How to install the Schluter®-DITRA Uncoupling and Waterproofing Membrane

[@ViolaSounds]

7:13 if the floor to wall connection is sealed with the membrane strips and corner pieces, do you still need to give the ditra floor membrane an expansion gap? How does the floor not become anchored to the wall with the strips?

[@schlutersystems1]

The DITRA itself won't move enough to be a concern, however, you will still need to make sure to add a movement joint, such as DILEX-EKE, in between the tile and wall. Please give our Product Support team a call if you would like to discuss your particular project in more detail. 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Thanks!

[@andydoan1290]

Thank you

[@mattforrest5900]

How does the BEKOTEC adhere to the Kerdi band or Kerdi corners? I don't see the seal in the video after the uncoupling membrane is installed.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Matt! Just want to check... do you mean DITRA (as this is the DITRA video)? KERDI-BAND is applied with Schluter-ALL-SET, FAST-SET, SET, or unmodified thin-set mortar (if not Schluter thin-set)

[@stephenaronson8307]

Juan, I think we need to use membrane like this instead of the self leveling concrete.

[@dwaingourdine5000]

I have 1/2 plywood floor substrate. Is this thick enough to lay the Ditra over without having to add additional plywood over my existing substrate?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there. No, 1/2" is not thick enough to install DITRA over. If you have 16" o.c. joists, you would need to add an additional layer of 1/2" plywood, in accordance with the instructions in the DITRA Installation Handbook. If your joists are spaced further apart, the thickness of the added layer will need to be increased. You can check out the details in our Handbook, or reach out to our Product Support team if you need any help. DITRA Handbook: sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/hcc/hd8/9474566750238/DITRA%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf

[@McFlysGarage]

Question on the orange foam bordering the walls. My drywall doesn’t extend all of the way to the OSB floor so is the foam still needed? This is a renovation so the original drywall installers left a gap

[@schlutersystems1]

You just need to make sure that the thin-set, grout, and tile are not locked in. They need room to expand. 🍊

[@jeffw8057]

Can this be used in outdoor applications such as a 3-season raised wood floor room or a cement floor lanai?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! DITRA can typically be used in these applications, however there are variables that need to be considered since this would be treated as an exterior application. Can you give our Customer Support team a call to discuss this in a bit more detail, and they can advise from there. 888-472-4588 US 800-667-8746 Canada Thanks!

[@user-me3th1ud5z]

It looks like the mat needs to be placed in a certain direction in relation to the joists. Can this be explained a bit more?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Heather! No the DITRA membrane do not need to be following any specific direction. There is some more specific details to be aware of if you are planning to tile a large surface because of the movement joints, etc. Would you be able to reach out to our Customer Service team to discuss your project in a bit more detail? They’ll be able to request more information on the specifics of your project to give you the most accurate answer possible. You can reach them at 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA). Thanks

[@MrBillJDavis]

Trowel notches are in the long direction (direction of the DITRA) at 0:46. Is that recommended? I'd think short direction would be preferred.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! This is a preference. From our side, either way is fine!

[@user-jv5wq7si7h]

Amazing product, can you use for porcelain tile

[@schlutersystems1]

HI there! Yes, you can install your porcelain tile over the DITRA membrane !

[@Trainman0401]

Question: …..Can I install Ditra after leveling my concrete floor with leveling compound? Some well known KZbinrs have warned against it because installing it over leveling compound will void the warranty.

[@schlutersystems1]

Good question! Yes, that is totally fine. Our Handbook instructs that any levelling of the subfloor must be done prior to installing DITRA and DITRA-XL. Levelling compound is a perfectly acceptable option, as long as installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[@ks13077]

Is it okay with porcelain tile? I think my installer used this with porcelain tiles

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! Yes, you can use our DITRA membrane with porcelain tiles

[@steveb9733]

So as long as i use the schluter all set it doesnt matter the tile or substrate material?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there ! ALL-SET can be used over plywood/OSB, concrete, and gypsum, but not vinyl. As for the tile installation over the DITRA, ALL-SET can be used with ceramic, porcelain, and some natural stone, but not with moisture sensitive stone (e.g., green marble), resin-backed tile, or glass tile. Hope that helps!

