
Uncoupling Membrane Mortar is a dry-set mortar for use in large-and-heavy-tile and thin-set applications for installing tile on floors and walls.
What kind of mortar do you use for uncoupling membranes?
Use a Mortar Recommended by the Tile Manufacturer Some of the uncoupling membranes available today recommend the use of an ANSI A118.1 non-modified thin-set mortar to bond the ceramic or stone tile to the plastic surface of the membrane.
What is an uncoupling membrane?
| Ditra. An uncoupling membrane provides a break between two rigid surfaces. In other words, it allows both surfaces to move independently. When you bond tile directly to a rigid surface, say concrete or cbu, or even plywood, the thing between them must have enough flexibility to keep the stresses low enough so that the bond can keep them attached.
Can you use uncoupling membrane under floor tile?
Uncoupling membrane is a waterproof material used under floor tile. If you're going to install floor tile, you need some kind of underlayment, like cementboard (tile backerboard) or an uncoupling membrane. Plywood isn't suitable because it's too flexible, and it isn't waterproof.
What is the purpose of an uncoupling mat?
The tiles are bonded to the top surface of the mat, while the loosely bonded, bottom fleece is bonded to the concrete subfloor. The uncoupling mat absorbs stress from substrate movement and preserves the surface and integrity of the tile and grout. Installations that Call for Uncoupling

When would you use an uncoupling membrane?
Uncoupling membranes are used to reduce stresses between a building and screed. When a screed is laid, shrinkage can occur or stresses in the main structure of the building reduce impacts resulting in cracking. Putting a membrane between the subfloor and tile can help to avoid this occurring.
Is uncoupling mortar the same as unmodified?
Uncoupling Membrane Mortar is an unmodified, dry set, medium bed mortar that was created for use with uncoupling membrane and waterproofing membrane.
Is uncoupling mortar waterproof?
Tile installers usually use cementboard as a tile underlayment over a standard plywood subfloor, but as Home Flooring Pros advises, there are situations for which an uncoupling membrane is a better choice. It's completely waterproof, and it allows the subfloor and tile layer to move independently.
What type of mortar is used for uncoupling membrane?
4 mortar, like VersaBond®. Uncoupling Mat Mortar does fit the requirements of an ANSI A118. 1 thin-set mortar to be used in conjunction with an uncoupling membrane, as recommended by many manufacturers of uncoupling membranes.
What is the best mortar for shower tile?
thinsetBecause thinset is not affected by moisture, it is best for floor tile and any tile in wet areas, including shower floors, walls, and ceilings and tub surrounds. Since thinset tile mortar may crack, you may wish to mix it with a special latex additive to increase its strength.
What is the best mortar for tile?
0:222:18Choosing the Right Mortar for Tile Setting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAfter you've properly prepared your surface. It's time to select the right mortar the size of theMoreAfter you've properly prepared your surface. It's time to select the right mortar the size of the tile. And the type of the tile help to determine what mortar is best. If you are installing porcelain
Is uncoupling membrane better than cement board?
Backer boards are made of concrete and fiberglass mesh, and must screwed into the subfloor to secure it. Because it's screwed down, it can't provide crack protection like uncoupling mats. Because of their makeup, uncoupling mats are faster and easier to install.
Can I use uncoupling mortar for tile?
Uncoupling Membrane Mortar is a dry-set mortar for use in large-and-heavy-tile and thin-set applications for installing tile on floors and walls.
How do you install uncoupling membrane?
3:0121:51How To Install Floor Uncoupling Membrane - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just got to get the right quantity for what you're doing. Okay.MoreSo you just got to get the right quantity for what you're doing. Okay.
Can I use modified thinset on uncoupling membrane?
In general, we don't recommend the use of modified thin-set mortar to set tile over the membranes because these mortars must air dry to cure properly.
How long after laying DITRA can I tile?
Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.
Does Thinset stick to DITRA?
While the membrane's fleece IS bonded to the substrate, thinset does NOT stick to Ditra, and there are voids between the pillars that hold the tile up which means that if a lateral stress is applied, the whole tile and thinset layer can move totally independently of the subfloor or slab only restricted by the ...
How do you know if mortar is unmodified?
Look for this standard on the packaging (e.g., product meets ANSI A118. 1 when mixed with water). Unmodified thin-set mortar may also be referred to as dry-set mortar by the manufacturer. Modified thin-set mortars are similar to unmodified thin-set mortars, but include additional polymers such as latex.
Can you use unmodified thinset under DITRA?
To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.
What happens if you use modified thinset on Kerdi?
Modified thinset mortars aren't recommended for use with Kerdi because they must dry out to gain strength, whereas the membrane inhibits drying, which can lead to unpredictable results. For example, if a shower is used before the mortar has cured properly, leaks and polymer leaching can occur.
Can I use modified thinset over DITRA?
Since DITRA is impervious, it does not deprive the mortar of its moisture. This allows the cement to properly hydrate, resulting in a strong, dense bond coat. In general, we don't recommend the use of modified thin-set mortar to set tile over the membranes because these mortars must air dry to cure properly.
What Is an Uncoupling Membrane?
Known as "dimple mat" by some contractors, an uncoupling membrane is a 1/8-inch-thick sheet of plastic material with a synthetic fabric or fleece backing and a surface covered with square cavities, or dimples. The felt backing anchors onto a layer of thinset mortar applied to the subfloor, and the dimples on the top hold another layer of thinset for adhering the tiles.
What is a dimple mat?
Known as "dimple mat" by some contractors, an uncoupling membrane is a 1/8-inch-thick sheet of plastic material with a synthetic fabric or fleece backing and a surface covered with square cavities, or dimples. The felt backing anchors onto a layer of thinset mortar applied to the subfloor, and the dimples on the top hold another layer of thinset for adhering the tiles.
What is the best way to fix high spots on concrete?
You should also clean the concrete with a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water, which removes oils and etches the surface, improving mortar adhesion.
Is concrete waterproof or waterproof?
Plywood isn't suitable because it's too flexible, and it isn't waterproof. Concrete may be rigid enough, but it's also prone to moisture, and it can expand, ...
Can cementboard be used as a tile underlayment?
Tile installers usually use cementboard as a tile underlayment over a standard plywood subfloor, but as Home Flooring Pros advises, there are situations for which an uncoupling membrane is a better choice. It's completely waterproof, and it allows the subfloor and tile layer to move independently.
