How To Install Ditra XL Over Concrete | Columbia MO
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- Опубликовано: 10 июн 2022
- How to install Ditra XL over concrete
In this video I want to show you how to install Ditra XL. Ditra XL is an uncoupled membrane used to separate the tile layer from the substrate. Concrete expands and contracts at a rate nearly three times that of tile. Stopping the movement of the concrete before it causes a stress fracture is of the utmost importance to me.
I’m using Ditra XL in this video because it will give me the desired transition from the bathroom to the hardwood floor at the doorway.
The use of an uncoupling may allows me to relocate all expansion joints to the perimeter of the room. If I didn’t relocate these to the middle of the room I would have to honor the stress crack in the center of the bathroom by cutting the tiles over it. It would create an unsightly installation and not have the desired effect I’m going for.
Another great thing about the way uncoupling membranes work is that I can use up scrap pieces and not compromise the installation. I’m not needing the floor to be waterproof for any reason, so I’m not worried about the number of pieces I’m using. If I were concerned about waterproofing it I would simply have to install Kerdi Band at the perimeter of each piece of Ditra XL I use.
Prior to beginning the recording we used a floor grinder to remove all potential bond breakers from the slab. This also opens up the pores of the slab giving the thinset mortar a better surface to bond to.
Since this is over concrete I’m using Schluter Set mortar for the installation. Schluter Set is their non-modified version and will stick just fine to the slab. I will also use the Schluter Set mortar to install the tile as well.
I’m using a 1/4x1/4 notch trowel to install the Ditra XL to the slab. Prior to using the notch side of the trowel I key in the mortar to the substrate with the flat side of the trowel. Keying the mortar into the substrate forces as much mortar into the crevices as possible. This will create a very strong bond to the slab.
When I set my first piece of Ditra XL into the mortar I use a concrete float to embed it. I go both directions with the float to work the mortar into the fleece of the membrane. When I set the first piece I peel up a corner to check for coverage. I’m looking for 100% transfer of thinset mortar to the fleece of the Ditra XL. I use the same method to install all the pieces of Ditra XL in this bathroom.
Hopefully you found this video helpful for your project. Be sure to click the subscribe button and ring the bell to keep updated with our latest videos. If you’re in the mid Missouri area and you’re looking for a tile installer, I would love to interview for your project.
EJ Flooring
(573) 289-1045
Certified Tile Installer #1329
www.ejflooring.com
/ ejflooring
/ ejflooring 
Развлечения
Do you install uncoupling membranes over concrete? Why or why not?
Seems like a good way to stop cracks in the slab telegraphing to the tile.
@@tomgilberg8038 we guarantee your tile won’t crack. That’s why we use uncoupling mats. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy looks like this is new construction? Which builder is it for if you don't mind me asking?
I don’t mind you asking. I’m the builder on this project.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy that's awesome. I used to work for Hemme construction but now I'm an independent trim carpentry contractor.
They have ditra heat duo now
Ditra Heat Duo is great for heated floors
Invest in a vinyl roller for bonding them mats, best thing I ever bought for them.
I’ve thought about buying the Ditra roller from Schluter. The 100lb roller they say is too heavy to use to embed the Ditra with.
According to Schluter, the Ditra XL is recommended for floor joist spacing of 24" on center.
That is one time XL can be used, sure. When used that way you don’t necessarily have to double layer the plywood (depending on what type of tile you’re installing over it).
Thanks for the video. When I do this in my bathroom, the question I have is how much thin set to put. It could be too thin or too thick. Does that matter?
Use the flat side of your trowel to fill the waffles and the notch side of the trowel to comb the mortar.
Great video! Have you ever had issues with Ditra not staying embedded, or lifting?
We haven’t had issues like that. We do check our coverage, if our coverage isn’t what it should be we get the next bigger trowel out.
This happens when a couple important details are missed. 1. The subfloor must be dampened with a sponge, otherwise the plywood will wick moisture from the thinset causing it to detach and not cure correctly. 2. Mix thinset ever so slightly more liquid for the same reason, keeping the subfloor and fleece damp enough to adhered properly.
How close to the wall can you install Ditra? After the Ditra is installed, how close to the wall can I lay tile? Should the thin-set ever touch the wall?
