IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System
Schluter, well known for its Kerdi waterproofing membrane gave us a glimpse of its new Kerdi-Board system at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas today.
Available in thicknesses of 3/16-in. to 1-1/2-in., the extruded polystyrene (EPS) foam cored panels are skinned with a proprietary reinforcement web that yields an extremely strong substrate. The panels are designed to build tiled partitions for showers and baths, shower benches, and tub platforms. Other uses could include tiled kitchen countertops.
The panels are comprised of a reinforcement layer covered with the Kerdi membrane on both sides. This creates a moisture resistance that tile setters have come to trust.
Schluter aims for the rigid foam panels to be used for more structural applications, and demonstrated the strength to support this claim by placing a 1-1/2 in. thick panel across two chairs and then standing in the center. When coupled with metal reinforcing edging, the panels can be stacked and assembled to create everything from benches to partitions without the need for traditional framing.
For curved applications, Schluter has come up with the Kerdi-Board-V, which is kerfed to allow for its use on continuous radius curves.
| HEADLINES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW | |
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IBS 2010: The Model Home Gets a Reality Check A case study in irony: Construction stops on 6,000-square-foot showcase home dubbed ‘The New American Home’ after falling victim to the credit crunch. Read more… |
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IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System Structural panels will ease the process of making tile partitions, walls, and structures for bathrooms and more. Read more… |
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IBS 2010: More Bang for Your Flush in Kohler’s 1.28 gallon Toilet With water conservation top of mind Kohler showed off its new 1.28 gallon one-piece toilet at the International Builders’ Show here in Las Vegas. Read more… |
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Generac Standby Generator is Smarter than Me A tour of Generac’s booth left me wondering why more homes aren’t equipped with emergency power. Read more… |
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IBS 2010: Spray Insulation Rigs for the Rest of Us Looking to get into the spray insulation business but don’t want the huge investment? Here’s a new portable unit you might be interested in. Read more… |
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IBS 2010: Promising new water heater GE released the first Energy Star rated water heater that uses heat pump technology and smart controls for significant energy saving potential. Read more… |
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IBS 2010: Stiletto to Introduce New Titanium Square and Knife The maker of high-end titanium hammers and prys shows off prototypes of its upcoming speed square and utility knife, due out later this year. Read more… |
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IBS 2010: Day One Round Up of New Tools and Products From entry-level spray foam applicators to a rainwater collection system to some smaller gadgets and accessories, here’s what caught our eye at day one of IBS. Listen to the audio slideshow… |
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View Comments
This looks just like Wedi board - used in Europe for over a decade. Are we that far behind? http://www.wedi.co.uk
Yes canam we are that far behind in the US. I also looked at the kerdi board. It is similiar to Wedi but having the kerdi as a bonding surface is much different than a cementious face. I think it will be much easier to cut, lighter,and less money. Also, I was told schluter has built a plant in the U.S which makes it much easier to get product than Europe. I use the schluter systems in all my installs. I tried the WEdi board and found it to be a good board, just lacking any other products to support it and they raised the costs a few years ago without any warning. Seems to me they bought they way into the market, where schluter has worked its way by good product development. My 2 cents worth!
GoGreenGo, you're correct. Schluter is in the process of building a brand new plant here in the U.S. (Up near plattsburgh, NY, I think.) Supposedly it will have an even greater capacity than the Euro plants. Hopefully this improves distribution and costs.