Ever wonder what the process of installing Radiant Floor Heating looks like? What if I told you that it is like a sandwich?
Many of our customers and contractors have been asking us how electric floor heat should be installed when using Schluter®-DITRA. When it comes to installing floor heating with Schluter®-DITRA, we go through a process called the “installation sandwich.”
Now, where did this idea of a “sandwich” come from? As you go through the process of installing radiant floor heating, you can see that the flooring consists of a variety of layers. Like a sandwich, these layers stack on top of one another in order to function properly.
To get a better idea, here is the “installation sandwich,” from top to bottom, with our TempZone™ Heating System and Schluter®-DITRA:
- Tile
- Non-modified thinset
- DITRA
- Non-modified thinset
- Modified thinset or SLC
- TempZone™ Heating System
- Subfloor
So what is Schluter®-DITRA?
Schluter®-DITRA is a membrane made up of a high-density polyethylene, which does not rot and is highly resistant to solutions containing salts, acids, and alkalis, as well as many organic solvents, alcohols, and oils. The material is non-toxic, inert, and physiologically safe.
Its grid-like structure is designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installation. This not only serves as an uncoupling and vapor-managing layer, it also is a waterproofing membrane that provides adequate support/load distribution for your tile covering.
Now that you know more about DITRA and if you want to go beyond the basics of the “installation sandwich,” here is a more detailed description on installing radiant floor heating using Schluter®-DITRA.
For the first step, WarmlyYours requires that the heating roll be embedded in Latex modified thinset or polymer modified Self-Leveling Cement (SLC). Also, Schluter requires that the DITRA be in contact with non-modified thinset under and over it. Because of this requirement, we are recommending the following installation method:
You may install the TempZone™ system per our directions; encapsulate the wires in a skim coat of latex modified mortar or a cement-based leveling compound and allow curing. Then, bond the DITRA or DITRA-XL with unmodified thin-set mortar to the cured modified thinset or SLC.
Now all that is left is laying down the tile and “Voila!” The result is a warm luxurious floor that will bring nothing but comfort!
Whether an installation process resembles food or not, we are here to give you the benefit of our knowledge to answer any and all questions about our products or installation to help you succeed in bringing comfort and warmth to your projects.
---------------------
WarmlyYours products are available direct to you via online or phone, and we also have many other showrooms and groups, including our e-tailers. One of our great e-tailers is who sells both Warmly Yours Radiant Heating Products and Schluter DITRA. You can buy both WarmlyYours Radiant Heating Products and Schluter DITRA at eComfort. We encourage you to check them out!
Related Posts
Like this post? Subscribe for regular updates
As a professional I have installed many WY temp zone floor heat systems with Ditra. The two systems "marry" together perfectly!! By using Ditra over the heating wires you protect the system while also protecting the tile from any possible movement caused by expansion. Win , Win , situation. Thanks WarmlyYours for shedding light n the new age in tile installation over your state of the art floor warming systems.
Thank you Phil for your insight and comment. We are always looking for ways to continually support trade pros like you, and we're glad that this article contributed to that! Thanks for connecting with us.
I just had this put in and am so disappointed. I previously had Suntouch floor heat and loved it! Sun touch actually heats the floor. Ditra is the worst product ever! It does not heat up the floor! I paid $1585 including electric for a 100 sq. ft bath way to expensive and the floor is still cold! I hate this product! I wish I had gone with Sun touch it is by far a superior product.
ANy further info on why your Ditra does not heat? Does not heat at all or not warm enough? Defective product or incorrect installation.
WarmlyYours hasn't carried any of the Ditra heating products in several years but it can sometimes be difficult to get ahold of their support staff directly so we'd be happy to help you identify why the system is no longer working. We'll need more information to help you identify if the issue is with the system or how it was installed. Give us a call at 1-800-875-5285 and our 24/7 technical support team can help. Thank you for reaching out.