I am using SPF (Nocros rapid flexible addy) to fix travertine to Ditra matting, but wondered if its best to use some Bal Bond SBR before fixing the tiles?

NO...........

No mate, use flexi adhesive

1. The substrate must be free of bondinhibiting components, load bearing, and even. Any unevenness in the substrate must be levelled prior to the application of Schlüter-DITRA.
2. The type of bonding adhesive used to apply Schlüter-DITRA depends on the type of substrate. The adhesive must bond to the substrate and mechanically anchor the fleece on the underside of the Schlüter-DITRA matting. Verify the compatibility of all materials prior to installation.
3. Apply the bonding adhesive to the substrate using a 3 x 3 mm or 4 x 4 mm notched trowel.
4. Individual courses of Schlüter-DITRA are cut to size. Solidly embed the anchoring fleece on the underside of Schlüter-DITRA in the adhesive so that its entire surface is bonded, and immediately work it into the adhesive using a float or screed trowel. Please observe the open time of the bonding adhesive. When initially positioning Schlüter-DITRA, 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 Schlüter-DITRA is only installed as an uncoupling membrane, side edges and ends of individual courses do not need to be sealed with Schlüter-KERDI-KEBA. Please refer to the instructions for waterproofing if the membrane is to serve as a waterproofing layer.
5. Once installed, the 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 Schlüter-DITRA. 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.
6. Immediately after the Schlüter-DITRA matting is installed, the tiles can be set using the thin-bed method and using a bonding tile adhesive that matches the requirements of the covering. It is helpful to fill the square 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.
7. For movement joints as control joints, expansion joints, or connection joints please follow the instructions given in this product data sheet as well as the applicable industry regulations.

APPLICATION AND FUNCTION

Schlüter-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. Designed for tile and natural stone installations, Schlüter-DITRA serves as a waterproofing membrane, a vapour pressure equalisation layer to accommodate moisture occurring at the underside of the substrate, and an uncoupling layer for problematic substrates.

The substrate must be even and load bearing. To bond Schlüter-DITRA, use a bonding adhesive that is appropriate for the substrate. Apply the adhesive using a 3 x 3 mm or 4 x 4 mm notched trowel. The anchoring fleece on the underside of Schlüter-DITRA must be fully engaged in the adhesive to provide a mechanical bond to the substrate. Please observe the open time of the bonding adhesive.

Using the thin-bed method and following all applicable industry standards, set the tile or stone covering directly on the Schlüter-DITRA in such a way that the tile adhesive becomes mechanically anchored in the square, cut back cavities of the Schlüter-DITRA matting.

Summary of Functions

a) Uncoupling
Schlüter-DITRA uncouples the floor covering from the substrate and neutralises the tensions between the substrate and the tile covering that result from the varying deformations of the materials. Likewise, stress cracks in the substrate are bridged and are, therefore, not transferred to the surface covering.

b) Waterproofing
Schlüter-DITRA is a waterproof polyethylene membrane with a relatively high vapour diffusion density. Provided the joints, floor/wall connections, and connections to building fixtures are properly installed, Schlüter-DITRA creates a waterproofing assembly with the tile covering that meets the requirements of the mandatory guideline “Recommendations on Waterproofing in Conjunction with Panelling and Tile and Paver Coverings in Interior and Exterior Applications,” published by the German Construction Industry Association (ZDB).
If the material requires an official permit from German authorities, the corresponding test certificate is available and may be requested.
Thus, Schlüter-DITRA protects the substrate against damage due to moisture penetration and aggressive substances.

c) Equalisation of vapour pressure
The interconnected air channels between the cavities on the underside of the Schlüter-DITRA matting remain open. This allows moisture in the substrate to evaporate, thus neutralising vapour pressure.

d) Load distribution (load impact)
The bottom of the square cavities in Schlüter-DITRA, which are filled with thin-bed adhesive, directly transfer the load impact on the tile covering to the substrate. As a consequence, tile coverings installed on top of Schlüter-DITRA are highly load resistant. If high traffic loads are expected (e.g. in industrial locations), the tiles selected for the installation must be of the corresponding thickness and pressure stability. The requirements of the mandatory guideline “Ceramic Floor Coverings With High Impact Resistance,” published by the German Construction Industry Association (ZDB) must be followed. In areas with high impact loads, the tiles must be fully embedded in the thin-bed adhesive. The contact surface of Schlüter-DITRA amounts to approximately 50% of the total surface. This can reduce the load bearing capacity in case of point loads. For high point loads, select a tile thickness that is capable of distributing the loads. Ceramic tile coverings should not be exposed to the direct impact of hard objects. The tile dimensions should be at least 50 mm x 50 mm.

e) Adhesive properties
Due to the bonding of the anchoring fleece into the thin-bed adhesive on the underside and the mechanical anchoring of the adhesive in the cut back cavities, Schlüter-DITRA achieves a good adhesion of the tile covering to the substrate (laboratory test values: ~ 0.25N/mm2). Consequently, Schlüter-DITRA can be used for wall and floor coverings. Anchor plugs may be used with wall coverings if necessary.

Nuff said

Take that as No then Dean....lol

Definately!

Apologies for the last minute questions - I have a room full of travertine, bags of addy, buckets etc - it's all going on tomorrow! I have been reading/researching for the last week, there is definately more to tiling that I first thought

Thanks for all your help, couldn't do it all without your advice

Good luck dean...and please post some pics....