Specification

UNCOUPLING MEMBRANES
2
DITRA and DITRA-XL provide uncoupling
through its open rib structure, which allows
for in-plane movement that effectively
neutralizes the differential movement
stresses between the substrate and the tile,
thus eliminating the major cause of cracking
and delaminating of the tiled surface.
Waterproofing
DITRA and DITRA-XL provide reliable
waterproofing in interior and exterior
applications. Its polyethylene composition
protects the substrate from moisture
penetration, which is particularly important
in today’s building environment where most
substrates are moisture-sensitive.
Vapor management
The distinguishing feature of DITRA and
DITRA-XL is the existence of free space
created by the configured channels on the
underside of the matting. The free space
provides a route for excess moisture and
vapor to escape from the substrate that
could otherwise cause damage to the tile
layer above. Thus, DITRA and DITRA-XL
effectively manages moisture beneath the
tile covering.
Support/load distribution
When placed on a solid foundation,
columns or pillars can support tremendous
loads. The same physical principle applies
to DITRA and DITRA-XL installations.
Column-like mortar structures are formed
in the cutback cavities of the matting.
Loads are transferred from the tile covering
through these column-like mortar structures
to the substrate. Since the matting is
virtually incompressible within the tile
assembly, the advantages of uncoupling
are achieved without sacrificing point load
distribution capabilities. The ability of DITRA
and DITRA-XL installations to support and
distribute heavy loads while preserving
the integrity of the tiled surface has been
verified through extensive laboratory and
field testing, including applications exposed
to vehicular traffic.
Material Properties and
Areas of Application
DITRA and DITRA-XL are manufactured
using high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
which does not rot and is inert, non-toxic,
and physiologically safe. The material is
highly resistant to solutions containing salts,
acids, and alkalis, as well as many organic
solvents, alcohols, and oils. Resistance
to specific stresses can be provided if
concentration, temperature, and exposure
time are known. DITRA and DITRA-XL are
waterproof and minimize the transmission
of vapor (water vapor permeance of DITRA
is 0.006 perms per ASTM E96).
DITRA and DITRA-XL meet the American
National Standard for Load Bearing,
Bonded, Waterproof Membranes for Thin-
Set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone
Installations (ANSI A118.10), are listed by
cUPC
®, and are evaluated by ICC-ES (see
Report Nos. ESR-2467 and PMG-1204).
For copies of the above listing or report,
please contact Schluter
®
-Systems at
800-472-4588 (USA) or 800-667-8746
(Canada) or by e-mail at [e-mail].
Links to the listing and report can also be
accessed at www.schluter.com.
DITRA and DITRA-XL have been independently
tested and found to emit zero VOCs per
California Specification 01350: “Standard
Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic
Emissions from Various Sources Using
Small-Scale Environmental Chambers”.
Thus, DITRA and DITRA-XL can contribute
towards achieving the following green
building credits:
• LEED, IEQ Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting
Materials - Flooring Systems
• ICC 700-2008, 901.6: Pollutant Source
Control - Hard-Surface Flooring
• CHPS, EQ2.2: Low-Emitting Materials
Suitable Substrates
For complete installation guidelines and
warranty criteria, please contact Schluter
®
-
Systems at 800-472-4588 (USA) or 800-
667-8746 (Canada) or by e-mail at info@
schluter.com to receive a copy of the
Schluter
®
-DITRA Installation Handbook
and a step-by-step installation video. To
download a PDF version of the Handbook
or to view the installation video online,
please visit www.schluter.com.
All
substrates must be clean, even, and load
bearing. Bond-inhibiting surfaces must be
removed prior to the application of DITRA
and DITRA-XL.
Note: Type, thickness, and format of the tile
or stone surface covering must be suitable
for the intended application. Minimum tile
format is 2" x 2" (5 x 5 cm).
Wood
All wood materials, including OSB,
plywood, and framing members, are
subject to expansion, contraction,
bending, and deflection as a result
of changes in moisture content and
loading. Further, these deformations
fluctuate over the life of the building structure.
DITRA and DITRA-XL’s uncoupling
function protects the ceramic or stone
tile covering from the aforementioned
deformations by neutralizing the differential
movement stresses between the wood
structure and the tile, thus eliminating the
major cause of cracking and delaminating
of the tiled surface. Therefore, DITRA
and DITRA-XL can replace a second layer
of plywood in most applications. Since
the uncoupling function of the matting is
based on its geometric configuration, the
increased thickness of DITRA-XL results
in increased uncoupling capacity. Thus,
DITRA-XL is optimized for tile installation over
bending and deflecting substrates such as
plywood and OSB, including applications
over single-layer plywood/OSB subfloors
on joists spaced at 24" (610 mm) o.c.
Wood continually absorbs and releases
moisture. The free space beneath
DITRA and DITRA-XL allows the wood
to breathe and provides a route for any
residual moisture in the wood substrate
to escape.
Since DITRA and DITRA-XL is virtually
incompressible within the tile assembly,
the advantages of uncoupling are
achieved without sacrificing point load
distribution capabilities.
Industry standard guidelines referencing
uncoupling membranes over wood
substrates include methods F147 and F148
in the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass
and Stone Tile Installation and method
UNCOUPLING MEMBRANES
2