What is PERMAT?
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1 Panel – 6.5 sq. ft. (2’ x 3.2’) – weighs approx. 1 lb
Two layers mesh – top layer of extruded fiberglass has overhang for connecting panels
Only 1/8” thick
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PERMAT – Physical Properties
30 panels / carton – 195 sq. ft. / carton – weighs only 32 lbs
Install with thinset same as UNI-Mat PRO
Suitable for Residential & Commercial; wood & cement substrates; interiors only.
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How is PERMAT similar to rolled uncoupling products?
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Light weight, labor savings,
easy to install compared
to backerboard/cement board
1. Easy to carry – 30 lbs vs. 362 lbs
2. Cut with utility knife — no dust
3. No screws or nails — installs with thinset
4. No taping of seams |
Provides crack isolation (uncoupling) protection unlike backerboard type products
1. Fabric on underside releases with lateral substrate movement
2. Span controls joints in cement substrates (but not expansion joints)
3. Compare to restrictions on other crack isolation products |
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How is PERMAT superior to rolled uncoupling products?
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Increases substrate support and reduces deflection
Superior point load support
Higher compressive strength
Higher shear strength
Easier to install |
Detail
Increases substrate support/reduces deflection
1. Tile — approved over 1 layer of 3/4” EGP on 24” o.c. joist spacing
TCA recommends two layers of plywood over 24” o.c. joists
PERMAT replaces second layer of plywood
Robinson Floor Test rated - Heavy Industrial
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2 Stone
Approved over 1 layer 3/4” EGP on 19’2” o.c. joist spacing
Stiffens substrate to meet more rigid L/720 deflection
(vs L/360 for standard tile)
Schluter Ditra requires 2 layers of plywood under stone |
3. Large format tile
Provides flatter plane for setting tile
Stiffens substrate
Fewer grout joints in the tiled surface allow for less movement/deflection |
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Superior point load support
95% higher than standard roll uncoupling products
No voids — no hollow spots to collapse under point loads
Ideal for commercial applications
Suitable for tiles smaller than
2” x 2”
Stone installations — supports 100% of tile |
Higher compressive strength
50% higher than standard roll uncoupling products
Ideal for commercial applications
(auto showrooms, retail, hospitality, grocery stores)
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Higher shear strength
7X higher than standard roll uncoupling products
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Easier to install
More tolerant of unwelcome traffic prior to tile installation
More flexibility in timing mat and tile installation
Less sensitive to thinset cure times when working on mat |
Modified thinset (A118.4) recommended with porcelain tile
Complies with industry standards
Schluter requires non-modified thinset when installing porcelain on DITRA
Eliminates conflicts between thinset and underlayment warranties
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Applications - Residential
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New home construction
24” o.c. joist spacing with 1 layer 3/4” plywood/OSB
Eliminates second layer of plywood
Stone installations
Stiffens floor to meet more rigid L/720 requirement
Provides higher point load and support under 100% of installation
Tiles smaller than 2” x 2”
Anywhere where substrate support is questionable |
Commercial applications
Anywhere crack isolation is required on cement substrates
Can alternative crack isolation products span control joints?
Anywhere exposed to high point loads and heavy traffic
Anywhere DITRA is specified
Upsale benefits of heavy-duty/premium uncoupling system
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Audi showeroom, Piepenstock Germany |
Installation
Please see PERMAT installation video and PERMAT printed installation instructions for detailed instruction
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Normal floor prep
Align panels so top mesh overhang covers edge of adjacent panel side without overhang. Seams in adjoining rows must be offset a minimum of 3” from seam in prior row
As with the tile covering, a ¼” gap must be maintained where PERMAT abuts vertical surfaces, thresholds and other flooring surfaces( i.e., wood)
Apply more a liquid than normal mix to substrate w/ 1/4” x 1/4” U-notched trowel
Press PERMAT in to thinset with flat side of trowel (fabric on underside of PERMAT needs to be saturated with thinset)
Key normal mix of thinset into cavities on top of PERMAT
Trowel thinset and set tile as normal to top surface of PERMAT
Allow normal cure time as recommended by grout manufacturer before grouting
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A Word about Movement Joints
Movement joints are required in tile and stone surfaces
Importance of movement joints: Per the NTCA and TCA, most claims for failures are for installations with insufficient or no movement joints. Here are the minimum guidelines per 2007 TCA Handbook for installation of ceramic tile:
Interior: 20-25’ both directions
Interior exposed to sunlight: 8-12’ both directions
Exterior: 8’-12’ both directions
Perimeter and where tile abuts verical surfaces
These requirements apply regardless of type of underlayment
used in the installation
Summary Residential
Reduces deflection in wood substrates (I.e. 24 o.c. joist spacing)
Stone installations — increases substrates support
Large format tile — provides flatter plane and stiffer substrates
Only 1/8” thick
Suitable for tiles 2” x 2” and smaller
Weighs only 1.06 lbs. Per panel (6.5 sq. ft.)
Latex modified thinset recommended for porcelain tile installation
Summary Commercial
Crack isolation/uncoupling protection
Superior point load support
Higher shear strength
Higher compression strength
Suitable for tiles under 2” x 2”
Easier to install
Ideal for floors exposed to heavy traffic (auto showrooms, airports, retail, nursing homes, hospitality)
Blanke Corporation
