Strata Heat

Laticrete Strata Heat Mat Membrane

Laticrete Strata Heat Programmable Thermostat

Laticrete Strata Heat Smart Thermostat

Laticrete Strata Heat Thermal Pack

Laticrete Strata Heat WiFi Thermostat

Laticrete Strata Heat Wire

What are the main considerations for a successful underfloor heating installation? 

• Even heat distribution: Hot spots and cold spots detract from the experience of a heated floor so consistent watt density is critical. 
• Technology upgrading: “Future-proof” the installation with WiFi thermostats featuring connectivity with multiple connected home systems (such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Nest, Control4, etc.) and also offering an Open API for custom smart-home integrations.
• Excellent support: Choose manufacturers that will back their products and the completed installation for a lifetime. Also, make sure the warranty is not pro-rated; in other words, make sure the coverage isn’t for half the value after half of the warranty period has passed. Finally, ensure that the manufacturers have a knowledgeable technical support team that offers on-site and telephone consultation.

Are there special considerations when installing underfloor heating under stone versus tile?

• Make sure you follow the flooring manufacturer’s instructions. Plus, choose a heating system that is flexible and able to be used under multiple surfaces (quality heating systems can be installed under tile, stone, laminate, engineered wood or luxury vinyl, and in both wet and dry environments).

Can Strata Heat be installed under different types of flooring than tile and stone?

• Laticrete’s Strata Heat Mat Membrane is growing in popularity and many wonder if they can install it with a flooring other than ceramic, porcelain or natural stone. Although these floor coverings are the most common choices other types of flooring such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate/engineered wood floors are equally well-suited for use with Strata Heat systems. With that in mind, do note that floor coverings other than ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles may result in a lower heat conductivity. Whatever the floor covering chosen it is important to always consult the flooring manufacturer’s technical data sheets to verify the limits on a heating system during the planning stage. Before installing the floor covering, Laticrete Strata Heat Mat Membrane must first be filled with a self-leveling agent to a thickness between 1/4″ (6 mm) and 1/2″ (12 mm) above the pillars. No primer is required. All Laticrete self-levelers are recommended for this purpose.

Are there specific mortars and grouts that provide better long-term performance with underfloor heating systems?

• Laticrete has a wide array of polymer-modified mortars approved for use with underfloor heating systems. One of the best from a contractor application perspective, as well as from a premier performance perspective, is LHT Plus. This polymer-modified mortar works in conjunction with membranes like Laticrete Strata Heat Mat Membrane offering a smooth creamy application consistency that allows the mortar to fill the voids of the membrane with minimal effort while providing superior bonding characteristics.

What’s the most common mistake that tile contractors make when installing underfloor heating systems and how can that be avoided? 

• One common error is installing the flooring prematurely before installing the thermostat probe and before testing for insulation, resistance and conductivity. Any of these problems are much easier to fix before the tile goes down. The biggest misstep is not installing a floor-heating system in the first place. Cost-wise, it’s a relatively small extra expense to add floor heating during a renovation. A homeowner is likely to regret not heating their new tile floor and doing so adds outstanding value to their living space for many years to come.

How can tile contractors and electricians best work in tandem to ensure a smooth installation? 

• Communication is key. Also, work with manufacturers that have experience in dealing with both trades ensuring that both trades are on-site when needed and are not wasting time waiting on one another. The best certification programs will cater to tile contractors and electricians alike.

Are there types or formats of tile that lend themselves better to an underfloor heating installation?

• As long as the substrate is sound any tile or stone floor is an excellent choice for heat. Tile and stone are great thermal conductors.

Can Strata Heat Cable replace my electric baseboard heaters?

• Yes, Strata Heat Cable produces 12 W/SF (129.2 W/m2) for a heat output of 41 BTUs/SF or 15 W/SF (161.5 W/m2) for a heat output of 51 BTUs which easily heats most rooms.

Can I use Strata Heat Cable to replace my hot water radiator?

• Yes, Strata Heat Cable is a viable alternative to water radiators. Invisible and maintenance-free, Strata Heat Cable is a perfect heating option for renovations or additions.

Will Strata Heat Cable heat the whole room or just the floor?

• The whole room! Strata Heat Cable can transform the entire floor area into the room’s heat source guaranteeing even and consistent heat.

Laticrete Lifetime Warranty