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Schluter Ditra Heat System Experience / Thoughts

7 years ago

Clients have asked me to install under tile electric heating. I've hear good things about the Schluter Ditra Heat system, however I've also read two things that worried me when this system was new to the US.

1. The thermostat only allows the heat to warm up to 84 degrees. You might feel this on your feet but it seems unlike to warm or dry the air above, even as a secondary heat source. Other systems allow 104 degrees. Is this still correct?

2. The Ditra heat thermostats produce a very loud clicking sound that is annoying and wake some people up.

Let me know if you'd used this system or the other systems recently and the Client satisfaction. I know that the Schulter system is the easiest to install but happy customers is also important.

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PRO

Carpet One Columbia

7 years ago

When installing over concrete - I use the Ditra Heat TB(thermal break) mats/rolls. This system checks off all of the important boxes on my list of requirements for heated floor systems at this exact moment in time. Heats up fast, uncoupling, low profile, waterproofing/vapor management, and of course, faster and less complicated installation.

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Comments (6)

geoffrey_b
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I don't have Ditra Heat, but I have DIY, gutted and remodeled three bathrooms in my home. All have heated floors. Two of them use a mats from Warmly Yours, the other uses Warm Wire.

It's all just heating cable - as an Engineer, I think any reputable product should be OK.

The Ditra combines crack isolation membrane with a guides for the heating cable.

They all use 'line voltage' thermostats. The thermostats have mechanical relays. Some of the relays are a little louder than others when they energize/deenergize.

You don't have to buy a "Ditra" thermostat. You can buy any line voltage thermostat. I used Honneywell, which appears under the name Aube.

Amazon - line voltage thermostats

With GFCI

There are more expensive similar models that have a GFCI built in - that's what I used. The max floor temp is 84 degrees.

I install two floor sensors - one for a spare.

I pour SLC over the entire installation.

I have heard you can use the same 20 amp circuit as the bathroom. You will need a large deep box - I use a tile ring.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
NU - Heat http://www.nuheat.com/products/heatingsystems/cable-uncoupling-membrane-system
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So many issues for a shower. It's really helpful to hear the thinking through others have done. I am revising my plans and spotted the Schulter 21" niche, which is a good size. Two tier. Partition wall is 29" wide. It's prefab so the draining angle should be built in. We don't use pumps as the nozzles dry out and they annoy me. But we both have different products so I agree -- the bigger the better. I also felt teak bench would work and not be fixed. Also not cold, slippery or uncomfortable when wet. I have some Turkish hammam towels which are not terry and really work well to throw over a bench if needed. Warmly Yours also can be used to heat a bench, however. Trying to keep this shower basic and adaptable. The niche placement idea is a big help although it would be on the left vs right and slightly behind. The footrest bar is terrific. Thank you @Avanti! Also needing to figure placement of grab bars. Will post photos of the elevations when I finish.
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geoffrey_b
7 years ago
Same as Dirta. There are several other similar systems.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
7 years ago
Ditra will require testing with a megger meter for a 15 year warranty and a 10 year if only a multi meter is used

Nu Heat will provide a 25yr with multi-meter testing and professional installation. They install the same. Nu Heat has been around for many years. Ditra heat not so much. I would suggest using a system that combines uncoupling as they both do.Laticrete will be coming out with their mat in April. It will be perforated so that modified mortars can be used. If you are installing over concrete be sure to include a thermal break.
K Hesketh
3 years ago
yes we have the same problem with ours and have to keep the door to the bathroom closed at night

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