Installation

1. Schluter-BEKOTEC-EN/US/P is installed over an even and sufficiently load-bearing substrate. If additional insulation is required, place a layer of expanded or extruded polystyrene foam panels over the substrate and cover with a sheet of polyethylene. Over existing conduit or piping, sound insulation should be placed over the entire surface, above a leveling layer that is flush with the top of the conduit or piping.
2. At the perimeter, where the covering meets walls or restraining surfaces, place the 5/16" (8 mm) thick edge strip, Schluter-BEKOTEC-BRS or -BRSK. The edge strips feature an integrated foil that must be carried over the separating layer covering the insulation. If a poured screed is to be applied, the Schluter-BEKOTEC-BRS/KF or -BRS/KSF edge strip with adhesive leg is used. The -BRS/KF edge strip is attached to the wall using the adhesive strip on its backside, while the -BRS/KSF edge strip is selfsupporting. The screed panel is placed onto the self-adhesive foam leg of either the -BRS/KF or -BRS/KSF to prevent back-flow of the screed under the panel.
3. The modular screed panel, Schluter-BEKOTEC-EN/US/P, is cut to fit accurately at the edge area.
4. To produce radiant-heated floors, suitable heating tubes, 3/8" - 5/8" (10 mm - 16 mm) O.D., can be wedged between the cut-back studs. The distance between tubes is determined based on desired heat output.
5. Fill the modular screed panel with a mortar screed or poured gypsum screed in such a way to ensure minimum screed coverage of 5/16" (8 mm) above the studs. If leveling is required, the mortar thickness can be increased up to 1" (25 mm) above the studs. The screed is cut at the doorsill using the Schluter-BEKOTEC-DFP movement joint profile to prevent sound bridges.
6. As soon as the screed can be walked upon, the Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane can be applied. With respect to poured gypsum screeds, maximum residual moisture of 2.0 percent by volume shall be observed. Ceramic tile or stone coverings can be installed on top of the Schluter-DITRA using the thin-set method. 
7. The surface covering on top of Schluter-DITRA is divided into fields with movement joints according to the DITRA Installation Handbook and industry standard guidelines. The family of Schluter-DILEX prefabricated movement joint profiles includes a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different applications. When installing a Schluter-DILEX perimeter or cove-shaped profile at the floor/wall transition, the protruding sections of the edge strip should first be trimmed.
8. When using the Schluter-BEKOTEC for radiant heating, the completed floor covering can be heated after 7 days. Beginning at 77 °F (25 °C), start-up temperature shall be increased daily by 9 °F (5 °C) maximum, until the desired working temperature is reached.
9. Covering materials that are not subject to cracking (for example, parquet, carpet, or resilient flooring) can be placed directly on the Schluter-BEKOTEC modular screed; no uncoupling is necessary. In addition to the specific installation instructions, the allowable residual moisture for the selected covering must be observed.

Note on steps 6 and 7: Ceramic and stone tile is installed over the BEKOTEC screed using the Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane. Please refer to the Schluter-DITRA Installation Handbook (detail D-C-TS for Portland cement-based screeds and detail D-G-TS for gypsum-based screeds) for installation requirements, including but not limited to setting and grouting materials, setting and grouting specifications, and movement joint placement.