WATERPROOFING WITH VAPOUR PRESSURE EQUALISATION

Application and function

Schlter-DITRA is a polyethylene
membrane with a grid structure of square
cavities, each recessed with a dovetail
configuration. The back of the sheet is
covered with a geotextile. Used jointly with
ceramic tilings, Schlter-DITRA acts as a
waterproofing membrane, equalising vapour
pressure when moisture appears in the
substrate, and acts as a decoupling sheet on
critical substrates.

SOURCE: Schlter Systems

The substrate on which it is installed needs to be flat and sufficiently strong. The
Schlter-DITRA membrane is installed by applying a thin bed of suitable adhesive for
the type of substrate involved with a notched trowel (3x3 mm or 4x4 mm). The
Schlter-DITRA membrane is installed in this adhesive bed, the sheet being
mechanically anchored to the substrate by the geotextile fitted to the bottom of the
sheet. Adhesive open time must be observed.
The ceramic tiles are installed by thin-bed fixing on the Schlter-DITRA
membrane, the adhesive being mechanically anchored in the grid pattern of squares,
each recessed with a dovetail configuration.
Function summary
a) Decoupling: the Schlter-DITRA membrane decouples the tiling from the substrate
and offsets the stresses that arise between the substrate and the ceramic tiling
stemming from different movements. The membrane also accommodates substrate
cracks and avoids crack transmission to the ceramic tiling.
b) Waterproofing: the Schlter-DITRA membrane is a waterproof polyethylene
membrane with a relatively high water vapour diffusion density. When the
Schlter-DITRA sheeting is appropriately installed in the union between the
sheets, as well as in the juncture areas of walls or other vertical structures with
floors, it acts as a waterproofing membrane pursuant to the recommendations of the
technical information sheet published by the Central Association of the German
Building Trade, ZDB (Zentralverband Deutsches Baugewerbe), entitled Advice for
the installation of waterproofing in combination with ceramic tiling in interiors and
exteriors.
Official certificates are available on request.
The Schlter-DITRA membrane thus protects the substrate against moisture or the
filtration of substances that could damage the substrate.
c) Vapour pressure equalisation: The open air channels lying at the bottom of the
Schlter-DITRA membrane allow it to equalise the water vapour pressure when
damp is present in the substrate.
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Waterproofing with vapour pressure equalisation

d) Load distribution: the Schlter-DITRA membrane transmits the traffic loads that
the ceramic tiling bears to the substrate through a grid of square cavities, each
recessed with a dovetail configuration, by a thin layer of adhesive. This enhances
the strength of the ceramic tiles installed on the Schlter-DITRA membrane. In
areas with greater traffic (such as in industry), the ceramic tiles need to be
sufficiently strong and stable. We recommend that the instruction of the technical
data sheet issued by the Central Association of the German Building Trade (ZDB),
entitled Strength enhancement of surfaces covered with ceramic tiles, should be
followed.
In heavily trafficked areas, the entire back of the tile needs to be covered with
cementitious adhesive: note that the membrane contact surface is 50%. This will
reduce the resistance to pressure in the areas subject to the greatest point loads.
Furthermore, the ceramic tiling should not be struck with hard objects, while tile
size shall be at least 5x5 cm.
e) Bonding of the assembly: Thanks to the anchoring of the adhesive to the geotextile
on the bottom of the membrane and the mechanical anchoring on top to the grid
structure of square cavities, each recessed with a dovetail configuration, the coating
is intimately secured to the substrate (laboratory values of 0.25 N/mm2). The
Schlter-DITRA membrane can be used in both floorings and claddings. On walls,
nails can also be used to secure the sheeting.
Material
Schlter-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane, provided on top with a grid
structure of square cavities, each recessed with a dovetail configuration. On the bottom,
the membrane is fitted with a geotextile, and is about 3 mm thick. Polyethylene does not
withstand lengthy exposure to the sun. It is therefore recommended that the
polyethylene sheeting should be stored in a protected place, and not be exposed to solar
radiation.
Properties of the material and fields of application
The Schlter-DITRA membrane does not change with the passage of time. In
addition, it remains stable on exposure to aqueous, salt, and alkaline solutions, most
organic solvents, alcohols, and oils.
Once the concentration level, temperature, and duration of an effect have been
ascertained, it is necessary to verify the membranes particular resistance to specific
aggressions. Membrane water vapour diffusion density is relatively high and the
material it is made of is physiologically safe.
The Schlter-DITRA membrane has numerous, varied applications. It is
recommended that Schlter should be consulted in those particular cases in which the
sheeting will be subject to particular mechanical or chemical loads. When tiling
installed on the Schlter-DITRA membrane is walked upon with footwear fitted with a
hard sole or is tapped softly, it is normal to hear a hollow sound.

