4 Ways DITRA-HEAT Membranes Protect and Preserve Tile Floors

When it comes to installing radiant floor heating, not all floors are created equally. Certain types of flooring require a specific floor heating system due to their rigid floor structure. For example, when attempting to warm ceramic or tiled floors, Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO are great options. 

What makes DITRA-HEAT membranes different from other heating systems and ideal for tiled floors? These four amazing functions of the DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO address issues presented by common tile substrates like plywood, OSB, concrete, and gypsum to help protect and preserve tile floors for years to come.

1 – Uncoupling 

Naturally, the floor underneath the tile will expand and contract at a different rate than the tile. DITRA-HEAT membranes are designed with an open rib structure so that the substrate (the underlying layer) and the tile on top of it can move independently. While it might sound counter-intuitive, allowing the floors to move independently helps prevent unnecessary stress build-up that can crack even the most durable tile floors. 

2 – Waterproofing 

Tile floors are beautiful and durable, but they’re not waterproof. Without a waterproof layer, moisture can seep through tile and grout and cause mold, mildew, and structural damage to the subfloor in bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere spills occur. A layer of DITRA-HEAT provides essential waterproofing protection for moisture-sensitive substrates.

3 – Vapor Management 

The open channels on the underside of DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO membranes provide a route for excess moisture and vapor to escape from the substrate. This vapor management function helps to keep vapor from getting trapped and from causing damage to the floor.

4 – Support 

When a tile floor is exposed to heavy loads, such as a car in a garage or even a heavy object dropping on the flooring, a layer of DITRA-HEAT or DITRA-HEAT-DUO can help protect your floor from damage. The membranes’ column-like mortar structure is specifically designed to support the load between the tile and substrate and to absorb impact. 

What is the difference between DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO?

Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-DUO has the same features as DITRA-HEAT with the addition of an integrated thermal break. The thermal break feature reduces sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies, reduces heat loss to the substrate, and improves floor warming response time. 

Need additional DITRA-HEAT benefits? 

DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO:

• Are the only electric floor warming systems that incorporate uncoupling technology to ensure that tiles and grout aren’t susceptible to cracking. 
• Combine the flexibility of loose heating cables with the ease of installation of mat systems.
• Enable you to create a customized heating zone.
  • Cables can be placed wherever floor warming is desired or throughout the room to warm the entire floor.
• Require no self-levelers.
  • Instead, the tile may be installed immediately after the heating cables, which significantly reduces installation time and effort. 
• Minimize assembly thickness for easy transitions to lower surface coverings. It provides the thinnest possible assembly.
• If purchasing DITRA-HEAT-DUO:
  • It reduces heat loss to the substrate, which means faster heating response time over concrete substrates. 

With so many features packed into an all-in-one membrane layer, DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO are ideal for any tile floor! 

Watch the video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmXxrldKD1E