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.







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