For your convenience we have collected the most common questions and answers about our products
AquaDrain® EK
What is meant by the term single grain mortar and why should this be used in combination with natural stone coverings?
The customary cement screeds are made from various grain fractions. As these include very fine granulations, these screeds are very dense in texture and any penetrating water is held for a relatively long time within the screed. Natural stone coverings absorb water, leading to among other things the formation of damp stains. It is therefore necessary to guide the water out of the structure as quickly as possible. This is done by using single grain mortars that contain a high proportion of cavities and therefore allow the water to drain more quickly from the screed.
Single grain mortars are made from only one grain fraction (e.g. gravel with granulation of 2-8mm, or chippings with a granulation of 3-5mm) with the addition of trass cement and water. There are also "dry mortars" by several manufacturers on the market.
Why is surface drainage needed at all under single grain mortars, often also known as drainage mortars?
Extensive research and testing at the Materials Testing facility in Darmstadt came to the conclusion that single grain mortars, when lying in a pool of water, transported the water upwards and thereby created damp stains on the natural stone coverings, as these coverings are absorbent. The single grain mortars must therefore be considered capillary-active and using single grain mortar alone is not enough to prevent damp stains. Single grain mortars allow water to move very quickly from top to bottom, but they do require additional drainage laid on the substructure in the fall or at the seal level respectively. This additional drainage will raise the single grain mortar, breaking the capillary action and thereby preventing the single grain mortar transporting water upwards.
Apart from damp stains, efflorescence may appear in the joint areas, as during the capillary transport of water lime leaches out of the single grain mortar. If single grain mortar is applied without drainage, that is to say directly to the seal, the water will need a very long time to reach the drains at ground level or respectively the balcony/patio edges. On its way, the water will collect lime from the single grain mortar. If this water, with its lime content, reaches places where the water can evaporate, lime deposits remain, which can then lead to crust-like barriers in these very places (ground level / patio and terrace edges) and further obstruct the drainage of any water, thereby leading to the damage described above.
What are the special features of AquaDrain® EK?
AquaDrain® EK is an anti-capillary action surface drainage specially developed for laying natural stone coverings on drain mortar. The special grid structure, the complete raising of the covering and the high drainage volume mean that the system will ensure the quickest possible drainage without delays.
How thickly must the drainage mortar be installed on the AquaDrain® EK surface drainage?
Cement screeds used outdoors as load-distributing layers must be at least 50 mm thick. To achieve the same bending tensile strength as these "standard" cement screeds (CT-C25 F4), drainage mortars must, according to composition (grain fraction) be installed approx. 30% more thickly. Dry ready mixes from various manufacturers are approved as a rule in thicknesses of 50 mm for AquaDrain® EK (please obtain the required approvals directly from the manufacturer in question)
Can natural stone coverings of varying thickness / polygonal covering slabs be laid on AquaDrain® EK?
Yes. Coverings can be laid on AquaDrain® EK in two different ways. Cover slabs of even thickness can be laid on a previously smoothed and dried single grain mortar screed, with the appropriate thin/medium embedding mortar applied to the backs of the covering slabs. The second method is to lay them in the "fresh" drainage mortar after previously installing a suitable mortar bonding bridge (please obtain the required approval from the manufacturer in question) on the back of the covering.
How high is the pressure load resistance of a covering using AquaDrain® EK?
The permanent pressure load resistance of AquaDrain® EK is 2000 kg/m²
Can drainage grates in the threshold areas of door exits or façade surfaces be attached to the surface drainage to make proper doorway connections?
Of course drainage grates can have water drained off through the AquaDrain® EK surface drainage system. This makes proper door connections in compliance with DIN 18195, Part 5 possible, as well as according to the "Flat Roof Guidance Directive" (according to which the threshold height, the raising of the seal in this area, can be reduced from 15 cm above the upper edge of the covering to 5 cm above the upper edge of the covering). Easy-access thresholds using AquaDrain® BF drain grates are also possible (as a special construction).
AquaDrain®FE+
What is meant by an "anti-capillary" drainage layer?
In an anti-capillary drainage layer, the whole area of the screed and covering is raised, thus avoiding any points of contact with water on the seal and the screed - there can be no "capillary transport."
Is it necessary to install drainage under outdoor tile coverings?
According to the accepted code of practice, a load-distributing layer (screed on a separating layer) must contain anti-capillary drainage, unless this layer is sealed on the surface.
What thicknesses have to be installed under what conditions - i.e. when do we need to install the 8mm high drainage and when the 16mm high system?
AquaDrain® FE+ should be installed in an 8mm thickness for even substrates in the fall with seals or single layer sealing sheets where water droplets reach a maximum height of 4mm, AquaDrain® FE+ in a thickness of 16mm for multi-layered sealing sheets with water droplets up to a maximum height of 12mm.
How high is the pressure load resistance of the surface drainage?
Permanent pressure load resistance for AquaDrain® FE+ is2000kg/m².
