A lot of us are used to concrete floors. But it’s not the only material that can be used. Gypcrete is also a suitable construction material.
Architects and homeowners use gypcrete because it’s much lighter and easier to work with. Gypcrete contains gypsum plaster, Portland cement, and sand.
A gypcrete floor is an excellent choice for adhesive floors such as carpeting. You may be interested in placing more construction materials over a gypcrete substrate.
Before doing so, it’s crucial to determine whether the material is compatible. Today, we will be evaluating whether you can install DITRA over gypcrete.
What is DITRA?
For those of you who have engaged in several tile installation projects, you may have heard of DITRA. This is an uncoupling membrane used for stone and ceramic tile installation jobs on floors.
This membrane separates the tiles from the flooring material. It features a fabric mat configuration on the bottom with a top surface that resembles a giant waffle.
DITRA was invented to protect tiles from lightweight construction materials. As you may already know, tiles are pretty vulnerable.
Should the substrate they have been adhered to start misbehaving, they can crack or break. DITRA can be used on any load-bearing substrate.
Besides its uncoupling properties, DITRA is also waterproof. That means it will prevent the entry and passing of moisture from the surface of the tiles to the substrate.
Cracking on tiles often occurs due to the movement of the substrate. DITRA’s open rib structure neutralizes these movements, ensuring the tiles aren’t affected by movement.
The waterproofing capabilities also go a long way in ensuring moisture doesn’t damage the substrate. This membrane is load-bearing, making it suitable for flooring jobs. With DITRA on your floor, you don’t have to worry about traffic and load distribution.
Can You Install DITRA Over Gypcrete?
It was essential to define DITRA so that you can understand what it is and its features. Now that you are familiar with what DITRA is, you should also know that it’s recommended for use over gypcrete.
Schluter, the manufacturer of DITRA, clearly states that it can be used on concrete, OSB, plywood, vinyl, radiant heated floors, and gypsum.
Despite the recommendation by the manufacturers of DITRA. This uncoupling membrane offers many benefits when used over gypcrete. We will list these benefits later on.
So, if you have a gypcrete floor that you want to tile over, you can use Gypcrete to ensure your tiles stay intact for longer without breaking or cracking. Considering how easy it is to install DITRA, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be used over gypcrete.
Why Install DITRA Over Gypcrete? (Benefits)
• DITRA’s Uncoupling Feature Prevents Cracking of Tiles Over Gypcrete
Gypcrete is one of the worst materials for you to tile directly over. If you have ever attempted tiling over gypcrete, you can testify to how long the project lasted.
To prevent tiles from failing over the gypcrete, an uncoupling membrane disconnects the tiles from the gypcrete substrate. Therefore, as the gypcrete moves, the movement is absorbed by DITRA.
Not only is it okay to use DITRA over gypcrete, but this membrane plays a crucial role in promoting the longevity of the tiles.
• DITRA Waterproofs Gypcrete
The other benefit of installing DITRA over gypcrete is that it waterproofs the substrate beneath. Gypcrete doesn’t often do very well when exposed to moisture.
It can break down, and that would lead to issues later on. Fortunately, DITRA has got waterproofing capabilities. A layer of DITRA membrane will block moisture from seeping through.
When water makes contact with the tiles, you don’t have to worry about what will happen when the water is absorbed into the gypcrete. Thanks to DITRA’s waterproofing capabilities, it can also be used outdoors.
• A Suitable Alternative to Cement Boards
DITRA, besides being a waterproof uncoupling membrane, it’s a better alternative to cement boards. When installing tiles on a floor, most people often use cement boards because they are the ideal backer boards for tiles.
However, laying a cement board over gypcrete is a lot of work. You can use DITRA instead. DITRA can be easily tiled over. It’s waterproof and way easier to install than cement boards.
How to Install DITRA over Gypcrete?
As mentioned earlier, DITRA is very easy to work with. To install DITRA over gypcrete, you will need one thing – an unmodified thinset.
