If you've done any research into tiling you've probably come across DITRA matting. The bright orange matting is a favourite among tilers because it provides so many benefits. The main reason it is used is as a decoupling layer between the substrate and the tiles to avoid any cracks, but did you know there are different types of DITRA matting?
What is DITRA Matting
Manufacturer Schluter describe DITRA as "a polypropylene membrane with EasyCut gridlines as well as square, dovetailed EasyFill recesses and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside." DITRA is installed on the floor between the substrate and the tile or stone covering, allowing the two layers to move independently and neutralising stresses. The result is that your installation stays as perfectly crack-free as the day it was laid.
Benefits of DITRA Matting
There are 5 main benefits of DITRA matting:
- Uncoupling - Neutralises movement between substrate and surface
- Waterproofing - Guaranteed and CE Marked waterproofing system
- Crack-Bridging - Prevents cracks within the substrate transferring to the surface
- Load distribution - Provides high resistance even with vehicular traffic
- Vapour management - Interconnected air channels aid even heat distribution and evaporation
And this year (2022) DITRA has got even better for installers with an updated design that allows both easy-fill and easy-cutting. "Air release
vents mean filling the cavities is effortless with fewer trowel passes.
Pre-formed grooves make straight and precise cutting easier than ever,
with enhanced undercuts to give an even stronger anchoring of the tile
to the membrane."
Which is the best type of DITRA Matting
The type of DITRA matting you need to use will depend on the reason you are using it - for example if you just need a decoupling layer.
DITRA Matting for decoupling
All types of DITRA matting provide uncoupling properties. If you only need to protect the tiled surface from movement in the substrate, standard DITRA matting is all you will need.
Schlüter-DITRA is a polypropylene mat with square, dovetailed recesses and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. In conjunction with tiled coverings, Schlüter®-DITRA forms an uncoupling, waterproofing and vapour pressure equalisation layer.
DITRA Matting for underfloor heating
If you want to install electric underfloor heating beneath your tiles, DITRA-HEAT is a great option. The matting features raised studs on the top side of the matting, allowing you to install heating cables. We stock DITRA-HEAT-DUO, which also includes a thermal backing which enables faster heating. DITRA-HEAT-DUO is available as part of a kit, which includes matting, cables and a thermostat, or you can purchase the matting by the metre.
Buy Schluter DITRA-HEAT-DUO Matting
Buy Schluter DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS Peel & Stick Matting
Buy Schluter DITRA-HEAT Cables
Schlüter®-DITRA-HEAT is a polypropylene membrane with a cut back stud structure and an anchoring fleece laminated on the underside. It is a universal substrate for tile coverings, which serves as an uncoupling layer, bonded waterproofing and moisture vapour barrier and is designed for the attachment of the matching heating cables of the system for floor heating.
DITRA Matting for waterproofing
DITRA matting can also be used as a waterproofing, or tanking, layer below the tiles. Ensure you are using KERDI-KEBA tape and KERDI-COLL adhesive to seal the joints and edges of the matting.
