Waterproofing
Today’s construction methods, which include the use of lightweight, moisture-sensitive materials, such as plywood, OSB, and gypsum concrete, have made the installation of hard surface coverings particularly challenging. If wood or gypsum concrete substrates are exposed to moisture, the tile layer above can be damaged as a result. Typical areas that require waterproofing include tub surrounds and showers.
However, there are other commonly tiled areas that may, through unexpected circumstances, become exposed to significant amounts of water; for example, an overflowed toilet, or ruptured dishwasher, icemaker, or washing machine lines, which can result in flooding. Waterproofing these floors can save an owner from replacing the tile assembly and substructure in the event of a leak.
However, there are other commonly tiled areas that may, through unexpected circumstances, become exposed to significant amounts of water; for example, an overflowed toilet, or ruptured dishwasher, icemaker, or washing machine lines, which can result in flooding. Waterproofing these floors can save an owner from replacing the tile assembly and substructure in the event of a leak.
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Schluter-DITRA installations can be made waterproof with minimal effort. Since the matting is made of waterproof polyethylene, the only extra step necessary is to seal the DITRA seams and floor/wall connections. This is easily accomplished by applying Schluter-KERDI-BAND to these areas using an unmodified thin-set mortar. The result is a waterproof installation that will not suffer damage in the event of an unexpected water leak.
Schluter-DITRA meets the requirements of the American National Standard for Load Bearing, Bonded, Waterproof Membranes for Thin-Set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installations (ANSI A118.10) and is listed by cUPC. Areas of Application
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Limitations
- minimum 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) tile
Requirements
- all seams in Schluter-DITRA matting and floor/wall transitions must be sealed with Schluter-KERDI-BAND using unmodified thin-set mortar. Note: KERDI-BAND must lap DITRA at seams and at floor/wall transitions by a minimum of 2" (50 mm) in order to maintain waterproof integrity
Other Considerations
- seaming Schluter-DITRA, including floor/wall connections, with Schluter-KERDI-BAND may be appropriate in cases where a break in the water line of an ice maker or dishwasher can damage pre-existing moisture-sensitive substrates and underlayments. KERDI-BAND floor/wall connections are just as easily concealed with wood base as with tile. KERDI-BAND floor/wall connections in dishwasher alcoves are parged with thin-set
- in some applications the vertical section of the floor/wall transition will not accept a bond to unmodified thin-set mortar. Connections to such elements can be achieved using Schluter-KERDI-FIX or suitable trowel-applied waterproofing materials, such as those that require atmospheric moisture to cure (e.g., urethane sealant)
Additional informationRelevant information to tile floor installation. Ditra Installation Instructions
Guidelines for the Placement of Movement Joints
Thin-set Facts
Waterproofing Requirements
Ditra Warranty
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Further information