Fixing Tiles To DURABASE CI Decoupling Membrane On Timber And Cement Sub-Floors

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DURABASE CI Decoupling Matting is a high-density, polyethylene membrane of 3mm indentations with a laminated fibreglass grid structure on the upperside - designed to acheive a strong bond to thin-bed mortars - and a fixing fleece laminated to its underside.

DURABASE CI is rot proof and resistant to aggressive substances and liquids such as alkalis, solvents and oils. The material is also highly impervious to water-vapour diffusion.

DURABASE CI bridges cracks, decouples floor coverings from their substrates, and is especially suitable for installing tiles on difficult substrates.

The anchoring fleece on the underside of DURABASE CI is fully engaged in the mortar to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate.  Tiles are then installed over DURABASE CI using the thin-bed method in such a way that the mortar becomes mechanically anchored within the fibreglass grid structure and indentation cavities of the DURABASE CI matting.

Designed specifically for ceramic tile and natural stone installations, DURABASE CI matting serves as an decoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapour management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering, allowing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.

INSTALLATION

The substrate must be free of bond inhibiting components, load bearing, and even. Any unevenness in the substrate must be levelled prior to the application of DURABASE CI.

The type of bonding adhesive used to apply DURABASE CI depends on the type of substrate. The adhesive must bond to the substrate and mechanically anchor the fleece on the underside of the DURABASE CI matting. Verify the compatibility of all materials prior to installation.

Apply the bonding adhesive to the substrate using a 3 x 3 mm or 4 x 4 mm notched trowel.

Underfloor Heating

DURABASE CI polyethylene membrane has minimal thermal resistance, therefore if electric underfloor heating is being installed it can be laid either over the wood subfloor (adhesive layer 3) or under the tiles (adhesive layer 5).

Using Cementitious Flexible adhesive.

Individual sections of DURABASE CI are cut to size. Using a suitable small notched trowel, apply a layer of single part flexible adhesive over the substrate to secure the fleece fabric on the underside of the mat. Solidly embed the anchoring fleece on the underside of DURABASE CI into the adhesive so that its entire surface is bonded, working it into the adhesive using a float or screed trowel.

If a waterproofing system is required the mat joints should be sealed with strips DURABASE WP (150mm wide).

For more information on DURABASE WP waterproofing and crack-bridging membrane click here.

Please observe the open time of the bonding adhesive. When initially positioning DURABASE CI it is advisable to align and position the matting while slightly stretching it: application is made easier with a second person. The side edges and ends of individual courses are cut straight and abutted.
Note: If DURABASE CI is only installed as an decoupling membrane, side edges and ends of individual courses do not need to be sealed. Please refer to the instructions for waterproofing if the membrane is to serve as a waterproofing layer.

Once installed, the DURABASE CI matting must be protected against heavy mechanical loads to avoid loosening it from the substrate or other damage. It is advisable to place running boards (especially in the centre of material transports) to protect DURABASE CI matting. Other protective measures, such as shielding of direct sunlight or protection from precipitation in exterior applications, may also be required. Carefully remove any moisture that may have gathered in the indentations of the studs before applying the thin-bed tile adhesive.

Fixing of the Tiles

Immediately after the DURABASE CI matting is installed, the tiles can be set using the thin-bed method, using a bonding tile adhesive that matches the requirements of the covering. It is helpful to fill the cavities with the smooth side of the trowel and to establish a regular pattern in the bonding adhesive with the notched side of the trowel in one work step. Solidly embed the tiles in the setting material. It is especially important to achieve full coverage of the tiles in accordance with the applicable industry standards when the floor will be subject to heavy stresses or is located outdoors. The notches of the trowel must match the thickness of the tiles. Please observe the open time of the adhesive.

Movement Joints

Movement joints should be included at the room perimeters and where tiling abuts fixed objects. Intermediate joints will be required in larger floors as per applicable industry standards.

This information is for general guidance only and may contain inappropriate information under particular conditions of use.  The company cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage that may result from the use of this information due to the possibility of variations of processing or working conditions and of workmanship outside our control. Users are advised to confirm the suitability of this product by their own tests.