4specs.com    4specs.com Home Page

Anti-Fracture vs. Uncoupling: What ar... Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

4specs Discussion Forum » Archive - Product Discussions » Anti-Fracture vs. Uncoupling: What are the differences? « Previous Next »

  Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post
  ClosedClosed: New threads not accepted on this page        

Author Message
Scott Taylor (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 05:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I am a large commercial tile contractor on the West coast and I am starting to see more and more specs calling for a TCA recognized "Uncoupling System".

I have tried to substitute some of the anti-fracture membranes I have been using for years, but the architects have rejected the substitutions, insisting on the uncoupling system as defined by the TCA.

How does this compare to the anti-fracture / crack isolation membranes? Is it true it neutralizes rather than absorbs movement in substrates? Anyone have good information on this system? Thanks.
Curt Norton, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: Curtn

Post Number: 20
Registered: 06-2002
Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 01:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

According to the TCA Handbook 2003/2004, Page 9, an uncoupling System is "a system that separates the finished surface from the substrate to allow the independent movement between the two and prevent the transfer of stresses to the tiled surface. There are several TCA methods including the uncoupling system.

The only uncoupling system I am aware of is Ditra by Schluter Systems. There may be others.

According to the Schluter rep that spoke at our firm, the system is intended for wood subfloors, but can work very well on concrete by allowing EJ's at any location regardless of control joints in the slab. www.schluter.com
mowat (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 05:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

The uncoupling system is designed for larger than 4-inch tiles with joist spacing of 19 foot 2 inches with minimum 23/32-inch tongue and groove exterior grade plywood and adding an additional layer of 3/8-inch minimum exterior glue plywood with joists on 24-inches on center with minimum 8-inch square tiles or larger.
Assumptions are made this is not a sound rated floor assembly.
Forensic Tile Consultants has not yet had a failure of the uncoupling system to inspect.
The tile industry is high on this system. The system allows for wider than 16-inch joist spacing.
The qualification is making sure the floor deflection is designed to achieve 1/360 with ceramic tile assembly and 1/720 for stone tile or stone slab assembly.
Caution against using oriented strand board in lieu of the exterior grade plywood.
Anonymous
 
Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 08:48 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Note: Joist spacing in above posting should read "19.2" inches. Basically, 4 spaces in 8 feet = 24 inches o.c.; 6 spaces in 8 feet = 16 inches o.c. The 19.2 is arrived at when one needs 5 spaces in 8 feet, for those rare instances when 24" o.c. is too great, and 16" o.c. is too close and hence, more costly.
Scott Taylor (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 02:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

How does the TCA uncoupling system tie into the TCA's new "Integrated Bonding Flange" (TCA Method B422)?

Is it compatible with this new type of drain system for tile? I like the square drain grate- what a great idea! Much better than round for tile.

Also, does anyone have info on the "moisture vapor equalization" function of uncoupling I am seeing- Can it really be installed over "green concrete" without problems to the tile, etc.?

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration