Is Modified And Fortified Thinset The Same?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


Unmodified

thinset has been around forever. … 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.

What is the difference between modified and fortified thin set?


Unmodified

thinset has been around forever. … 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.

What is a modified thinset?

A modified thin-set mortar

contains polymers formulated into the dry mix that increase its performance and strength

. An un-modified mortar is simply a thin-set mortar that does not contain polymer in the dry mix.

Is modified thinset better?

Modified thinset is the product of choice for most tile installations because of its

increased strength and bonding with minimal shrinkage

, which means a reduced chance of cracks forming in the tile. WarmlyYours Radiant Heating recommends modified thinset mortar for nearly all tile and stone installations.

What are the different types of thinset mortar?

There are two types of thin-set mortars,

unmodified and modified

. Unmodified is a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents that the installer would mix with water.

Can I use unmodified thinset on plywood?

Thinset is the wet base that you first trowel on the plywood to make the tile stick. Higher latex content is essential for bonding to plywood. A quality unmodified thinset should be

used and mixed with a latex additive

.

What happens if you use modified thinset on Kerdi?

Modified thinset mortars aren’t recommended for use with Kerdi because

they must dry out to gain strength

, whereas the membrane inhibits drying, which can lead to unpredictable results. … Schluter’s recommendation is to use unmodified thinset mortar when installing Kerdi over most shower substrates.

What happens if you use modified thinset on DITRA?

Since

DITRA is impervious

, it does not deprive the mortar of its moisture. This allows the cement to properly hydrate, resulting in a strong, dense bond coat. In general, we don’t recommend the use of modified thin-set mortar to set tile over the membranes because these mortars must air dry to cure properly.

Can you use modified thinset over redguard?

The

Flexbond modified thinset

, which is sold at HD, lists redgard as one of the surfaces it can be applied to and therefore, following manufacturer recommendations, a person should be using a modified thinset like Flexbond over Redgard.

How long does modified thinset take to dry?

With most kinds of thinset, it’s generally advisable to wait at least 48 hours after application before walking on or applying pressure to the tile. Manufacturers often recommend allowing a window of

24 to 48 hours

for curing time, and in this case, longer is better.

Can I use unmodified thinset on drywall?

You can us unmodified on drywall as long as the tiles are not porcelain, but I’d go with

modified over wallboard

anyway.

Can I use modified thinset over Hardibacker?

Space between plywood supports is not to exceed 16 in on center. Do not align HardieBacker cement board joints with plywood joints. … Apply a supporting bed of dry-set mortar or modified thinset to plywood with a 1/4 in square-notched trowel. Mastic can also be used with a 5/32 in V-notched trowel.

What thinset do you use with Ditra?

For example, to set DITRA over plywood or OSB,

a modified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. 11

is used. To set DITRA over concrete or gypsum, Schluter-Systems recommends an unmodified thin-set mortar meeting the requirements of ANSI A118. 1.

Is mortar the same as thinset?

What is Thinset? Thinset, while it is also sometimes referred to as a

“mortar”

is an adhesive. It’s a mix of cement, water, and fine sand. … Due to its cement ingredients, thinset should be made up in small batches as needed.

What kind of thinset goes under cement board?


An unmodified thinset (Masterblend) is fine

between the Hardi and the subfloor. Tara, The reason for the layer of thinset between the cement board and the subfloor is to fill the voids/gaps between the two. It’ll keep the cement board from moving up and down.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.