Some people also include additives to enhance adhesion. That’s allowed as long as you are sure the additives are compatible with the thinset.
To lay DITRA over the gypcrete, apply an unmodified thinset to the surface of the gypcrete. You can cut the DITRA to the required size and lay it over.
Make sure that the DITRA sticks firmly and give it time to cure. And that’s how simple it is to install DITRA over gypcrete. In case you want to tile over. You can use the same unmodified thinset.
Does Gypcrete Require Any Prep Work Before DITRA Installation?
Absolutely. If the gypcrete surface is in terrible condition. For instance, if there are chips on the surface. These can come in the way of DITRA’s adhesion to the gypcrete.
To be safe, apply some gypsum filler on any chips. Also, if there are adhesive remains on the gypcrete, these should be scuffed off.
Many people often ignore prep work, but it plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the project’s longevity.
Should I Remove Gypcrete Before Tile Installation?
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when you come across horror stories of how tiles fail when installed over gypcrete. That is bound to happen because tiles shouldn’t be installed directly over gypcrete.
DITRA exists mainly for this purpose. You do not need to engage in time-consuming and costly solutions such as removing gypcrete from your floor. This may not even be possible when you are residing in a rental.
There is no need to remove gypcrete from your floor to install tiles. The best option is to install an uncoupling membrane such as DITRA. Then lay tiles over it. You will never have to deal with cracked tiles or such problems.
Why Shouldn’t You Tile Directly Over Gypcrete?
As a substrate, gypcrete is pretty unstable. That’s why it’s highly vulnerable to cracking. When you lay tiles over gypcrete, the instability of the substrate will affect the tiles, and they will also crack.
Even though gypcrete is unstable, DITRA can neutralize this instability and ensure your tiles remain protected. So, if you have a gypcrete floor, consider installing DITRA before tiles.
Do the Manufacturers of Gypcrete Recommend the Usage of DITRA?
Unfortunately, these two products are made by different companies. And the thing with manufacturers is that they will never endorse products from another brand.
If you are always used to consulting manufacturers about product compatibility, Maxxon, gypcrete’s manufacturer, may not offer reliable solutions.
But a lot of people have successfully tiled over gypcrete by using DITRA. If you have some doubts, you can always perform a patch test and see for yourself whether it will work.
Can You Glue DITRA Over Gypcrete?
When installing DITRA over gypcrete, you should use an unmodified thinset. If you use the modified version, there is a good chance that the DITRA will take forever to adhere to. You might consider using glue for a stronger bond if you made this mistake.
Gluing DITRA over gypcrete is also a suitable alternative. You have to make sure the adhesive used will stick to the gypcrete.
However, if you want to follow the recommended method, stick to an unmodified thinset. It should be enough to make DITRA stick to gypcrete.
Please note that the adhesion of DITRA to gypcrete is crucial as it determines the project’s longevity. In case you put tiles over DITRA that has not been firmly bonded to gypcrete, the structure will be fragile.
Will DITRA Help with Tile Installation Over Gypcrete?
You don’t have to do much research to know that gypcrete isn’t a suitable substrate for tiles. But if you must tile over the gypcrete floor, you will start to look for solutions.
One of the best solutions you will come across is to use DITRA. The funny bit about the internet is that people have varying opinions.
Some people claim that DITRA will not help with tile installation over gypcrete. If this is something you were considering doing, such information can leave you confused.
On the contrary, DITRA is the best thing to use when installing tiles over gypcrete. Since gypcrete is unstable, it can transfer some of this movement to the tiles, leading to cracking.
A DITRA mat offers uncoupling benefits that neutralize this movement. Secondly, DITRA is waterproof, which prevents moisture from getting past the gypcrete and causing damage.
Should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to tile over gypcrete and are afraid of a total disaster? You can use a DITRA uncoupling membrane to separate tiles from gypcrete.
This membrane does an excellent job of distributing the load. Don’t hesitate to use it in high-traffic areas.