TH2 Stop: certified waterproofing
As mentioned many times before, the problem of moisture and water vapour on walls and floors, both indoors and outdoors, is not to be underestimated. TH2 Stop from TeMa Interior Solutions, consisting of three layers, is the waterproofing membrane that fulfils its waterproofing function by blocking any damage caused by moisture before it forms.
Once the membrane has been applied, any surface can be laid over it: tiles, stone, cement resin, marble or plaster. It’s the ideal solution for insulating the bathroom from moisture and water vapour, keeping the surfaces healthy for a long time: as long as the life of the home. In renovations and in new buildings, installers prefer TH2 Stop for its safety and user-friendliness.
TH2 Stop is guaranteed to provide top performance and has been certified in Europe and beyond. US certification was obtained by passing the tests required by various standards:
- The ANSI A118.10 (American National Standard Specifications) regulation sets out the standard requirements for load-bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for laying ceramic and natural stone tiles.
- The ASTM E96 standard for assessing membrane water vapour transmission, in accordance with the Annex.
- The ASTM C627 standard for passing the Robinson Wheel Test, with the highest Heavy Commercial rating.
At the European level, TH2 Stop has also obtained CE certification through ETA (European Technical Assessment) in compliance with ETAG 022 Class A and C (waterproofing bonded with ceramic tiles). The directive concerns watertight covering kits for floors and/or walls of indoor wet rooms.
TH2 Stop and its accessories can be used to seal joint areas between panels or adjacent sheets and all critical points, thereby creating a fully waterproof system.
For innovative products or products not yet covered by a standard, an alternative to harmonised EN standards is the issuing of a European Technical Assessment (ETA). This document consists of the approval of the suitability for use of a certain product, consistent with ETAG guidelines. ETAG guidelines are prepared under an EC mandate by a special European organisation EOTA (European Organisation for Technical Assessment) comprising national administrations and institutes responsible for assessing the technical suitability of innovative products.
TH2 Stop also passed the tests required by the European AbP (Allgemeines Bauaufsichtliches Prufzeugnis) standard, the most stringent in the industry. This building inspection certificate issued by accredited German building authorities in the sector allows the product to be distributed in the German market.
- Published in Baths and showers rooms, INTERIOR, Levelling, or structural, waterproofing panels, Waterproofing system with membranes
Hotels and acoustic comfort
Acoustic well-being is also included in the concept of comfort in hotels.
Vibrations and sound waves disturb guests and there can be many sources of origin: panoramic pools with adjacent rooftop bars, air conditioners, bathroom drains, laundries, lifts, but above all corridors and areas where people with upright suitcases are constantly passing through.
In Italy, for example, speaking of acoustic comfort and governing its implementation is Prime Ministerial Decree of 5/12/97, which establishes the limit values, calculation methods and requirements to be achieved in order to reduce exposure to excessive noise.
How can I soundproof high-frequency spaces from footfall noise?
Carpets and vinyl flooring or similar materials can add to the insulating effect, but the ‘bulk’ of the work is done by acoustic insulation systems.
Depending on the need to reduce decibels and the available time frame, under-screed or under-tile application can be chosen.
In the first case, the floating screed technique allows structural elements to be separated, preventing the transmission of vibrations. In the second case, instead, dry systems, ideal for less invasive and cost-conscious renovations, that do not require new screeds, allow you to reduce intervention times and install sound insulation directly under the floor. In exceptional cases, they can also be installed over an existing floor by re-laying tiles or other chosen surfaces.
The approach of TeMa Interior Solutions
T-Silence offers excellent acoustic insulation performance and can be applied under any finish, including wood, PVC, ceramic tiles and stone.
For under-tile applications, our range includes T-Silence dB21, the panel consisting of a polymeric inner core bonded on both sides with special fabrics, and T-Silence dB17, the roll consisting of a polymeric sheet bonded on one side to a resilient polypropylene non-woven fabric, and on the other side to a spunbonded fabric.
For under-screed applications, instead, we recommend:
- T-Silence 3.8 mm, the honeycomb membrane bonded with a waterproof membrane.
- T-Silence 5 mm, the closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam insulation.
