Eurob
master tile and stone installer
Thanks for the link Roberto.
TTMAC Specification Addendums
Page 25 Under Membranes and Underlayments:
Uncoupling Membranes: These membranes are geometrically configured to create free space between the tile and the substrate which allows a combination of functions to allow tile installations over problematic substrates. These functions include independent movement between the substrate and tile, vapour management, waterproofing, supporting and load distribution. Mortar recommendations will vary from one manufacturer to another and manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed and take precedence over industry norms. There is currently no standard for uncoupling membranes in either ANSI or ISO, however one is under development by the MMSA (Materials, Methods and Standards Association) have currently created one performance criterion that the membrane must be able to achieve 50 PSI or greater shear bond strength after a 7 day cure per the test method in ANSI A118.12 Section 5.1.3. Consult the manufacturer’s written literature for specific application details. - See more at: http://www.ttmac.com/en/specification-addendums.html#sthash.x1ppmEBp.zgynrmxX.dpuf
Look at that. Lets break all that info down into tiny bits.
Key Point # 1
These membranes are geometrically configured to create free space between the tile and the substrate which allows a combination of functions to allow tile installations over problematic substrates.
Key Point # 2
- These functions include independent movement between the substrate and tile,
- vapour management,
- waterproofing,
- supporting and load distribution.
- create free space between the tile and the substrate
- allow tile installations over problematic substrates
Mortar recommendations will vary from one manufacturer to another and manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed and take precedence over industry norms.
- Manufacturer's recommendations must be followed at all times. Even if the Industry says different. The maker of the product calls all the shots with it's product.
Key Point # 3
There is currently no standard for uncoupling membranes in either ANSI or ISO, however one is under development by the MMSA (Materials, Methods and Standards Association) have currently created one performance criterion that the membrane must be able to achieve 50 PSI or greater shear bond strength after a 7 day cure per the test method in ANSI A118.12 Section 5.1.3.
- MMSA is working on a standard. I never even heard of them before this day.
- 50 PSI - this reference I have tested myself in my back yard no lab like setting
Key Point # 4
Consult the manufacturer’s written literature for specific application details.
Key Point #1
Hard to believe that the committee couldn't figure a specific test(s) which address these functions ? I am pretty sure data is already available , but is it used ? If there would be a big problematic issue with the product itself -- proven data or fails -- , then the standard designation would be nothing compared with the importance of knowing about them .
Do not forget that waterproofing is already covered by the ANSI 118.10 for some UCMs.
Key Point #2
Specific recommendations -- specific projects with specific requirements -- are excluded from general recommendations which are not included in the general literature . If you need or want to use a specific mortar for your needs , calling the mfg in general will solve the headaches . You will always have alternatives which are quite suitable for your needs .
Key Point #3
It is a start , but like the ANSI118.15 , things are not easy to decide . I am more puzzled why the UCMs lack ISO standards but let's not get it more complicated . I would prefer to get more psi out of it , but the theory behind it contradicts the need for more bonding than it is necessary -- not yet agreeing with it -- .
Key Point #4
Or the manufacturer, if the project doesn't list the application . No one over rules the mfg recommendations and if required , the combination of products can also be discussed and approved by different mfgs .
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