With an increasing number of ceramic tile installations coexisting with other surface coverings, the need arises for suitable transitions, or profiles, within and around tiled surfaces. Profiles are also used to cover and protect the edges of installed floor and wall tile applications by providing a neat edge covering. Additionally, the use of profiles as a transition tool has inspired designers to use profiles as a decorative element. The experts at Schluter have provided us with some information about profiles.
Types of Profile Applications
Profiles are strips of metal or plastic that provide aesthetically pleasing transitions between different materials of the same or varying thickness, such as ceramic tile transitioning to another ceramic tile, or to stone, carpet, laminate, gauged porcelain tiles and tile panels, wood flooring, or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). Profiles are becoming widely available in many different sizes, shapes, and finishes to benefit the needs of the designer and installer to add a bold or subtle element of design while ensuring the integrity of your ceramic tile installation.
Profiles for Floors
A wide variety of profiles for floors are available in a range of colors, sizes, shapes, materials, and finishes to complement any design choice, such as these gold-toned profiles added as a decorative element to the middle of the floor tile installation.
Profiles are also used to create elegant transitions between same-height floor coverings, as well as profile options for sloped transitions to floor coverings at lower elevations. These profiles protect tile edges and create a smooth transition between surfaces.
Profiles for Walls
Whether framing a kitchen backsplash or creating a unique accent wall, profiles combine superior edge protection for tile edges and offer a sleek finishing touch. Available with accessories, including end caps and corners to finish such transitions and in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and materials, wall profiles allow for the complete personalization of any wall tile installation.
Profiles for Countertops
The versatility of profiles allows for framing an entire countertop area or an accent area. Using profiles around your sink eliminates the need for caulking and adds a superior finishing touch when working with ceramic tile.
Profiles for Stairs
Stair-nosing profiles protect tile edges, conceal the subassembly of the stairs, and can also increase visibility. Profile options include installation with a slip-resistant wear tread and provide a decorative touch to both commercial and residential stair applications.
Appropriate Uses of Profiles
Movement Joints
In addition to allowing for transitions, some profiles include movement joints for applicable applications at the perimeters or within the tiled surface. Some movement joint profiles include strips composed of flexible chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) in the center of the profile that expand and contract based on the temperature, moisture, and other factors that can contribute to movement. Movement accommodation is necessary in some floor tile applications as it prevents materials from cracking and tenting (bending and moving upwards) due to movement.
The requirement for movement joints is a standard for the tile (EJ-171 detail in the Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation). For areas subject to freeze/thaw conditions that are more prone to expansion and contraction due to fluctuations in temperature, movement joints accommodate movement to protect the tile or stone field. Without movement joints, damage to the surface covering can happen over time. Movement joint profiles are recommended to be installed at a maximum of every 20 feet in any direction based on the size of the tiled surface, and EJ-171 explains when more frequent movement joints may be required, such as in areas with full sunlight. This free download provides more information on movement joints, as does the TCNA Handbook.
Corners
Corner, or cove-shaped, profiles are commonly used in wall-to-floor or wall-to-wall applications as a more practical method of creating a curved surface that prevents dirt buildup in the corners of installations. Traditionally, the use of a sealant or caulk has been employed to treat such areas, due to the lack of availability of ceramic trim pieces, meaning these joints must be maintained throughout the life of the installation. To achieve a clean and maintenance-free corner installation, cove-shaped profiles are an attractive choice and eliminate the need for caulking, as seen in this profile use from countertop to backsplash and also from backsplash to wall.
Interior Dry Environments
There are many profile finishes recommended for use in temperature-controlled, interior environments. Because of the variety of finishes, colors, and sizes available, specifiers, tile installers, homeowners, and builders have profile options that fit well into any application.
Interior Wet Environments
This simple profile elegantly frames a square shower niche. Moisture can affect the finish of some profile finishes or coatings, so stainless steel is the recommended choice for interior areas subject to moisture, such as bathrooms, steam rooms, and saunas. Stainless steel is also the recommended finish for commercial areas subject to chemicals and acids, such as in the food industry in commercial kitchens within restaurants and hospitals. Although many profile finishes are approved for use in interior wet environments, routine cleaning is necessary.
Exterior Environments
The location of the installation must be taken into consideration when choosing the specific profile finish as harsh climates, such as areas subject to freeze/thaw conditions, will affect the finish. Stainless steel, color-coated, and textured color-coated aluminum are some finishes suitable for exterior applications.
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are popular exterior areas where installers would benefit from the use of profiles (seen here artfully framing the edges of the pool). Stainless steel, for example, provides striking views from the pool’s surface, not to mention safety while walking into the pool to gradually reach the bottom. Although some of the profiles used in swimming pool applications will be continuously submerged, regular maintenance can maintain the quality and appearance of the profiles.
Care and Cleaning
In order to maintain the appearance of profiles, regular maintenance is imperative. Cleaning products used to clean profiles, regardless of the finish and area(s) installed, must be pH neutral to avoid damaging the finish and/or coating. The pH (power of hydrogen) is measured on a scale of 1 to 14, where 7 is neutral. A pH of less than 7 is acidic (i.e., distilled white vinegar), and a pH of higher than 7 is alkaline (i.e., household ammonia). In addition to being a neutral pH (near 7), cleaners and cleaning materials used for profiles should be nonabrasive to prevent scratching. Refer to the cleaner manufacturer’s safety data sheet for the specific pH of the cleaner for a better understanding of which cleaning products to use, which ones to avoid, and how to clean the profiles for an installation that lasts.
Smooth Transitions and Sharp Style With Profiles
We love the clean edges profiles create when transitioning from tile to other wall surfaces and also when highlighting the shower niche in this stylish bathroom. Ceramic tile designers and installers now have a large array of profiles to choose from to finish a tile installation and provide movement accommodation. By choosing the correct material for their installation environment, the designer and installer can ensure many years of trouble-free service. Additionally, manufacturers frequently offer other elements, such as drain covers and shelves that match the profile style and beautifully tie together the entire installation.
