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A Systematic Approach To Waterproofing:
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Getting moisture under control
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Iserlohn / Bologna. Tile installers are frequently faced with the task of having to create a waterproof layer. At its booth at the Bologna tradeshow, Schlüter- Systems of Iserlohn presented two systems that can help produce simple and durable waterproofing constructions with tiles.
Schlüter-Systems presented two systems, DITRA and KERDI, which can waterproof even large areas quickly and securely. Installers do not require special tools and use only tile adhesive that is suited for the substrate and the covering material.
The polyethylene membrane Schlüter-KERDI is covered with a special fleece on both sides to effectively anchor it into the tile adhesive. On one hand, this sandwich construction allows for bonding the KERDI membrane to the substrate with adhesive, and on the other hand, the tiles can be installed directly on top of the membrane with the thin-set method. Since the polyethylene material is soft, the mat also bridges cracks effectively.
The installation of the KERDI mat is very simple and can be compared to installing wallpaper. The manufacturer offers special connective tape, corner cuts and pipe collars for faster work in problematic sections.
The Schlüter-DITRA mat can do much more than just waterproof an area. It combines the functions of waterproofing, uncoupling and vapor equalization with direct load transfer into the substrate and good bonding performance. Due to this combination of properties, the DITRA mat is the idea medium for installing tiles on critical or moisture-sensitive substrates. According to the manufacturer, balconies and terraces are an important application, but even wooden surfaces, heated screeds and mastic asphalt can be used as substrates for problem-free tile coverings with the help of DITRA matting.
Schlüter-DITRA also is a membrane made of polyethylene. However, it features a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside. The DITRA mat is installed by applying a suitable tile adhesive to the substrate. It bonds mechanically with the fleecing. Due to the structure of the mat, interconnected air channels form between the cavities on the underside of the matting. This allows moisture in the substrate to evaporate, thus neutralizing vapor pressure.
This makes tile installation a possibility even over moist substrates. The tiles are installed directly on top of the DITRA mat, and the tile adhesive mechanically bonds with the cut-back indentations on the topside of the DITRA matting. This structure assures that any loads are directly transferred to the substrate. The DITRA mat therefore does not limit the load capacity of the tile covering. This allows for the use of tiles even in industrial applications, for instance with the use of industrial vehicles, as long as the right tiles are selected.
The compatibility of the systems is of great importance to the manufacturer. The pre-cut sections and bonding tapes of the KERDI series can therefore also be used with the DITRA mat. With this comprehensive assortment, the company presented waterproofing solutions for every application at the Bologna tradeshow.
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The waterproofing membrane Schlüter- KERDI allows for a reliable and quick waterproofing seal in conjunction with tile coverings. It has been successfully installed in numerous international projects. This picture shows a spa in Bad Kreuznach, Germany.
Photo: Schlüter-Systems
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The DITRA mat combines the functions of waterproofing, uncoupling and vapour equalisation with good bonding performance and direct load transfer into the substrate. It is therefore an ideal installation aid on critical substrates both indoors and out.
Photo: Schlüter-Systems
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