Crack Isolation Membrane
Category: infrastructure
A specialized underlayment mat engineered to prevent subfloor surface shrinkage cracks from breaking floor tiles.
Similar to an uncoupling membrane, a crack isolation layer features a thin, flexible elastomeric rubber or fabric core sheet. If a hairline stress fracture forms in the underlying concrete foundation slab over time, the membrane absorbs that shifting tension energy, keeping the top tile intact.
Common Examples
- We specified a full-coverage crack isolation membrane over the cured concrete slab before laying down the large porcelain floor pattern.
- A high-grade crack isolation membrane can bridge subfloor surface cracks measuring up to an eighth of an inch without failing.