Does anyone have any experience or opinions about using anti-fracture membranes between concrete slabs and ceramic floor tiles?
The claim is that they can help eliminate tile or mortar cracks due to foundation movement.
Down here in North Texas, we are in the middle of a 3-5 year drought and there are plenty of foundations moving and cracking.
I have a medium sized bathroom tile replacement job–my own house–and I was just wondering if these products, such as “Protecto-Wrap” or similar, is all it’s ‘cracked up’ to be.(sorry)
“Roger Staubach for President”
Replies
I just did 2 floors with 13x13 ceramic tile over Suntouch Warm Wire radiant over slab. I was advised in my area (no freezing but plenty of movement in many foundations nonetheless) to use a paint-on waterproofing and antifracture membrane called "Tripleflex" said to isolate cracks up to 1/8"
I also put a mesh fiber over the obvious cracks with the paint on membrane.
There plenty of other antifracture membranes out there. Schluter's DITRA being the best, most $ and likely most reliable. If I had larger cracks and obvious movement I would use the DITRA, which is mostly used to isolate tile/stone from wood subfloors.
Good luck,
pay
I appreciate the response. That helps.
"Roger Staubach for President"
Your welcome. I'm usually on the rec. end of the info here so good to know I could know somethin' and help!
One more thing, use the best latex mod. thinset of course. Improves bond to the slab and will help with any movement.
You may also need control joints if the floor area is very large.
FHB #173 Aug/Sep '05 cover story is about tiling a large floor, featuring the Ditra membrane and other Schluter items.
Pat