Installation Guide

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. A viable
installation system must address the magnified fluctuations in temperature that contribute to increased shear stresses
between the substrate and the tile covering. Schluter
®
-DITRA-HEAT integrates customizable, comfortable electric floor
warming with the functions associated with DITRA: uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management and support to ensure a
long lasting installation.
DITRA-HEAT combines the flexibility of loose heating cables with the ease of installation of mat systems. Cables can be
placed wherever heat is desired, without creating height differences in the floor. Self-leveling compounds are not required
to encapsulate the cables, significantly reducing installation time and effort compared to uncoupling membranes over other
electric floor warming systems.
Uncoupling
Tile has been successfully installed for thousands of years by incorporating an uncoupling layer,
or forgiving shear interface, within the tile assembly. DITRA-HEAT provides uncoupling through
its geometric configuration, which allows for in-plane movement that effectively neutralizes the
differential movement stresses between the substrate and the tile, thus eliminating the major cause
of cracking and delaminating of the tiled surface.
Waterproofing
DITRA-HEAT provides reliable waterproofing. Its polypropylene composition protects the substrate
from moisture penetration, which is particularly important in today’s building environment where
most substrates are moisture sensitive.
Vapor Management
The free space on the underside of DITRA-HEAT provides a route for excess moisture and vapor
to escape from the substrate that could otherwise cause damage to the tile covering above.
Thus, DITRA-HEAT effectively manages moisture beneath the tile covering.
Support/Load Distribution
When placed on a solid foundation, columns or pillars can support tremendous loads. The
same physical principle applies to DITRA-HEAT installations. Column-like mortar structures are
formed in and between the studs on the surface of the matting. Loads are transferred from the
tile covering through these column-like mortar structures to the substrate. Since DITRA-HEAT is
virtually incompressible within the tile assembly, the advantages of uncoupling are achieved without
sacrificing point load distribution capabilities.
Electric Floor Warming System with Integrated Uncoupling Technology
Schluter
®
-DITRA-HEAT
Schluter
®
-Systems’ written installation instructions shall have
precedence over referenced industry standard guidelines and
installation procedures insofar as referenced information may contain
overlapping or conflicting requirements. Type, thickness, and format
of the ceramic or stone tile surface covering must be suitable for the
intended application.
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