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.
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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!