BARA-RK - Aluminum balcony gutter

Edging profile for the exposed edges of surface coverings on balconies and terraces. The profile pro- vides a neat edge appearance while protecting the exposed edges of the screed bed against weathering and corrosion.

The sloped projecting drip edge covers the exposed edges of the Schlüter TROBA-PLUS sub-surface drainage system which is in- stalled below the load-distribution layer. During the application of the screed, the trapezoid- perforated anchoring leg of Schlüter BARA-RK is solidly embedded into the mortar bed while the upper edge of the profile is used to screed the mortar bed to the appropriate height. Schlüter TROBA-PLUS, serving as sub-surface drainage, shall be laid between the waterproofing layer and the screed in order to prevent penetrating water from collecting in the screed layer.

If Schlüter DITRA 25 is to be installed, the screed is levelled 3 mm below the top of the profile. Schlüter DITRA 25 uncouples the tile covering from the screed and neutralises stresses caused by differential movement, primarily due to temperature fluctuations, between the screed and the tile. In addition, Schlüter DITRA 25 in conjunction with the tile covering creates a bonded surface waterproof layer.

Material

Schlüter BARA-RK is made of chromated and colour-coated aluminium.

Material properties and areas of application

The powder coating of the aluminium profile is colourfast, as well as UV and weatherresistant. The surface must be protected against abrasion. Penetrating water must not collect in the screed bed into which Schlüter BARA-RK has been anchored (installation of drainage layer), since water enriched with alkali will attack aluminium. In special cases, the suitability of Schlüter BARA-RK must be verified based on the anticipated chemical, mechanical, and/or other stresses.

Installation

1. At the edge area, Schlüter BARA-RK is positioned into a layer of mortar. Prefabricated corner pieces for inside and outside corners are available. Between the ends of two profiles, a space of approximately 5 mm is left and covered by clipping on a connector.
2. Balcony and terrace surfaces shall be filled with mortar to the height at which the mortar bed’s structural reinforcement (AKS lattice) is placed. In doing so, the reinforcing lattice must overlap the anchoring leg of the profile.
3. To produce the load distribution layer, the screed mortar is applied at the appropriate height and slope using the upper edge of Schlüter BARA-RK as a screeding guide. If Schlüter DITRA 25 is to be installed as an uncoupling and bonded waterproof membrane, the screed is levelled 3 mm below the top of the profile and carefully compacted.
4. Please Note: Schlüter TROBA-PLUS must be laid as an area drainage layer between the waterproofing layer and the screed. The visual gap created between the waterproofing and the screed, due to the installation of the drainage layer, can be covered by attaching the drip lip. The drip lip cannot prevent the dripping water from coming into contact with the front edge or the wall area in all cases.

Maintenance

Schlüter BARA-RK requires no special or preventative maintenance. The aluminium profile’s powder-coated surface is colourfast. Damage to the surface shall be repaired by re-coating.