Modified vs unmodified thinset

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Are you wondering about modified vs unmodified thinset mortars? The internet is full of information and even misinformation on this very subject. In fact, this debate has stoked many of the conversations and threads on the tile and building forums for years. There have been some developments in recent years and new information to digest. Similarly, be sure to check out the main post that I wrote which is an ultimate guide to thinset and helps you decide which one you need for your projects. Then, head over to this post when it comes time to actually start mixing thinset mortar as well as separate instructions for mixing small batches of thinset mortar.

Modified vs unmodified thinset

When it comes to thinset, choosing between modified or unmodified thinset can leave many tile installers scratching their heads. Is one better than the other? Or is it just a matter of personal preference, convenience or plain work habits? Unmodified thinset has been around forever. Old-school professionals know how to work with it and understand its application perfectly. But, in the last decades, we have witnessed the rise of the modified thinset. Its simplicity charms more and more installers. Unlike unmodified mortar, which consists only of a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents, modified thinset includes additional retention products, such as latex polymers, which can increase its performance and strength. That translates into less work for you and sturdier concrete for the client. Case closed, right? Obviously, modified thinset is the better option, and all this debate is useless. Not so fast! Adding water to Portland cement starts a chemical reaction known as hydration. The cement reacts with the water and forms interlocking crystals, which make cement hard. These crystals grow as long as they expose to moisture.

These three elements: cement, modified vs unmodified thinset, sand, and the retention compound are what give quality and resistance to modified and unmodified thinset. It is important to note that if you use ceramic or stone tiles on top of your Warmup floor heating system, you must wait weeks for the modified thinset to fully cure before turning on the heat.

Coupon automatically applied at checkout. What happens when you inject something with ingredients designed to make it stronger? In the movies or comics , you get characters like Wolverine. But real life has some stories to tell as well. Take thinset, for instance. Back in the s , people used inches of thinset beneath their tile.

In my previous post about thinsets I explained what modified thinsets are and how they came about. That post actually started out as this post, I tend to get sidetracked by beer my dog. Unmodified thinsets, in one form or another, have been around forever. With the expanded use of modified thinsets, the unmodified version had nearly gone by the wayside with everyone except us hard-headed setters who bought unmodified thinsets and added liquid admixes to them — to create modified thinsets. I no longer do this for my modified thinsets, but it was a hard habit to kick. This has continued to this day with even seasoned professionals questioning if unmodified should be used, and if so — why and which unmodified to use.

Modified vs unmodified thinset

Coupon automatically applied at checkout. What happens when you inject something with ingredients designed to make it stronger? In the movies or comics , you get characters like Wolverine.

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Request Installation Plan Back. When it comes to installing tiles, quality materials together with cutting-edge equipment, such as a modern mortar mixer or trowels and notched trowels can make or break the success of a project. Factors: I'm not sure what kind of thinset was used mod or unmod. I only wish you had continued and explained options for modified thinset products. Based on this, you can group available thinset and choose the one that fits your needs best. When mixing thinset, regardless of whether it is modified or unmodified, there are a few essential techniques that will help ensure your success:. Your email address will not be published. An entire bag of thinset, even if it is flawlessly proportioned, will most likely choke the mix. We can definitely provide more information if you want to give us a call at As long as moisture and cement co-exist, the strength, density, and durability of the thinset will continue to increase gradually. Henry B. Most thinset manufacturers want modified mortars used on porcelain tile. Modified thinset is now used in more situations where unmodified had been used before. Hours of Operation.

When it comes to tile installation, choosing the right thinset is crucial for ensuring a strong and durable bond. Two common options in the market are modified and unmodified thinset. Understanding the differences between these two types of thinset can help you make an informed decision for your tiling project.

Please advise what to use over the WarmlyYours electric heat cables when I will be putting engineered hardwood on top. Related Posts. The popping sound is probably the result of loose tiles wiggling as you walk on them, which causes air to rush in and out underneath them, making a popping sound. Chat with us. The debate matters because of the way the different products cure. Traditionally, unmodified thinset mortar has been used to adhere an impervious tile to an impermeable backing. Offer valid on orders shipping to the 48 contiguous states in the U. Or is it just a matter of personal preference, convenience or plain work habits? Source: Laticrete Australia Engineers at that time added rubber into the thinset mix to repair and make seawalls more durable. Wear a mask or respirator when mixing thinset. But, in spite of the fact that adding rubber to cement helped retain water for longer, this compound still had its limitations. Nowadays, the terminology has gone from latex-modified to what it is today: polymer-modified mortars. Then, head over to this post when it comes time to actually start mixing thinset mortar as well as separate instructions for mixing small batches of thinset mortar. That seems to be exactly what you say not to do. Yes, quality products have a more limited availability — as crazy as that might sound.