Can AquaDrain® FE+ surface drainage be used for high-stress areas such as car park levels etc.?
No. For high-stress areas with vehicle traffic load we have the specially developed AquaDrainHB, the high-stress surface drainage solution.
Why does the fleece on the drainage disintegrate over time under the screed?
Moisture entering the structure through the covering and "travelling through" from the top down to the drainage carries water-soluble lime with it. This can attack the fleece part of the drainage, making the drainage ineffective. To prevent this, AquaDrain® FE+ is equipped with an intelligent special fleece which works as a supporting layer when the screed is applied. Once the screed has thoroughly hardened, the fleece will gradually dissolve.
What height of construction is required to provide a proper covering structure with tiles?
Approx. 7 cm using the 8mm high AquaDrain® FE+, approx. 8 cm using the 16mm high AquaDrain® FE+ .
AquaDrain® T+
Do I need to fill the joints in direct laying?
Yes. Filling provides stability for the covering.
What are the reasons for using surface drainage under loose laid coverings such as concrete slabs, natural stone slabs, paving stones etc. compared to laying these on paving support pads/mortar bags or gravel beds?
If paving support pads are used, leaves, flowers, food scraps, dust, earth etc. may find their way through the open joints under the covering slabs to make a layer on the seal. A layer of decaying material is formed, which can lead to foul odour nuisance and is ideal nourishment for vermin. If a gravel bed is used, saturated packing with gravel or chippings will impede the necessary drainage function. This means that water will build up and expand under frost conditions, leading to uneven areas in the surface of the covering. In the end, the volume expansion may also lead to damage to the seal.
What dimensions and thicknesses are required for covering slabs loose laid on AquaDrain® T+? Is there an option for using thinner tiles?
For concrete slabs to be laid directly onto AquaDrain® T+ the minimum dimensions are 40/40cm and thickness of 4cm. For paving stones, the dimensions are 12/24cm with a thickness of 5cm. When laid on AquaDrain® T+ with an even bed of mortar, concrete and natural stone slabs etc. should be at least 40/40cm with a height of 3.5cm. Ceramic components should be at least 50/50cm and 2.5cm thick. Much thinner coverings can be used if laid according to the TerraMaxx® procedure; these must be suitable for laying on support pads ( e.g. porcelain stoneware tiles, 15mm thick)
What is the minimum structure height of a covering when laid directly onto AquaDrain® T+?
Approx. 4.8 cm: according to the TerraMaxx procedure, from 2.6 cm upwards
When can I lay directly onto AquaDrain® T+ and when must I use a layer of mortar?
For even-surfaced substrates with a fall, coverings can be laid directly onto AquaDrainT+. On terraces with standard sealing, e.g. bitumen sheet sealing, etc., the substrate is often uneven. Here, a thin, even layer of mortar is applied to AquaDrainT+ and the covering is laid on that.
How high is the pressure load resistance of the surface drainage?
Permanent pressure load resistance for AquaDrain® T+ is 2000kg/m².
AquaDrain® Flex
Can the drain grates be installed even on uneven substrates without them "wobbling"?
Yes. AquaDrain drain grates can be simply and precisely set to the level of the covering from above, in continuous adjustment using height-adjusting rubber-clad screw feet.
Are the grates available in different heights?
The height of the grates can be continuously adjusted. This makes it possible to use them with various different covering superstructures. The standard version is height-adjustable from approx. 60-95mm. XL screw feet are available for higher superstructures. These allow for installation of coverings up to approx. 170mm in height.
Why is a dirt trap required under the drain grate?
A dirt trap is essential, as dirt in the form of leaves, food scraps, cigarette ends and much more will otherwise drop onto the drainage level with the result that on the one hand water is not guided into the drainage in the best possible way and on the other that the drainage channels may become blocked.
What is the difference between AquaDrain® DR and the AquaDrain® Flex drain grates?
AquaDrain® DR are continuously height-adjustable standard drain grates with hot-dip galvanised steel frames in various sizes. AquaDrainFlex are continuously height-adjustable drain grates, hot-dipped galvanised or in stainless steel, which can be cut to the length required on site. No customised sizes are required.
What is the difference between AquaDrain® DR/Flex drain grates and AquaDrain® BF- drain grates?
As well as the height adjustment feature, AquaDrain® BF drain grates also have variable adjustment for sloping ramps. Particularly suitable for barrier-free door thresholds on balconies, patios and terraces. Suitable for wheelchairs.
IndorTec® 2E
How soon can fresh cement screeds be laid with tiles on IndorTec® 2E?
As soon as the cement screed is hard enough to walk on.
Can electric underfloor heating be laid on IndorTec® 2E?
Yes. This is embedded in the adhesive bed between IndorTec® 2E and the covering.
At what residual moisture content can I lay IndorTec® 2E on anhydrite screeds?
At a maximum of 1% CM residual moisture content.
On what substrates is the use of an uncoupling/ covering supporting mat recommended indoors?
