Moving you to the tile forum where hopefully someone can help.

I'd suggest posting pictures of what you're dealing with. :yes:

 

I've used ditra a couple of times now and never had bumps. I usually tile mine right away though. Are these bumps solid, meaning to much thinset under them. Or are they like air bubbles where the ditra didn't stick to the thinset? Also how big are these bumps?

 

I think it's too much thin set underneath, I guess now the question is to keep it down or tear it up. I am leaning towards tearing it up, and redoing it so that my tile lays correctly.. it's pretty bumpy and I am worried about the tile not laying right.

 

How big are the bumps? I watched a video on the web of some guy cutting a section of ditra out and replacing it once, think on youtube. Not sure if this is acceptable or not.

I would fix the bumps by either cutting them out or just ripping the whole thing out and redo. And make sure you use the flat side of the trowel to smooth the ditra out next time. Also make sure you are using a quality thinset. good luck

 

Poncho,

Thanks for your help, I ended up tearing up the floor and using cement board. I have both my bathrooms torn up so I needed to move quickly.. You were right it was the thin set that I used, I used way to much and could see it when I picked up the floor. Once again thanks.

Jackie

 

glad you got it fixed. If I remember right ditra recommends a small v notch trowel that I couldn't find locally. Something like 3/16 or 5/16. You don't need much thinset under it.

What size trowel did you use for thinset under your cement board?

 

Jackie,

Schluter recommends either a 3/16x1/4 V or a 5/16 V. I don't think the 1st leaves enough mortar so I've been cutting deeper grooves for many years. Then several years ago they came up with the 5/16 recommendation. Great, I still haven't seen one of those locally.

I'd love to know how you did this. Aside from using too much thinset, (what size trowel did you use?), you may have mixed it too thick and for sure you didn't "beat" it with a wooden float into the mortar and work the air out. You used a modified thinset right?

Jaz

 

I think the problem was my thin set was too thick and I did not use the right trowel. I actually found the right size at home depot. I used the ditra left over in the new closet of my bathroom and it worked really well. I am also redoing the master bath in the next month or so and plan on using it for that bath. I liked the results once I learned how to use it properly. I agree with Poncho that u get better results when you lay the tile immediately after you lay the ditra. I really appreciate the comments it helped alot. I have just about finished this bathroom and it looks really good. I am in the process of a major reno in my new house so I am positive I will be back with questions.. Thanks..

 

Yep you are correct I did not beat it properly.. I'll let you know how the next bath comes out..

 

I can make another suggestion also...

The folks at Schluter say you can install the DITRA and then immediately begin your tile installation.

My reccommendation is once you have the DITRA installed and smoothed and flat..."STAY THE HELL OFF OF IT OVERNIGHT FOR GODS SAKE."

I'm one of those people that thinks the customer IS NOT always right and that Schluter Techies need more time in the field if they are going to tell you how to install their products with any real conviction.

 

bud, help me out,,, nagzilla's on her own w/the tile guy in hilton head :furious:

 

bud, help me out,,, nagzilla's on her own w/the tile guy in hilton head

Is there a missing link or something? I'm not following.....

 

the thread below - new tile over old - HURRY ! ! ! nagzilla's got the ckbook :laughing:

http://www.diychatroom.com/f84/nagzilla-wants-new-bathroom-flooring-50693/

 

OK I'm catchin' up......here ya go:

http://www.diychatroom.com/f84/nagzilla-wants-new-bathroom-flooring-50693/#post314017