- T-Silence 9.5 mm, the three-dimensional monofilament mat bonded to a breathable waterproof membrane, with butyl selvedge edge for overlapping.
- T-Silence 10 mm, in closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam.
The range is complemented with accessories such as tapes and adhesives for sealing joints.
Furnishings and accessories for designer bathrooms
Large or small, square or rectangular, with or without a panoramic view, the bathroom is always an intimate place that needs to combine functionality with relaxation. It’s a room that’s used very often, which is why everyone tries to make it a pleasant experience and personalise it according to their own taste.
A new soap dish, a rug to contrast with the floor and a larger mirror are good starting points, but it’s strictly in architectural terms that spaces can be customised.
Let’s see how.
SOLUTIONS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION
The first thing to bear in mind is the fact that the bathroom is a place with a high amount of humidity and vapour, therefore any intervention works must provide suitable long-lasting solutions.
The TeMa Interior system allows many intervention works to make your bathroom extremely personal, including creating walls, making the spaces you want and external cladding for the bathtub with a whirlpool and shower, or creating structures for washbasins, shelves, niches or small cabinets.
Water Panel gives you the opportunity to create self-supporting partition walls for a sophisticated look in the bathroom. Its wide range of thicknesses (see data sheet) makes it an extremely adaptable and functional product.
It can be used as cladding for the bathtub and shower, also because it’s waterproof and prevents the risk of water seepage, which would cause costly damage, and conceals fixtures, therefore becoming a true furnishing element. In addition, since it’s cut to size, it offers the very advantageous option of making the shower or bathtub the required size.
Also for washbasins and walls for the installation of sanitary fixtures, creative solutions can be found with Water Panel: the structure supporting them, whether just one or many more, can be custom-made with a mirror recess and shelves.
Of course, Water Panel can be cladded with your choice of finish: tiles or plaster.
To make it even more visually attractive, you can choose to include niches thereby maximising the use of space. T-Niche is the ideal waterproofed prefabricated product for all your needs.
The above-mentioned products are very light, extremely easy to handle and can also be carried to upper floors without requiring a freight lift.
RENOVATION SOLUTIONS
Workers in the house, bathrooms out of use and dust everywhere: the nightmare can be minimised if you choose to waterproof your shower with TH2 Stop, the membrane that can be applied under tiles with standard cement glue and cladded as desired.
Accessories
To complete the work at critical points, such as corners, specific products can be used such as T-Corner I and T-Corner E, whereas at panel joints, where there are fixtures and drains, T-Bandel can be applied and fixed with T-Fix.
What are the advantages?
All solutions can be customised to the millimetre, on-site and without causing any dust, for quick installation. This allows unprecedented speed of work with the highest performance ever.
- Published in Baths and showers rooms, INTERIOR
Protecting outdoor flooring with drainage geocomposites
Autumn precipitation, winter frosts and scorching summer heat may even be followed by a downpour lasting a few minutes. Terraces and balconies, or outdoor flooring in general, are affected by seasonal and sometimes daily weather events and temperature fluctuations that put the resistance of flooring at risk.
So how can we protect them?
Drainage geocomposites are the solution, but let’s take a closer look at them and their functions.
What are drainage geocomposites and when should they be used?
They are geosynthetic materials with a drainage core bonded to a non-woven filtering fabric. They can be used on walls, underground structures, flat roofs, trafficable roofs, flat green roofs, as well as terraces, balconies and outdoor flooring.
TeMa Interior Solutions suggestsT-K NW and T-K Net, polyethylene studded membranes bonded to a non-woven fabric that acts as a filtering layer for T-K NW or a HDPE mesh for T-K Net.
What are the functions?
The functions of geosynthetic products are set out in the UNI EN ISO 10318 standard.
Drainage
As the name implies, the main function of geosynthetic products is to drain any water that may seep into the screed. Passive capillary drainage eliminates the risk of stagnant water in the system and, if there are rooms below, prevents moisture from damaging the insulating layer.
Protecting the waterproofing layer
Damage to the waterproofing layer causes significant and immediately visible problems. Moisture and water penetrating into deeper layers, compromise the durability and strength of the structure, causing cracks in tiles. Protection is therefore necessary.
