How to Install a Radiant Heated Wood Floor
Radiant floor heating is new and greener way to heat your home that is growing in popularity. It works by heating and circulating water in plastic and metal piping underneath the floorboards, thereby heating your house from the floor up. This eliminates the need for gas heating, which is both costly and potentially dangerous. Once you have your wood flooring pulled up, you can install the radiant heating system. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Crimper
- Copper sleeve
- Electrical tape
- Insulation/concrete
Instructions
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1
Calculate the amount of floor area you have and cut the radiant heating installation mat to fit the floor space.
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2
Unroll the mat entirely and lay it into the floor (with the wood flooring already removed). Staple the mat into the floor with a staple gun. Refrain from stapling approximately 2 feet of the end where the two wires are attached (this is the input point).
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3
Remove the insulation from the two wires on the unstapled end of the mat and join them with the wire provided that gives power. The best way to do this is with a crimper and tinned copper sleeve. Simply place the sleeve over the wire and press down on the wires. Cover the wires with electrical tape.
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4
Place the installation padding over the radiant heating mats. This will protect your hardwood flooring. Depending on your radiant heating type, you may need to pour concrete over the mats instead of insulation. Refer to the instructions or call the manufacturer if you misplaced the guidelines.
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5
Place your hardwood flooring back on top of the insulation/concrete.
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