Originally launched by Schlüter®-Systems nearly 40 years ago, the DITRA uncoupling membrane revolutionised the flooring industry by offering functions such as load distribution, vapour management and reliable waterproofing. Over time, these practical benefits have been developed further, creating a key family of products within the Schlüter-Systems portfolio, which today comprises around 12,000 established product lines.
Low-profile & easy-to-install
The low-profile membrane features a distinctive dovetail-shaped structure that enhances the adhesion of tiles and natural stone coverings. A fleece backing allows DITRA to be securely bonded to a wide variety of substrates, ensuring it lays flat and helping to speed up installation.
More recent innovations have seen the DITRA concept embrace more diverse situations including:
- Adhesive-free installation for greater ease of use by general builders and bathroom installers
- Integration into installer-friendly underfloor heating systems.
Peel & stick technology
Drawing on Schlüter®-Systems’ Peel & Stick technology, DITRA-PS presents a pressure sensitive release film on the back of the membrane, which permits it to be repositioned as often as required provided no pressure has been applied, to ensure the membrane is perfectly placed. Once pressure has been applied, the mat is adhered to the substrate and is immediately ready for tiling.
The Schluter®-DITRA-PS membrane is therefore the ideal answer to dealing with troublesome substrates such as P5 green chipboard, which is not suitable for use with traditional tile adhesive and does not offer the same level of protection against tiles cracking, debonding or moisture damage. DITRA Peel & Stick allows installers to easily stick down the membrane onto even the trickiest of substrates, with no tile adhesive required and no mess involved.
Delivering warmth underfoot
Then, where building owners or bathroom specialists want to deliver warmth independent of the main heating system, the Schluter®-DITRA range also includes DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO. DITRA-HEAT is not just an ideal substrate for ceramic tiles and natural stone, vinyl and other substrates, but also an innovative system for warming wall areas, while heat output can be controlled via smart home devices, as well as the manufacturer’s app, or conventional controls. The membrane is available in mat or roll format.
One of Schlüter®-Systems strategic strengths is that it has always listened to its customers’ needs which is why DITRA-SOUND was introduced to the range in 2017, very much suiting the trends towards multi-generational living and the popularity of apartment developments.
Retaining the original fleece-backed polyethylene membrane construction and low height, the heavy-duty version of the original DITRA has been independently tested to ISO 140-8 to prove it offers an impact sound reduction of 13 dB; though the perceived performance in terms of how footsteps and falling objects are heard in the room below, will vary depending on the overall floor/ceiling construction.
Ultimately, the market-leading Schluter®-DITRA family of products offers game-changing benefits for domestic and commercial properties in terms of their uncoupling characteristics, ease of installation and allied benefits, demonstrated across the multiple variants.
For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/