Tile Uncoupling Membrane

This is usually a flexible, thin and breathable PVC like material with recessed embossed squares at the top side and with a cloth like matting on its underside. Uncoupling membranes, have been used for overcoming some problems associated with cracking and shrinking of cement screeded floors or where two different substrates meet (like wood to concrete).  Its use, is for minor lateral movement and not ideal for upwards or downwards movement.

Uncoupling is mainly used where the use of a structured expansion joint is not a viable alternative or where some cracks appear on a section of a floor.  Expansion joint products, are effective only if planned and embedded through a new concrete floor.  Other movement joints can be incorporated on the perimeter of a tiled area.

The installation of the uncoupling membrane is quite easy to carry out, the material is very light, of manageable size and only requires few tools such as:

Chalk line

Stanley knife

Scissors

Large wooden float

Thin bed adhesive spreader

You can usually purchase Uncoupling Membrane by the linear meter if needed for a small job and it is quite affordable.

As the installation involves the usage of a thin bed of adhesive, depending the size of the job, it would be helpful to have one person spreading the adhesive and another laying the membrane, as it must be made sure that the adhesive does not dry out, and that it is tacky enough for it to bond to the felt underneath.  Although the information given to me was that I could carry out the tiling straight away, on a floor not particularly flat, I prefer to let the adhesive dry as any small floor imperfection would de-bond the membrane and become “wavy” (not flat) when walked on.

For the main tiling, you will need to use a flexible floor adhesive.

Uncoupling membranes are mainly used in larger projects than in small homes but are certainly here to stay.  If your floor has had a small hairline crack and hasn’t spread or widened over many years, then it is unlikely to have the need for uncoupling membrane.

Always make sure that you have your floor checked for load bearing suitability before carrying out a tile installation.  If you need specific advice on the correct and appropriate usage of uncouplers. it is recommended to contact the manufacture’s technical department directly; they would be pleased to advise you on this.
 

Schluter-DITRA is specifically designed to allow the installation of ceramic and stone tile over any even and load-bearing substrate.  The integration of DITRA’s uncoupling, waterproofing, load-distribution, and vapour management functions makes consistent results viable.