The Tilemaster Guide to Fixing Natural Stone to Heated Screeds

Part of the reason many of us choose natural stone tiles is for their great-looking naturally occurring fault lines, air voids and other features. However, because of these features, a de-coupling membrane, like the Tilemaster Anti-Fracture Mat, must always be used when your new tiles are being applied to a heated screed.

Ideal for underfloor heating systems, the Anti-Fracture Mat can be used underneath not just natural stone tiles, but also ceramic and porcelain.

When a heated screed heats and cools, it can transfer that heat to the natural tiles. Without an Anti-Fracture Mat, the heating and cooling process can cause weaknesses within the naturally occurring faults in the tiles, by causing the tiles to expand and contract. An Anti-Fracture Mat will absorb the movement caused by the heat, reducing the damage to the tiles, and saving you from any tile failures.  

The mats have been designed with three layers to accommodate and absorb lateral movement. At only 0.84mm thick, laying the mat is a solution that will minimise the height build up of your flooring. 

Did you know? You can begin tiling on to the Anti-Fracture Mat immediately after it has been laid, no need to wait for adhesive to cure! Just be careful not to snag the fleece lining when applying tiles. 

Contact Ceramic Tile Merchants for more information on protecting your new tiles, and for advice on underfloor heating.