Construction site: PROFILDECK from JOUPLAST

By Primavera - PR Agency Published on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 02:00

The owner of a house in the Ain department built a 70 m² terrace around a shell pool in five days. To make his project a success, he chose to use the PROFILDECK® self-supporting aluminum structure from JOUPLAST®.

The terrace is composed of large square ceramic slabs measuring one meter on each side and 2 cm thick. The challenges encountered during the project were the uneven terrain and the need to create the pool surrounds directly using the slabs. Before tackling the installation steps, let's take a look at the JOUPLAST® elements selected.

Self-supporting structure for slab or wooden terraces

Easy-to-implement tailor-made solutions

A self-supporting structure, PROFILDECK® from JOUPLAST® is an innovative, 3-meter linear double-sided aluminum profile. This patented, comprehensive system is suitable for creating terraces made of slabs, wood, and composite materials. A unique structure, PROFILDECK® has one side specifically designed to accommodate the spacers needed to lay slabs, and one side for screwing wood slats or for clipsing composite slats.

In the case of this project, PROFILDECK® from JOUPLAST® is perfectly suited to laying large-format tiles around a shell pool. The self-supporting structure provides excellent flatness, even on uneven gravel ground. Lightweight and robust, it is easy to install, even by one person, and to cut. The system offers numerous possibilities: straight, offset, multi-format installation, etc. The range also includes adapters for attaching and holding the profile to the pedestals of the JOUPLAST® “Essentiel” collection, horizontal and vertical brackets, anti-condensation strips, spacers, self-adhesive rubber strips, a finishing “T” for creating the side cladding, etc. For installation, four tools are sufficient: a screwdriver, a miter saw, a level, and a tape measure.

Installation advice

- A layout plan is defined before starting the work; the minimum height under the slab must be 8,5 cm over the entire surface.

- A geotextile is laid on the excavated ground (approximately 15 cm), before creating a draining foundation layer composed of 30/60 or 40/80 crushed stone.

- The location of the profiles is traced using a string, respecting the center distance defined in the installation plan.

- The location of the plots on the ground is carried out using a chalk line, perpendicular, following the recommended center distance, i.e. 80 cm for private terraces.

Preparation of the self-supporting PROFILDECK® structure from JOUPLAST®

The JOUPLAST® "Essential" range of pedestals allows for the installation of PROFILDECK® profiles using compatible adapters. An adapter is attached to each pedestal with a simple click. The profiles are then secured and held onto the pedestals using the adapters. These adapters also allow two profiles to be joined together using four fixing points.

Lightweight, easy to install and cut, the PROFILDECK® double-sided aluminium profiles from JOUPLAST® are suitable for installing wood or composite slats on the face side, or mineral slabs on the back side.

The structure's mesh is created according to the dimensions of the slabs. Horizontal assembly brackets allow the creation of 90° angles, the fixing of reinforcements or a peripheral profile.

Stages of the construction site

- Glue the rubber strips
Unroll the self-adhesive rubber strips onto the profiles, facing the slab. These strips ensure better support and perfect hold of the slab on the profiles.

- Setting up the structure
Position the studs, clip the adapters onto the stud heads, then install the profiles onto the adapters by applying pressure. Adjust the height of the studs by turning the nut by hand to the desired level.

- Installation of spacers and laying of paving
Clip the tile spacers into the PROFILDECK® profile rail. These breakable spacers, for staggered installation or against a wall, create a 3 mm drainage space for water to flow between the tiles. Their 10 mm lateral clearance makes installation easier. Install the paving, readjusting the center distance and level as you install.

- Finishing at the end of the profile
Position the tiles at the end of the profile, taking care to leave them protruding by about 2 cm to accommodate the thickness of the plinth. Insert the finishing T into the profile (hollow part upwards), then fix it
using the structural screws. Position the side cladding support on the base of the pad.
Apply PU glue to the glue traps provided on the finishing T and on the side cladding support. Place the baseboard on the side cladding support, at the base of the stud, then press it against the glue on the T.

PROFILDECK® range from JOUPLAST®

> Double-sided aluminum profile : one side for the creation of wooden and composite terraces, one side for the creation of mineral slab terraces. Suitable for JOUPLAST® pedestals from the “Essentiel” range. Length 3 m.
Indicative retail price: from €45 including tax
Points of sale: traders, large DIY stores

> Self-drilling structural screws : for fixing brackets and adapters.
> Horizontal assembly bracket : for fixing reinforcements, profiles or creating a 90° horizontal angle.
> Vertical assembly bracket : for the creation of steps or a second level of terrace.
> Slab spacer : for creating regular 3 mm drainage spaces between ceramic tiles.
> Adapter for plot : to clip onto the head of the stud to hold the profile.
> Self-adhesive rubber strip : to be positioned on the rails of the profile facing the slab. Allows the paving to be held on the profile and reduces noise and resonances generated when walking on the terrace.
> Finishing T : to create the side finish of a slab terrace by holding the plinth using a system of glue traps.
> Side panel support : to hold the plinth in place using a system of glue traps.