[@DannyLynagh]

Would this system be a good choice for waterproofing a poured concrete water tank that is in ground? Tank size is 4’ deep x 6’ wide x 11’ long?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Danny. Thank you for reaching out. Can you please contact our Customer Support team to discuss your project in a bit more detail, and they can advise from there or connect you with your local Schluter rep. You can reach them at 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA) Thanks!

[@radec24pl]

Good video

[@schlutersystems1]

Glad you liked it!😊

[@RockyLaBarbera]

Why is unmodified thinset called for on the second step, but the Schluter brand thinsets are modified?

[@schlutersystems1]

HI there! We call for an unmodified thin-set OR any of our Schluter thin-sets to lay the tile, which include a modified (ALL-SET), an unmodified (SET), and a fast setting thin-set mortar (FAST-SET), so you have options to choose from. Hope that helps!

[@thomasrowe4706]

How come use unmodified thinset to lay membrane on concrete?

[@nickriders]

What Height dors it have with mortar underneeth for dotra regular

[@schlutersystems1]

Hello! Regular DITRA and thin-set would not be more than 3/16" - 1/4" high. Hope that helps!

[@TonyRodriguesss]

Qual a utilidade dessa membrana? Para que serve? Aqui no Brasil não costumamos utilizar...

[@schlutersystems1]

Esta é uma membrana de desacoplamento. Protege o movimento a partir do substrato por baixo e evita fissuras no azulejo por cima.

[@TiggyTime1]

Can this be installed over self-leveling concrete underlayment?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! Yes, you can install DITRA over self-leveling concrete. We suggest that you verify with the self-leveler manufacturer if they recommend to use a primer before installing the membrane. If you have other questions, you can always give a call to our product support team, they are always happy to help! You can reach them at 888-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA).

[@TiggyTime1]

Thank you for the quick reply! Can't wait to try this product if I'm able to do so :)@@schlutersystems1

[@michaelisakov1108]

Which mortar should I use for adhesion to cement board?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! Cement board is not an approved substrate for DITRA. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Service team at 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA). Thanks!

[@michaelisakov1108]

Hi, prior to your comment I called in twice and spoke to two different reps, and called in again today after this comment and all 3 reps from the 800 number tech support stated that shluter handbooks advise against the use of cement board as well as Hardie backer boards. They recommended direct to cement or plywood or osb for bonding or shluder ditra. Why am I getting conflicting information for installation guidlines?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Michael, Our apologies as we need to amend our response: Cement board is not an approved substrate for DITRA. If you were looking to use cement board as a wall substrate, you can use ALL-SET thinset mortar along with KERDI waterproofing membrane. Sorry for the confusion.

[@anthonydoug6819]

Can i use a 1/2 trowl to lay the membrane?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! For DITRA use a 1/4" x 3/16" (6 mm x 5 mm) V-notched trowel, 5/16" x 5/16" (8 mm x 8 mm) V-notched trowel, or the DITRA trowel, which features a 11/64" x 11/64" (4.5 mm x 4.5 mm) square-notched design. Hope that helps!

[@flite26]

Can this be installed over a rolled vinyl flooring? I want to tile my bathroom. It's upstairs. The subfloor is a plywood with sheet vinyl. 6x12 area. It would be great to put a primer, and tile directly over it. But I'm considering doing the primer and adding the ditra directly over it. The home was built about 5 years ago.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there, would you be able to give our Product Support team a call to discuss your project in a bit more detail? They will be able to advise from there, or connect you with your local Schluter rep. 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Thanks!

[@matthewharvey1474]

is it good for concrete floors?

