
Ditra should be installed on plywood subfloors using modified thinset mortar, not unmodified. Modified thinset mortar adds latex polymers to increase its adhesion and strength. This makes it work better with plywood.
What type of thin-set mortar is used to install Ditra?
Nov 15, 2021 · Ditra should be installed on plywood subfloors using modified thinset mortar, not unmodified. Modified thinset mortar adds latex polymers to increase its adhesion and strength. This makes it work better with plywood. Unmodified is adequate for use on concrete floors. Is uncoupling mortar the same as unmodified?
Can you use modified thinset on Ditra?
May 26, 2020 · What type of mortar do I use for Ditra? For example, to set DITRA over plywood or OSB, a modified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. 11 is used . To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter -Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.
How do you set Ditra over concrete or gypsum?
Schluter-Systems requires the use of Schluter SET™ , ALL-SET™ , FAST-SET™, or an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1 to install ceramic. (including porcelain) and stone tile over DITRA and DITRA-XL. Portland cement-based unmodified thin-set mortars are dependent on the presence of moisture for hydration in order to gain strength. Since DITRA is …
Can You tile over Ditra?
The type of thin-set mortar used to install DITRA depends on the substrate material. For example, to set DITRA over plywood or OSB, a modified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.11 is used. To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118.1. Please consult the …

Can you use modified mortar on 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.
Can you use pre mixed mortar for DITRA?
No. Schluter-Systems does not recommend the use of premixed thin-set mortars (mastics/adhesives) in any DITRA installation.
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.
Should I use modified or unmodified thinset?
Modified thinset is the product of choice for most tile installations because of its increased strength and bonding with minimal shrinkage, which means a reduced chance of cracks forming in the tile. WarmlyYours Radiant Heating recommends modified thinset mortar for nearly all tile and stone installations.Feb 22, 2019
What Thinset should I use?
0:292:18Choosing the Right Mortar for Tile Setting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we recommend using glass tile premium thin set mortar it.MoreSo we recommend using glass tile premium thin set mortar it.
What mortar do you use for Schluter?
Schluter-Systems requires the use of Schluter SET™ , ALL-SET™ , FAST-SET™, or an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. 1 to set ceramic and stone tile, including large format tiles, over the KERDI membrane.
Is uncoupling membrane mortar the same as unmodified mortar?
Uncoupling Membrane Mortar is an unmodified, dry set, medium bed mortar that was created for use with uncoupling membrane and waterproofing membrane.
Do I need to use uncoupling membrane mortar?
When Should You Use an Uncoupling Membrane? Laying an uncoupling membrane will increase porcelain or ceramic tile installation cost, but it can significantly boost the durability of your tiled floor.
Can you use unmodified thinset on plywood?
Thinset is the wet base that you first trowel on the plywood to make the tile stick. Higher latex content is essential for bonding to plywood. A quality unmodified thinset should be used and mixed with a latex additive.Oct 28, 2021
Are thinset and mortar the same thing?
The word “thinset” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mortar,” because it's a type of modified mortar made specifically for tile. Thinset is made of sand, water, and cement, and can also contain additives for increased bonding, water resistance, and flexibility.
What is the difference between thinset and modified thinset?
What is the difference between modified and unmodified thin-set mortar? Dry-set mortar is comprised mostly of cement, sand, and a water retention agent, and is also called unmodified mortar. Modified mortar contains a polymer which can improve the bond strength and add other properties.
What is an unmodified thinset mortar?
In general, unmodified thin-set mortar is a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents that is mixed with water by the user. The appropriate product standard for unmodified thin-set mortars is ANSI A118.
Should I use modified or unmodified thinset?
It's important to note that latex-modified thinset can still be used between the membrane and the subfloor because it is not impervious. However, unmodified thinset should be used between the membrane and the tile.
Is VersaBond a modified thinset?
The Custom Building Products VersaBond 50 lbs. Fortified Thin-Set Mortar is a professional formula, all-purpose mortar, polymer-modified to provide good bond strengths. VersaBond cures quickly and adheres to most surfaces.
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.
What is difference between modified and unmodified thinset?
Unmodified thinset has been around forever. Unlike unmodified mortar, which consists only of a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents, modified thinset includes additional retention products, such as latex polymers, which can increase its performance and strength.
Which Thinset for Kerdi?
Unmodified thin-set mortar is recommended to set ceramic and stone tile, including large format tiles, over the KERDI membrane. Portland cement-based unmodified thin-set mortars are dependent on the presence of moisture for hydration in order to gain strength.
Is VersaBond modified or unmodified?
VersaBond® Professional Thin-Set Mortar. A professional formula, all-purpose mortar, polymer-modified to provide good bond strength for floor and tile projects. VersaBond® cures quickly even in cold climates and adheres to most surfaces, exceeding ANSI A118.
Is unmodified thinset waterproof?
All portland based cementious products will allow water to pass through. The latex modified is more resistant due to the latex that is mixed in with the adhesive but that doesn;t make it "waterproof". The latex also allows a bit more flex in the tile and substrate. As Jason described, thinset itself isn't waterproof.
How to mix mortar?
Mixing Mortar. Mortar can be mixed in small amounts by hand. If you’re making mortar from scratch, use a dry bucket to measure the materials. Pour the ingredients into the mixing container, add water, and mix, scraping the bottom often.
What are the different types of mortar?
The different types of mortar are denoted by the letters: M, S, N, and O. Different mixtures provide different characteristics, such as compressive strength, flexibility, and bonding properties.
What is mortar in masonry?
Mortar bonds bricks and other units of masonry together and adheres tiles to an underlayment. Mortar provides structural integrity to a wall, floor, or other structure but is flexible enough to allow shifting without cracking. Mortar is not the same as cement, concrete, or grout.
Does mortar crack?
While mortar has a lower strength than concrete, it has the ability to retain water, and it has a high air content. This means that when temperatures freeze and the water in the mortar expands into ice, the ice moves into the air bubbles, preventing the mortar from cracking.
What type of mortar is used for retaining walls?
Type S Mort ar. Like Type N mortar, type S is medium-strength (1,800 psi,) but it’s stronger than Type N and can be used for below-grade exterior walls and outdoor patios. It’s ideal for applications where the building materials come into contact with the ground, such as shallow retaining walls and paving stones.
Is thin set mortar good for tile?
Thin-set tile mortar is smooth and slippery and comes pre-mixed or in powder form, which you mix with water. A major advantage of thin-set is that it helps to level slightly uneven surfaces.
What is Type O mortar?
Type O mortar is made using one part Portland cement, two parts hydrated lime, and nine parts sand. It’s important to note that a lower-psi mortar is not inferior to one with a higher psi. Mortars with a low psi have superior adhesive and sealing powers compared with mortars with a high psi.