Distributing the load
Flooring often has to withstand heavy loads, such as outdoor tables, sunshades, large plant pots etc…. Using studded membranes, which are highly resistant to loads, allows the screed to remain “suspended” from the sealing layer (i.e. the waterproofing layer) below, protecting it from perforations and abrasions.
Advantages of applying the system
The time required is extremely short and flooring can be laid after a few days.
The thickness of the membranes is much reduced, an advantage not to be underestimated in renovations. Moreover, the thresholds of French windows opening outwards or onto a terrace do not need to be raised.
Lastly, in consideration of the environment, the materials are safe and odourless. They do not develop toxic gases or organic components, and comply with VOC standards. No hazardous substances are released underground.
The solution to humidity in swimming pool shower rooms
Don’t smile at the obvious: a swimming pool is one of the most humid environments you can find, especially the changing rooms, where there are shower rooms and often inadequate aeration.
Vapour, water drops on the walls and permanently wet floors are the problems we find, but the unknown arises when humidity also penetrates the walls. And that’s when invisible damage starts to affect the structure.
Clearly, the most obvious consequence of humidity is the appearance of stains and moulds which, as we all know, are not healthy for people or for the structure, but fortunately they are a clear sign that something is wrong.
When swimming pools are open to the public, and therefore very busy, all designers know that it’s important to prevent any signs of deterioration in the toilet and shower area. Basically, this is the area where user’s sensitivities are aroused, and so it’s important to look for the most suitable materials and finishes, using hardwearing elements capable of resisting over time. In addition, the products used must be completely waterproof and resistant to humid environments.
If not properly considered right from the design stage, there’s a real risk of encountering problems with damp, tiles coming off and walls that flake off very quickly.
Moreover, the problem is worsened by the temperature difference between inside and outside during the coldest periods.
The solution from TeMa Interior Solutions
We are specialised in damp-proofing and waterproofing at large construction sites, and now also in interior solutions. We have therefore developed the right product to be vapour- and water-resistant. For example, Water Panel, the XPS (extruded expanded polystyrene) panel bonded with waterproof facers on both sides, to which cement-based glue can be directly applied for laying tiles or other claddings that design now has to offer.
The advantage of this product is that it’s ready to use, i.e. quick and easy to assemble while ensuring maximum performance and customisation. Being lightweight is a huge advantage on-site, as well as the fact that it can be cut without creating dust. In addition, it’s ideal for a variety of applications, as it’s available in a wide range of thicknesses from 6 mm to 50 mm.
Available accessories include:
- an adhesive for fixing;
- T-Corner I/E for waterproofing corners;
- T-Bandel for joining panels;
- T-Fix for applying to gaps between panels;
- T-Wall Collar for waterproofing the outlet areas of installations.
- Published in Baths and showers rooms, INTERIOR, Waterproofing with panels
Even a floor gets wrinkles: how can you avoid them?
The floor of a room is often a distinctive choice, a calling card: it represents our personal taste and gives character to a room. It isn’t as easy to replace as furniture or curtains. We choose it, also aesthetically, to last a long time. But will it really last long?
We spend much time considering its shape, dimensions and the most suitable pattern before deciding. But we don’t think about the problems that floors may develop in the long-term.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Cracks and broken tiles
Besides unpredictable water leakage due to a burst pipe that creates rising water, moisture and condensation are among the most common causes of damage to interior floors: if they are excessive, they can create temperature changes that affect the resistance of the floor. Since this situation is very common not only in bathrooms but also in communal areas, it’s important to provide suitable ventilation and maintain a constant average temperature, in addition to insulating the building.
In the case of outdoor floors, the problem is more complex. Terraces and balconies are subject to significant temperature changes: the sun and heat, rain and humidity, snow and ice cause materials to expand and contract. The most obvious consequence is the formation of cracks in the screed, which lead to fissures, marks and mould, even in the upper layers. This shortens the life and usability of the floor.
To this must be added the quality of the materials used and the care taken in intervention works: poor quality adhesives would create air bubbles that might raise the floor; joints of unsuitable dimensions would not allow natural movement during temperature changes; incorrect laying of tiles without respecting technical timing would increase this risk.
