Ditra Failures??

MattCoops

What don't you understand? I'll clarify it for you.

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rsss396375

[quote=PrecisionFloors;574705]The biggest reason for failure is not following directions. The thinset used to install the Dita must be modified and it must be mixed loose enough to ensure good saturation of the fleece.

Good call
This is the biggest issue for good adhesion. Mix almost a watery consistancy, not as though you are used to when setting. You should be able to see a grayish color consistant through the Ditra orange.

reveivl

I guess you'd want 20/20 if you had publications like this to look at...

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Jerry T

It's been a few years ago, but that poster left me scratching my head ....... you have to go way out of your way to put Ditra in upside down.

rfrymier

Has anyone applied ditra for exterior use beneath stone tile on stairway from house to patio?

Bud Cline

Why would anyone want to?

buildenterprise

According to Schluter you're supposed to use UN-modified mortar to install the Ditra.

Bill_Vincent

Over concrete, it's either/ or. The MUST use unmodified is for installing the tile over the Ditra.

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angus242

I'm not going to question each person's views on how they install Ditra.
However, the Ditra Installation Handbook says:
Ditra installed over wood, use modified.
Ditra installed over cement, use unmodified.
Always unmodified to set tile over Ditra.

Attached Images

  

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Angus
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PrecisionFloors

Actually you're supposed to use thinset suitable for the substrate you're setting on, which in the context of the first post of this thread, is a wood sub-floor, which would require a latex modified mortar



edit: Damn...didn't even see The Colonel's post. What he said.

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jarvis design

I did my front step/walkway with ditra. Installed 12x24 porcelain on top with epoxy grout.

I haven't given it a good cleaning yet from the winter, but, it looks exactly like it did when I did it last fall.

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MF Custom

Better check into using modified thinset with Ditra, It say right on the instructions in BOLD "USE ONLY NON MODIFIED THINSET"

PrecisionFloors

Have you read the WHOLE post.....something tells me not. Scroll up. It's right there for your very own eyes to see

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Tile, Hardwood, Laminate, and Resilient
Installation, Sales & Repair - "We do it right the FIRST time"

R&D Tile

For setting tile only, you need modified for installing Ditra over plywood.

Bill_Vincent

MF Custom-- Nobody's perfect-- not even me!

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"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right."

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Jerry T

Me neither Bill

MF Custom

I just posted what Ditras instructions say right on the label.
"USE NON MODIFIED THINSET ONLY" but I would think over plywood you are correct it should be modified thinset.

angus242

Actually I posted what's on the instructions...even with pictures:
http://www.contractortalk.com/f73/di...x2/#post668041

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Angus
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JohnFRWhipple

Have you men read this thread on John Bridges site?

http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/...ad.php?t=83568

I have not been able to shake this new training I received at Mapei and the story of the Whistler Builder who ripped out all the Ditra from his exterior deck because he "Hates" it and does not think it is suited for exterior use in our Canadian Climate.

Only one poster touched on what I think the root problem can be and that is the little dovetails holding water and the freeze thaw cycles expanding and pulling on the Kerdi Seams.

You will notice as well that the Ditra is layed across the slope creating little dams so the water will be held up every 3 feet...

My deck is still getting soaked. I Hydro Banned it till Spring time and think I'm going to try Nobel Deck as my Primary waterproofing material...

Now to get it approved for use in Canada.

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angus242

John,

There were many installer issues with that deck. In that climate, that install was bound to fail.

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Angus
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