Space Heating | DITRA-Heat as Primary Heat Source?

Can I rely on DITRA-HEAT as the only heating source in my bathroom, kitchen, or living space? 


In some cases the answer is yes.  However, the amount of heat required to achieve a comfortable room depends on many variables that affect ambient temperature and mean radiant temperature, including but not limited to the following:


• Starting temperature and target temperature

• Outdoor temperature and desired indoor temperature

• Heat loss through walls, windows, and doors according to size and R-value of the components 

• Size of room and height of the ceiling 

• Total heated surface area 


All of these variables must be considered to calculate the required heat output of the system and determine if it can meet the needs of the owner.  SchluterSystems does not perform heating load calculations as a service and can’t make a final recommendation on the owner’s heating system requirements.  It is recommended that an HVAC professional be consulted to perform such an analysis and design.  However, Schluter-Systems offers the following information to aid in the process and support the successful use of the DITRA-HEAT system. 


The following notes are based on information gathered from articles and design guidebooks published by ASHRAE and other professional heating and cooling associations.  They are intended to help support successful use of the DITRA-HEAT system to enhance or provide space heating comfort. They do not represent all variables or best practices that the heating professional must consider. 

  1. Operative temperature is what most directly determines the comfort of the occupant.
  2. Since radiant heat contributes to approximately 55% of the total heat, the operative temperature is calculated as the average of air temperature and mean radiant temperature. 
  3. Total heat output of the floor warming system to the space is proportional to the temperature differential between the floor surface and the operative temperature. 
  4. The ideal operative temperature for occupants is typically between 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C), depending on the level of activity, and for most  situations, it is 72°F (22°C). 
  5. The air temperature will typically be controlled at approximately 2°F to 3°F (1°C to 1.5°C) lower when the floor warming system is in use at optimum conditions. 
  6. The recommended floor surface temperature is 84°F (29°C) or lower for comfort. 

The heat output from the DITRA-HEAT system can be calculated using the recognized equation from various major heating and cooling engineering associations.  This equation takes into account the contribution from radiant heat and convective heat.



PLEASE REFERENCE PAGE 36 OF THE 2022 DITRA-Heat INSTALLATION HANDBOOK.

POPULAR POSTS

Exterior Applications | Introduction to Pedestals/TROBA-Level

Image
A NEW APPROACH TO EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS. Due to our harsh climate in the intermountain region (either baked by the Sun, or vulnerable to freeze/thaw conditions - or even both) tile assemblies see limited success. In fact, it’s safe to say that it’s not if an assembly is going to show distress - but when . As such, Schluter has implemented a process to protect the installer, end user and ourselves by evaluating exterior requests on a case by case basis and thus eliminating high risk jobs. Exterior applications need time to study, plan, specify, estimate and install. They cannot be rushed, and ‘best’ assemblies cannot be assumed.  The LETTER OF EXPLANATION will lay out what Schluter will require before we can work towards creating a detail specific to a respective application. The CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST has bullet points that must be addressed. This document must be signed and dated by the respective parties involved (i.e. contractor, GC or/and home owner). The EXTERIOR PRICELIST  is
Read more

2024 Illustrated Price List Update

Pricelists for each new year will be physically and digitally available each year in March. Price increases (if there will be any) will take affect with the new price book for that release year every April 1st. As of now, I am currently unaware of any price increases. That is not to say there will not be any; I am just not yet informed as to what will be released. Schluter is moving toward a greener initiative by promoting the Schluter APP and the downloaded-able PDF with integrated navigational links (my personal choice). These two options will always be the fastest/earliest to access, and always up to date. In March, a limited/monitored number of physical copies (hard and spiral bound) will automatically be allocated and shipped to each distributor and Schluter Authorized Dealer (ASD). Customers may request a physical copy from their distributor or dealer of choice, or contact csrusa@schluter.com to request a copy. Sales reps may of course provide them as well. Please feel free to r
Read more

UPDATE: 2024 Price List/Price Increase Information

Image
    The 2024 price lists are here!    Customer notification dates are listed below: February 28th           Distribution Partners March 6th                   Schluter Authorized Dealers March 13th                Dealers and all others   Prices in the new 2024 price books will take affect on April 1st.    Despite ongoing inflation and rising costs, we've limited the price increase to just 2.5% across all products, except DITRA (including DITRA-XL), KERDI waterproofing membrane, and both SCHIENE and JOLLY profiles and accessories in all finishes which will not increase in price.    There will be no changes to the freight program located in the back of the book.   I will update this post with the link to download the digital copies from Schluter's website as soon as they become available. PHYSICAL COPIES ARE BEING PROCESSED NOW AND WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHIP TO EACH DISTRIBUTOR LOCATION. Spiral bound copies are for sales teams/order desks. Hard bound copies may be distributed to y
Read more

Schluter Systems | Reno Distribution Center FACTS

Image
Reno Facility | Building Tour Notes     Welcome to Schluter Systems ! Our state-of-the-art facility features a multitude of sensible and sustainable technologies to maximize energy efficiency, water usage and air quality.   Our goal was to provide our employees with maximum comfort, through innovative design, and at the same time be environmentally responsible both as a corporation and as individuals.  To accomplish this, we joined forces with a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and consultants familiar with green building technologies and practices. The total building area is 172,500 SF.  It consists of a 2-storey office section (22,500 SF) used primarily as a training center and office, combined with a 150,000 SF warehouse and distribution center. LONG-TERM VISION Conscious of our impact on the environment, we made every effort to limit the use of energy and water utilities and implement measures that ensure the long-term sustainability of our facility.  The build
Read more

October 2-3 Commercial Workshop | Lodges at Deer Valley

Image
Schluter will be holding a special commercial/architectural workshop on October 2nd & 3rd at the Park City, UT Lodges at Deer Valley Resort . This will be a prime opportunity to focus on specifics of water management, uncoupling and technical profiles (expansion/cove) with the Schluter education team and the Denver/Utah Schluter sales team. This will also be prime season to be emersed in natures beautiful fall colors in a luxurious resort! Click here to register for the workshop. Enter the invite code in the box on the left side of the page, 24PCOCT1 . During registration you will be able to designate which excursions you would like to do each day. It will be chilly - and we will be outside - so please plan accordingly. WORKSHOP AGENDA Tuesday, October 1 06:00 PM                   Welcome Reception and Dinner at hotel Wednesday, October 2 07:00 - 08:00 AM     Breakfast 08:00 - 08:30 AM     Introductions 08:30 - 09:30 AM     The Uncoupling Principle & Sound Control for tiled fl
Read more