As a solution, TeMa Interior Solutions proposes No-Crack, the membrane with a dual function:
- waterproofing: the plastic nature of the membrane protects the substrate from moisture seepage and harmful substances;
- uncoupling: it neutralises tension between the substrate and the tiles, acting as a bridge for any fissures that would create cracks in the tiles.
In addition to these important functions, there is the great capacity to withstand loads, such as benches and outdoor tables. Its structure is classified as Extra-Heavy in the Robinson Wheel Test.
What about soundproofing?
Floors are the surface that separates the floors of a house or block of flats, which is why the noise of a neighbour walking in heels early in the morning or a child jumping at all hours of the day may hinder our well-being.
The ideal solution we propose is to apply panels or rolls to prevent footfall noise. The range includes T-Silence dB 21, T-Silence dB17, T-Silence dB 3.8 mm and T-Silence dB 10 mm, which can be chosen according to personal requirements.
- Published in Acoustic insulation, Balconies and terraces, Baths and showers rooms, INTERIOR, news
Advantages of the terrace and balcony system
It is a pleasure to make use of a terrace or a balcony. There is no lack of opportunities, whether it is just for relaxing or enjoying the space for dinners and gatherings with friends, with the added bonus of the scenery. Moreover, due to the pandemic, in recent months we have rediscovered these small “islands” and have exploited them as never before.
They are clearly one of the areas in the home most affected by temperature changes: heat and frost, damp, rain and sometimes hail can undermine the integrity of the flooring system. Water seepage and, above all, temperature changes can quickly damage tiled surfaces, and cracks and detachment are the first signs of disintegration. Flooring applied over a screed that has not yet settled will lead to cracks, also in tiles.
We can find even greater pleasure in making use of a terrace or a balcony when we can do it without any worries, confident in the beauty and safety of all its parts. Therefore when building terraces and balconies, some products are used to perform the most important functions. These are:
- No-Crack, the anti-crack disconnecting system that neutralises underlying tensions and prevents them from reaching tiles;
- T-K-NW and T-K-Net, which drain rainwater and protect the waterproof layer;
- T-Bandel, which seals joints between panels, making them waterproof.
TeMa Interior Solutions has devised a high-performance system to guarantee the durability of intervention work and the aesthetic qualities envisaged during the design stage, all in the shortest possible time.
Let’s analyse the benefits.
System advantages
First and foremost, the system is easy to apply using lightweight materials that are easy to cut. The time frame is very quick: when renovating, it is often an advantage to have materials and solutions available that do not involve downtime in intervention works.
TeMa Interior Solutions has designed ultra-fast under-tile applications so you do not need to wait for about a month for the cement to harden and you can lay the flooring after a couple of days.
The ceramic tile or stone cladding (synthetic or natural) can be directly applied to the membrane using standard cementitious adhesive.
• All the products used have reduced thicknesses that do not occupy space on terraces and balconies.
• After treatment, the surface is entirely renewed.
• The underlying substrate always remains protected and dry.
• As the system is not affected by temperature changes, but can tolerate them well, it is also a feasible solution during the winter season.
• It is important to avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays.
TeMa places great importance on the environment, therefore no hazardous substances are released into groundwater or the subsoil during installation.
Furthermore, the materials are odourless and do not develop gases that are toxic for indoor or outdoor air, or volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Visit this page to learn more.
- Published in Balconies and terraces, INTERIOR, news
No-Crack, disconnecting and much more
The main function of the No-Crack membrane, consisting of an HDPE studded layer with a roughened surface and a spunbonded polypropylene fabric, is to act as a bridge between the screed and the tiles.
The disconnecting function
Temperature fluctuations in open spaces and the constant presence of moisture in closed environments such as bathrooms put a strain on the stability of the screed, which “lives”, even after many years, and risks revealing tensions and cracks. As a result, over time fissures may appear in the tiles.
The studded structure of the membrane neutralises tensions below and prevents any cracks from reaching the tiles, thereby keeping them intact.
In other words, No-Crack ensures that the tiles are not in direct contact with the screed and do not move with it.
