Ive installed Thermosoft floor heating mats several times in the past ( I am a contractor). I donÂt remember any problems with them, even with support. The first time I installed it 5 years ago at my friendÂs house in couple bathrooms and kitchen. It still works fine and he is very happy with his warm floor. Unfortunately, there are no systems in the world that are 100% fail-proof. Anything can fail. Even Toyota, which is one of the most reliable car manufacturers, has recalls... I did have several failures with Suntouch and Warmly Yours in the past, the same with Nuheat. And those are very expensive! I don't know why... But sometimes, the failure happens because of mistakes during installation, which is hard to admit... I had to fire one of my workers after I found that he dropped a very heavy tool on the heating wire, nicked it and continued installation... After such thing the system may easily fail after a few months in that spot... However, I would definitely stay away from Floorheatech ( who also works under easywarmfloor.com, heatingonline.com, heavenly-heat.com, etc). They got "F" in BBB for the reason and I truly had a very bad experience with them several times. I would also avoid Warming Systems, which is a very small company, buying their heaters somewhere in Eastern Europe without UL approval and mostly doing business on ebay... I hope this helps.

Ok, great info.: time vs cost vs elbow grease... But what I also want to know is how long does this product last. If I'm going to do a job, I'm going to do it right and it's going to last. I don't care about the time, cost, elbow grease if I know that my finished product will last 5 to 10 years longer. If that is the case, then I will spend more, work longer, and put more elbow grease into the job. Is there an average life expectancy? Any follow up data being accumulated? So that I can add this 4th variable into the mix? I really like your other information though so don't think that I'm being negative. I've searched the internet to answer my lifespan questions, and have come up empty handed. Ditra/Hardibacker I really don't care. Warranty's are great, but anyone w/ hands on experience and personal testimonies concerning lifespan? Thank you Josh

Ditra is mainly used to mediate the possible movement of tile which could result in cracking and failures. Basically, it is a de-coupling membrane. Ditra, when used with its sister product Kerdi, would provide a water proof membrane structure. This is accomplished by installing the ditra and then overlapping the joints by 3". I don't work for Schluter, by the way. :) I have used it in over 20 bathroom and kitchen installs and have never had an issue. Read more here: http://www.schluter.com/2080.aspx Prices vary, but, I find it indispensable when I consider my "peace of mind" in finished installations. It's not cheap, but, I wouldn't do a job without it. Now, given the fact that you don't expect and water to get on the floor, adding the kerdi for waterproofing purposes is probably unnecessary.

In the US Schluter recommends unmodified thinset mortar to stick the Ditra to concrete. However, when I was looking into using it on my floor I remember reading that sometimes Schluter has different installation guidelines for it's products in Europe and America. So your best bet is probably to call or email their UK tech support department and ask what product they recommend for your specific situation.