Schluter -DITRA Installation Handbook 2020 - Lowe's

Transcription

Schluter -DITRA Installation Handbook 2020The Universal Underlayment for Ceramic and Stone Tile

Schluter -DITRASpecifically designed as an underlayment forceramic and stone tileCeramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface coverings.However, today’s lightweight construction methods can make the installation of hard surface coverings particularlychallenging. In order to protect the integrity of the tile assembly, an underlayment that performs multiple functionsis required.Schluter -DITRA is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any even andload-bearing substrate. The integration of DITRA’s uncoupling, waterproofing, load-distribution, and vapormanagement functions makes consistent results viable.UncouplingTile has been successfully installed for thousands of years by incorporating an uncoupling layer, orforgiving shear interface, within the tile assembly. DITRA provides uncoupling through its open ribstructure, which allows for in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the differential movementstresses between the substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause of cracking anddelaminating of the tiled surface.WaterproofingDITRA provides reliable waterproofing. Its polyethylene composition protects the substrate frommoisture penetration, which is particularly important in today’s building environment where mostsubstrates are moisture sensitive.Vapor ManagementThe distinguishing feature of DITRA is the existence of free space created by the configuredchannels on the underside of the matting. The free space provides a route for excess moistureand vapor to escape from the substrate that could otherwise cause damage to the tile layer above.Thus, DITRA effectively manages moisture beneath the tile covering.Support/Load DistributionWhen placed on a solid foundation, columns or pillars can support tremendous loads. The samephysical principle applies to DITRA installations. Column-like mortar structures are formed inthe cutback cavities of the matting. Loads are transferred from the tile covering through thesecolumn-like mortar structures to the substrate. Since DITRA is virtually incompressible within thetile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved without sacrificing point load distributioncapabilities. The ability of DITRA installations to support and distribute heavy loads while preservingthe integrity of the tiled surface has been verified through extensive laboratory and field testing,including applications exposed to vehicular traffic.Legend EssentialSignificantHelpfulDITRA will forever changethe way you lay tile.

CONTENTSWOOD4 Floors, Interior - 16, 19.2, & 24-inch o.c. joist spacingFloors, Interior - Natural Stone TileFloors, Interior - Existing VinylFloors, Interior - Structural Plank SubfloorCONCRETE8 Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Stone TileGYPSUM9 Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Stone TileHEATED FLOORSACCESS FLOOR PANELS Young concrete Concrete subject to moisture migration Pre-stressed/post-tensioned concrete10 Wood Substrate - Electric thin-mat or wire systemWood Substrate - Thin slab (lightweight or gypsum concrete)Concrete Substrate - Structural concrete slab12 Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Porcelain TileWATERPROOFING13 Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Stone TileMOVEMENT JOINTS14 Placement guidelines and descriptionsWOOD UNDERLAYMENTINSTALLATIONTHIN-SET FACTSTHIN-SET DISCUSSIONTESTING & CERTIFICATIONSHOW DOES IT WORKNATURAL STONESOUND CONTROLPRODUCT SELECTIONWARRANTIESThis installation handbook is subject to changewithout notice. Please visit www.schluter.comfor the latest version.17 Installation guidelines18 Schluter -DITRA installation instructions20 Discussion of thin-set mortar types to be used withSchluter -DITRA21 Evaluation of mortar types used with Schluter -DITRA ASTM C627 Shear bond strength Freeze/thaw exposure22 Product Evaluation23 Explanation of how Schluter -DITRA functions24 Discussion of natural stone and single-layer wood subfloors26 Discussion of sound control in conjunction with ceramicand stone tile27 Choosing between Schluter -DITRA and DITRA-XL30Schluter -Systems’ written installation instructions shall haveprecedence over referenced industry standard guidelines and installationprocedures insofar as referenced information may contain overlapping orconflicting requirements. Type, thickness, and format of the ceramic orstone tile surface covering must be suitable for the intended application.