But that’s not all
This membrane also offers other advantages: when used in conjunction with the T-Bandel accessory, it provides a waterproofing function This application is highly recommended in outdoor environments subject to moisture seepage, significant temperature fluctuations and heavy loads (e.g. tables or cupboards on terraces) in order to protect the underlying substrate by keeping it dry and protected at all times.
Easy and speedy intervention works
If the screed has to be redone (in new buildings) or rebuilt following deterioration, intervention works can take a long time. No-Crack reduces the time required, as it can be tiled over after just 48 hours (compared to 28 days for intervention works without using this product), therefore allowing occupants to remain in their homes.
This is because the membrane layer separates the screed from the tiles, giving it plenty of time to stabilise without interrupting intervention works.
- Published in Balconies and terraces, INTERIOR, news
Let’s take care of the space we love
In recent months, the terrace has been the favourite place for families to spend a little time outdoors. This is why designers, seeing it gain in popularity, have started to acknowledge it as increasingly important and charming.
Any self-respecting project cannot fail to consider the many activities that these outdoor areas can accommodate, starting from the simplest, such as a popular dinner with friends and family, to the most demanding, such as growing floral plants or creating green areas. If, on the one hand, technology accompanied by the enhancement of the aesthetic aspect of a project have helped to develop these comfort zones, on the other hand, it has become essential to protect them from weather conditions and atmospheric events.
No-Crack: the ideal solution for balconies and terraces
Rain and temperature changes are the number one enemies of terraces. The former causes unsightly stains and mould, whereas the latter create tension between the under-tile screed and tiles that reveal cracks in the floor.
Dual function: disconnecting and waterproofing
This gave rise the idea of developing a membrane such as No-Crack, which combines a disconnecting function with a waterproofing one. Its rough HDPE studded fabric, coupled with a spunbonded polypropylene fabric, neutralises the transmission of tensions under the floor, avoiding the spread and rising of cracks in tiles. But this is not all! If the membrane is sealed with the T-Bandel tape accessory, it performs a waterproofing function by eliminating the risk of water seepage, allowing your terrace to remain unaltered over time.
Quick application, combined with minimal use of building materials, can give you extra space that you can peacefully enjoy, thanks to unique TeMa products.
Be inspired! Visit our website
- Published in Balconies and terraces, INTERIOR
Dry Renovation: a Quick and Clean Method
At an historic moment in time when everything is coming to a halt, we must not forget that we still have ways to increase our knowledge and get ready for the time when everything gets back to normal. The home, for obvious reasons, is now the focus of our thoughts. The more days go by, the more we notice some jobs that have been left aside for too long: a basement to be fixed, a wall to be better insulated or a terrace floor to be changed because it is excessively damaged. So let’s discover something more about one of the ways to renovate those parts of the home that require our attention.
Dry renovation: a valid solution
The dry renovation system is a processing method that does not involve the use of water, adhesives or sealants that need to remain in place to dry. Although Italy has always opted for the so-called wet clay-cement system, this does not mean that new methods have not recently been explored. This traditional work method was cast aside during the years of crisis in Italy in the building industry, since it focused on protecting the existing heritage and, therefore, on renovating rather than building from scratch.
Renovating, synonymous with saving
After all, renovating becomes synonymous with energy efficiency. You save on your bills and gain in terms of wellbeing and living comfort, primarily by enhancing the value of your property. The dry installation system, which can be applied to the outside of a building, to its structure or to its internal system, offers many advantages.
We talk about the eco-sustainability of new materials, because they can be recycled, replaced if damage or deterioration occurs, and even re-used. Moreover, dry renovation allows much quicker intervention times and more sustainable situations because tenants do not need to leave their homes during intervention works.
The materials and method used by TeMa
In the specific context of TeMa Interior, the division dedicated to floors, balconies and terraces, soundproofing and waterproofing membranes are used that are easily shaped and transported because of their minimal weight.
Combined with dry installation, these materials allow short intervention times and greatly reduced costs. But remember that this does not entail any reduction in the performance of the intervention work. The final cost of any intervention will be lower because the thickness of the membranes is reduced and, consequently, the quantity of the materials used.
It is precisely the materials, with their physical properties and excellent performance, that ensure the efficiency of intervention work, first and foremost by facilitating the procedures involved.
To find out about all our applications, visit our website.
- 1
- 2