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Waterproofing with vapour pressure equalisation

Note
The adhesive used with the Schlter-DITRA membrane and the tiling shall be
appropriate and match the assemblys intended use. In external areas, the materials must
be resistant to water, frost and exposure to different climate conditions.
It is recommended to use the Schlter-DITRA membrane as a waterproofing
sheet, when the covering material is sensitive to moisture (as occurs with natural stone
or tiles agglomerated with synthetic resin) or the presence of damp may occur behind
the sheeting (because the screed has not dried properly). If Schlter-DITRA sheeting is
installed in outdoor areas, it is advisable to take certain precautions, such as protecting
the membrane from direct solar irradiation during the installation.
In certain cases, it is advisable to use fast-setting adhesives. If the sheeting is
installed in heavily trafficked areas or areas intended for material transport, it is
recommended to lay planks across the Schlter-DITRA membrane to protect it.
Indications for movement joints
The Schlter-DITRA membrane shall be cut in areas with movement joints. If
the Schlter-DITRA membrane has been installed as waterproofing, the membrane
joins shall be covered with Schlter-KERDI-FLEX band.
Furthermore, pursuant to the standards, movement joints shall also be continued
into the ceramic tiling. In large surface areas, expansion joints shall also be installed in
the covering on the Schlter-DITRA membrane.
These joints need to be installed at the distance recommended in the respective
standards. In external areas (such as balconies and terraces), the distance between these
joints shall not exceed 3 m.
Depending on the substrate, the distance between the joints may be smaller. We
recommend the use of Schlter-DILEX profiles. Schlter-DILEX-BT or SchlterDILEX-KSBT can be used for structural joints, depending on the stresses that the
substrate will be subject to.
At the juncture areas, for example between the tiles and vertical structures (walls
or columns), it is advisable to keep stresses from occurring. As a result, perimeter and
juncture joints shall be installed with an appropriate width, pursuant to the applicable
standards, to avoid such stresses. We recommend the use of profiles from the SchlterDILEX range.
Substrates for the Schlter-DITRA membrane
The substrates on which the Schlter-DITRA membrane is to be installed need
to be level and clean and, above all, strong enough to withstand traffic loads. All surface
remains (such as dirt, adhesive glues, or dust), which could prevent the membrane from
adhering to the substrate, need to be removed. Substrate levelling or the preparation of
slopes shall be performed prior to membrane installation.

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Waterproofing with vapour pressure equalisation

Concrete
Concrete undergoes strains with the passage of time. In addition, stresses can
develop in concrete and prestressed concrete from the arising curvatures. The SchlterDITRA membrane absorbs the stresses that develop between the concrete and the
covering. This allows ceramic tiles to be installed as soon as the concrete can be stepped
upon.
Cement mortar screeds
According to the applicable standards, cement mortar screeds shall be left to dry
for at least 28 days and shall exhibit residual moisture contents below 2% for tile
installation. Floating floors with heating, in particular, tend to deform and crack with
temperature changes or when subject to loads. The Schlter-DITRA membrane allows
ceramic tiles to be installed on cement mortar screeds that have not yet fully set, as soon
as they are treadable.
Anhydrite mortar screeds
The maximum residual moisture content in anhydrite-based screeds shall not
exceed 0.5% before tile installation, according to the applicable standards. Application
of the Schlter-DITRA membrane enables ceramic tiles to be installed with 2%
residual moisture content.
If necessary, the screed surface shall be treated as laid down in the applicable
standards and as set out in the manufacturers instructions (by sanding or applying a
primer). The Schlter-DITRA membrane can be installed with hydraulic adhesives or
with other thin-bed tile fixing mortars. The Schlter-DITRA sheeting protects the
screed surface from moisture filtrations. Anhydrite mortar layers are sensitive to damp
and, therefore, moisture must be prevented from contact with these layers from below.
Radiant flooring
Schlter-DITRA membranes can also be installed on radiant flooring, in
accordance with the above instructions for each type of substrate (anhydrite and cement
screed). The Schlter-DITRA membrane allows the underfloor heating system to be
started up just seven days after the floor tiling has been installed.
The initial working temperature of 25 C can be raised daily by 5 C, until a
maximum working temperature of 40 C is reached.
The air channels at the back of the Schlter-DITRA membrane enable heat to
be rapidly and uniformly distributed under the ceramic tiles.
Note: We particularly recommend the use of the Schlter-BEKOTEC-THERM
system for radiant-heated ceramic flooring.

