Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT Installation Handbook 2017 5,5 mm Electric Floor Warming System with Integrated Uncoupling Technology
Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT Electric Floor Warming System with Integrated Uncoupling Technology Ceramic and stone tiles are the ideal surface coverings because they are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic. However two common barriers to the selection of tile as a floor covering are concerns about cracking and the perception that tiles are cold. Floor warming systems are a growing trend in tile applications, but none address concerns about cracking.
CONTENTS WOOD 4 6 7 7 Floors, Floors, Floors, Floors, Interior Interior Interior Interior – – – – 16, 19.2, & 24-inch o.c.
WOOD Every substrate presents unique challenges All wood materials, including OSB, plywood, and framing members, are subject to expansion, contraction, bending, and deflection as a result of changes in moisture content and loading. Further, these deformations fluctuate over the life of the building structure.
DH-W19-T-17 Ceramic or porcelain tile Unmodified thin-set mortar DITRA-HEAT or DITRA-HEAT-TB uncoupling membrane and heating cables Latex p.c. mortar Single layer of plywood or OSB Joists, I-joists, or trusses 19.2" (488 mm) o.c. joist spacing, single layer OSB or plywood subfloor Areas of Application over any even and structurally sound OSB or plywood subfloor with 19.2" (488 mm) o.c.
Floors, Interior - Natural Stone Tile DH-W-S-17 Natural stone tile Unmodified thin-set mortar DITRA-HEAT or DITRA-HEAT-TB uncoupling membrane and heating cables Latex p.c.
Floors, Interior - Existing Vinyl Floors DH-V-T-17 Tile or wood base Ceramic, porcelain or stone tile RONDEC DILEX-EKE Unmodified thin-set mortar KERDI-BAND DITRA-HEAT or DITRA-HEAT-TB uncoupling membrane and heating cables Fast-setting latex p.c.
CONCRETE Every substrate presents unique challenges There are various challenges associated with the installation of hard surface coverings on concrete substrates.To begin, the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete is close to twice that of ceramic tile. Additionally, tile contractors are often expected to install tile over young concrete (concrete cured less than 28 days). However, rigid surface coverings installed over young concrete are susceptible to damage as a result of shrinkage during curing.
GYPSUM Every substrate presents unique challenges Bonding ceramic or stone tiles directly to gypsum concrete substrates is generally considered questionable or not recommended. The challenges associated with gypsum-based underlayments include the requirement of an extended drying period before installing tile and continued sensitivity to the reintroduction of moisture throughout the life of the installation.
WATERPROOFING Every substrate presents unique challenges Today’s construction methods, which include the use of lightweight, moisture-sensitive materials, such as plywood, OSB, and gypsum concrete, have made the installation of hard surface coverings particularly challenging. If wood or gypsum concrete substrates are exposed to moisture, the tile covering above can be damaged as a result. Typical areas that require waterproofing include tub surrounds and showers.
MOVEMENT JOINTS Every substrate presents unique challenges DISCUSSION Movement joints are an integral part of any tile assembly. The various components of a tile assembly (tile, mortar, substrate, etc.) have unique physical characteristics that affect their behavior. Specifically, these components will expand and contract at different rates, according to each component’s intrinsic physical properties, with changes in moisture, temperature, and loading (both dead and live loads).
Typical movement joint applications 1 Schluter®-DILEX-EKE Perimeter Joints Perimeter joints are provided at the outer edges of any tile installation to accommodate movements attributable to changes in moisture, temperature, and loading. See figures 1, 2, and 3.
Note regarding residential applications Due to the increased popularity of continuous tile installations (i.e., tile continuing from room to room on a given floor), movement joints have become both increasingly important and increasingly difficult to provide. For instance, consider the residential installation shown in Figure 5.
WOOD UNDERLAYMENT Plywood/OSB underlayment installation guidelines DISCUSSION In some applications referenced in this Handbook, adding a layer of plywood or OSB before installing DITRA-HEAT and the ceramic or stone tile covering is required to reduce deflection and curvature of the sheathing between the joists. INSTALLATION GUIDE Place underlayment panels (Exposure 1, plugged-face plywood or OSB) with long dimension perpendicular to floor joists such that the following conditions are met: 1.
INSTALLATION Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT membrane and heating cables Planning For access to the DITRA-HEAT Calculation Sheet and DITRA-HEAT Online Calculator, see www.schluter.com. • Select DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-TB membrane according to the size of the area to be tiled. • Select DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cable according to the size of the area to be heated. Be sure to measure accurately. The heating cable CANNOT be cut to fit.
Heating Cables Warning • Before installing and operating this product, the user and/or installer must read, understand and follow these instructions and keep them handy for future reference. If you have a question, please contact Customer Service by phone 800-472-4588 (USA) or 800-667-8746 (Canada) or from our website at www.schluter.com. • If these instructions are not followed, the warranty will be considered null and void and the manufacturer deems no further responsibility for this product.
i To avoid damaging the DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cable spool due to handling, we recommend turning the box over to remove the spool from the packaging box. Then pick up the spool from underneath the heating cable coil, but not by the cardboard washers.
Installation Check to ensure the heating cable(s) purchased match the power supply (i.e., 120 V with 120 V or 240 V with 240 V, or 240 V with 208 V). Check to ensure you are not exceeding the 15 amp limit of the thermostat. Compare the purchased cable area to the floor area to be heated. Important: The cable area purchased should be as close to the heated area as possible, without going over. The heating cable CANNOT be trimmed or shortened to fit.
