Atrim profiles are available in a variety of different materials and shapes, so methods for cutting vary. Below are best practices for cutting according to material type.

Plastic

Plastic profiles may be cut using the Atrim Trim Cutter or similar. It is important to make sure the blade is sharp in order to ensure a clean cut.

Aluminium

One option for cutting aluminium profiles is to simply use a hacksaw. Look for a bimetal blade and select the highest teeth per inch, or TPI, available.

A mitre box is recommended to help ensure a straight cut. Aluminium profiles may also be cut using a variable-speed angle grinder with a thin metal cutting disc. Set the angle grinder to the lowest speed. A clamp or cutting jig can be used to secure the profile and help ensure a straight, clean cut.

Finally, aluminium profiles can also be cut using a chop saw or mitre saw with a non-ferrous blade.

After cutting, make sure to remove any burs with a file before installation.

Stainless Steel

The simplest option for cutting stainless steel is to use a variable-speed angle grinder with a thin metal cutting disc. Set the angle grinder to the lowest speed.

Another option for cutting stainless steel profiles is to use a band saw with a metal cutting blade.

After cutting, make sure to remove any burs with a file before installation.

Profile size selection is based on the thickness of the tile and amount of mortar or tile adhesive used to set the tile.

With smaller format tiles, take the tile thickness and select the corresponding size profile.

Due to possible distortion in larger format tiles, additional thin-set mortar may need to be applied underneath the tile to achieve full coverage. This will raise the tile and may require the use of a larger profile.

When installed, the chosen profile and tile should be flush with each other.

Decomat comes with a 20 Year warranty.

For more information refer to the Atrim Decomat Datasheet.

The following installation procedure must be followed when installing decoupling matting.

Decomat – Installed fabric to the existing substrate

Isomat W – Installed black fabric side to the existing substrate

On both Isomat & Decoshield the sides are both equals so there is no preference.

  1. Measure tiles and choose appropriate Atrim profile to suit (including adhesive bed if necessary). Ensure the product suits the application to ensure best performance in the finished state.
  2. Apply adhesive to the surface following manufacturer’s instructions, using correct tools, and press the punched leg into the bed of adhesive. Standard tiling procedures should be followed on external & internal corners. Extra adhesive should be placed over the punched leg to ensure tile back makes contact.
  3. Install adjacent tile to secure trim in place & press firmly, align the trim using spacers to create the desired grout joint width. Ensure the abutting tile, if on an external corner, is flush and correctly spaced.
  4. Grout the joints either side of the trim, ensuring completely filled. Use tools which will not damage the trim.

In general they should be positioned in the following locations in floor tiling:

  1. Over existing structural movement joints.
  2. Where tiling abuts restraining surfaces, e.g. perimeter walls, columns, kerbs, steps, etc.
  3. In large floor areas, where perimeter joints are more than 10 metres apart, intermediate joints in normal floors should not exceed 8-10 metre intervals in each direction.
  4. The tile field should be as square as possible. The ratio between length and width should not exceed 1:1.5, e.g. 5 metres x 7.5 metres.
  5. On suspended floors the frequency of the movement joints may need to be increased to allow for flexing of the substrate.
  6. Movement joints should be placed directly over any supporting walls or beams.
  7. Where the floor is subject to high thermal gain or moisture, e.g. exposure to direct sunlight or applications with underfloor heating, movement joint intervals should be more frequent.
  8. With underfloor heating the floor should be divided into bays of up to 40 m² with a maximum bay length of 8 metres.
  9. A movement joint should be positioned directly over the junction of two substrates, e.g. screed to timber.

For more information refer to the Atrim movement join specifier’s guide.