Installation Tips for Floor Heating Cable: Membranes vs. Strips

Hello, thank you so much for joining us today and bearing with us during our technical problems. We are here and we are very excited to be talking about some installation tips for floor heating cable specifically. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. I am joined by Scott, who unfortunately couldn't make it, but I appreciate you all being here. If you have any questions during the webinar, please feel free to ask. You can do so either in the sidebar chat or by using the "ask a question" module at the bottom of the screen. If we don't see your questions right away, we will definitely get to them by the end of the presentation.

Today, we will be discussing our TempZone cable products, including what TempZone cable is, different installation methods, and the benefits of each application. We will also cover when to use each method, provide an installation example showing how someone laid out and installed TempZone cable under their floor, and finally, we will present a cost comparison for the two installation methods. TempZone heating cable is similar to our TempZone heating mats, but the cable itself is in a loose spool, allowing for more flexibility during installation without the need to cut and turn the mat. These cables come in both 120 and 240 volts, with lengths ranging from 30 to 864 linear feet, covering a wide variety of square footage.

Scott, could you elaborate on the benefits of TempZone cable? It can be used with different types of installations, including uncoupling membranes and fixing strips, which can be a more economical option. One common question we receive is whether 240 volts are necessary for this product. The answer is no; you do not need 240 volts. In fact, for smaller jobs under 120 square feet, 120 volts is preferable because it only uses one space in your breaker panel, whereas a 240-volt breaker requires two spaces. Most of the jobs we handle are under 120 square feet, so if you receive a quote from us, it will typically be for 120 volts, as there is no advantage to using 240 volts in those cases.

When comparing the use of an uncoupling membrane like our Perdesso versus fixing strips, it's important to note that Perdesso allows for a quicker installation, making it easier to install electric cables. However, fixing strips can be more time-consuming but are also more economical, helping to save on overall project costs. It's worth mentioning that Perdesso is specifically designed for tile floors, so if you're working with any flooring other than tile, you will likely want to use fixing strips instead. Many competitors require a membrane for every job, but we understand that there are many situations where you will be heating luxury vinyl tile (LVT). In those cases, you can use the cable with fixing strips and cover it with self-leveling cement, about half an inch or 3/8 of an inch thick, eliminating the need for Perdesso.

If you are installing tile and your floor isn't structurally perfect, then using Perdesso is advisable, as it helps prevent cracking in grout lines and tiles when installed correctly. However, for other applications, such as creating a heated subfloor for hardwood or LVT, you don't need an uncoupling membrane. Any minor cracks in the floor won't be visible once covered by LVT or wood, which means you can save a significant amount of money by not using Perdesso when it isn't necessary. We will provide a cost comparison later that highlights these savings.

The flexibility of using loose cable allows for customized spacing, unlike the fixed three-inch spacing of heat mats. This means you can adjust the cable spacing based on the heat output you need and the coverage required for different rooms. Scott, could you explain the benefits of wider versus closer spacing? Wider spacing is beneficial for rooms with significant heat loss, such as a large three-season room with vaulted ceilings and many windows. In contrast, a bathroom located in the middle of a three-story house with heated areas above and below will have minimal heat loss and won't require as much heating. For rooms with high heat loss, three-inch spacing is recommended, while for rooms with little heat loss, you can spread the cable out to five-inch spacing.

However, be cautious with five-inch spacing, as it can lead to non-heating sections between the wires, creating a warm-cold sensation as you walk across the floor. The heat from the wire only travels laterally about an inch and a half in each direction, so if the wires are too far apart, you may experience striping. For example, with a 30-foot cable, three-inch spacing can cover about seven and a half square feet, while five-inch spacing can cover twelve and a half square feet. It's essential to find the right balance between coverage and heat output, as having too few watts per square foot can leave you with a floor that doesn't feel warm enough.

Using cable with Perdesso is an excellent way to add support to tile floors and provide extra waterproofing, making it ideal for bathrooms. Perdesso is the original patented product that pairs electric floor heating cable with an uncoupling membrane. The membrane features grooves that allow the cable to snap into place, ensuring proper installation. Scott, could you share your experience with Perdesso and its installation method?

To install the cable in Perdesso, it's advisable to use a rubber grout float to push the cable down into the grooves, as using your fingers can become uncomfortable during larger installations. While installing, it's important to note that Perdesso allows for different spacing, unlike TempZone rolls, which have fixed three-inch spacing. This flexibility is a significant advantage of using Perdesso. Additionally, it protects the cable from moisture-sensitive surfaces and adds waterproofing, which is crucial for wet areas.

While Perdesso offers many benefits, it's not always necessary for every installation. For example, small mosaic tiles should not be used with Perdesso, as the tiles should be at least two inches by two inches. Smaller areas and rooms that do not require waterproofing are better suited for fixing strips, which can help reduce costs. If you're working with LVT or wood, you are essentially creating a heated subfloor, making the use of an uncoupling membrane unnecessary.

