consensus on flextherm/flexsnap from pros

[aaron0593]

I would like to know if there have been any issues with flextherm as per the manufacturer's recommendations using flextherm/flexsnap system with Ultracontact mortar floating and tiling directly without ditra, etc. over 3/4 ply.

I havent had any issues myself after a few installs but no long term data.
Any known failures is what I am interested in.

I have a few bathrooms to do, no large areas otherwise i would use ditra.

Thanks

[Roger2400]

Good morning Aaron,

My name is Roger and I am Flextherm's Technical Services Director. I read your post and just wanted to let you know that since the launch of FlexSnap in 2009, no issues were brought to our attention when using Ultracontact to fill FlexSnap and install ceramic/porcelain tile over a single sheet of T&G 5/8’’ plywood subfloor sitting on 16’’ o.c. joist. It is a product that people seem to enjoy using with FlexSnap and there no counterindications in using it.

I hope this helps. Have a great day!

[aaron0593]

Thanks for the reply.

The product is a large improvement over the the regular flextherm strips.

When I contacted Mapei, they did not like recommending Ultracontact to bed the wires and set tile. They wanted me to use Granirapid or kerabond and keralastic, but that doesnt work with the flexsnap system. It's a bit confusing. So I have been using Ultracontact and crossing my fingers, hoping the framing is all good.

I am guessing someone would have mentioned a problem by now.

[eurob]

No problem to report using the flex snap system

I've used it with the GR and KK systems for floors -- flexibility under stress --and it works very well . The recommendation for the Ultracontact is probably a safer approach by the Flextherm for proper contact and embedding of the wires and the mesh -- in general -- .

I've also used the Flexsnap system for walls and benches with the Ultralite mortar .

I am sure there are mortars mfgs which are doing tests in combination with the Flextherm systems and if Roger -- Roger 2400 ( Welcome to the forum ) -- is kind enough to give us a little more of the mortars tested with success , it will be appreciated .

[Roger2400]

Hello Aaron,

If you go to Flextherm's web site at http://www.flextherm.com, go in the Products page, choose FlexSnap and once in the FlexSnap page, there's an INSTALLATION tab; click on it and you will find all the mortars and self-levelers that have been approved (so far, officially) by the manufacturer and Flextherm for use with FlexSnap. Mapei's approved products so far are :

Ultracontact
Ultracontact RS
Ultraflex LFT

There will be links you can click on to view the warranties and instructions when using these products.
Flextherm's continuing tests to approve more products.

Hope this helps!

[eurob]

Thank you for the link reference , Roger .

I don't see any Laticrete products listed . Are there any recommended for the Flexsnap ?

[John Bridge]

Welcome aboard, Roger. Thanks for chiming in. I enlivened your link to flextherm in Post #5.

[stile45]

Laticrete sure set works fine ,same as ultracontact IMHO