04 Sep Product Spotlight: Durabase Decoupling Matting
As one of the leading independent Porcelain and Ceramic tile suppliers in Buckinghamshire, we thought it was high time we looked at some of the products we deal with and that are widely considered the best on the market.
In this series of blogs, we will be shining our ‘product spotlight’ on some of our bestselling products and systems, giving you a little more insight into the product itself. First up, we’re taking a look at Durabase decoupling membrane in more detail with information from their website.
Durabase
DURABASE matting is designed to alleviate stress caused by lateral movement within substrates normally viewed as unstable. These include green screeds where shrinkage is still occurring, fresh power floated concrete floors, and timber-based substrate (chipboard, floorboards, particleboard, MDF, metal surfaces, and asphalt). Normally, applying a rigid floor covering to such surfaces would be a difficult task because the lateral movement of such surfaces would cause tiles to de-bond or crack. However, with DURABASE matting this problem can be easily fixed.
The DURABASE matting also decouples the flooring from the foundations. Any small cracks can also be bridged so that they do not affect any tiling. This makes the product ideal for home renovations.
Decoupling Membranes
Waterproof decoupling membrane neutralises tensions between the substrate and the tiles. The uncoupling membrane helps to prevent stress cracks from transferring through to the finished tiled surface. Most of the decoupling membranes we stock can also be used with electric underfloor heating systems.
Problem-solving with DURABASE
Cracks in the subfloor. When performing a renovation on older surfaces, cracks can be present in the subfloor. In the past, this would have made it impossible to safely install a watertight tiled surface.
Stresses in the subfloor. If there are tensions in the subfloor, they can transfer to any tiling and cause cracks to appear. Whether you have concrete, cement or hot screed surfaces can change after tiles have been laid. Chipboard and plywood can deform considerably due to the absorption of moisture.
Damp from the subfloor. When laying tiles on top of anhydrite screed, residual moisture from the screed itself can collect under the tiles and cause damage to the adhesive layer.
DURABASE with underfloor Heating Systems
The increased stress within the installation caused by thermal movement can cause problems to the installer. By absorbing this stress, the membrane allows the tiled surface to remain intact. The air spaces under the membrane provide two benefits:
- allowing residual moisture to gradually escape; preventing cracks forming in the substrate
- spreading heat evenly across the floor surface.
Get In Touch
If you are looking for supplies for your project make sure you contact us, as the leading supplier of tile and stone in Buckinghamshire our experts are on hand to guide you through the best products for your specific needs. You can call us on 01494 442268 or email us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Image: Shutterstock/Archi_Viz