Waterproofing and drainage Prefabricated systems

Waterproofing with vapour pressure equalisation

It is also recommended to use the Schlter-DITRA membrane as a decoupling

layer in thin electric radiant flooring systems. The Schlter-DITRA membrane can be
installed either on top of the heating panel or underneath it, though its decoupling
capability is greater when placed on top.
Brick partitions / Mixed substrates
The Schlter-DITRA membrane can be installed on surfaces constructed with
bricks, calcareous stone, concrete blocks and lightweight concrete, or other similar
materials. Irregularities need to be levelled beforehand. In reform and renovation work,
in particular, substrates tend to be mixed. Cracks usually appear in the contact areas
between different substrates as a result of different movements. The Schlter-DITRA
membrane accommodates possible stresses and cracks, avoiding stress and crack
transfer to the ceramic tiling.
Internal gypsum plastering / Gypsum blocks
Gypsum substrates shall be dry, pursuant to the applicable standards. If
necessary, they shall be previously primed. The Schlter-DITRA membrane can be
installed with hydraulic adhesives or other thin-bed tile fixing mortars.
Balconies and terraces
Since the Schlter-DITRA membrane is a decoupling sheet membrane, it
accommodates the stresses that arise between the substrate and the ceramic tiling as a
result of the frequent, extreme climate changes that these tilings are subject to outdoors.
In addition, when used jointly with ceramic tilings, the Schlter-DITRA membrane
acts as a waterproofing layer. (Please note the instructions regarding waterproofing).
The (concrete or mortar) substrate must have an appropriate slope.
Already existing ceramic tilings can also be used as substrates in reform and
renovation work, provided the tilings have the appropriate strength and slope.
Otherwise, it will be necessary to remove all loose tiles, fill all gaps, and reconstruct the
slope with repair mortar.
Roof decks
Roof decks located on useful areas, dwellings, or similar sites shall be
waterproofed, pursuant to the applicable German standards, with a vapour barrier, a
thermal insulation layer, and waterproofing. A draining sheet membrane (SchlterTROBA or Schlter-TROBA-PLUS) shall be installed on this waterproofing, on which
a mortar screed is then installed to withstand loads, followed by a Schlter-DITRA
membrane that acts as a decoupling layer with respect to the ceramic tiling and as a
waterproofing layer with respect to the screed. Since the Schlter-DITRA membrane
acts as a decoupling layer, it accommodates the stresses between the substrate and the
ceramic flooring, which in terraces are frequently subject to abrupt temperature
changes.

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Waterproofing with vapour pressure equalisation

Resin coverings
The surfaces need to be sufficiently strong and have been pre-treated to enable
an appropriate adhesive to be applied in order securely to anchor the Schlter-DITRA
membrane geotextile. Before the adhesive is applied, its appropriateness for the
substrate and the membrane should be verified.
Chipboard
These materials can deform considerably by moisture filtration (and even as a
result of changes in ambient humidity levels). Therefore, one should use impregnated
chipboard. The boards can be used as substrates in both internal walls and floors. Board
thickness should be chosen according to the expected loads for each type of flooring.
The boards should be appropriately fastened with closely spaced screws. Board joints
should be assembled by means of a system of grooves and tabs and joined with glue. A
perimeter joint of about 10 mm needs to be installed for other construction elements.
The Schlter-DITRA membrane accommodates the resulting stresses, while also
preventing moisture filtration.
Parquet and timber floorings
Ceramic tiles can also be installed on parquet and timber floors that are
sufficiently strong, and are assembled by means of a tongue-and-groove system. In any
event, it is advisable to verify the moisture content of the wood substrate before the
Schlter-DITRA membrane is installed. If necessary, chipboard should be installed on
the parquet or timber floor. If the floor is irregular, the floor shall be levelled prior to
sheet membrane installation.
Melted asphalt
The Schlter-DITRA membrane allows ceramic tiles to be installed on melted
asphalt substrates, in interiors and exteriors. The surface shall be treated with sand jets
or be generally suited for the application of a thin-bed tile-fixing adhesive for the
installation of the Schlter-DITRA membrane.

For further information, please see the technical information sheet.

Waterproofing and drainage Prefabricated systems

Waterproofing with vapour pressure equalisation