WOODEvery substrate presents unique challengesAll wood materials, including OSB, plywood, and framing members, are subject to expansion, contraction, bending, and deflection as aresult of changes in moisture content and loading. Further, these deformations fluctuate over the life of the building structure.The uncoupling function of Schluter -DITRA protects the ceramic or stone tile covering from the aforementioneddeformations by neutralizing the differential movement stresses between the wood structure and the tile, thus eliminatingthe major cause of cracking and delaminating of the tiled surface. Therefore, DITRA can replace a second layer of plywoodin most applications.Since wood structures are sensitive to moisture, the DITRA membrane's waterproofing function adds an essentialelement to the flooring assembly by providing simple, effective, and permanent moisture protection.Wood continually absorbs and releases moisture. The free space beneath the DITRA membrane allows the wood tobreathe and provides a route for any residual moisture in the wood substrate to escape.Since DITRA is virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved withoutsacrificing point load distribution capabilities.By addressing all of the challenges associated with today’s fast, lightweight construction methods, DITRA provides a durable installationsystem for ceramic and stone tile over wood substrates.Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Porcelain Tile16" (406 mm) o.c. joist spacing, single layer OSBor plywood subfloorD-W16-T-20Ceramic or porcelain tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneSchluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or modified thin-set mortarSingle layer of plywoodor OSBAreas of Applicationover any even and structurally sound OSB orplywood subfloor with 16" (406 mm) o.c.joist spacinginterior dry or wet areasSetting and Grouting Materialsmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.11unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Limitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tilefor natural stone, see detail D-W-S (page 6)and natural stone discussion (page 24)Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Requirementsmaximum spacing of joists, I-joists, or floortrusses is 16" (406 mm) o.c.minimum subfloor thickness – 19/32", 5/8"nom. (16 mm) tongue-and-groove with 1/8"(3 mm) gap between sheetsJoists, I-joists, ortrussesSubstrate Preparationverify that subfloor panels are properlyfastened to framing membersany leveling of the subfloor must be doneprior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XLMovement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJ 4 WOOD — Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Porcelain TileOther Considerationstightly butted and/or tented plywood or OSBseams must be addressed prior to installingDITRA and DITRA-XLvapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codeswhere a waterproof floor is required, allDITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/walltransitions must be sealed with Schluter KERDI-BAND using Schluter SET , SchluterALL-SET , Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar; see page 13

19.2" (488 mm) o.c. joist spacing, single layer OSBor plywood subfloorD-W19-T-20Ceramic or porcelain tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneSchluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or modified thin-set mortarSingle layer of plywoodor OSBAreas of Applicationover any even and structurally sound OSB orplywood subfloor with 19.2" (488 mm) o.c.joist spacinginterior dry or wet areasSetting and Grouting Materialsmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.11unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Limitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tilefor natural stone, see detail D-W-S (page 6)and natural stone discussion (page 24)Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Requirementsmaximum spacing of joists, I-joists, or floortrusses is 19.2" (488 mm) o.c.minimum subfloor thickness – 23/32", 3/4"nom. (19 mm) tongue-and-groove with 1/8"(3 mm) gap between sheetsJoists, I-joists, ortrussesSubstrate Preparationverify that subfloor panels are properlyfastened to framing membersany leveling of the subfloor must be doneprior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XLOther Considerationstightly butted and/or tented plywood or OSBseams must be addressed prior to installingDITRA and DITRA-XLvapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codeswhere a waterproof floor is required, allDITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/walltransitions must be sealed with Schluter KERDI-BAND using Schluter SET , SchluterALL-SET , Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar; see page 13Movement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJ 24" (610 mm) o.c. joist spacing, double layer OSBor plywood subfloorD-W24-T-20Ceramic or porcelain tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneAreas of Applicationover any even and structurally sound doublelayer OSB or plywood floorInterior dry or wet areasLimitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tileSchluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or modified thin-set mortarRequirementsmaximum spacing of I-joists or floor trussesis 24" (610 mm) o.c.double layer wood floor consisting of: minimum subfloor thickness – 23/32",3/4" nom. (19 mm) tongue-and-groove minimum underlayment thickness –11/32", 3/8" nom. (10 mm)Double layer of plywoodor OSBJoists, I-joists, ortrussesSubstrate Preparationverify that subfloor panels are properlyfastened to framing membersunderlayment – minimum 11/32", 3/8" nom.(10 mm)-thick Exposure 1, plugged-faceplywood or OSB with 1/8" (3 mm) gapbetween sheets; see page 17 forunderlayment installation guidelinesany leveling of the assembly must be doneprior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XL Setting and Grouting Materialsmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.11unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Other Considerationstightly butted and/or tented plywood or OSBseams must be addressed prior to installingDITRA and DITRA-XLvapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codes.where a waterproof floor is required, allDITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/walltransitions must be sealed with Schluter KERDI-BAND using Schluter SET , SchluterALL-SET , Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar; see page 13ceramic or porcelain tile can be installed oversingle layer wood subfloors on joists spacedat 24" (610 mm) o.c. when using DITRA-XL;see detail D-W24-XL-T on page 6Movement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJWOOD — Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Porcelain Tile5

