Be prepared to face the cold winter months ahead with the help of a very energy efficient electric floor heating system. When it comes to floor heating systems, there are now many new innovative products on the market, among them Ditra-Heat by Schluter Systems, which is the only heated floor system that incorporates uncoupling technology to help extend the life of your tiles and joints.

1) Why should you use a heating cable for your floor?

Did you know that installing a heated floor can help you save up to 15% on your electricity bills? In fact, using this type of heating system will allow you to decrease the ambient temperature by 2 to 3 degrees while maintaining a comfortable temperature in the room where it is installed. What are the advantages of a heated floor compared to other heating systems?

Hygienic

Heated floors are a “healthy” solution. Because the heat emanates from the ground and is distributed upwards, it does not produce air currents, thus minimizing the spread and effects of dust or other allergens. Those suffering from allergies will notice a significant difference.

Invisible

The heating cable is installed under the tiled flooring so you are free to choose the design, format, and colors of your ceramic tiles. There is no impact on the aesthetics of the room and you’ll even save space by eliminating cumbersome electric baseboards. You can set up your space exactly how want.

Even heat transfer

Heated floors efficiently distribute heat in a uniform manner throughout the room. Because it emanates from the floor, your extremities will be comfortably warm. The system will maintain a moderate temperature so the room will never be too hot or too cold!

Safe

The biggest advantage of a floor heating system is that the cable is installed under the tiled flooring. Because you do not come into direct contact with any heating component, there is no risk of burns, electrocution, or asphyxiation. Furthermore, the heated floor comes with a programmable thermostat that lets you precisely control the temperature.

2) How is Ditra-Heat different than a conventional heating cable?

Schluter Systems’ reputation is based on their ability to offer innovative products for any construction or renovation project. The new Ditra-Heat system is a prime example of this. In addition to providing the benefits of a conventional heating cable, Ditra-Heat helps prolong the life of your tiled floor.

A unique uncoupling technology

Thanks to the extremely resistant Ditra membrane combined with Ditra-Heat, the innovative heated floor system helps prevent cracks in your tiles. Unwanted movements between the substrate and tiled flooring are the main reason why tiles crack and become unglued. Ditra-Heat’s configuration prevents this by only allowing for horizontal movements, which reinforces the floor tiles and prevents them from becoming unglued.

A waterproof system

Composed of polypropylene, Ditra-Heat was designed to protect the substrate from moisture, essential for tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, or any other room susceptible to moisture. Moreover, Ditra-Heat contains free spaces that route moisture and vapor away from the substrate, preventing the tiles from becoming damaged over the years.

Customizable heating zones

Because the Ditra-Heat membrane can be adapted to any room size, the heating cable can be installed exactly where you want. You can create heating zones in specific areas or distribute the cable over the entire floor. Ditra-Heat can be perfectly tailored to any needs.

Quick and easy installation

Installing the system is extremely easy. No pliers or fasteners are needed to install the heating cable on the Ditra-Heat membrane. Because a self-leveling compound is not required either, the tiles can be applied right after installing the cable, making the installation process quicker.

Minimal height

Two layers of 5/8”plywood are necessary to reinforce the subfloor before conventional tile installations with or without most heating systems. However, the structural qualities of the Ditra-Heat Membrane allow it to completely replace the second plywood without compromising the solidity of the floor. As a result, the extremely thin installation allows most installations to be performed without noticeable height differences between the heated floor and adjacent hardwood installations. This is a benefit compared to other heated floor systems, and regular tile installations without heated floors, which are often noticeably higher than adjacent hardwood floors.

3) How to install Ditra-Heat in a few easy steps

Schluter heated floor system includes the Ditra-Heat uncoupling membrane, a heating cable, and a thermostat.

You can easily install your heated floor system by following the steps outlined in the video below. It clearly details the material you will need and which safety precautions to take. Ditra-Heat was specifically designed to be installed as easily as possible.

Thinking about installing an electric floor heating system? For more information, please contact us!