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Schluter Ditra Underlayment Main Page
Tile and stone floor, waterproofing, uncoupling & vapor pressure equalization system
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Ditra Underlayment for Tile and Stone
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The Schluter DITRA System is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities,
each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside.
Schluter DITRA is bonded to the substrate using thin-set mortar. The anchoring fleece on
the underside of Schluter DITRA is fully engaged in the mortar to provide a mechanical bond
to the substrate. Tile is installed over Schluter DITRA using the thin-bed method in such
a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of the
Schluter DITRA matting.
Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, Schluter DITRA
serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates
moisture from beneath the tile covering. Further, DITRA performs all these functions while still
providing adequate support/load distribution to the tile covering.
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Uncoupling
Tile has been successfully installed for thousands of years by incorporating an uncoupling
layer, or forgiving shear interface, within the tile assembly. The Schluter DITRA system provides
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
Schluter DITRA provides 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 the Schluter DITRA system 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 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 Schluter DITRA installations. Column-like mortar structures
are formed in the cutback cavities of the matting. Loads are transferred from tile covering
through these column-like mortar structures to the substrate. Since DITRA is virtually
incompressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved without
sacrificing point load distribution capabilities. The ability of DITRA 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.
Schluter Ditra Installation PDF Manuals
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Model
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Width
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Length
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Area
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Thickness
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DITRA 5M
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3' 3"
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16' 5"
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54 ft²
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1/8"
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DITRA 150
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3' 3"
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45' 9"
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150 ft²
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1/8"
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DITRA 30
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3' 3"
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98' 5"
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323 ft²
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1/8"
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