Constructing multi-story residential buildings with concrete can make it difficult to control impact sound through floor-ceiling assemblies. This problem can become even more complicated when hard surface coverings like tile are used.
A new membrane from Schluter Systems, Ditra Heat Duo, reduces sound transmission while also warming the floor and supporting the covering to ensure lasting installation. The system produces an increase in impact insulation class of 20 to a concrete floor slab. When coupled with the improved warm-up times, the membrane is a potential solution for ceramic and stone tile floor installations in multi-story residential construction.
Schluter Systems
Ditra Heat Duo is the first electric floor warming system with an integrated thermal break that allows the system to warm tiled floors up to 70% faster over concrete substrates by directing heat to the tile, not the subfloor.
All of these benefits are included in a single 5/16-inch layer of the membrane. Installers have the option of installing the heating cables, or not, depending on the specific needs of the situation. The heating cables are snapped into place on top of the uncoupling mat; no clips or fasteners needed.
Ditra Heat Duo performs four essential functions for a lasting tile floor installation: 1) uncoupling to prevent cracks in tiles and grout, 2) waterproofing to protect areas beneath the tile from moisture, 3) vapor management to provide a route for excess moisture to escape the substrate without damaging the tile, and 4) support and load distribution to keep the tile covering intact in the event of heavy foot traffic.
Related Stories
| Aug 19, 2011
How and why AEC professionals choose flooring systems
Design and construction professionals who completed our flooring survey had strong opinions about their preferred flooring type.
| Aug 19, 2011
Underfloor air distribution, how to get the details right
Our experts provide solid advice on the correct way to design and construct underfloor air distribution systems, to yield significant energy savings.
| Aug 19, 2011
Enhanced acoustical design
Ambient noise levels in some facility types are trending up and becoming a barrier to clear communication between building occupants.
| Mar 21, 2011
Forget planks, new hardwood floors follow tree's curves
Bolefloor offers floorboards, cut using custom algorithms, that follow the natural warp and weft of trees.
| Mar 15, 2011
5 New Trends in Commercial Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile and carpet tile are two flooring categories poised for significant growth. But with all flooring types, “sustainability” is still the watchword.
| Oct 13, 2010
Prefab Trailblazer
The $137 million, 12-story, 500,000-sf Miami Valley Hospital cardiac center, Dayton, Ohio, is the first major hospital project in the U.S. to have made extensive use of prefabricated components in its design and construction.
| Oct 13, 2010
Biloxi’s convention center bigger, better after Katrina
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi is once again open for business following a renovation and expansion necessitated by Hurricane Katrina.
| Aug 11, 2010
New data shows low construction prices may soon be coming to an end
New federal data released recently shows sharp increases in the prices of key construction materials like diesel, copper and brass mill shapes likely foreshadow future increases in construction costs, the Associated General Contractors of America said. The new November producer price index (PPI) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provide the strongest indication yet that construction prices are heading up, the association noted.
| Aug 11, 2010
LEED 2009 cites FloorScore Certification as indicator of indoor air quality
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has cited FloorScore® certified flooring products as eligible for credits under the new LEED 2009 Version 3 guidelines. Reflecting the inclusion of FloorScore, the new LEED IEQ Credit 4.3 for Low-Emitting Materials has been expanded from “Carpet Systems” to “Flooring Systems” to include hard surface flooring.
| Aug 11, 2010
Best AEC Firms of 2011/12
Later this year, we will launch Best AEC Firms 2012. We’re looking for firms that create truly positive workplaces for their AEC professionals and support staff. Keep an eye on this page for entry information. +
