What Is an Uncoupling Membrane?
Maybe you still don’t know what an uncoupling membrane is, or you’re still doubt the effect of the uncoupling membrane.
But there is no doubt that the uncoupling membranes are used more and more as tile underlayment.
Why is the uncoupling membrane so popular?
Take the Schluter Ditra uncoupling membrane as the example.
The primary advantage of the uncoupling membrane is protecting floor surfaces from cracks in tiles and grout.
Compared with traditional tile underlayment, the uncoupling membrane is designed the unique grid structure.
The uncoupling mat prevent cracks and protect tiles through uncoupling the floor covering from the substrate to neutralize tensions between the materials.
schluter.com
Laying an uncoupling membrane will increase porcelain or ceramic tile installation cost, but it can significantly boost the durability of your tiled floor.
In general, uncoupling membranes are used when laying tile over concrete and wood.
Concrete contains a relatively large amount of water. With the change of humidity and temperature, concrete will shrink and expand.
The changes of concrete will cause stresses that fracture or delaminate the tile.
Wood also expands and contracts with moisture, and plasterboard, which lose strength when they’re wet.
The uncoupling membrane offers a isolating benefits with a lower profile instead of a traditional, reinforced mortar bed or backer board
Besides, the uncoupling membranes have vapor management properties that enable vapor to dissipate through channels on the underside of the membrane, preventing moisture buildup.
Due to its superior support and load distribution, the uncoupling membrane is ideal for laying particularly large tiles or tiles which will bear a heavy load.
As the photo displayed. The TCNA (THE COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA ) offer the Robinson Test to certificate the load support level.