D-W24-XL-T-20Ceramic or porcelain tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarDITRA-XLuncoupling membraneSchluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or modified thin-set mortarSingle layer of plywoodor OSB24" (610 mm) o.c. joist spacing, single layer OSBor plywood subfloorAreas of Applicationover any even and structurally sound OSB orplywood subfloor with 24" (610 mm) o.c.joist spacinginterior dry or wet areasSetting and Grouting Materialsmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.11unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Limitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tilefor natural stone, see detail D-W-S (page 6)and natural stone discussion (page 24)Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Requirementsmaximum spacing of I-joists or floor trussesis 24" (610 mm) o.c.minimum subfloor thickness – 23/32", 3/4"nom. (19 mm) tongue-and-groove with 1/8"(3 mm) gap between sheetsJoists, I-joists, ortrussesSubstrate Preparationverify that subfloor panels are properlyfastened to framing membersany leveling of the subfloor must be doneprior to installing DITRA-XLOther Considerationstightly butted and/or tented plywood or OSBseams must be addressed prior to installingDITRA-XLvapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codeswhere a waterproof floor is required, all DITRAXL seams and floor/wall transitions must besealed with Schluter -KERDI-BAND usingSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET , SchluterFAST-SET , or unmodified thin-set mortar; seepage 13Movement JointsDITRA-XL does not eliminate the need formovement joints, including perimeter joints,within the tiled surface. Movement joints mustbe installed in accordance with industrystandards and norms; see page 14 of thisHandbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC 301MJ Floors, Interior - Natural Stone TileD-W-S-20Double layer of OSB or plywood subfloorNatural stone tileAreas of Applicationover any even and structurally sound doublelayer OSB or plywood floorinterior dry or wet areasSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarLimitationsrequires double layer wood floor regardlessof joist spacingminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tileDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneSchluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or modified thin-set mortar Requirementsmaximum spacing of joists, I-joists, or floortrusses is 24" (610 mm) o.c.double layer wood floor consisting of: minimum subfloor thickness – 23/32",3/4" nom. (19 mm) tongue-and-groove minimum underlayment thickness –11/32", 3/8" nom. (10 mm)Double layer of plywoodor OSBJoists, I-joists, ortrussesSubstrate Preparationverify that subfloor panels are properlyfastened to framing membersunderlayment – minimum 11/32", 3/8" nom.(10 mm)-thick Exposure 1, plugged-faceplywood or OSB with 1/8" (3 mm) gapbetween sheets; see page 17 forunderlayment installation guidelinesany leveling of the assembly must be doneprior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XL 6 WOOD — Floors, InteriorMovement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJSetting and Grouting Materialsmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.11unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Other Considerationscertain moisture-sensitive stones, e.g., greenmarble, or resin-backed tiles may requirespecial setting materials. Consult stonesupplier and Schluter -Systems for moreinformationtightly butted and/or tented plywood or OSBseams must be addressed prior to installingDITRA and DITRA-XLvapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codeswhere a waterproof floor is required, allDITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/walltransitions must be sealed with Schluter KERDI-BAND using Schluter SET , SchluterALL-SET , Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar; see page 13