Waterproofing The following steps are required for waterproofing only: Note: While the heating cable is protected by the DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-TB matting, be careful when applying the mortar to not damage the cable with the notched trowel. 1 At the joints, fill the matting with unmodified thin-set mortar, approximately 8" (203 mm) wide, centered over the joint. 4 At all wall junctions, apply KERDI-BAND as described in steps 1-3, centered where the wall and floor meet.
Tiles Note: While the heating cable is protected by the DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-TB matting, be careful when applying the mortar to not damage the cable with the notched trowel. 1 Tile can be installed over DITRA-HEAT and 2 Solidly embed the tiles in the setting material, 3 Periodically remove and check a tile to DITRA-HEAT-TB immediately; no need to making sure to observe the open time of the ensure that full coverage is being attained. wait for the mortar to cure. Fill the matting bonding mortar.
THIN-SET FACTS Discussion of thin-set mortars and Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT installations QUESTION: Can ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, be set on DITRA-HEAT with unmodified thin-set mortar? ANSWER: YES. In fact, we recommend it. Here’s why: Portland cement-based unmodified thin-set mortars are dependent on the presence of moisture for hydration in order to gain strength. Since DITRA-HEAT is impervious, it does not deprive the mortar of its moisture.
TESTING & CERTIFICATIONS Product Evaluation Schluter®-Systems is committed to providing reliable installation systems for ceramic and stone tile. As part of this commitment, we have invested considerable resources in testing our products and obtaining certifications where applicable to provide our customers and local code officials with relevant data that supports the efficacy of our systems. All the testing referenced below was performed by independent laboratories.
Certifications Heating cables The DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables sets are certified or listed to the following standards and usage: • CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 130-03 "Requirements for Electrical Resistance Heating Cables and Heating Device Sets" under usage markings GXW for general use (G) with a wet rating (W), but specifically (X) for embedded indoor floor warming applications. • UL 1673 "Electric Space Heating Cables" for installation in poured masonry floors within enclosed structures.
DITRA-HEAT-TB Solution to improve floor warming response time The challenge of concrete substrates Concrete substrates can absorb enough heat energy to significantly increase the time it takes for floors to warm up, particularly when there is no insulation layer below the concrete. In some cases, floors may never reach the desired temperature.
208 V APPLICATIONS Discussion of Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK Heating Cables in 208 V Applications Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT offers complete flexibility when creating warm floors in any application. Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables are designed for use with common 120 V and 240 V power sources. 208 V power sources are used in some cases to handle larger loads (e.g., HVAC equipment, motors, etc.) or to improve energy efficiency.
SPACE HEATING Discussion on use of Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT for space heating QUESTION: Can I use DITRA-HEAT to heat my bathroom, kitchen, or other areas in the home? ANSWER: It is possible, but full analysis of the application by a HVAC professional is required: Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT is intended to warm tile floors and make them more comfortable underfoot, but can contribute to space heating.
NATURAL STONE Discussion of natural stone and single-layer wood subfloors Natural stone is a product of nature with a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures that come together to distinguish it as one of the premiere surface coverings available on the market. Some of stone’s characteristics, which add to its beauty and uniqueness, are veins, fissures, starts, and dry-seams.
PRODUCT & ORDERING INFO The ordering information for the Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT, DITRA-HEAT-TB, and KERDI components outlined in this Handbook is located below. For technical support, Illustrated Price List, or to receive additional information on our complete product line, please call 800-472-4588 (USA) or 800-667-8746 (Canada), or visit our comprehensive website at www.schluter.com.
Schluter ®-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK-RK Repair Kit The DITRA-HEAT-E-HK-RK heating cable repair kit is used to make one repair to the heating portion (gray section) of the DITRA-HEAT-E-HK cable in the event of damage such as cuts by other trades. Repair kit for Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-E-HK Heating Cables Item No. Description DHEHKRK DITRA-HEAT-E-HK Repair Kit Schluter ®-DITRA-HEAT-E-RSD DITRA-HEAT-E-RSD is a digital thermostat to control the DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables (either 120 V or 240 V).
Schluter ®-KERDI-BAND KERDI-BAND is a waterproofing strip used to seal butt joints and floor/wall connections with the KERDI and DITRA membranes. Waterproofing strip Item No.
HEATING CABLE TESTS LOG Validation for warranty coverage Each heating cable is subject to factory quality control. However, damage to the cables may happen after the product leaves the factory. In order to ensure that the cable quality remains unchanged throughout the installation process and for warranty purposes, tests must be conducted while the cable is still on the spool and during two specific subsequent steps.
Notes 32 NOTES
Notes NOTES 33
Notes 34 NOTES
WARRANTY Schluter ®-DITRA-HEAT and Schluter ®-DITRA-HEAT-TB 10-Year Limited System Warranty COVERAGE AND CONDITIONS: Subject to the conditions and limitations as stated hereinafter, Schluter®-Systems* warrants that the Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT system (the “Products”)** will meet all composition and performance criteria for a period of ten (10) years from the date of purchase only when the Products are used and installed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT Installation Handboo
= Labor and materials are covered when Schluter® heating cables are installed with DITRA-HEAT. See complete warranty on page 35. Schluter Systems L.P. • 194 Pleasant Ridge Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901-5841 • Tel.: 800-472-4588 • Fax: 800-477-9783 Schluter Systems (Canada) Inc. • 21100 chemin Ste-Marie, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3Y8 • Tel.: 800-667-8746 • Fax: 877-667-2410 www.schluter.com 554508 10/2016 © 2016 Schluter Systems L.P.
