Schluter uncoupling membranes provide the four essential functions for successful tile installation over a wide range of substrates, including plywood/OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floors, etc. The choice between using DITRA or DITRA-XL depends on the nature of the particular project or application. Since the uncoupling function of DITRA is founded on its geometric flexibility to provide a forgiving shear plane, increasing the height of the product produces additional protection against stresses being transferred between the tile and supporting substrate. The following points will help differentiate between the two products.
DITRA
• Minimizes tile assembly thickness and reduces transitions to lower surface coverings (e.g., carpet, engineered wood, and vinyl)
• Only 1/8" (3.5 mm)-thick – provides the thinnest possible assembly without sacrificing performance
DITRA-XL
• Allows for ceramic tile application over single layer plywood/OSB subfloors on joists spaced at 24" (610 mm) o.c.
• 5/16" (7 mm)-thick – creates an even transition between typical 5/16" (7 mm)-thick tile and 3/4" (19 mm)-thick hardwood flooring