Floors, Interior - Existing Vinyl FloorsD-V-T-20Areas of Applicationover any even and structurally soundsubstrate with existing vinyl flooringinterior dry or wet areasTile or wood baseCeramic, porcelain or stone tileRONDECLimitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tilecushioned vinyl unacceptableperimeter bonded vinyl flooring unacceptablemultiple layers of vinyl unacceptableDILEX-EKESchluter SET ,Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or unmodifiedthin-set mortar Requirementsfor wood substrates, subfloor/underlaymentconfiguration according to detail D-W16-T,D-W19-T, D-W24-T, D-W24-XL-T, or D-W-S;D-W24-XL-T for use with DITRA-XL onlyKERDI-BANDDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneSubstrate Preparationensure that the structure beneath the vinyl issound and adequateensure that vinyl is well adheredremove any wax and clean vinylfor wood substrates, nail off floor with ringshank flooring nails every 4" (102 mm) o.c.– fasteners must pass through entire thickness of assembly with minimal penetrationinto joistsany leveling of the assembly must be doneprior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XLSchluter FAST-SET ,or fast-setting modifiedthin-set mortarExisting vinylPlywood or OSBJoists, I-joists, ortrussesMovement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJ D-SP-TS-20Setting and Grouting MaterialsFast-setting modified thin-set mortar – ANSIA118.4 or ANSI A118.15unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Other ConsiderationsDITRA and DITRA-XL are adhered to the vinylflooring using Schluter FAST-SET or fastsetting modified thin-set mortar suitable forbonding to vinyl. As an alternative, a suitablecement-based embossing leveler or SchluterALL-SET or an appropriate modified thinset mortar can be used to skim coat the vinylto provide a bonding surface. When skimcoat is cured, DITRA and DITRA-XL areadhered to the skim coat using SchluterSET or unmodified thin-set mortar. Seepage 21 for discussion on latex-modifiedthin-set mortars sandwiched between twoimpervious layersseaming DITRA and DITRA-XL, includingfloor/wall connections, with Schluter KERDI-BAND may be appropriate in caseswhere a break in the water line of an icemaker or dishwasher can damage preexisting moisture-sensitive substrates andunderlayments. KERDI-BAND floor/wallconnections are just as easily concealed withwood base as with tile. KERDI-BAND floor/wall connections in dishwasher alcoves areparged with thin-set mortar; see page 13vapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codescertain moisture-sensitive stones, e.g., greenmarble, or resin-backed tiles may require specialsetting materials. Consult stone supplier andSchluter -Systems for more informationFloors, Interior - Structural Plank SubfloorCeramic, porcelain or stone tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarAreas of Applicationover structural plank subfloorsinterior dry or wet areasDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneLimitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tileSchluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or modified thin-set mortarRequirementsmaximum spacing of joists is 24" (610 mm) o.c.double layer wood floor consisting of: minimum structural plank subfloorthickness – 3/4" (19 mm) minimum underlayment thickness –15/32", 1/2" nom. (13 mm)Plywood or OSBunderlaymentStructural planksubfloorJoistsSubstrate Preparationverify that subfloor planks are properlyfastened to framing membersunderlayment – minimum 15/32", 1/2" nom.(13 mm)-thick Exposure 1, plugged-faceplywood or OSB with 1/8" (3 mm) gapbetween sheets; see page 17 forunderlayment installation guidelinesany leveling of the assembly must be doneprior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XLMovement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJSetting and Grouting Materialsmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.11unmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Other Considerationsvapor barrier on crawl space floors accordingto regional building codeswhere a waterproof floor is required, allDITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/walltransitions must be sealed with Schluter KERDI-BAND using Schluter SET , SchluterALL-SET , Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar; see page 13certain moisture-sensitive stones, e.g., greenmarble, or resin-backed tiles may requirespecial setting materials. Consult stonesupplier and Schluter -Systems for moreinformationWOOD — Floors, Interior 7

