I just saw this product yesterday and wanted to see if anyone else had seen it. Its pretty new.
These plastic 5/16" thick 12x12 grids are snapped together and screwed to the subfloor. They have "special" tool that you can then use to run your heating cable through.
You can then fill and tile (at the same time) using a medium bed mortar.
My one concern is they claim you can go over a single layer of 5/8" ply. This assembly has passed the Robinson floor test with a Heavy Duty rating, but I still have concerns of going over a single layer.
In theory it looks like a good system. I would like to get more input on it before I try it out though!! (got a job in January with a heated floor)
I had one other concern - if your floor is not level or flat - do you level first then screw this down or do you screw this down then level -
I contacted them this morning and while I got an answer, I do not have that warm fuzzy feeling that the answer is correct!! I will wait till I talk to the technical rep.
The other question I am waiting to hear back on is filling the grids, allowing that to cure, then tiling. They are reccomending installing the grid, glazing (or filling), and tiling at the same time. I asked about layout, etc, and the local store sales guy said - "you can do it before you put the grid down" - I don't think I like that idea. Reminds me of the one time I installed a heating system and tiled right over it - it worked, but what a PITA!!
I would rather fill it, let it cure, then tile. The say to use a polymer modified mortar for filling/setting but have a list of "approved" mortars.
Again, I should have a better answer in a couple of days.
Still don't agree going on single layer of ply though - would have to install a 2nd layer
I am trying to clarify with Flextherm, but it seems the approved fill/mortar is a modified medium bed mortar - I am specifically trying to find out if Laticrete 255 will work (multi-purpose thin/med bed).
From what I heard today SLC is not recommended -
oh, and this system is an electric system - not water
I am trying to clarify with Flextherm, but it seems the approved fill/mortar is a modified medium bed mortar - I am specifically trying to find out if Laticrete 255 will work (multi-purpose thin/med bed).
Totally different principle between ditra and a system like this.
This would be considered a direct bond underlayment while ditra is a uncoupling membrane.
Spoke to a technical rep today. As of now there are 2 approved thinset mortars for this grid system:
Mapei Ultra Contact & Ultra Contact RS
This is the only mortar they used when they did their Robinson Floor test and therefore are the only "approved" mortars at this point.
They are apparantly testing other mortars, however, I could not find out which ones.
As for SLC, didn't really get an answer - it has yet to be tested and the rep I talked didn't know if it was slated for testing.
One other question that was answered was filling the grid, allowing it to cure, then tiling. Although it seems they think it should all be done at once - which I think is because they are marketing this as a one day install from start to finish.
I think they have brought this to market a little too quickly and should have had more testing done before now.
Funny thing is the dealer I buy Flextherm from and who showed this to me doesn't sell Mapei anymore!! He was recommending Lat 255.
Damn, now I don't know if I should try it or not!!
Oh, and one other thing.... I informed them that the installation guide specifies polymer modified mortar (no type specified...which is odd) and then talks about dry set mortar and the fact that these are not one in the same and it is going to create a lot of confusion.
Unfortunately, nothing new to report. My local supplier (who sells laticrete) has been trying to get answers, but, as far as I know, has had no luck.
The job I am now on I will be using the Flextherm system - just no grids
If I hear anything new, I will be sure to pass it along
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