Schluter-DITRA-DRAIN is a passive-capillary drainage and uncoupling mat, installed outdoors over a sloped bed of at least 1.5 cm per meter.
Schluter-DITRA-DRAIN consists of a polyethylene mat with, on one side, a stud structure in the shape of truncated cones approximately 4 mm high, onto which a permeable polypropylene nonwoven is bonded, and, on the other side, inverted truncated-pyramid-shaped studs approximately 2 mm high. These studs create dovetails on the underside that serve to anchor the thin-set mortar. The mortar must be applied to the substrate using a 6 x 6 mm notched trowel; the Schluter-DITRA-DRAIN mat is then embedded in this mortar. The white nonwoven on top of the mat is designed to receive the thin-set mortar used to secure the floor covering. This nonwoven is permeable to water and vapor, and allows the thin-set mortar to dry quickly while preventing water from rising back into the covering (passive capillary action). Because of their close spacing, the truncated-cone-shaped studs can withstand pressures of up to 50 t/m², while the dovetails also provide very good adhesion to the substrate. Schluter-DITRA-DRAIN is suitable for interior uncoupling for the installation of large-format tiles (larger than 60 x 60).
- The studded structure of Schluter-DITRA-DRAIN allows in-plane movement between the tile and the substrate. This effectively neutralizes the stress between the two, which eliminates a major cause of cracking and delamination.
- Schluter-DITRA-DRAIN allows excess rain and runoff water to escape beneath the tile, which prevents the buildup of mold.
