Everything You Need to Know: Heated Floors in Bathrooms

Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for joining us today. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. I am joined by the amazing Scott. Hi, everybody! Scott is one of our technical experts here at WarmlyYours, and today we're going to be going over everything you need to know about heating floors in bathrooms. If you have any questions during the presentation, feel free to ask by typing them in the chat. If we don't see them right away, we'll definitely get to them by the end of the recording or the end of the webinar.

There are many benefits to floor heating. Obviously, warm floors are incredibly nice, but one of the great advantages of floor heating is its energy efficiency. Compared to traditional forced air heating systems that many of us are accustomed to, floor heating is significantly more energy-efficient. It also tends to be more comfortable and luxurious, as it eliminates the blowing of air, which can reduce allergens, pollen, and dust in the home. This results in better air quality and improved heating comfort. Additionally, these products are easy to install, making them a fantastic option if you're replacing the floor or undertaking a new build.

Scott, can you tell us a bit about why people would want to heat their bathroom floors? Tile can be quite cold, especially underfoot, and many people wonder if they can simply place a roll of heating wire down the middle of the walkway. Unfortunately, that approach won't warm the entire room or floor. Heat only radiates from the areas where the heating wire is installed. Therefore, it's crucial to cover as much of the space as possible, ensuring that electric heat is present wherever your feet will touch the floor. For instance, if there's a cabinet nearby, you'll want to include heat in the toe kick area as well. You don't want to have warm heels and cold toes, so it's essential to consider your installation plan carefully.

When planning your installation, remember that the heat from the wire only transfers about an inch and a half on each side. This is why we typically recommend spacing the wires three inches apart, allowing for a smooth distribution of heat across the floor. If the wires are spaced too far apart, you risk creating cold stripes, which can be uncomfortable. It's also vital to install a floor sensor, as this is the best way to control floor heat. If you have a heated floor under carpet, laminate, or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), always ensure that it's controlled by the floor sensor.

Our TempZone floor heating system is our most popular option, particularly for bathrooms. It includes various products ideal for heating beneath tile and is wet location listed, making it perfect for bathroom installations. We'll discuss the different options available for TempZone, including installation methods and their respective pros and cons. Our TempZone cable can be installed using fixing strips or our Perdesso membrane, and we'll delve into that shortly. Additionally, we'll cover our TempZone Flex Roll, Easy Mats, and TempZone Custom Mats.

There are numerous ways to heat tiled floors, and unlike some competitors that offer only one installation method, we provide flexibility. You can save both time and money by avoiding membranes on floors that don't require them. Before we get into the specifics of the various TempZone systems, let's first discuss some installation steps for heating bathroom floors. Scott, can you share some essential tools you'll need for this installation?

You won't need a specialized tool truck to install these floors; they're very simple to work with. The only specialized tools you'll need are a digital ohm meter and a circuit check. The digital ohm meter, which can be found for under $25 at a big box store, is crucial for testing the product before, during, and after installation. This ensures that everything is functioning correctly. If something happens to the product before it arrives at your home, you'll want to know immediately rather than discovering it after installation. The circuit check monitors the wire for damage, while the digital ohm meter provides ohm readings to match the specifications on the product label.

In addition to those tools, you'll need scissors and possibly a hot glue gun, which many people already have. The hot glue gun will assist in securing the heating elements during installation. The first step is preparing the subfloor. It's essential to ensure that the surface is clean, as any dust or debris can hinder adhesion. You may need to mop or vacuum to achieve a clean surface. Additionally, check for any protruding nails or staples that could damage the heating cable during installation.

Once the subfloor is clean, you'll want to mark the areas where the heating product will be installed. This will give you a clear visual of your workspace. At WarmlyYours, we offer smart plans that provide step-by-step installation instructions and a layout specific to your space. These plans will help you visualize where the heat will be distributed and ensure proper installation.

As you lay down the heating elements, make sure they are secured to the subfloor. Many customers often reach out with numerous questions about how to lay out the system and how much material to purchase. A simple solution is to sketch the space and send it to us. We can create the installation plan for you at no cost, typically within a day. This way, you won't have to worry about measuring and calculating everything yourself, especially if you're new to this type of installation.

It's important to note that you cannot cut the heating cable. Therefore, knowing the correct size to order is crucial. We will help you determine the appropriate size based on your sketch. Additionally, be sure to mark any air vents or permanent fixtures on your plan, as we cannot heat over them. This includes areas under tubs and toilets, but we can heat shower floors since they are typically installed beneath the tile.

The floor sensor is a critical component of the installation. It's essential to install the sensor correctly to ensure accurate temperature control. A common mistake is running the sensor wire out into the middle of the room. Instead, it should be placed six to eight inches into the open loop between the heating wires. This placement ensures that the sensor accurately reflects the floor temperature without being affected by direct heat from the wire.

When installing, avoid placing the sensor in areas exposed to sunlight, as this can cause inaccurate readings. The sensor should be kept out of sunny spots to ensure it measures the temperature of the entire floor accurately. Additionally, it's important to run the sensor wire in a separate conduit from the non-heating leads to avoid interference. Each of our heating rolls comes with its own sensor, allowing for flexibility in your installation.