CONCRETEEvery substrate presents unique challengesThere are various challenges associated with the installation of hard surface coverings on concrete substrates.To begin, the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete is close to twice that of ceramic tile. Additionally, tile contractors are often expectedto install tile over young concrete (concrete cured less than 28 days). However, rigid surface coverings installed over young concrete aresusceptible to damage as a result of shrinkage during curing. Pre-stressed/post-tensioned concrete slabs are also commonplace in today’sconstruction environment. Although pre-stressing is used to help control deflections in concrete structures, these slabs are still subject todeformations caused by changes in moisture, temperature, and loading. Many concrete slabs on or below grade are subject to moisturemigration, which can be problematic. Furthermore, these structures experience the same deformations as stated above.The uncoupling function of Schluter -DITRA protects the ceramic or stone tile covering by neutralizing the differentialmovement stresses between the concrete substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause of cracking anddelaminating of the tiled surface.The DITRA membrane's waterproofing ability not only protects the substrate from moisture and harmful substances, italso slows the drying of fresh concrete, which reduces the chances of cracking and curling of the slab.The free space beneath the DITRA matting provides a route for any residual moisture in the concrete slab to escape. Thisallows the installation of DITRA and the tile covering as soon as the slab can be walked upon. Vapor management is alsoessential for slabs subject to moisture migration.Since DITRA is virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved without sacrificingpoint load distribution capabilities. This allows DITRA to be installed in commercial and industrial applications exposed toheavy vehicular traffic, provided the type, format, and thickness of the tile is appropriate for the application.By addressing all of the challenges associated with today’s fast construction methods, DITRA provides a durable installation system forceramic and stone tile over concrete substrates.Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Stone TileConcrete subfloorD-C-TS-20Ceramic, porcelain or stone tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortarDITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneSchluter SET ,Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or unmodifiedthin-set mortarAreas of Applicationover any structurally sound and evenconcrete subflooryoung concrete (concrete cured less than 28 days)on or below grade concrete subject tomoisture migrationpost-tensioned or pre-stressed concretecracked concreteLimitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tileconcrete slabs subject to moisture migrationmust have all seams in DITRA and DITRA-XLsealed with Schluter -KERDI-BAND usingSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET , SchluterFAST-SET , or unmodified thin-set mortarany cracks in concrete subfloor must exhibitin-plane movement only; thin-set tileassemblies, including those incorporatingDITRA or DITRA-XL, cannot accommodatedifferential vertical displacementConcreteRequirementsslab to be structurally soundslab to be free of waxy or oily films and curingcompounds (when present, mechanicalscarifying is necessary)the installation of DITRA or DITRA-XL and tilecan begin as soon as the slab can be walkeduponslab to be free of standing water 8 Substrate Preparationany leveling or sloping of the slab orassembly must be done prior to installingDITRA and DITRA-XLCONCRETE — Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Stone TileMovement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJconcrete floors may incorporate variousmovement joints; see page 14 of thisHandbook for guidelines on how to treat thedifferent types of joints (control/contractionjoints, expansion joints, etc.)Setting and Grouting Materialsunmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7, A118.8Setting and Grouting Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10Other Considerationswhere a waterproof floor is required, allDITRA and DITRA-XL seams and floor/walltransitions must be sealed with Schluter KERDI-BAND using Schluter SET , SchluterALL-SET , Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar; see page 13certain moisture-sensitive stones, e.g., greenmarble, or resin-backed tiles may require specialsetting materials. Consult stone supplier andSchluter -Systems for more information

