Q. Is Decoup Original a copy of Durabase CI++ Matting?
A. No, Tile Rite have sold this same matting that is manufactured at ISOLA in Norway since 2008. ISOLA have been manufacturing this same mat for over 15 years. Decoup Original, is is the same product with a new label and name DECOUP ORIGINAL.
Q. Can you use underfloor heating with DECOUP ORIGINAL Matting?
A. Yes, when installing underfloor heating with DECOUP ORIGINAL matting, it is recommended that you install the heating underneath the matting. The layering should be as follows: Concrete Sub Floor, Screed, Underfloor heating, DECOUP ORIGINAL Matting, Tiles. The DECOUP ORIGINAL Matting is manufactured to give good thermal conductivity and will evenly distribute the heat, DECOUP ORIGINAL ensures that movements in the screed caused by thermal fluctuations are balanced out reliably for years to come.
Q. What is DECOUP ORIGINAL For?
A. DECOUP ORIGINAL is for sheer stress protection. Sheer stresses develop whenever surfaces move. Movements can occur due to drying, shrinkage or thermal fluctuations in the screed, which can be caused by underfloor heating or problematic subfloors, for example. With the DECOUP ORIGINAL matting used as a stress alleviating intermediate layer, damaging shear stresses are absorbed by the special triple-layer mat structure, keeping tiled surfaces free of cracks.
Q. Is DECOUP ORIGINAL Waterproof?
A. In combination with tiling, DECOUP ORIGINAL matting acts as an additional seal that prevents water from seeping through. Associated accessories - internal and external corners, sealing collars and joint tape should be used for connecting and sealing butt joints.
Q. How do I lay DECOUP ORIGINAL?
A. Fix the DECOUP ORIGINAL matting (fleece layer at the bottom) to the subfloor using a powdered flexible tile adhesive (applied with a 4mm square notched trowel). Tape over the joints with sealing tape. Then press the flexible tile adhesive through the mesh into the depressions and spread across the entire area. Finally, scrape off the excess with a notched trowel and lay the tiles on the mat.
Q. Are all tiles suitable with DECOUP ORIGINAL?
A. DECOUP ORIGINAL is not suitable for laying under thin or large-format slimline tiles. There is a risk of them breaking. In addition, small format tiles under 50 x 50mm must not be used either.
Q. Can you use DECOUP ORIGINAL outside?
A. DECOUP ORIGINAL can be used outside on balconies, where there is also a need for waterproofing. The DECOUP ORIGINAL mat is waterproof therefore adequate drainage must be available. When laying on balconies in high summer temperatures, the mat needs to be protected by some means to prevent them becoming unglued or buckling whilst the adhesive is hardening. For better results when installing DECOUP ORIGINAL, it is better to lay the mat in the cooler hours of the evening, and then to lay the tiles the following morning. With regards to using the mat on the ground for patios, it is not really advised due to the UK climate. DECOUP ORIGINAL is waterproof, therefore if adequate drainage is not provided, there is a risk of the water sitting in the grout joints or seeping behind the tiles, then if the water freezes it will expand and risk grout and tiles breaking. A drainage mat would be better for this application.
Q. Can you use DECOUP ORIGINAL on green screeds?
A. DECOUP ORIGINAL can be laid as soon as the screed can be walked on. The residual moisture of a concrete screed should be no greater than 4%. Anhydrate screed should have a maximum residual moisture of 2%, but the surface will need preparing, laitance should be removed by light abrasion using a suitable sanding machine and primed with a suitable primer before laying the matting & tiles.
