Maintenance
The cementitious tile adhesive installed over DITRA-HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS and the covering material must be suitable for the respective application area and has to meet the corresponding requirements.
The use of quick-curing cementitious tile adhesives may be an advantage for certain projects. It is recommended to set out running boards to protect DITRA-HEAT-PS/- DUO-PS from mechanical stresses caused by material transport.
Notes on movement joints:
Separate the DITRA-HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS membrane over existing movement joints. Never run heating cables over movement joints. Continue the movement joints in the tile covering as specified by the applicable standards. Otherwise, divide large coverings installed over the DITRA-HEAT-PS /-DUO-PS membrane into sections, using movement joints according to the applicable regulations.
We recommend using the profiles of the Schlüter-DILEX family. Arrange profiles such as Schlüter-DILEX-BT or Schlüter- DILEX-KSBT over existing expansion joints depending on the anticipated structural movements.
It is important to prevent stress build-up at the edges of the covering, for instance at upright structural components or at floorwall transitions. Perimeter movement joints and connection joints must be constructed according to the applicable technical regulations and have sufficient dimensions. We recommend using the profiles of the DILEX family.
Summary of functions:
a) Uncoupling
DITRA-HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS uncouples the covering from the substrate and neutralises stresses between the substrate and the tile covering that result from various deformations. The products also bridge tension cracks from the substrate and prevent them from affecting the tile covering.
b) Waterproofing
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-PS/- HEAT-DUO-PS is a waterproof polypropylene membrane with a high water vapour diffusion seal. Unless a certified bonded waterproofing assembly is required, DITRA-HEAT-PS/- DUO-PS can serve as a waterproofing layer, provided the abutting membrane seams and the connections to installed components and upright building structures are carefully sealed.
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-PS /-DUO-PS protects the sub-structure from damage caused by permeating moisture or aggressive substances.
Note:
If a bonded waterproofing assembly with national technical approval (abP) or European approval (ETA = European Technical Assessment) is needed, choose the variants of DITRA-HEAT/-DUO for installation with cementitious tile adhesive that have the corresponding certification.
c) Load distribution (load induction)
Tiles installed over DITRA- HEAT-PS /-DUO-PS 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 indentations of DITRA- HEAT-PS /-DUO-PS transfer mechanical stresses impacting the tile covering directly to the substrate. That makes tile coverings installed on DITRA-HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS especially durable.
DITRA-HEAT-PS and DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS are suitable for traffic loads of up to 3 kN/m². This includes residential and light commercial use (private homes, office and administrative spaces, restaurants, hotels, conference rooms, nursing stations and patient rooms etc.).
Dynamic impacts on ceramic coverings caused by hard objects should be avoided for assemblies built with DITRA-HEAT-PS or DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS.
d) Bonded assembly
The special adhesive layer on the underside anchoring fleece of Schlüter-DITRA- HEAT-PS/-DUO-PS adheres well to the substrate, while the mechanical anchoring of the thin-bed tile adhesive in the under-cut stud structure results in an excellent bond with the tile covering. Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-PS/- DUO-PS is exclusively intended for floor installation in interior areas.
e) Thermal separation
DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS features a special 2 mm anchoring fleece on its underside, which enables a faster heat-up response.
f) Impact sound insulation
An impact sound improvement value (ΔLW) of 14 dB was measured (according to DIN EN ISO 10140) in fully installed DITRA-HEAT-DUO-PS assemblies. The actual improvement offered by the respective assembly depends on the local conditions (structural design) and can deviate from this value. The measured test values therefore may not apply equally to every building situation.