Ceramic Tile Uncoupling Membrane

The powers that be in the tile industry want uncoupling membranes to be their own classification separate from the cis membranes.

Ceramic tile uncoupling membrane.

Uncoupling membranes absorb any substrate movement and eliminate the transfer of that stress to the tile layer which helps to prevent loose or cracked tiles. It provides uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout. It is still common practice today to install ceramic and stone tiles by direct bonding to the substrate with backer boards. It un couples or isolates the substrate from the tile and allows the tile and the substrate to move independently of each other so that movement in the substrate doesn t cause the ceramic stone or porcelain tile to crack.

Uncoupling membranes seem like they would prevent cracks also. The uncoupling membrane does just what it sounds like. It is made of polyethylene creating a waterproofing layer protecting the substrate. It is made of polyethylene creating a waterproofing layer protecting the substrate.

So this means that they will have their own tests. Many of the uncoupling membranes available today recommend the use of an ansi a118 1 non modified thin set mortar to bond the ceramic or stone tile to the plastic surface of the membrane. They can also offer waterproofing and channels for evaporation or heat exchange. It provides uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout.

But the fact is that they haven t been officially tested as crack isolation membranes. Ditra is an uncoupling membrane designed for ceramic and stone tile installations on floors.