NATURAL STONE TAKE THE INSIDE OUT
With space at home a premium these days, more and more people are expanding their living areas outwards, here, we
find out more about the new BAL external tiling and balcony system for natural stone.
The trend for outdoor living has led to a growing domestic market in balconies, large roof/ground terraces and patios with variations in design, with larger installations no longer reserved for large scale commercial buildings such as hotels and sporting venues.
Natural Stone flooring makes a great alternative to decking as it is often suitable for both indoors and outdoors. This means that you can use the same tile throughout to create a seamless look. Available in a number of materials and variations to suit the desired design, a tiled surface has a number of advantages including longevity, durability and easy maintenance.
While decking may be cheaper to install, it requires ongoing treatment to maintain colour and quality, while untreated softwood decking may be susceptible to water damage and/or rotting, making it potentially dangerous when loaded and used at height.
Outdoor balcony and terrace systems are also faced with unreliable fluctuations in weather and temperature, which can cause significant problems especially when the types of coverings selected (including natural stone) are not inherently waterproof and have to resist harsh extremities such as rain, frost and heat.
Water penetrating the lower levels of an external assembly can pose a serious risk to the structural integrity of any balcony, terrace or patio. Over time permeation of water through tile joints or via the tile and breaching any waterproof membrane can eventually cause long term damage if no
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provision is made for water to drain away efficiently.
To overcome the demands placed on rigid floor coverings such as natural stone in external applications, BAL has launched a new, problem solving system from its sister company Gutjahr.
Gutjahr System Technology from BAL specialises in drainage, ventilating and uncoupling solutions for most external applications including balconies, patios, terraces. Gutjahr’s innovative technology and experience affords tiles and natural stone the protection required for external installations.
For more than 25 years, Gutjahr have developed long-lasting trouble-free coverings even on difficult substrates throughout Europe, from prestigious projects including Amsterdam Library, The Palace of Hambach, and the Frankfurt Airrail Centre to small domestic applications.
Gutjahr is the inventor of the patented ‘passive capillary surface drainage system’. Simple to install, it has even become standard in Germany since 2002 being incorporated into the standards for external floor coverings of the German Construction Industry Association (ZDB).
The passive capillary drainage systems provide rapid, immediate and high volume drainage. The systems offer reliable protection for natural stone and porcelain tiles from frost damage and efflorescence caused by accumulated water.
By removing the water, you are taking away the biggest threat to the tiled assembly and protecting the long
www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk
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