Unmodified thinset

What is thinset mortar used for? Sturdi Set is Tec’s premium unmodified thinset. A lower quality yet still reliable option is Tec’s mid range unmodified Full-Set Plus. But again, it may be a better idea to go for the premium. Water is then added to the blend to create the final mortar.

Unmodified thinset is also known as dry set mortar. This type of thinset mortar is best for ceramic or natural stone installations. The number for unmodified thinset is A118.

If you find a thinset you are curious about, and it is not on this list, look for that number. In general, unmodified thin-set mortar is a blend of Portland cement, san and water retention agents that is mixed with water by the user. The appropriate product standard for unmodified thin-set mortars is ANSI A118.

Look for this standard on the packaging (e.g., product meets ANSI A11 when mixed with water). First off, unmodified thinset is appropriate when you need to adhere two impervious materials such as porcelain tile to Wedi or Kerdi board. Apparently unmodified thinset dries using a chemical reaction of Portland cement and water as compared to the evaporative drying of laytex modified thinset which requires air flow in order to fully set. The unmodified thinset works well with the membrane, using its natural moisture to create interlocking bonds for security and durability. If you’re installing radiant floor heating or a similar type of flooring, unmodified is probably your best bet.

When to Use Modified Thinset For other projects, modified thinset is usually the way to go. If there wasn’t enough moisture, the thinset wouldn’t be strong enough to bond the tile to the subfloor. It’s mixed with water before it’s ready to be spread out on the subfloor. Custom Building Products VersaBond lbs. VersaBond cures quickly even in cold climates and adheres to most surfaces.

Wide Selection of HVAC Equipment. Schluter SET is a premium unmodified thin-set mortar approved to set tile, including porcelain tile, over Schluter boards and membranes. Free Shipping Over $200. All Schluter-Systems thin-set mortars modified varieties can be used to set tile over Schluter DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, KERDI, and KERDI-BOARD products.

It is mixed with either water or latex admixture for installing ceramic tile and stone using the thin-set method of installation. Mortar is a bagged cementitious powder. As you know, unmodified is recommended over Ditra, even when installing porcelain.

So you gotta use modified over Redguar or you will have a failure within a short time. It offers premium quality and economy, covering to more area than other thin-sets. Its extra long working time makes it simple to apply and adjust tile.

This mortar can be used to install most tile over cementitious surfaces. It is also highly recommended for floors. Easy to handle and spread while also sag resistant, this thin-set is ideal for both vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Have a question we can answer in our Tips, Tricks, FAQ video series? Modified thinset contains the same elements, along with liquid latex polymers to aid with strength and increase the working time. A feature of thinset that is both a plus and a minus is that it is slow to set. The issue, as I understand it, is that unmodified thinset cures by hydration where modified thinset dries in the presence of air. Since Schlutter systems act as a vapor barrier, they make it very difficult for modified thinset to properly cure.

The amount of thinset you need is calculated by the square footage of the floor or wall, the size of the tile, and the size of notched trowel you use to spread it.