41408
January 2024
DITRA-HEAT goes the distance on under tile warmth
Product Manager for Schlüter®-Systems, Andrew Saxon, offers advice on best practice when planning and installing electric underfloor heating systems.
Right back to Roman times, few things in the built environment can have delivered such a sense of comfort - and even luxury - as underfloor heating; yet the technology remains potentially problematic, with the quality of installation being pivotal to both the performance and the likely overall lifespan of the system.
In many properties, the space heating is still primarily delivered via conventional radiators, but in refurbishment as well as new-build situations, electric underfloor heating systems are widely regarded as offering a speedy, economic and convenient solution for upgrading the comfort in bathrooms, particularly in the context of under tile installations. Instead of a cold and unwelcoming surface beneath bare feet, a correctly specified electric system can deliver controllable warmth, not just from below, but also creating a regulated temperature within the room-space itself. The more advanced and adaptable systems can further be incorporated behind tiled walls.
Planning the installation is crucial, especially in larger bathrooms or sports changing rooms as even considering modern standards of insulation, the north side is often measurably colder than the south; with zoning being the obvious answer. As with the pipe runs to hydronic systems, the designer and contractor must create separate cable circuits, linking back to individual thermostats. Significantly, the two zones may well be of different sizes, and not necessarily feature the same number of cables.
From a purely practical perspective, it is difficult to connect more than two heating cables into each thermostat, which is why Schlüter®-Systems DITRA-HEAT offers specifiers/customers a selection of 17 different cable lengths for the 240 Volt circuits - rising from 4.6 up to 244 linear metres to address areas from 1.1 m2to 22.7 m2. They will offer an output of 136 W/ m2, with an actual limit on capacity of 3,600 Watts that can run from one thermostat.
It is relevant here to highlight an issue common to many electrical underfloor heating systems, where the transition between the hot cable which delivers warmth to the floor build-up, and thecoldstretch which connects to the thermostat, rely on a soldered connection. Unfortunately, such connections are inherently brittle and subject to failing; even months or years after the installation is complete.
By contrast, the DITRA-HEAT cables, launched nearly a decade ago and enjoying a successful track record amongst both heating engineers and end users, feature a seamless transition between cold and hot legs. The cold leg is 4 metres long and employs a very thin strand wound around it, which reduces the electrical resistance to minimise the heat output generated; and this negates any problems of overheating where the connection is made to the thermostat. Also, while the competition tends to segment their hot cables down into shorter - generally 60cm sections - the DITRA-HEAT version contains multiple very fine, but strong strands which extend along the full length.
And as an integrated system solution, DITRA-HEAT's 4mm diameter cables are laid within a studded, fleece backed membrane, which serves as both an insulating carrier and a decoupling layer to help distribute stresses within the build-up. For floors, the cables are laid within every third row of studs, and every two behind wall tiling.
While Schlüter®-Systems is justifiably confident in the design and robustness of its heating cables, the company always recommends that the installer runs two temperature sensors from the chosen position within the floor circuit, back to the wall, as there is always a possibility of one failing during the lifetime of the installation. In such a situation, it is then a simple matter to disconnect the first sensor from the thermostat and wire in the ‘spare'.
Finally, Schlüter®-Systems recommends three stages of testing before you tile: as each zone is laid, then during spreading of tile adhesive to guard against damage caused by pushing the cable down with a trowel, and after the tiles are installed.
Schlüter®-Systems continues to develop the DITRA-HEAT system, with the latest sophistication being the ability to control the heating output via a home's Alexa, as well as using the manufacturer's App, or via conventional controls.
For further information, call01530 813396or visithttps://www.schluter.co.uk/
-ends-
With Compliments:
Taylor Alden
7 Bell Yard
London
WC2A 2JR
Editor's note
Schlüter-Systems is the largest and most innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and natural stone in the world. The advantage of specifying Schlüter-Systems is the opportunity to utilise the wealth of experience gained over the last 30 years in the UK providing integrated system solutions. The levels of service, quality and training are second to none in the market today. Target sectors in the UK are the bathroom designer and installer, developer, contractor, architect and specifier.
Founded in Germany in the 1960s, Schlüter-Systems invented edge profiles for tiles over 50 years ago when company founder and master tiler Werner Schlüter introduced the industry to Schlüter®-SCHIENE. Today, the company offers a complete range of floor and wall profiles, providing edge protection, decoration & function.
In 1987, Schlüter-Systems went on to develop uncoupling membranes with the introduction of the revolutionary Schlüter®-DITRA. Today, it is a tried, tested and trusted waterproofing and uncoupling CE Marked system.
The Schlüter®-KERDI range features waterproofing membrane KERDI-200 and waterproof backerboard KERDI-BOARD, providing waterproofing options for both substrate building and existing substrates.
The company has also designed an integrated wetroom system that can be used in showers, bathrooms and changing rooms. It provides guaranteed waterproofing and drainage that work together in one solution, ensuring the water only goes where it should. In addition, a range of underfloor heating systems (electric and hydronic) has been developed to provide unique solutions for both new-build and refurbishment projects. The approach proves how combining heating, uncoupling, crack bridging and screed assemblies into a single system from one supplier saves time, money and materials.
The company also offers Intelligent lighting combined with first class profile technology - LIPROTEC. There is a choice of indirect or direct light which, combined with Schlüter's profile technology, allows the highlighting of curtain walls and illumination stairways, foyers, bathrooms and much more.
Finally, Schlüter-Systems provides solutions to ensure weather extremes do not cause damage to external tile and stone coverings or to the fabric of the building. Through the use of their balcony and terrace solutions, internal and external environments can flow seamlessly in order to achieve a lasting, protected installation.