How to Install Radiant Heat Flooring

How to Install Radiant Heat Flooring

Today it is common to install radiant heat flooring in your homes. The prime objectives of radiant heat system in rooms can be candidly summarized into two main ideals, comfort and energy-efficiency.  Basically, warm floors make people feel comfortable.  The efficiency of energy use in radiant heating can be described as heat radiated from floors which is in direct contact with occupants rather than heating the air to keep the room warm.

Electric heating cables are common radiant heating technology used in homes because they are easy to install and does not need some type of expertise. Way back then, radiant heating was limited to under tile use only, but subsequently, after revolutionizing the technology, it is now available for most types of flooring.

This article discusses how to install them do-it-yourself; (refer to other articles in this site for more information and types)

The Preparation:

Prepare the room for the installation before your purchase your radiant heat product. Electric heating mat have built in cable and are installed on the subfloor and covered by the recommended flooring on its top. For carpeting or tiled flooring, it is required to remove it and expose the subfloor. Subfloors come in plywood, backer board or cement slab.

The Planning Part:

Draw a sketch of the entire room showing the fixtures, appliances, and other installed units. Heating mats are installed to go around these objects, leaving a space of 4 to 6 inches apart from the object. Determine the best location of your thermostat and starting from the closest corner, draw the heating mats. Draw the mat going along the wall to the next corner, but leave a 3-inch space from the wall. Draw the mat to fill the rest of the space but add the lengths to have the total length of mat required. Carefully refer and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum length. You may need more mats for larger rooms.

The Installation

Basing on your sketch, check your calculations and purchase the exact length of mat required. Since you cannot cut cables, install the whole mat according to your sketch. Begin in the corner near the thermostat and lay it as shown in your drawing. Upon reaching a wall, you can cut the mat but leave the heating cable attached. Continue laying out the mat and follow your drawing. After having laid down the whole mat, you fixed it on the floor with staples, tape or glue or as per product instructions.

Connecting the Components

The temperature sensors are installed on the floor at equal distance between two heating wires. Run the sensor wire to where the thermostat is located.

For safety reasons, hire a licensed electrician to connect the heating mat to the thermostat and the thermostat to the house electricity supply. They professional electrician will check your installation and lay-out before he connects it to the main electricity supply. Do not apply finishing procedures on your flooring for it will be difficult for the electrician to repair detected broken wires.

The Finishing Touches

Cover the heating mats with mortar or self-leveling cement. For tiles, you can lay mortar straight on the mat. For other type of flooring, you can check the product’s instructions and recommendations on installation over heated floors. Be aware that not all flooring is suitable for radiant heating and some may crack or deform. Carpets can be used over radiant heat flooring but thick carpets may insulate the heating mats and sometimes reduce efficiency.