A levelling profile is a long material with a highly specific purpose. It is used exclusively to level out two levels with a small difference in height. The levelling profile is mainly used in interior finishing.
Properties of a levelling profile
Compensation profiles consist of the following shaped elements:
- curved or flat edged upper sheet metal
- Stegwebs or corner tubes
- Height difference from one side to the other
- Holes
- longitudinal grooves if necessary
The curved or edged top sheet is the connecting and balancing element. It defuses a sharp edge so that it can no longer become a tripping hazard or dirt trap. The webs or corner tubes underneath serve to provide stability. They make the balancing profile torsionally stiff and give it sufficient compressive strength. The height difference is the actual design feature of the levelling profile. These profiles are available in many different web heights. This means that a suitable levelling profile can be found for many edges up to the centimetre range. The holes are used to fasten the profile. Since these long materials are subject to high mechanical loads, they are usually firmly doweled and screwed. The longitudinal grooves give wide levelling profiles a special grip. Slipping or tripping is effectively prevented by these grooves.
Processing of levelling profiles
Compensation profiles are individually adapted to the installation situation. A hand saw or small grinder is usually sufficient for this. For plastic profiles, sharp knives or side-cutting pliers can also be used for cutting. For aluminium profiles, however, suitable power tools or metal hacksaws should be used. They ensure precise cutting without bending the base material. A powerful cordless screwdriver is sufficient for fixing. Since levelling profiles are mainly used in interior finishing, it is sufficient to fix them in the screed. A percussion drill with a long drilling depth is not necessary. Before fastening with screws and dowels, however, the craftsman should make sure that no heating is installed in the floor. If underfloor heating is installed, the levelling profile should not be screwed, but only glued.
Design of levelling profiles
Compensation profiles are silver, grey or anodised in a colour of your choice ex works. In addition, they can easily be painted in any desired colour. However, abrasion-resistant paints should be used for the colour design of a levelling profile. Alternatively, it is recommended to have a balancing profile powder-coated. These plastic coatings are very robust and available in any RAL colour.