In principle, substrates must be even, pressure resistant and deflection-free, so use when ceramic coverings are laid on wood floor structures, on cracked heating screeds, on fresh, still shrinking cement/anhydrite screeds, on old, hard PVC/linoleum coverings, on contaminated substrates, on mixed substrates, on dry screed structures, on poured asphalt screed.
What are the requirements for the substrate when using IndorTec® 2E indoors?
Cement screeds can be laid once they are hard enough to walk on, anhydrite screeds when the residual moisture is a maximum of 1 CM%. Wooden substrates must be firmly fixed and may neither swing nor flex. In wet rooms, laid on seals forming part of the compound (preferably waterproof coatings) or on cold adhesion sealing sheets (Kaltselbstklebebahnen , KSK) as per DIN 18195-5 with a PE film separating layer, minimum thickness 0.2mm.
Are there minimum sizes for the tiles to be used?
For stoneware tiles and hard natural stone slabs, e.g. granite, a minimum size of 200/200/10mm; for split tiles 125/240/10mm; for porcelain stoneware from 200/200/8mm.
Can a tile covering be laid on IndorTec® 2E on an existing heating screed?
Yes. An increase in heating-up time, due to the air chambers in IndorTec® 2E, needs to be taken into consideration. Can only be used to a limited extent in low energy heating: consult Gutjahr applications technology.
Can unevenness in the substrate be balanced out with IndorTec® 2E?
No. Any unevenness must be smoothed out before laying IndorTec® 2E. In no cases may evening-out layers be applied to IndorTec® 2E.
How much pressure load can the covering structure with IndorTec® 2E take?
Permanent pressure load resistance 5000kg/m²
What tile adhesive should be used?
Low shrinkage, quick-setting thin bed mortar should be used.
Watec® 3E
Can I use Watec® 3E on welded bitumen sheets?
No. Watec® 3E can only be used on alternative seals.
Is Watec® 3E bonded with the substructure?
No., Watec® 3E is laid floating, i.e. with no contact with the substrate, on the alternative sealing layer.
What features must the substrate have to allow tile coverings to be laid on the Watec® 3E thin-layer drainage?
The substrate must be a firm, load-bearing and even surface, with a fall of at least 1.5 to a maximum of 2.5%. Any unevenness must be levelled out before laying Watec® 3E. Watec® 3E is laid, for preference, on alternative seals (waterproof coatings).
What functions does Watec® 3E perform?
Watec® 3E drains, ventilates and uncouples ceramic coverings from the substrate.
How much load can the covering structure with Watec® 3E take?
Permanent pressure load resistance 5000kg/m²
What is the minimum structure height from the upper edge of the fall of the screed or the alternative seal?
Approx. 18mm
Are there minimum sizes of tiles to be used?
Stoneware tiles and hard natural stone slabs, e.g. granite, must be a minimum size of 200/200/10mm; softer natural stones, for example limestones such as travertine and jurassic limestone require thicker material (from 123mm). Only natural stone slabs that are suitable for outdoor areas and are shape-retaining are suitable. Types of stone that tend towards dishing or curving through swelling on contact with water or respectively adhesive mortar (even on one side) are not suitable. Split tiles 125/240/10mm; porcelain stoneware from 200/200/8mm
What tile adhesives should be used?
In outdoor areas, work with quick-setting so-called flexible adhesive mortars or a pourable bed mortar without too much water in the mix. Fill joints with flexibilised tile grout.
Is it possible to drive a car on a tile covering laid with Watec® 3E?
No. Watec® 3E is not suitable for areas with vehicle traffic.
When constructing the covering with Watec® 3E do the edge profiles have to be installed?
Yes. As Watec® 3E is a floating construction, the open edges of the covering must be closed off with Watec® 3E drainage edge profiles.
How soon can I lay the Watec® 3E mat on the screed?
When the alternative seal, previously applied, has dried (usually on the next day). If no sealing is used, as soon as it is possible to walk on the screed.
ProRin® BR/AL
What is the minimum distance that must be kept between the front of the balcony and any rising railing support in front of it in order to hang the ProRin® BR balcony gutter?
75mm
Can a balcony gutter be retrofitted, for instance if there are bevelled tiles present with drip edges?
Yes, with the aid of WatecFin® NP retrofitting profile.
Can round balconies be fitted with the profile and gutter system?
Yes. More detailed information is available from our office or sales staff.
The corners for the profiles and balcony gutters are generally available in angles of 90° or 135°. Are corners with other angle sizes available?
Yes. In principle all angle sizes are available as special corners. Information is available from our office or sales staff.
The balcony gutters are hung in the edge profiles. How does the water get back into the rainwater drainpipe on the wall of the house?
The fall of the gutter back towards the house is achieved by installing WatecFin RT gutter panel. This is hung into the edge profile and secured using attachment brackets. In the panel are vertical slits that will take self-tapping stainless steel screws. Here the gutter is fastened with the gutter holder and attachment clips.
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