In-floor heating is a concept dating back to Roman times. Back then, Romans would use warm groundwater to heat their palace floors.
And just as in those times,
these in-floor heating installations offer many advantages to alternative heating methods.
In-floor systems do not blow warm air into their area that is being heated. As such, there is little worry of stirring up dust or allergens, resulting in added comfort for individuals who suffer from breathing problems and less housework overall. Additionally, this method does not pressurize the home, eliminating discomfort caused by drafts.
In general, there are two common types of systems: those that utilize electricity and those that use water or glycol.
Electric systems use special cables, panels or mats, which are installed over, in or on the subfloor. These materials are warmed up by passing an electrical current though them.
Another more permanent and costly system utilizes heavy-duty cables, which are run through a poured concrete slab. However, in most applications, these electrical systems are made up of a thin electrical mat installed underneath the floor or laid out in thin-set mortar.
If you are interested in learning the ins and outs of your in-floor heating system installation, this article is for you!
Choosing the System
Step 1 – If you are in the midst of a full scale home renovation or building your home from scratch, you may want to consider a concrete slab system. These systems are made up of a large heating cable, which is wound side to side throughout the subfloor. Concrete is then poured over the area to secure it. The concrete works as a solid base for ceramic tile or stone floor installations that will be heated by the cables underneath.
Step 2 – If you are looking to warm a smaller area, such as a bathroom or bedroom, you may want to consider a system that is made up of electrical foils, mats or panels. These systems are generally placed between the are floor joists. And are perfect for smaller home renovations.
Installation
Step 1 – Figure out exactly which area you are interested in installing the system in and measure out the square footage.
Step 2 – Get in touch with a professional electrician and discuss your electrical requirements. Some homes may require electrical upgrades or dedicated electrical circuts.
Step 3 – Lay out your electrical grid, making certain that it is cut to fit properly. When cutting out the grid, take care to only cut the mat or mesh, avoiding the wires at all costs.
Step 4 – Grab your circuit tester and check your system or continuity. This is to ensure that the grid has not been damaged after the mat has been laid out.
Step 5 – Using a thin layer or mortar, secure the grid to the subfloor. You will want to leave enough room to where the wire connections will be accessible. Once this is complete, you can install the tiles.
Step 6 – Next, run your wires from the grid to the electrical panel and thermostat. Consider hiring a professional to ensure that this step is completed properly.
