Thinset vs. Self-Leveling when Installing Radiant Floor Heating

If you’re not a pro and are new to installing radiant floor heating, you will likely face the obstacle of choosing either latex-modified Thinset or a self-leveling compound. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but when choosing between the two of them, it truly boils down to the type of flooring that you are installing.

Before the installation process begins, it’s important to understand exactly what latex modified thinset and self-leveling compound is, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Latex-modified thinset is a blend of cement, very finely graded sand, and a water retention compound that allows the cement to properly hydrate. It is used to attach ceramic tile, glass tiles, metal tiles, stone tile, and cement tiles to all kinds of substrates like concrete, plywood, and vinyl flooring.

Pros of Latex-Modified Thinset:

• Very durable and resistant to cracking.
• Less expensive than self-leveling compound.
• Readily available.
• No primer is required.
• The same material to cover the wires and mesh is used to set the tiles, so there is only one item to buy.

Cons of Latex Modified Thinset:

• If a second batch is needed, it is difficult to create the exact same consistency as the first batch.
• Can be difficult to level evenly.
• More labor intensive.
• More chance of damaging wires with the trowel.

When it comes to flooring, tile is always installed with latex modified thin set. If you were installing vinyl flooring, it would be more difficult to achieve a perfectly level and flat floor with latex modified thinset, so self-leveling is a better choice.

Speaking of level floors, self-leveling is more likely to give you a completely flat surface. Self-leveling compound is polymer-modified cement that’s typically used to create a flat and smooth surface with a compressive strength. It is used as an underlayment for many types of floor coverings requiring a flat surface, including sheet vinyl, vinyl composition tile, ceramic tile, carpet, and wood.

Pros of Self-Leveling:

• It is flat (self-leveling).
• Perfect for laminate flooring.
• Faster installation process than latex modified Thinset.
• Less likely to damage wires.

Cons of Self-Leveling:

• More expensive than latex-modified thinset.
• Primer is required.
• Its thick density can cause the wires and mesh of the radiant heating system to float.
• The mesh needs to be attached/stapled down every few inches.
• Areas, such as vents and doorways, need to be dammed off.

The rule of thumb is when installing vinyl or laminate flooring; self-leveling is the ideal compound to use. By using latex-modified thinset under a vinyl or laminate floor you run the risk of the mortar being slightly uneven which can make the flooring unstable.

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, you can make an informed choice. So which one will you choose?

Pictured Above: Self-leveling compound, courtesy of All-Things-Concrete.com (All Rights Reserved)

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