When installing ceramic, stone, or porcelain tiles, it’s important to consider the surface that the tile will be laid upon. Different substrates have properties that can affect the longevity of your tile installation and since tiles can be expensive, using an uncoupling membrane can help protect your investment.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membranes.

What Is an Uncoupling Membrane?

Temperature and moisture changes cause substrates and tiles to expand and contract at different rates and an uncoupling membrane is used when you don’t want to bond the tiles directly to the substrate. The uncoupling membrane allows the tile to move independently of the substrate and as a result, the tile will be less likely to crack or become loose over time.

When Should You Use an Uncoupling Membrane?

An uncoupling membrane is used most often when laying tile over concrete, but it can also be used:

• As a waterproof layer, when the substrate is moisture-sensitive (such as with plywood or oriented strand board)
• When the use of traditional backer board would add too much height to the floor
• To provide support to large tiles or tiles that will bear a heavy load
• To ensure the tile will adhere to challenging substrates like asphalt and metal

Schluter-DITRA Uncoupling Membranes

Key Features

Schluter-DITRA membranes uncouple tiles from substrates, provide waterproofing, and add to the durability of the installation by distributing heavy loads. They also prevent moisture buildup via built-in channels, protecting tile from damage.

The fleece layer of the membrane is bonded to the substrate using thinset mortar and the top polyethylene layer of the membrane is bonded to the tile. The top layer of the membrane is constructed in a grid pattern containing square cavities that anchor the thinset to the tile.

Benefits

The Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane is 1/8” thick. A 39” by 95.5’ roll weighs just 39 lbs., making it much lighter than backer board for crews to load for transport and quicker for installation at the site. You would require 495 lbs. of backer board to cover the same amount of square footage as with Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane, so less storage is needed.

Finally, DITRA membranes produce little to no waste during installation, so builders can have more control over inventory.

Schluter-DITRA Membranes from Centura Tools

Schluter-DITRA Uncoupling Membrane 54 Sq. Ft. (Sold by Roll)

Role measures 3’ 3” by 16’ 5”

Schluter-DITRA Uncoupling Membrane 150 Sq. Ft. (Sold by Roll)

Roll measures 3’ 3” by 45’ 9”

Schluter-DITRA Uncoupling Membrane 323 Sq. Ft. (Sold by Roll)

Roll measures 3’ 3” by 98’ 5”

Schluter-DITRA-HEAT Membrane Sheet 3' 3" x 2' 7"

In combination with the Schluter-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables, this membrane is used for interior floor warming applications. The heating cables snap into the membrane without the need for clips or fasteners.

Schluter-DITRA-HEAT Membrane (Sold by Roll)

Roll measures 3’ 3” by 4’ 11” and covers 134.5 sq. ft.

Visit Centura Tools for Tile Tools and Equipment

If you need versatile, high-quality tools for your tiling project, look no further than Centura Tools. We supply the best products from the top tiling brands around the world, to ensure you have what you need to complete your work professionally and safely.

You can shop online by manufacturer or tool type visit us to see our equipment in person. We can be your source for professional tiling equipment and advice, and our professionals are ready to help you make the right decisions for your installation goals. Contact us at (416) 785-3311 for more information.