Ditra Mat XL 3'3" x 53'3" (SQFT)(175-sf/roll)

• Dimensions: 175 sqft. (53'3" x 3'3") / 16.25sqm. (16.25mx1m)
• Thickness: 5/16" (7 mm)

Ceramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface coverings. However, today's lightweight construction methods can make the installation of hard surface coverings particularly challenging. In order to protect the integrity of the tile assembly, an underlayment that performs multiple functions is required.

Schluter-DITRA is a polyethylene membrane with a grid structure of square cavities, each cut back in a dovetail configuration, and an anchoring fleece laminated to its underside. Schluter-DITRA is bonded to the substrate using thin-set mortar. The anchoring fleece on the underside of Schluter-DITRA is fully engaged in the mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate. Tile is installed over Schluter-DITRA using the thin-bed method in such a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cutback cavities of the Schluter-DITRA matting. 
Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, Schluter-DITRA serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering. Further, DITRA performs all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.

Uncoupling
Tile has been successfully installed for thousands of years by incorporating an uncoupling layer, or forgiving shear interface, within the tile assembly. Schluter-DITRA provides uncoupling through its open rib structure, which allows for in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the differential movement stresses between the substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause of cracking and delaminating of the tiled surface.

Waterproofing
Schluter-DITRA provides reliable waterproofing in interior and exterior applications. Its polyethylene composition protects the substrate from moisture penetration, which is particularly important in today's building environment where most substrates are moisture sensitive.

Vapor management
The distinguishing feature of Schluter-DITRA is the existence of free space created by the configured channels on the underside of the matting. The free space provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to escape from the substrate that could otherwise cause damage to the tile layer above. Thus, DITRA effectively manages moisture beneath the tile covering.

Support/load distribution
When placed on a solid foundation, columns or pillars can support tremendous loads. The same physical principle applies to Schluter-DITRA installations. Columnlike mortar structures are formed in the cutback cavities of the matting. Loads are transferred from the tile covering through these column-like mortar structures to the substrate. Since DITRA is virtually in-compressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved without sacrificing point load distribution capabilities. The ability of DITRA installations to support and distribute heavy loads while preserving the integrity of the tiled surface has been verified through extensive laboratory and field testing, including applications exposed to vehicular traffic.

Schluter-DITRA is manufactured using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which does not rot and is highly resistant to solutions containing salts, acids, and alkalies, as well as many organic solvents, alcohols, and oils. Its resistance to specific stresses can be provided if concentration, temperature, and exposure time are known. Schluter-DITRA is waterproof and resists the transmission of vapor. The material is inert, non-toxic, and physiologically safe. Schluter-DITRA also meets the American National Standard for Load Bearing, Bonded, Waterproof Membranes for Thin-Set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installations (ANSI A118.10) and is listed by cUPC.

Schluter-DITRA-XL is installed using the same method as Schluter®-DITRA. Thin set mortar is applied to the substrate with the same size/type notched trowels and the membrane is embedded in the mortar. However, when the products are pulled back to check coverage, customers will notice a difference. Proper installation of DITRA results in full contact between the fleece webbing and the thin-set mortar. With DITRA-XL, only the areas directly under and around the cutback cavities in the matting are in contact with the mortar. This is because the fleece webbing on the underside of the DITRA-XL relaxes slightly into the open ribs unlike the fleece on the underside of the DITRA which is pulled relatively taut. The photos below show expected coverage for both products. Waterproofing applications with DITRA-XL are treated exactly the same as those with DITRA. Seams between sheets and floor/wall transitions are sealed with Schluter-KERDI-BAND using unmodified thin-set mortar. Given the increased thickness, DITRA-XL requires more thin-set mortar to install the tiles than DITRA. Schluter-Systems estimates that a 50-lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar will cover 35 - 45 ft2 (3.3 - 4.2 m2) when using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square-or U-notched trowel.