Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT is a polypropylene membrane with a cut back stud structure and an anchoring fleece laminated on the underside.
It is a universal substrate for tile coverings that forms an uncoupling, crack bridging, waterproofing and vapour pressure equalisation layer and can also be used to attach heating cables.
The substrate for the installation of DITRA-HEAT must be level and load bearing. DITRA-HEAT is installed in thin-bed tile adhesive that is suitable for the substrate, using a notched trowel (recommended size: 6 x 6 mm). The anchoring fleece on the underside of DITRA-HEAT is fully embedded and the fabric mechanically bonds with the adhesive. The curing time of the adhesive must be observed.
In floor areas, the heating cables can be installed immediately after adhering DITRA-HEAT, using a minimum spacing of 9 cm (every third stud ≙ 136 W/m²).
For wall installation, the heating cables are installed once an adequate adhesive bond has been reached. The installation spacing is either 6 cm (every second stud ≙ 200 W/m²) or 9 cm (every third stud ≙ 136 W/m²). The use of mats is recommended for wall areas.
The tile or stone covering is installed directly over DITRA-HEAT in accordance with the applicable standards, using the thin-bed method. The thin-bed tile adhesive bonds with the cut-back stud structure of the DITRA-HEAT membrane.
DITRA-HEAT is waterproof and resistant to any chemical stresses that typically occur in conjunction with tiled coverings. Where required, DITRA-HEAT can be used to create a certified bonded waterproofing assembly.
Use the cable tester Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E-CT to measure the resistance of the electrical heating cables DITRA-HEAT-E-HK and the remote sensors supplied with DITRA-HEAT-E thermostats. The testing device monitors the resistance of the heating cables during the entire installation phase and alerts the installer with an acoustic signal in the event of damage. The cable tester automatically shuts down 60 minutes after the last key activation (values will not be saved).
Summary of functions
a) Uncoupling
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT uncouples the covering from the substrate and neutralises stresses between the substrate and the tile or stone covering that result from various deformations. It also bridges tension cracks from the substrate and prevent them from affecting the tile covering.
b) Waterproofing
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT is a waterproof polypropylene membrane with a relatively high water vapour diffusion seal. With properly installed abutting joints and carefully sealed transitions to walls and structural elements, DITRA-HEAT can be used to create a certified bonded waterproofing assembly with the tile covering.
DITRA-HEAT can be installed in accordance with the waterproofing standard DIN 18534 applicable in Germany. Water exposure classes: W0-I to W3-I. DITRA-HEAT also features the national technical approval (abP) required in Germany.
Moisture load class according to ZDB: 0 to B0, as well as A.
DITRA-HEAT has a European Technical Assessment (ETA) pursuant to ETAG 022 (watertight covering kits) and bears a CE mark.
System-certified tile adhesives must be used in areas that require CE-compliance or assemblies according to abP (certificate of technical approval). Please contact us using the details listed at the bottom of this page for further information about such tile adhesive products and the corresponding certificates of technical approval.
DITRA-HEAT effectively protects the sub-structure from damage caused by permeating moisture or aggressive substances.
c) Load distribution (load induction)
Tiles installed over Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT in floor areas should have a minimum size of 5 x 5 cm and a thickness of at least 5.5 mm. The adhesive-filled, square recesses of DITRA-HEAT transfer mechanical stresses impacting the tile covering directly to the substrate. That makes tile coverings installed on DITRA-HEAT especially durable. The tiles for the corresponding application area must be sufficiently thick and have adequate compressive stability to withstand high traffic loads (e.g. in commercial areas) or large point loads (such as concert pianos, forklifts, or shelf systems). In Germany, the guidelines of the ZDB information sheet “Ceramic floor coverings for high mechanical impact” must be observed for tile thicknesses.
Tiles in high-stress areas must be fully embedded in the tile adhesive.
The impact of hard objects must be avoided on ceramic coverings installed over DITRA-HEAT. The tile dimensions should be at least 5 x 5 cm.
d) Bonded assembly
Based on the fleece fabric bond in the thin-set adhesive on the substrate, and through mechanical anchoring of the thin-set adhesive in the cut-back stud structure, Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT creates a strong bond between the tile assembly and the substrate. That makes DITRA-HEAT suitable for both wall and floor installation.
