Blanke PERMAT vs. SECURMAT: Do Heavy-Duty Uncoupling Mats Outperform Ditra?

When it comes to ensuring a long-lasting and crack-free tile installation, an uncoupling mat is a tiler’s best friend. For years, the iconic orange of Schluter Ditra has been the go-to choice for many professionals. But as the market evolves, so do the options. Enter Blanke, a strong contender with its own lineup of uncoupling solutions, notably the heavy-duty PERMAT and the sleek SECURMAT. This begs the question: do these heavy-duty alternatives truly outperform the industry standard? Let’s dive in.

The Reigning Champion: Schluter Ditra

Schluter Ditra has earned its place as a household name in the tiling world, and for good reason. It’s a reliable polyethylene membrane that provides four essential functions for a successful tile job: uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and load support. Its signature waffle-like structure with square, dovetailed recesses allows for in-plane movement, effectively neutralizing the stress that can occur between the subfloor and the tile, preventing cracks and delamination.

However, one of the most debated aspects of Ditra is its requirement for unmodified thin-set mortar when installing porcelain tile. This has been a point of contention for some installers who prefer the enhanced performance of modified thin-sets.

The Heavy-Duty Challenger: Blanke PERMAT

Blanke PERMAT isn’t just an uncoupling mat; it’s a reinforcing underlayment. This is where it sets itself apart. PERMAT is a rigid, sheet-good product constructed with a multi-layered design that includes a fiberglass mesh. This construction gives it superior compressive and tensile strength, allowing it to not only uncouple the tile from the subfloor but also to reinforce the substrate itself.

The standout feature of PERMAT is its impressive performance in the Robinson Floor Test (ASTM C627), a rigorous test that simulates real-world foot and rolling traffic. PERMAT consistently achieves a “Heavy” to “Extra Heavy” rating, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic commercial applications and for installations over single-layer wood subfloors with wider joist spacing.

A significant advantage for many tile setters is that Blanke recommends the use of modified thin-set mortar with PERMAT, even for porcelain tiles. This allows for a stronger bond and aligns with the recommendations of most thin-set manufacturers.

The Sleek and Versatile Alternative: Blanke SECURMAT

For those who don’t require the heavy-duty reinforcement of PERMAT but are looking for a high-performance uncoupling mat, Blanke offers SECURMAT. This is a tear-proof, rolled uncoupling underlayment that provides excellent crack isolation for both floors and walls.

One of the key benefits of SECURMAT is its low profile. It’s thinner than both PERMAT and Ditra, which can be a significant advantage in renovation projects where floor height is a concern. And just like its heavy-duty sibling, SECURMAT is compatible with modified thin-set mortar, offering installers more flexibility.

Head-to-Head: The Nitty-Gritty Comparison

So, Do Heavy-Duty Mats Outperform Ditra?

The answer is a resounding yes, in the right applications.

For the majority of residential projects with a stable, properly prepared subfloor, Schluter Ditra is more than adequate and will provide excellent, long-lasting results. However, when the demands of the job increase, a heavy-duty mat like Blanke PERMAT truly shines.

Consider these scenarios where PERMAT would likely outperform Ditra:

• High-Traffic Commercial Spaces: Think car dealerships, hotel lobbies, and busy retail stores. The constant foot traffic and rolling loads require the superior compressive and shear strength that PERMAT offers.
• Weak or Deflecting Wood Subfloors: If you’re tiling over a single-layer plywood subfloor, especially with joists spaced further apart, PERMAT’s reinforcing properties will add much-needed rigidity and prevent deflection that could lead to cracked tiles and grout.
• Large-Format and Natural Stone Tiles: These heavy, expensive tiles demand a stable and robust substrate. PERMAT provides that extra level of support and security.

The Bottom Line

The choice between Blanke PERMAT, SECURMAT, and Schluter Ditra ultimately comes down to the specific needs of your project.

• Choose Schluter Ditra for its proven track record in a wide range of standard residential and light commercial applications.
• Choose Blanke PERMAT when you need uncompromising strength, reinforcement, and peace of mind in demanding commercial environments or over less-than-ideal subfloors.
• Choose Blanke SECURMAT when you need a reliable, low-profile uncoupling solution for standard applications and want the flexibility of using modified thin-set.

Boost Your Business: Cost Savings and Bulk Purchases

For professional tile contractors, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key. While PERMAT may have a higher upfront cost per square foot, its ability to reinforce the subfloor can eliminate the need for an additional layer of plywood, saving both time and material costs.

Consider purchasing these uncoupling mats in bulk rolls or full pallets to significantly reduce the per-unit cost. This is a smart investment for any busy tiler or contractor, ensuring you have the right product on hand for any job that comes your way.

This video provides a helpful visual on preparing a wood subfloor for natural stone tile, a scenario where a heavy-duty underlayment like Blanke PERMAT would be highly beneficial.

Mitchell Moss

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