to avoid a height
protrusion of the profile. From now on, it went at top speed:
fitting and bedding in of the profiles, cutting in and loose-lay of
the
RR 185 sheet membrane, waterproofing with the two seal-tape
products, “BST 150” and the contract seal-tape.Now the system drainage grids, as well as the reinforced Watec 4
E thin drainage mat, including the Watec FS joint cover-strips, are
loose fitted. Walls and doorways should, in planning, always receive
special consideration. So that moisture cannot migrate behind the
skirtings, it is recommended that these should be fitted flush to
the plaster.
For the installation of the 25/25 clinker tiles, the flow-bed
mortar
Power Fluxx (with
Power Mix additive) is used. After
sufficient drying of the mortar, they can be grouted using rapid
grout mortar
Brillant Flex. The formation of the connection joints
is with silicone mastic sealant
D 80 which, whilst still fresh, is
scattered with fine quartz sand from Uzin and this is lightly rubbed
in.
 In the refurbishment of balconies and terraces in residential
blocks there can be only a comparatively small investment in time
and transport. Firstly, any old and still bonded tiles do not
necessarily have to be broken out but can, if necessary, be smoothed
over as this system has a very low construction height of between 20
and 25 millimetres (depending on tile thickness). Secondly, many of
the components are semi-ready products that do not have to be mixed.
Therefore, this reduces the time spent in erecting and moving
equipment and machinery. For the occupiers, “braving the unknown”
paid off as they can now enjoy the springtime and the associated use
of their balconies.
The early scepticism of the participants, as can be seen with
hindsight, was completely unfounded. Master tiler Martin Singer made
the point. “Both my colleagues and I were able to maintain the
prescribed time-plan with no problem due to good planning and the
easy and fast to install Balkurapid-System. I am convinced that,
with this system, we can counteract the downward trend for using
ceramics outdoors. For me as an independent tiling specialist, the
satisfaction of the customer is the top priority. On this project,
that demand was met outright. The customer now has no need to do
without his beloved ceramic tiling in outdoor locations.”
Of course, the five-year “Balkurapid” guarantee partnership
between Gutjahr and codex also applies for fine stoneware tiles.
Uzin Utz AG
Ulrike Juza
Dieselstraße 3
D-89079 Ulm
Telephone +49 (0)731 4097-303
Telefax +49 (0)731 4097-108
E-Mail presse@uzin-utz.com
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