In September 2008 the Auckland City Council banned the practice of direct fixing tiles to waterproof membranes on exterior decks.  Although not a popular move within the industry, the practical benefits of being readily able to inspect and access the membrane for repair purposes have to be acknowledged.

The Christchurch Earthquake has also provided another example of a benefit of non-fixed flooring – they will move, but won't crack, and can be replaced with ease if they were to be damaged.

Until now, deck jacks have been the only practical method of meeting this nonstick requirement, but now there is another system offering a range of benefits.

Fix & Fit is an Italian designed system that comprises a high quality, full body porcelain tile that is fitted into a polypropylene support base.  When used over a waterproof membrane, polypropylene protective plates are attached to the support bases.  These lock the tiles together and at the same time protect the waterproof membrane from any abrasion.

The advantages over deck jacks are:

• Low 35mm from floor to top of the tile.
• Loading is dispersed as the tile is completely supported.
• Very stable — fully locked together so edge tiles do not need to be braced or packed out.
• Very quick and simple to install.
• Less expensive than deck jacks.

As Fix & Fit sits flat on the subfloor it is more suited to level, liquid-poured membranes than to lapped, torched-on membranes.  The lapping can be overcome but it will involve additional costs.

Flexible and completely draining, a Fix & Fit floor offers great weather resistance, which means no frost damage to the paving.  As the system is so simple to remove and quick to refit, there are no repair costs if substrate inspection is ever necessary.

Fix & Fit floor is an environmentally friendly product since both the mount and the tile can be recycled and the paving is easily laid without damaging the surrounding area.  It is also easy to move and does not require any disposal work.

This exciting new product is now available exclusively through The Tile Depot.  Stock is held in New Zealand of two contemporary colours, with an R11 anti-slip rating.  More colours and finishes will be added to the range in the coming months.