[@schlutersystems1]

Yes, you can install over concrete. Note that we also have a DITRA-HEAT-DUO membrane that has a fleece backing to provide a thermal break over concrete. www.homedepot.ca/product/maytag-24-inch-top-control-dishwasher-with-third-rack-in-fingerprint-resistant-stainless-steel/1001527626

[@castanedagus]

Good video with great info and easy to follow I currently have a Behr water based stain on patio floor. Can I add thin set and Ditra over it without a problem?

[@schlutersystems1]

Could you please contact our customer support team with this question? They are in the best position to help you out. US 800-472-4588 CA 800-667-8746

[@edwardressler1432]

😊

[@PerfectPrinceX1]

can you glue engineered hardwood over this over concrete?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there, Can you elaborate please? The Ditra uncoupling membrane is designed to work exclusively with tile... Happy to help. just need more information regarding your request!

[@keithrenaud3380]

Can it be installed over osb floor

[@schlutersystems1]

Yes, DITRA can be installed over any even and structurally sound OSB floor

[@MickeyMichaels348]

@@schlutersystems1 How though?

[@schlutersystems1]

OSB is a very common substrate. Installation steps are the same as demonstrated in this video here. Or, you can consult our Installation Handbook: sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/h52/he0/9350729662494/DITRA%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf You are welcome to contact our customer support team as well: US 800-472-4588 CA 800-667-8746 Hope this helps!

[@deemdoubleu]

Can this be installed over 3/4" floorboards and would you apply adhesive directly to the boards? Thanks.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there, Sorry for the delay! You would need to add a layer of OSB/plywood on top and then thin-set onto that. See the Structural plank detail in the DITRA Installation Handbook for complete information. sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/h28/hef/9377062715422/DITRA%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf

[@deemdoubleu]

@@schlutersystems1 thanks

[@schlutersystems1]

🍊🧡

[@thomasmcguire8035]

Modified or unmodified on plywood substrate?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hey, Modified to install the DITRA on the wood. Schluter ALL-SET or an unmodified to install the tile.

[@RAYRAY-yt3hz]

👍🇺🇸

[@daviddelacruz7496]

Do you need to skim the whole floor before installing? The guy here making me skim the whole floor with unmodified thinset

[@schlutersystems1]

If you are installing the DITRA or DITRA-HEAT membrane, then you just need to key in modified thin-set or ALL-SET into the substrate as you go or for the amount on the roll you plan to lay down next and then trowel out the thin-set and lay the matting. If you've already installed the DITRA or DITRA-HEAT membrane, then no, you are not required to skim the whole floor before installing tile, however, it is also okay to do so. You can certainly thin-set and tile at the same time. It's a preference thing. Hope this helps!

[@daviddelacruz7496]

@@schlutersystems1 thank you. Yes I used shlutter all set as under layment , but they got mad I used modified versabond to install over it , they want me to use the economical non - modified thinset , but isn’t that stuff weaker? Cheaper?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there, Versabond is a modified thin-set, so it should not be used to install tile over DITRA-- this would void our warranty. You would need to use ALL-SET or an unmodified thin-set for that. As long as the unmodified thin-set meets the ANSI A118.1 standard, it should work fine.

[@daviddelacruz7496]

@@schlutersystems1 that’s crazy how cheaper un modified thinset is best, why is that tho ? Dries faster?

[@daviddelacruz7496]

@@schlutersystems1 also what’s the warranty? If it breaks? Thank you.

[@shannonchisholm1629]

Every time I see a video where they start installation in the middle of the floor.. 😂

[@deemdoubleu]

That's what I was taught, please enlighten me.

[@RESMITHcarpentry]

You always layout your tile from the center point of the room to ensure a visually balanced installation. You can start at one edge as long as you lay it out beforehand to ensure that your center point visually will be correct.

[@tjjones2168]

@@RESMITHcarpentry in kitchen I never start from the middle all my cut are under the cabinets

[@knutbaardsen6437]

Waste of money

[@juancho1871]

Why?

[@derekrogers5858]

Please explain why. Don’t just say that crap