Schluter-Ditra XL 5/16 Underlayment 175sqft Roll

Schluter-Systems: A Pioneer in Tile Assembly Solutions

Schluter-Systems, founded in 1966 by Werner Schlüter, has been at the forefront of the tile assembly industry, continuously developing practical and effective solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry. With over 40 product lines recognized and utilized worldwide, the company maintains its commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional service.

One of Schluter-Systems' flagship products is the Schluter-DITRA, a versatile polyethylene membrane designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations. Featuring a grid structure of square cavities, the DITRA membrane serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer, accommodating moisture from beneath the tile covering.

The DITRA membrane offers several key benefits:

1. Effective Uncoupling: The square cutback cavities in the grid structure provide in-plane movement, neutralizing differential stresses between the substrate and tile, thereby preventing cracks and delamination.

2. Multipurpose Design: In addition to uncoupling, the DITRA membrane also functions as a waterproofing and vapor management layer, ensuring the successful installation of tile over a wide range of substrates, including plywood/OSB, concrete, gypsum, and heated floors.

3. Optimal Thickness: At 1/8" (3.5 mm) thick, the DITRA membrane minimizes the overall tile assembly thickness, allowing for seamless transitions between tile and other floor coverings, such as 3/4" thick hardwood flooring.

The installation process of the DITRA membrane is straightforward. Using a suitable thin-set mortar, the membrane is applied to the substrate with the fleece side down, ensuring full contact between the fleece webbing and the mortar. Tiles can then be installed directly over the DITRA membrane using the thin-bed method, with the mortar mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities.

For larger-scale projects, Schluter-Systems offers the DITRA-XL, a larger version of the DITRA membrane, providing a generous coverage area of 175 square feet (16.25 sq m) with dimensions of 3 ft 3" x 53' 3" (1 m x 16.25 m).

While the DITRA membrane is not a sound barrier, it does offer some sound attenuation. On a 6-inch concrete slab, it can raise the IIC rating from 28 to 38, though additional sound control measures, such as underlayment and sound-rated ceilings, are typically required to meet most building codes.

Waterproofing the DITRA and DITRA-XL membranes is not a mandatory requirement, but it can prevent damage to moisture-sensitive materials. This can be easily accomplished by sealing the seams and connections with KERDI-BAND and thin-set mortar.

It's important to note that the DITRA and DITRA-XL membranes were designed and tested for thin-bed ceramic tile and natural stone applications. Any necessary leveling of the subfloor should be done prior to the installation of the membrane.

In conclusion, Schluter-Systems' DITRA and DITRA-XL membranes offer a comprehensive solution for tile installations, addressing the challenges of uncoupling, waterproofing, and vapor management, while ensuring the successful and long-lasting performance of ceramic tile and natural stone coverings.

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