QA

Quick Answer: What Thinset To Use With 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 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’s the 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.

Can I use premixed thinset with DITRA?

No. Schluter-Systems does not recommend the use of premixed thin-set mortars (mastics/adhesives) in any DITRA installation.

Is Versabond modified or unmodified?

High bond strength, all-purpose, polymer-modified mortar adheres to most surfaces. For interior and exterior floors and walls.

How long do you wait to tile after installing DITRA?

How long do I have to wait before I can install tile on the Schluter®-DITRA membrane? Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.

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. 1. Please consult the Schluter-DITRA Installation Handbook before beginning your tile project to confirm the proper materials selection.

Does unmodified thinset stick to 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.

Is DITRA better than cement board?

Ditra is waterproof, while cement board lets water through but won’t be damaged by it. This may make Ditra a better choice if moisture from below is a concern, such as with some outdoor applications or installations over concrete.

Is Mapei Type 1 modified or unmodified?

Type 1 is a premium-grade, traditional, nonflammable, acrylic adhesive for setting glazed and unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles on walls, floors and countertops.

Is Mapei thinset modified?

MAPEI’s Ceramic Tile Mortar, Porcelain Tile Mortar, Large Tile & Stone Mortar and Large-Format Floor & Wall Tile Mortar contain polymer and are considered modified.

Which Mapei thinset is unmodified?

Keraset: This is Mapei’s mid-range unmodified.

Can I use premixed thinset with Schluter?

No. Schluter®-Systems does not recommend the use of premixed thin-set mortars (mastics/adhesives) in any KERDI installation.

Why is my Thinset not drying?

Excessive Humidity If you live in a tropical environment or somewhere where the humidity is high, your thinset will take longer than the 72-hour maximum curing time given as an estimate by most manufacturers.

How long does Thinset take to dry under DITRA?

When an excessive load is applied onto the Ditra surface after installation, the load is transferred to the substrate through the cavity. Ditra-set only takes 25 to 30 minutes to dry. These advantages allow you to walk on the Ditra surface before tiling or even right after installing the Ditra.

How thick should Thinset be under DITRA?

The Ditra membrane itself is 1/8″ thick, and Schluter recommends using a size 1/4″x3/16″ V notched or Square notch trowel 11/64″x11/64″ between the subfloor to Ditra, and 1/4″x3/8″ square or U notched trowel between Ditra to the tile.

How long after laying DITRA can I tile?

How long do I have to wait before I can install tile on the Schluter®-DITRA membrane? Once DITRA has been installed on the substrate, tile can be installed right away. No need to wait for the mortar to cure.

Can you use tile adhesive on DITRA?

If using covering materials with a lateral length ≥ 30 cm, we recommend bonding the covering material to DITRA 25 using a water-binding tile adhesive for rapid curing and drying. 3. Apply thin-bed mortar on the substrate with a notched trowel (recommended size: 3 x 3 mm or 4 x 4 mm; mortar requirement approx.

What is better DITRA or cement board?

Ditra is waterproof, while cement board lets water through but won’t be damaged by it. This may make Ditra a better choice if moisture from below is a concern, such as with some outdoor applications or installations over concrete. Some tile setters also prefer Ditra for its relatively quick installation.

Can I walk on Schluter Ditra?

Pro-Tip: DITRA can be walked on immediately after; there’s no need to wait for the mortar to cure.

Can I put DITRA over plywood?

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.

How much height does Ditra heat add?

Based upon your description, your rough gain in elevation is about 1-1/2″, maybe a tad less, in gain above the subfloor, from the underside of the underlayment to the top surface of the tile.

How much does a 50lb bag of thinset cover?

Thinset & Grout Coverage Info FLOOR APPLICATION WALL APPLICATION COVERAGE (based on 50lbs bag) 4 inch – 12 inch Tile 4 inch – 12 inch Tile 75 – 85 Sq Ft 12 inch – 16 inch Tile 12 inch – 16 inch Tile 60 – 70 Sq Ft 16 inch or larger 16 inch or larger 40 – 50 Sq Ft Tile thicker than 3/8 inch Tile thicker than 3/8 inch 40 – 50 Sq Ft.