Ditra doesn’t have a limitation for how close to the wall it can be installed against. Tile on the other hand should maintain a minimum of 1/4” from any obstruction that will prevent it from moving. We cut the drywall above the top of the tile and make sure the joint stays open. This gives us a minimum of 1/2” clearance for most of the area.
Very nice tutorial video EJ. Unfortunately I will not be the one to lay the Porcelain tile. our laundry room was damaged because of water leak. Hired a contractor and subcontractor was sent. Old floor looked very bad with lots of old glue. He laid the sheet vinyl with removing the old glue in less than 30 minutes then put the Washer /Dryer right away. in 1.5 hrs even I was telling him that the vinyl sheet is not ready.
He left. 1 hr later Humps and depressions on the visible areas.
Now my question. They are going to replace the vinyl sheet. We choose the Porcelain tile. We are now talking to the Project manager about cleaning the wooden floor first, and apply underlayment before putting the tiles. He said that the depressions and humps were not caused by the floor being uneven but due to vinyl sheet is soft and underlayment is not necessary. It's hard to put it in his brains what we want explain. So he will send a guy that does only in all his projects.
The way I look at your video a Ditra is needed. I hope his guy will do it if he is an expert. Please help us.
The underlayment needs to be properly installed. Without knowing which underlayment is used I won’t be much help.
thanks for the video! I'm looking to finish a basement bathroom, and I have DriCore Subfloor for the living space. the Transition is quite high between the living space and the bathroom concrete. Is it ok to have 2 layers of Ditra XL? one of top of another? what do you think?
Ditra can be stacked, we’ve done it before. It’s just expensive. Might be better off using a leveler instead of Ditra XL. Just a suggestion.
You could also select a thicker, larger format tile that requires a thicker mortar bed. Between that and choosing standard or XL Ditra you can really dial in your finished height.
@@gdubbsmotolife9713 thank you! Starting the project soon. I will ask for thicker tile options to see if any will work for us
Very helpful..what did younuse for the thin set
I used Schluter Set for everything
Thanks alot.. I was going ro use the schluter all set for everything..im told that would be ok foe installing ditra and installing tiles to the ditra.. wondering your opinion on that
@@tsagepainting All Set is a great mortar, no issues using it at all.
I have seen several videos where they leave the ditra 1/4 inch from the walls. Your thoughts on this?
Are you walking 1/4” from the wall? I see no issues with it.
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy
Their reasoning was to leave room for movement and expansion.
The tile definitely needs 1/4” joint, the Ditra not so much.
Just wondering my diy project is coming up is that modified or non modified between the sites and concrete floor thanks
The mortar I use is non-modified. Any A118.1 mortar will give you a 10 year Schluter warranty. A premium unmodified is best. If you can find Schluter Set (unmodified) it will give you a lifetime warranty assuming the directions are followed. If you’re in the Mid-Missouri area we keep Schluter All Set in stock, it’s a modified mortar and you’ll still keep a lifetime warranty. Schluters mortar is the only modified mortar allowed over Ditra for a warranty.
Does this also create a thermal break?
This particular Ditra does not have a thermal break built in. Ditra Duo does, you can also run heat wire through Ditra Duo as well, if you’d like a warm tile floor.
The question is, can you use ditra over cement board? the same as you did in this video?
I can tell you Ditra over cement board is not under warranty.
What thinset did you use for this application over concrete?
Schluter Set
@@friendlyneighborhoodtileguy thank you
Can I use regular mortar mix?
Are you asking about using a unmodified thinset mortar? Over concrete unmodified mortar is fine for installing both Ditra and tile.
What tool did you use to grind the concrete?
We use a Bosch 5” floor grinder attached to a 14 gallon Bosch dust extractor.
Is that product very soft because you don't seem to be using kneepads I would think kneeling on concrete and that plastic without wearing the pads you'll be in for knee replacements when you're 50 years of age
Unfortunately knee pads are extremely uncomfortable for me. I just don’t wear them. Fortunately we don’t do a lot of tile floors, mostly tile showers.
I would've fired you immediately if I were to find out that you're placing leftover ditra mata underneath my new bathroom tiles instead placing one full entire sheet, your what's known as conartist in the industry...be very aware people of these type of tile installers.
Leftover Ditra? What makes you say that?