New Sound Insulation Gives Durable Tiled Surface

[Dave]

NEW SOUND INSULATION GIVES DURABLE TILED SURFACE

A newly-launched acoustic floor product not only reduces noise, but actually protects the tiled surface as well, overcoming one of the major problems of tiling onto acoustic floors.

Schlüter-Systems Technical Manager Ian Knifton says: “To put a rigid finish, such as tiles, over a surface that is very compressible, is asking for trouble: usually the grout lines would crack first, then the tiles would crack at the joints, and finally debond.”

However, Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND which reduces the impact sound of floor constructions (test values according to DIN EN ISO 140-8), was specially designed to ensure that the tiled surface is highly durable. As an accessory to the standard Schlüter®-DITRA waterproofing and uncoupling membrane, it is a bonded impact sound insulation for tile coverings, made of a heavy polyethylene mat, which has an anchoring fleece laminated on both sides to bond with the tile adhesive.

The heavy polyethylene material absorbs much of the impact sound created by walking, for example, and substantially reduces the “drum-roll effect” of sound being reflected off hard surfaces. This makes it ideally suited both for new build and refurbishment projects.

As well as providing impact sound insulation, Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND protects the tiled surface by bridging cracks in the substrate which are not expected to widen significantly, ensuring that those cracks are not transferred to the tiles. And because the material is a heavy matting that cannot be compressed, it is suitable for applications of up to 5kN/m2.

In order to install Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND correctly, the substrate must be level, ready to bear weight, and free of all substances that may weaken the bond. Any levelling must be completed prior to the installation.

The Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND self-adhesive edge strip should be used where the covering adjoins walls and other upright construction elements, to avoid the buildup of tensions or the formation of sound bridges. The thin-bed adhesive used for bonding the acoustic material must be selected to suit the substrate type. It must bond well with the substrate and mechanically set and cure in the anchoring fleece of Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND. Standard dry-set adhesives are suitable for most substrates, but do check for any incompatibility of materials.

Apply the adhesive over the substrate with a notched 3 x 3 mm or 4 x 4 mm trowel. Cut Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND to size and fully embed the anchoring fleece into the applied adhesive. Immediately press the material into the adhesive with a float or roller, working in a single direction. The individual panels should be set tightly next to each other. Remove any excess adhesive.

To avoid sound bridges, cover all joints with the self-adhesive joint covering, Schlüter®-DITRA-SOUND-KB. Walking boards are recommended for taking material over the installed acoustic material, and to prevent it from peeling off the substrate.

Waterproofing and uncoupling membranes, and the tiles, can then be installed in the normal way.

..............dave..