Selecting the right Mortar

THE SHORT ANSWER 
Use Schluter ALL-Set!

We control the formula and the technology.  We know it will work over and under our products. Thus the pun behind the name - you are ALL-Set!


THE LONG ANSWER
Schluter products are impervious. Tile is impervious. What does that mean? Impervious means, “not allowing fluid to pass through”. These surfaces don’t breathe.

Schluter has stated for years that an ANSI A118.1 non-modified mortar must be used when installing our product (with the exception of DITRA over wood). We took that stance because testing showed that we had better and more consistent curing results with a non-modified mortar than with a modified mortar.

Polymers are designed to slow the cure down. With tile formats getting larger and when installed over impervious membranes, when a modified mortar is used there is no control over the rate of cure between those impervious materials. It could be anywhere from 30 to 60 days (maybe longer) before a full cure is achieved. Thus there was no way for Schluter to stand behind modified mortar performance as there were many modified mortars to choose from, and Schluter has no control over another manufacturers technologies and formulas (which constantly change). 

Enter Schluter ALL-Set. 

This is exactly why we got in the mortar business. Now we CAN offer a modified mortar and confidently stand behind it - enough so that you even have the option to register for a Lifetime Warranty. Because we control the formula and the technology, we can guarantee our modified mortar despite impervious surfaces!

If you do not have access to Schluter mortars, contact me. If you prefer a competitive brand, please reference the Schluter installation handbooks for your respective detail. You may also reference the chart below.


Schluter Mortar Suitable Uses
As taken directly from the Schluter price list.



Schluter Mortar Coverage Chart
As taken directly from the Schluter price list.







POPULAR POSTS

2024 Illustrated Price List Update

Pricelists for each new year will be physically and digitally available each year in March. Price increases (if there will be any) will take affect with the new price book for that release year every April 1st. As of now, I am currently unaware of any price increases. That is not to say there will not be any; I am just not yet informed as to what will be released. Schluter is moving toward a greener initiative by promoting the Schluter APP and the downloaded-able PDF with integrated navigational links (my personal choice). These two options will always be the fastest/earliest to access, and always up to date. In March, a limited/monitored number of physical copies (hard and spiral bound) will automatically be allocated and shipped to each distributor and Schluter Authorized Dealer (ASD). Customers may request a physical copy from their distributor or dealer of choice, or contact csrusa@schluter.com to request a copy. Sales reps may of course provide them as well. Please feel free to r
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Exterior Applications | Introduction to Pedestals/TROBA-Level

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A NEW APPROACH TO EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS. Due to our harsh climate in the intermountain region (either baked by the Sun, or vulnerable to freeze/thaw conditions - or even both) tile assemblies see limited success. In fact, it’s safe to say that it’s not if an assembly is going to show distress - but when . As such, Schluter has implemented a process to protect the installer, end user and ourselves by evaluating exterior requests on a case by case basis and thus eliminating high risk jobs. Exterior applications need time to study, plan, specify, estimate and install. They cannot be rushed, and ‘best’ assemblies cannot be assumed.  The LETTER OF EXPLANATION will lay out what Schluter will require before we can work towards creating a detail specific to a respective application. The CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST has bullet points that must be addressed. This document must be signed and dated by the respective parties involved (i.e. contractor, GC or/and home owner). The EXTERIOR PRICELIST  is
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INVITATION - Washoe Club Ghost Tour & Dinner

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This invitation is only valid if you received this from an invited and participating Reno area Schluter distributor or dealer.   Spooky season is upon us! The year is almost gone, and Schluter would like to thank you for your long hours and hard work. Join us for a a recharge with a ghost tour at the famous Washoe Club in Virginia City followed by food and drinks at the bar on conclusion!   Sean Carse (Regional Manager), Chris Hill (Territory Manager) and Ian Zavala (Architectural Manager) will be present.    Everyone will be responsible for their own transportation up and down the mountain. I have not had luck with any ride shares wanting to bring me off the mountain at night. Thus, drink responsibly. 🙃     Washoe Club Ghost Tour & Dinner 112 S C Street Virginia City, NV 89440 Tour Start 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Please be at the club and ready for the tour by 5:45 PM. Another group may be scheduled to start following our tour. A prompt start means a full tour.    Justin Seagraves
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Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve

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Join us for a day in the field hunting pheasants at Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve! An Orvis endorsed hunting ground. Hunts begin at 9:00 AM.   Arrive 30 minutes early to sign release forms and attend the safety meeting. Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve 3733 W 10000 S Myton, UT 84052   pvhunting.com   RSVP (required) Chris Hill 801-834-0744 chill@schluter.com   IMPORTANT Drive is a little over two hours from Salt Lake Valley. Winter driving conditions can be hazardous through both Parleys/Strawberry and Highway 6/Indian Canyon routes.  Plan additional time if needed. Bring your own gun(s) and shells. Wear hunter/safety orange (hat, vest or jacket). PVHunting gear also available to purchase from lodge. Bring drinks/snacks to fuel while hunting. Hunts could cover up to 5 miles walking. Dress warm. Fall weather can turn cold fast, and winter speaks for itself! There are 4 birds per person. Birds will be released the morning of the hunt. Fly away birds are goners, but we may have fly aw
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UPDATE: 2024 Price List/Price Increase Information

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    The 2024 price lists are here!    Customer notification dates are listed below: February 28th           Distribution Partners March 6th                   Schluter Authorized Dealers March 13th                Dealers and all others   Prices in the new 2024 price books will take affect on April 1st.    Despite ongoing inflation and rising costs, we've limited the price increase to just 2.5% across all products, except DITRA (including DITRA-XL), KERDI waterproofing membrane, and both SCHIENE and JOLLY profiles and accessories in all finishes which will not increase in price.    There will be no changes to the freight program located in the back of the book.   I will update this post with the link to download the digital copies from Schluter's website as soon as they become available. PHYSICAL COPIES ARE BEING PROCESSED NOW AND WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHIP TO EACH DISTRIBUTOR LOCATION. Spiral bound copies are for sales teams/order desks. Hard bound copies may be distributed to y
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