We can all agree that the mortar used is essential when designing an outdoor space or a bath. Outdoor spaces such as patios are best when it has a waterproof coating. That way, you can enjoy a beautiful time in the area without worrying about the space being ruined by constant moisture and water.
Thinset is a much-favored type of mortar that is constantly seen in the installations of outdoor and indoor spaces that are prone to moisture and water. As you read on, you will find that Thinset has some tricks to its use and can be used in different ways depending on its content.
What is Thinset?
Thinset is a type of mortar that is used extensively in vertical installations. It is also known as Thinset mortar and has adhesive properties, making it suitable for installing tiles.
Because of the quality of adhesion and water resistance, Thinset can be considered the best mortar.
One thing you should remember before using Thinset is that it dries quickly. You should take care not to make many errors while using this mortar.
What Are the Types of Thinset?
| Type | Waterproof or not |
|---|---|
| Unmodified | Not waterproof |
| Modified | Not waterproof |
Modified Thinset is much more reliable than unmodified in terms of bonding strength and reduction of water absorption. They are made of a mixture of Portland cement with latex additives, fine sand, and water.
Unmodified Thinset is devoid of any latex additives, and they are also called dry-set mortar. You will find that unmodified Thinset does not have much bond strength and are mostly suitable for indoor installations.
What Happens if Thinset Gets Wet?
There is no hindrance if a cured Thinset gets wet, and it will simply absorb the water. But if you spill water over Thinset that is still not set, you should take care to dry the area before the mortar mixture gets too watery.
Can You Waterproof Over Thinset?
Yes, you can waterproof over Thinset. To do this, you have to let the Thinset cure ultimately. Then you can apply any waterproofing product over the Thinset. The safe curing time is around 72 hours.
Applying waterproofing products over Thinset will make your installations a lot more secure and long-lasting.
Can I Use Thinset for Shower Floor?
Yes, you can use Thinset for shower floors. In fact, you will be definitely surprised by how well it functions as an adhesive to spaces with moisture.
Thinset is an excellent mortar to use in spaces with constant moisture. They are not waterproof but do not get affected by water and come with solid bonding.
What Is More Water-Resistant – Thinset or Grout?
Both Thinset and Grout do not have waterproof properties. But if you are on the look for something that will impress, you should opt for the Thinset. Thinset is comparatively stronger than Grout and is also better at water resistance.
Thinset has a more elastic property as compared to Grout, and this allows the tiles to expand and contract without ruining the overall structure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thinset
Is Thinset Waterproof When Dry?
No, Thinset is not waterproof when its dried. Thinset does not become dry even when it is completely cured. It holds together the installations and does not get disturbed even when it comes in contact with water.
Can You Seal Thinset?
Yes, you can seal Thinset, but it isn’t necessary in most cases. This is because Thinset is already highly adhesive and bonds well to most surfaces. So, an additional sealing becomes unnecessary.
Does Thinset Absorb Water?
Yes, Thinset can absorb water. Cured Thinset will drink water from anything around it– water or moisture in the air.
Is Versabond Thinset Waterproof?
Versabond Thinset is not waterproof. They are, however, used for outdoor spaces because of their bond strength and mortar that is modified by a polymer.
Is Schluter Thinset Waterproof?
Schluter Thinset is not waterproof. It is, however, used together with other waterproofing products to make it waterproof.
Is Polymer Thinset Waterproof?
Polymer Thinset or polymer-modified thinset is not waterproof. You will notice that polymer gives the Thinset some special properties such as elasticity, better adhesion, and feeze resistance.
Is Epoxy Thinset Waterproof?
Epoxy Thinset is not completely waterproof, but it is non-porous. Hence, it has a waterproof-like property.
Is Thinset Mortar waterproof?
Thinset mortar is not waterproof; the mortar can still absorb water. However, it is not water-soluble. So, you do not have to stress about your Thinset getting dissolved by water.
What happens if my Thinset is too wet?
Adding too much water to your Thinset mixture will ruin the consistency of your adhesive.
Is Unmodified Thinset waterproof?
No, unmodified Thinset is not waterproof.
How to Make Thinset Waterproof?
You can waterproof a Thinset by using a waterproofing product over a completely cured mortar.
Is Thinset the same as mortar?
Thinset is a type of mortar, but it is not the same as regular mortar.
Is Thinset better than Grout?
Yes, Thinset is better than Grout in adhesive, elasticity, and durability.
Wrapping Up
You can now make your outdoor projects come to life with the use of the proper Thinset. Waterproof mortar is in high demand in the tile installation market. Since you’ve read this article, you know just how helpful Thinset can be.
Thinset will save you a lot of headaches, especially when choosing a proper adhesive for outdoor design. Be sure to try using different brands of the Thinset; this way, you will have a better understanding of how each one works.
Also, switching between different brands is good as it will help you find out which product is best for a specific installation.