It's also important to note that when installing natural stone in a bathroom with Perdesso, the installation manual specifies the need for at least two layers of plywood. This requirement ensures the floor's stability and prevents issues during installation. Each installation situation is unique, so it's crucial to communicate your subfloor type and flooring choice with us so we can provide the best recommendations.

Using cable with fixing strips is the original method for installing electric floor heating cable. These plastic strips come in one-foot increments and have small knobs that hold the cable in place. Scott, could you walk us through the process of using cable with fixing strips? The fixing strips are placed along the perimeter of the room, and the cable is run back and forth between them, ensuring proper spacing. Once the product is laid out, use masking tape to secure the cable to the subfloor, as this will prevent the cable from floating above the self-leveling material during installation.

The benefits of using fixing strips include compatibility with various flooring types, including tile and LVT, and the flexibility to install in hard-to-reach areas. This method is particularly advantageous for rooms with odd angles or curves in the walls, providing more coverage than either Perdesso or heating mats. By using fixing strips, you can save money by eliminating the need for full coverage with Perdesso.

However, there are situations where fixing strips may not be the best choice. If your subfloor and flooring type require uncoupling, using an uncoupling membrane is advisable. Additionally, fixing strips can be more time-consuming to install, so if time is a priority, using Perdesso or cut-and-turn mats may be a quicker option.

When installing TempZone cable with Perdesso, it's essential to follow the layout plan closely. The subfloor type will determine the type of thinset to use for attaching the Perdesso membrane. Some subfloors require modified thinset, while others require non-modified thinset. Once the Perdesso is installed, the cable is placed into the grooves, and the appropriate thinset is applied to secure the tile.

It's also crucial to ensure that the studs of the Perdesso align correctly during installation. Misalignment can lead to issues with the wire not traveling properly between sections. Each section must have a seam cover to maintain waterproofing, and the Pro-Band can be used to cover these seams once the wire is installed.

In terms of installation plans, it's essential to communicate where the thermostat will be located, as this will affect how the product is laid out. The installation plan will indicate the spacing of the cables and the starting points for each run. If you're unsure about the installation process, our engineers can provide a detailed plan tailored to your specific project.

When waterproofing with Perdesso, it's important to follow the layout plan and ensure that the installation is done correctly. The Pro-Band should be applied to the seams and around the edges of the wall to create a waterproof barrier. Remember that the cable must be installed before applying any waterproofing materials.

When installing tile over Perdesso, ensure that the tiles are at least two inches by two inches and work in small sections rather than attempting to cover the entire area at once. This method will help prevent issues with the installation and ensure that the tiles adhere properly.

For installations using fixing strips, start by priming the subfloor, especially if it's a wood subfloor. Once the fixing strips are in place, the cable can be routed back and forth, and masking tape should be used to hold it down. Afterward, self-leveling cement can be applied over the top, followed by the installation of the tile or floating wood flooring.

It's important to note that self-leveling requires careful planning. Avoid using spike shoes or gauge rakes during the application, as these can damage the installation. Instead, use a large squeegee to spread the self-leveling material evenly across the floor.

In terms of cost comparison, using fixing strips typically requires less material than using Perdesso, making it a more economical choice. For example, a project using a 50-foot cable with Perdesso may cost around $317, while using fixing strips may only cost about $199. This difference can add up significantly, especially for larger projects.

We have received a few questions, and if you have any additional questions, feel free to ask. Our lead time for shipping is often within the same business day, and we have a good stock of products available. Unfortunately, we do not offer temporary mats for renters, as our products are designed for permanent installations.

For steam shower floors or benches, our electric floor heating cables are wet location approved, making them suitable for use in these areas. However, snow melting cables and mats cannot be used indoors, as they have different UL listings.

If you are considering radiant heating under LVT or over a concrete slab, it's essential to use an insulating underlayment like Cerazorb to prevent heat loss into the concrete. This product helps the heat rise and keeps the floor warm.

When installing under wood, you can use the same installation method as with tile, but you will need to incorporate wooden sleepers for nailing down the hardwood. This ensures that the heating system works effectively and provides warmth throughout the space.

Our next webinar will focus on choosing the right electric floor heating system for your subfloor, addressing common questions about installation methods and product selection. We also offer daily training sessions on various topics, so feel free to join us for those.

For the month of February, we are offering 25% off select towel warmers, so be sure to check our website for details on that promotion. After this webinar, you will receive an email asking for your feedback, and we would greatly appreciate your comments and suggestions to help us improve our content.

Thank you for joining us today, and if you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you with your projects. Until next time, stay warm and be radiant!