Tile underlayment membrane is the foundation beneath marble, ceramic, and other natural tiles. This base keeps everything in place and stabilizes the area. When underlayment is not used, the tiles can buckle and break.
Flexible Mats
Manufacturers developed flexible tile underlayment membranes to cradle tile floors. You can buy them in large and small rolls. The developers designed the tops of the mats with valleys and grooves. The backing is made from a material that will adhere to mortar.
Application
The flexible mats are lightweight plastic sheets, and they are relatively easy to handle and work with. To fit the membrane to an area, all you will need is a sharp pair of scissors or a box knife. It is not advisable to apply tile directly to raw surfaces or the existing flooring. Leaving out the membrane could lead to an uneven finish, which will eventually cause the tile to crack or creep up.
Installation
Before installing this membrane, your floors will need a little bit of prep work. The installer will want to remove any old flooring and clean the space. Next, a thin coat of mortar gets swept across a small area, and the membrane is pressed into it. Another layer of mortar is applied on top of the plastic ripples, and the tiles are set into that final coat. The surface will be water-resistant when the work is complete because of all the layerings. A floor will be solid, and these applications will protect the tile and the subfloor for years to come.