Profiles: Gain an Edge in Tile Protection, Finished Look

With the growing dominance of large-format tile installations in different thicknesses, specifying and installing profiles has become essential for a project’s success.

Profiles are strips of metal or plastic designed and formed to protect the edges of tile and other surface coverings from chipping, cracking, premature wear and different points of failure. Functional failures from unprotected tile include broken edges, tripping hazards, cracked grout and chipped corners.

Profiles also provide aesthetically pleasing transitions between surface coverings, which is a growing challenge with larger format, thinner tile installations. They reduce maintenance and simplify cleaning as an alternative to grouted and caulked corners, too.

Features, Benefits and Functions
The initial design function of profiles was to provide edge protection from traffic. New profile designs have provided updated solutions to old problems. Inconsistencies with varying dye lots between tile, cap and bull nose, as well as outside and inside corners presented installers and designers with challenges throughout the installation. Profiles are now becoming the preferred choice instead of using traditional tile trim due to their consistency, accessibility and versatility.

As tile sizes have evolved and trends have shifted to larger formats, bullnose and cap trim options have diminished, making profiles the primary solution. Large-format tile was traditionally eight-inch by eight-inch ceramic. Now, 24-inch by 48-inch tiles and larger format porcelain panels, as big as five-feet by 10-feet, are regularly installed. Profiles provide unlimited design options with a vast selection of materials, shapes, colours and finishes, and they are also available in a variety of sizes to accommodate tile and bed thicknesses.

Beyond protecting tile edges and providing finished edge solutions, profiles can also provide easy, attractive transitions between different materials and elevations, finished appearances and accommodate movement. They offer expanded design possibilities without compromising the quality and performance of the installation.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution; however, there are several categories of profiles, often with some overlapping functions. Profiles can be used to accommodate movement for perimeter joints, in-plane field joints and a change of plane as recommended by the Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada’s (TTMAC) manual, Movement Joints for Tile Installations. Profiles are also available to provide cove transitions for change of plane, stair tread nosings, countertop edges and feature strips, to name a few.

Profiles reduce the need for caulking, enable reduced-maintenance assemblies and protect tile assemblies while improving performance and aesthetics. Some profiles can accommodate abutting surface coverings and even conceal flawed edges or tile miscuts.

The Selection Process
Every project has unique needs to address. Clear communication early in the process increases efficiency and leads to the correct profile selection. Managing expectations of colour coordination and consistency will help avoid future issues. Here are six considerations to keep in mind.

1. Tile thickness. Determining the thickness is a good starting point for selecting the correct profile thickness, though the tile format might change the method for installation.

2. Tile size and installation method. A one-quarter-inch mosaic tile will not have the same bed thickness as a six millimetre gauged porcelain tile, as those will require a thicker bed of mortar and may need a thicker profile.

3. Design colours. There are an infinite number of possible tile and grout combinations. Many profiles should be considered to contrast and coordinate with fixtures, or to blend with the tile or grout.

4. Flooring transitions. The shapes of profiles should ensure a smooth and safe transition and accommodate height differences. Whether a ramp profile to a lower surface or a flush transition, there are options to fulfill these project requirements.

5. Changes in plane. Where silicone soft joints are traditional, profiles can accommodate the movement while adding a pleasing aesthetic and reducing maintenance. Cove-shaped profiles provide sanitary options for residential and commercial applications.

6. Environment and traffic flow. Different materials and finishes can be selected: stainless steel, brass, anodized aluminum and PVC. Stainless steel or aluminum might be the appropriate choice for heavy traffic conditions in commercial settings, while a coated profile can be the perfect selection for lighter duty requirements. Chemical exposure, such as cleaners and solvents, will also be a determining factor during the selection process.

Installation Best Practices
The execution is where profiles can help an installation shine. Proper preparation is crucial. With appropriate flatness being honoured, a sound, stable substrate and knowing where profiles are necessary, measuring for the correct fit is the next step. The old adage, ‘measure twice, cut once,’ applies as much here as anywhere else.

There are many ways to cut profiles but clamping them down to keep them secure is an important safety measure to take. The best way to cut metal profiles varies, but the following methods will deliver the most consistent results: miter saw with a metal cutting blade; hacksaw and a miter box; band saw; and variable speed angle grinder with a metal cut-off wheel. Be sure to use the appropriate personal protective equipment when working with profiles. Have a file on hand to ensure there are no dangerous burrs once the cut is complete.

During installation, the profiles must be firmly set in a bed of thin-set. Additional thin-set should be combed over the anchoring leg to ensure it is entirely encapsulated and supported. Immediately clean any thin-set or grout off the surface to avoid potential etching of the finished surface from the cement.

Setting the Standard
It is imperative to note that any future standard must accommodate the increasing demand for profiles and protect end-users from poor quality. The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) has been a driving force in further executing the process due to increasing demand. As a result, product and installation standards are currently underway. Members from TTMAC, NTCA, the Tile Council of North America and American National Standards Institute are supporting and collaborating to bring these standards to the market.

As the standards are still in development, consult the appropriate profile manufacturer on any projects that may require installation and suitability guidance.

Joseph Mattice is territory manager for Schluter Systems in the Western Carolinas. A former tile contractor, he is the second generation of his family in the flooring industry and a Certified Tile Installer. Joseph also sits on the Materials and Methods Standards Association and is active with the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) technical committee and the American National Standards Institute A108T subcommittee. He is currently leading the effort to create standards for profiles. James Harrington is director of technical services for Schluter Systems in North America. James is a former tile installer. He worked as a tile consultant with professional consultants prior to joining Schluter Systems. James also sits on the NTCA technical committee.