Laying tiles
Step edging profiles with alfer®-fix universal hole pattern
Step coverings and their edges are subject to much higher physical stress than other areas of flooring. The key here is to effectively protect the step edges.
Furthermore, it is important to make them anti-slip. We offer different profiles for this purpose in our product line.
The 'Simple' step edging profiles have a non-slip contour. This gives you a safe step edge. As the profiles are enclosed, they are more stable and can be grouted more easily.
First lay the covering on the top step so that the top edges are flush. The step edge profile can then easily be pushed into the bed of mortar or tile adhesive. If the steps are subject to very heavy use, you can screw the profile into the holes provided.
Step system profiles – system support profile with alfer®-fix universal hole pattern
You need the support profile to be able to affix the combination or standard step profile.
Stair coverings are subject to much higher physical demands than other areas of flooring. Our engineers have taken great care to develop a profile system that meets these high demands.
The range consists of system support profiles for different covering heights, plus the combination step profiles and standard profiles, which you can combine however you want according to your preferences. When fully installed, the profile is no longer visible.
Combination step profile
Combine the combination step profile with the safety insert of your choice.
The combination step profile is screwed onto the tiled-in system support profile using screws available from the shop. The screws are no longer visible once the insert has been put in place.
The safety insert consists of soft plastic and accordingly it can expand. When inserting it, therefore, take care not to stretch the insert before cutting it. It could shrink back afterwards and end up shorter than expected.
Standard step profile
The areas where you tread on the standard step profiles have coarse safety ridges.
Standard step profiles are equipped with a special adhesive strip at the factory. This has already been extensively tried and tested and can withstand even extreme conditions. For example it is resistant to temperatures from –20°C to +60°C. Its closely checked elasticity and high degree of bonding stability provide a great level of safety combined with increased comfort.
Make sure that the surface of the system support profile is clean and free from grease. Pull the backing film off the adhesive strip and stick the standard step profile onto the system support profile, making sure that it fits exactly. It is not possible to correct it later!
If you want to change the standard step profile after a few years, start undoing it at one end of the profile or riser. Press the support profile down so that it cannot come loose from the adhesive.
We recommend the following steps:
Step A
Lay the covering on the top riser so that the top edges are flush. Select the right system support profile depending on the tile thickness.
Step B
Apply tile adhesive to the step area. Fill the bottom chambers on the system support profile with adhesive. Push the support profile firmly into the bed of adhesive. The profile nose is used to position it along the top edge of the riser. Once installation is complete it is no longer visible.
Step C + D
Make sure when laying the step that the surface of the tiles is about level with the decor profile selected. To do this you can lay the decor profile loosely on the support profile. Remove the excess adhesive. Once the adhesive has set, the tiles can be grouted.
System support profiles
You can see how much thought has gone into designing the system support profiles from fig. C:
1 Profile edge for easier grouting
2 Easy to clean surface
3 Anti-slip front edge
4 The alfer®-fix universal hole pattern enables profile to be glued, cemented, nailed, or screwed
5 Multiple chambers for a solid bond with adhesive or mortar
6 Profile nose for ideal positioning on the step
The plastic material used provides the highest dimensional stability. The plastic profiles are extremely tough and display considerable benefits over other materials for this application too.
