Adding electric floor heating is a great way to increase comfort, but it involves more than just buying a mat. The most important first step is electrical: consult with a licensed electrician to determine if your current circuits can support the added power draw of the heating element. You will also need to consider the subfloor insulation. Without proper insulation beneath the heating element, a significant portion of your energy will be lost heating the subfloor rather than the tile surface, making the system inefficient and expensive to operate. During installation, the mat must be embedded in a suitable self-leveling compound or thin-set mortar that is specifically rated for radiant heating to accommodate thermal expansion. This creates a thermal mass that holds heat and protects the cables. Never cut or shorten a heating mat, as this will change the electrical resistance and cause the system to overheat or fail. Finally, always document the electrical resistance of the system with a multimeter before and after the tile is installed; this is your only way to verify the cables have not been damaged during the tiling process.
Key considerations
- electric floor heating installation
- radiant heat tips
- heating mats for tile
- Electric Heat
- Radiant
- Underlayment