Heated Floor Installation
Since the 1980s, many homeowners have remedied the dreaded cold bathroom floor by installing radiant heating underneath the traditional ceramic tile or stone covering. Radiant floor heating (RFH) works with water-heated tubing or electric heating coils installed underneath all type of flooring, rising and heating the air in the room. Depending on the type of system, RFH can function as the primary heating unit or enhance the main heating system. Common do-it-yourself radiant heating projects involve installation of RFH in a bathroom or kitchen and finishing the floor with ceramic tile. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Radiant heat mats
- Staple gun
- Staples
- Thermostat with automatic timer
- Ground fault circuit interrupter
- Tape measure
- Tile
- Backer board
- Thinset mortar
- Screws
- Adhesive
- Grout
- Spacers
- Trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Carpenter's level
- Sponge
Instructions
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Design
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1
Visit your local building inspection department to find the codes for installation of radiant heating in your area. Some municipalities may require licensed technicians for certain aspects of the project, and a work permit before starting the project.
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2
Measure the work area with the tape measure. Make a scale drawing of the floor plan. Identify the heating cable path under the floor or the "walking area." Do not run cables under such objects as appliances, cabinets or tubs. Plan to place the cable a minimum of 6 inches from the wax seals for toilets when installing RFH in bathrooms.
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3
Review and discuss the floor plan with the cable supplier. The technical staff can help calculate heat loss and determine the best possible layout for the cable, as well as the quantity of cable required to complete the project.
Install Radiant Heating Mats
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4
Read and understand the instructions for the radiant heating product. Inspect the subfloor for damage areas or weak spots. Build up low spots to create a level surface. Repair or install new boards as necessary. Clean debris and remove sharp objects. Secure 3/8-inch backer board to the floor joists beneath the subfloor with carpenter's adhesive and screws. Cover the backer board with a thin layer of thinset mortar.
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5
Follow the radiant heating manufacturer's instructions for installing the mats. Do not cut the mats. Spread a thin layer of thinset mortar over the surface of the backer board. Press the radiant mats into the mortar. If the product does not require mortar, staple the mat into place.
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6
Have an electrician test the cables throughout the installation process. Install a thermostat with an automatic timer to control operations and costs. Hire a licensed electrician to connect the cables to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI shuts off the power to the system if water seeps through the tile to the mat and cables.
Floor Covering
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7
Use the trowel to apply an even layer of thinset mortar over the radiant heating mat. Work carefully to keep from damaging the cables. Begin laying the tile in a far corner; work back toward the door.
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8
Apply mortar to the back of the tile and press it into place. Insert spacers between the tiles to maintain an even gap for the grout. Check the evenness of the surface from time to time with the carpenter's level. Use the rubber mallet if necessary. Allow the mortar to set for 24 hours.
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9
Remove the spacers and apply grout to the gaps between the tiles. Keep a wet sponge handy to remove excess grout from the tile surface. Allow the grout to set for 24 hours before turning on the heat.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
