The Laticrete Strata Heat System is a thin and lightweight uncoupling mechanism that combines multiple features into one compact system. As an all-in-one heat mat and underlayment membrane, this product eliminates hassle and combines multiple components. The underlayment membrane rolls into a single polypropylene element, which has uncoupling, crack isolation waterproofing and floor heating benefits.

Here are a few important characteristics of the Laticrete Strata Heat System:

• Flexible floor heating zone selection
• Lightweight system assembly
• Low thermal inertia
• Customization
• Energy efficiency
• Significant savings in installation time, effort and cost
• Not necessary to use self-leveling cement to cover and protect wire before install
• Start right away after heat cable is installed in desired areas
• Will configure to any shape or size of space
• Great load distribution support
• Entire system can be installed in one day

The Laticrete Strata Heat System combines the benefit of an underlayment membrane with the comfort and convenience of an electrical heating floor. This system functions as an uncoupling, crack isolation and waterproofing membrane. The low thermal inertia allows heat to rapidly and efficiently transfer to tiles for immediate warmth and comfort of electric radiance. With customization properties, you can choose the exact area of where to install heating cable for optimized comfort.

The Laticrete Strata Heat cable can be installed where heat is desired. After the cables are securely put into place, there is no waiting necessary to begin installation. Make sure the heat cables are properly spaced to ensure that they never cross or overlap. To install the Laticrete heat cable, wrap it around the plastic studs. These studs protrude from the top of the Laticrete Strata Heat mat so that the heat cable spans the length of the area spaced exactly two studs apart.

The Laticrete Heat Membrane contains a polypropylene uncoupling, crack isolation and waterproofing system. Rounded square shape relief channels are explicitly designed to embed and hold the Laticrete Strata Heat cable firmly in place. Each rounded square relief has central cavities shaped like an inverted pyramid. Once injected with thinset, the inverted pyramid becomes an incompressible structure. The central cavities act as pillars by distributing and transferring the load from tile floor to subfloor. Also, the polypropylene thermo welded woven layer increases bond strength between subfloor and membrane. This woven layer is bonded to the subfloor with thinset and gives crack isolation protection to the tiled surface.

Uncoupling Benefits

Uncoupling compensates for longitudinal movement between tile and subfloor. This prevents tile damage and allows underfloor electric heating installation even on rough substrates such as wood. Note: before installing on a wood substrate make sure to clean the surface of all dust, residue, wax, oil and grease.

Vapor Management

In cement substrates, the distinct design of the Laticrete Strata Heat Heat Membrane allows for air bubbles to form between the subfloor and aforementioned membrane. Any excess substrate moisture transfers smoothly into air pockets which creates a vapor cycle. This vapor cycle balances the inner vapor content of the substrate. As a result, this balanced process protects the tile from potential damage and makes it possible to install underfloor electric heating. The interconnected channels guarantee an efficient flow of vapor pressure which results from evaporation of residual water into the substrate. This vapor management system can be installed if the substrate is not flat then it needs to be made level before installation and moisture sensitive substrates. The vapor feature protects tile installations from cement substrates where moisture is present.

Waterproofing

Polypropylene provides use in areas that are subject to periodic water exposure such as bathrooms, saunas or kitchens. Heating systems should not be installed in “wet’ areas such as showers. All perimeters, corners and seams of the heat membrane need to be waterproofed. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding necessary methods for waterproofing seams. To receive the best results, try Laticrete Hydro Ban Waterproofing Sealing Tape that connects between the floor and the wall. This waterproofing element is sure to guarantee adhesion between adjacent sheets. Always alternate the spacing of the heat cable wiring to maintain proper energy distribution.

Load Distribution

Load distribution refers to the membranes ability when tile is installed to distribute traffic loads evenly on the tile more evenly thereby prevent cracking of tile provided all components of the installation are installed properly.

People prefer to install tile in their homes because it is clean, resilient and hygienic. The main benefit of heat mats is that they provide easy-to-install and labor saving heat for tile floors. Also, the heated floor is able to be controlled with the Laticrete Floor Warming Digital Wi-Fi thermostat. The Laticrete Strata Heat Membrane system guarantees waterproofing of indoor environments that may come in contact with water. Make sure not to input this membrane outdoors or over highly flammable materials such as insulation, as these are not suitable areas for installation. For projects that require floor heating components, make sure to purchase a Laticrete Strata Heat Membrane system.