Once you've laid out the system, you'll want to apply either thin set or self-leveling concrete before installing the tile floor. Scott, can you share some tips for working with the tile flooring during installation?

If you're attempting a single-step method, it can be quite challenging, especially for beginners. This method involves placing the heating system down, applying thin set, and then pushing the tile into it. It can be difficult to achieve a level surface without lippage, where one tile is higher than another. For those new to this, I recommend using a two-step method. First, cover the heating system with a quarter inch of thin set or self-leveling compound, let it cure overnight, and then apply thin set to the back of the tiles before installing them. This approach reduces the risk of damaging the heating cable during installation.

Always follow the instructions on the thin set bag, and be cautious while cleaning grout lines. Avoid using sharp tools that could inadvertently cut into the heating wire beneath the grout. Testing the system with a digital ohm meter throughout the installation process is crucial to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Remember, do not turn the heating system on until the thin set has fully cured, as specified on the product label.

Now, let's discuss a project where we heated a bathroom and the different TempZone products used in that space. We'll start with our TempZone cable and the installation using fixing strips. This method offers flexibility in design and is particularly useful for rooms with odd angles or curves. Scott, can you explain the spacing when using fixing strips?

The fixing strips have knobs spaced one inch on center, allowing for customizable spacing. For example, three knobs equal three inches of spacing. However, it's essential to consider the specific conditions of your bathroom. A small bathroom on the second floor above a heated kitchen will require different wattage compared to a large bathroom on a concrete slab with many windows and exterior walls. In general, for a second-floor bathroom, you might use four-inch spacing, while for a bathroom over an unheated crawl space, three-inch spacing is recommended.

It's also important to avoid using metal strips, as they can be sharp and damage the heating cable. Instead, opt for the plastic fixing strips for a safer installation. This method can save you hundreds of dollars if your floor is in good condition and doesn't require an anti-fracture membrane.

For our project overview with fixing strips, the total area of the bathroom was 123 square feet, with about 94 square feet of heated area. This setup requires just one 15 amp breaker, operating at about five cents per hour. It's important to note that while many people want to heat every square inch of their bathroom, you'll typically only heat around 80 to 85% due to fixtures like bathtubs and toilets.

The SmartPlan we provide outlines all necessary information, including amperage, total wattage, and cost per hour. It also indicates where the thermostat and cable start and end, helping you visualize the layout. The plan includes markings for the cable's halfway point, which is crucial for ensuring even spacing.

When installing, be mindful of the distance from walls and fixtures, as improper placement can lead to running out of cable or having excess. Always refer to the installation manual for guidance on thin set types based on your subfloor.

As we move on to the TempZone cable with the Perdesso membrane, this method is commonly used for faster installation and added support for tile floors. Scott, can you explain when to use a Perdesso membrane?

A Perdesso membrane is ideal when the subfloor is bouncy, as it isolates the tile from the subfloor. This means that any movement in the subfloor won't affect the tile above. While not every floor requires a membrane, it's essential for those that do. The membrane allows for flexible spacing, enabling you to adjust as needed during installation.

When installing the Perdesso membrane, ensure that the knobs line up to allow the cable to transition smoothly between sections. Additionally, this membrane can be waterproofed using our ProBand, which is applied to the seams after the cable is installed.

For our project overview with the Perdesso membrane, we heated about 107 square feet of a 123 square foot area, with an operating cost of four cents per hour. The SmartPlan for this installation will differ slightly, as the Perdesso adds height to the floor and must cover the entire area.

Next, we have our TempZone Flex Rolls, which are our most popular product due to their quick and easy installation. The cable is pre-spaced, eliminating concerns about running it back and forth. Flex Rolls come in either one and a half or three-foot widths, and a SmartPlan will help determine the appropriate size for your project.

For this project, we covered about 90 square feet with the Flex Roll, again at an operating cost of about five cents per hour. The key takeaway is that while all these systems provide similar results in terms of operating costs and heated areas, the choice often comes down to installation preferences and subfloor conditions.

When using the Flex Roll, it's crucial to measure accurately and ensure that all runs fit properly before adhering them to the subfloor. A tape measure and scissors will be your best friends during this process.

Lastly, we have our TempZone EZ Mats, designed for spot heating in specific areas of a room. They are ideal for small spaces where targeted heat is needed, such as in front of a bathtub or vanity. However, it's important to note that using EZ Mats in larger areas can lead to cold spots, as they only provide heat where they are installed.

If you find yourself needing more than two EZ Mats, it's advisable to switch to a Flex Roll or a single spool of cable to simplify connections and avoid complications with wiring.

Finally, we have our TempZone Custom Mats, which are tailored to your specific project. While they can speed up installation, they are made to order and lack flexibility for design changes. If dimensions change after ordering, you may encounter issues during installation.

In conclusion, while custom mats can offer a quick solution, they come with risks if any adjustments are needed. Always consult with us to determine the best heating solution for your project.

Thank you for joining us today. We hope this webinar has provided valuable insights into heating bathroom floors. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your projects, please don't hesitate to reach out. Until next time, stay warm and be radiant!