Installation Guide

INSTALLATION 19
Tiles
Once the tile installation is complete, retest
the heating cable and record values in the
heating cable tests log (page 26).
Allow the assembly to cure for 7 days after
grouting before putting the floor warming
into service.
4
Note: While the heating cable is protected by the DITRA-HEAT matting, be careful when applying the mortar to not damage the cable with the notched trowel.
Tile can be installed over DITRA-HEAT
immediately; no need to wait for the mortar
to cure. Fill the matting with unmodified
thin-set mortar and comb additional mortar
over the matting using a trowel that is
appropriate for the size of the tile.
1
Solidly embed the tiles in the setting material,
making sure to observe the open time of the
bonding mortar. If the mortar skins over prior
to tile installation, remove and reapply.
2
Periodically remove and check a tile to
ensure that full coverage is being attained.
3
Note: Coverage may vary with mortar consistency, angle at which the trowel is held, substrate flatness, etc. If full coverage is not achieved, remove
and reapply, making sure to verify proper mortar consistency and application. For large-format tiles, e.g., 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) and larger,
back-buttering the tiles with a skim coat of thin-set mortar is a useful way to help ensure proper coverage. The skim coat can fill in the concave area on
the back of the tile (ceramic tiles are not perfectly flat) and improve contact with the mortar combed on the substrate.
ESTIMATED THIN-SET COVERAGE
To bond DITRA-HEAT to the substrate:
Use one 50 lb. (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 100 ft
2
(9.3 m
2
).
To bond the tile to the DITRA-HEAT, using a 1/4" x 3/8" (6 mm x 10 mm) square- or U-notched trowel:
Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 40 - 50 ft
2
(3.7 - 4.6 m
2
).
To bond the tile to the DITRA-HEAT, using a 1/2" x 1/2" (13 mm x 13 mm) square- or U-notched trowel:
Use one 50 lb (22.68 kg) bag of mortar per 30 - 40 ft
2
(2.8 - 3.7 m
2
).
Operating Tips
• Do not place furniture or mats over the floor temperature sensor as they could act as insulation and lower the temperature of the floor warming system
therefore causing the floor to feel cooler.
• Area rugs are not recommended over the DITRA-HEAT system.
• Futons, mattresses, floor-level furniture, pillows, etc. must not be placed directly onto the heated floor. Placement of items directly onto the heated floor
will prevent heat diffusion (i.e., air circulation) and could result in damage.