GYPSUMEvery substrate presents unique challengesBonding ceramic or stone tiles directly to gypsum concrete substrates is generally considered questionable or not recommended. Thechallenges associated with gypsum-based underlayments include the requirement of an extended drying period before installing tile andcontinued sensitivity to the reintroduction of moisture throughout the life of the installation. In addition, since the coefficient of thermalexpansion of gypsum concrete is substantially greater than that of ceramic tile, shear stresses caused by temperature fluctuations canresult in delamination or cracking of the tile covering. This is particularly important when gypsum concrete is used as a thermal mass forradiant heated floors. With the increasing popularity of radiant heated floors, which typically utilize gypsum concrete, tile installers need areliable installation system to address these issues.The uncoupling function of Schluter -DITRA protects the ceramic or stone tile covering by neutralizing the differentialmovement stresses between the gypsum concrete substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause of crackingand delaminating of the tiled surface.The DITRA membrane's waterproofing function prevents the reintroduction of moisture to gypsum concreteunderlayments, which, if not prevented, could significantly compromise performance of the underlayment and lead todamage of the tiled surface.The residual moisture in gypsum concrete is allowed to escape through the air channels on the underside of the DITRAmatting. This is particularly important since gypsum concrete must dry in order to gain strength.Since DITRA is virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved withoutsacrificing point load distribution capabilities.By addressing all of the challenges associated with today’s fast, lightweight construction methods, DITRA provides a durable installationsystem for ceramic and stone tile over gypsum substrates.Floors, Interior - Ceramic or Stone TileGypsum concreteD-G-TS-20Ceramic, porcelain or stone tileSchluter SET , Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET , or unmodifiedthin-set mortar DITRA or DITRA-XLuncoupling membraneAreas of Applicationover gypsum concrete underlayment placedover structurally sound wood or concretesubfloorsinterior dry or wet areasLimitationsminimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tileSchluter SET ,Schluter ALL-SET ,Schluter FAST-SET ,or unmodifiedthin-set mortarRequirementsfor wood substrates, subfloor/underlaymentconfiguration according to detail D-W16-T,D-W19-T, D-W24-T, or D-W24-XL-T;D-W24-XL-T for use with DITRA-XL onlywhere radiant heat tubes are laid over thesubfloor, gypsum poured to a height that is3/4" (19 mm) above the tops of the tubes isrequired before installing DITRA and DITRA-XLresidual moisture in gypsum screed, 2.0%(percentage by volume) or less beforeinstalling DITRA and DITRA-XLGypsum concreteSubstrate Preparationgypsum – follow manufacturer’s directions Movement JointsDITRA and DITRA-XL do not eliminate theneed for movement joints, including perimeterjoints, within the tiled surface. Movementjoints must be installed in accordance withindustry standards and norms; see page 14of this Handbook, TCNA EJ171, and TTMAC301 MJSetting and Grouting Materialsunmodified thin-set mortar – ANSI A118.1grout – ANSI A118.3, A118.6, A118.7,A118.8Installation Specificationstile – ANSI A108.5grout – ANSI A108.6, A108.9, A108.10gypsum – follow manufacturer’srecommendationsOther Considerationssince DITRA and DITRA-XL must bond to thegypsumconcrete,followgypsummanufacturer’s recommendations regardingprimers and/or special surface preparationbefore installing DITRA and DITRA-XL.where a waterproof floor is r

The distinguishing feature of DITRA is the existence of free space created by the configured channels on the underside of the matting. The free space provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to escape from the substrate that could otherwise cause damage to the tile layer above. Thus, DITRA effectively manages moisture beneath the tile .