Learn How to Install Electric Floor Heating with Luxury Vinyl Tile

Hello. Thank you so much for joining us today. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by Scott, who also works at WarmlyYours, specifically in our tech department. We will be discussing the installation of electric floor heating underneath luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl planks (LVP). If you have any questions during the presentation, please don't hesitate to ask. You can do so either in the sidebar chat or in the "ask a question" module at the bottom of the screen. If we don't see your questions immediately, we will definitely address them by the end of the presentation.

As I mentioned, we will be covering floor heating in general, with a specific focus on installing LVT over it. We will also showcase an example project where someone used our floor heating cable to heat beneath LVT. We will go over the installation process step by step, and at the end, we will provide a breakdown of the costs associated with that specific project. Interestingly, I was the one who completed that project, so I have all the relevant information to share.

LVT has become increasingly popular for several reasons. For one, it is cost-effective and has a long lifespan. However, there are important caveats to consider. While LVT lasts a long time, it has specific requirements, such as not exceeding a certain temperature and maintaining a specific distance from the vinyl planking. Additionally, the flooring must be very flat to ensure proper installation. To comply with the warranty of your product, we have designed an installation method that addresses these requirements.

When installing floor heating beneath LVT, it is crucial to select a product that can be embedded. Our TempZone product line, which includes both Flexroll and cable options, is designed for this purpose. Once you have chosen the appropriate product, you will lay the flooring over it, and we will delve into that process shortly. It is also important to clarify the differences between laminate and vinyl, as they are often confused. Laminate and vinyl are not the same when it comes to installing floor heating beneath them.

Embedding the heating cable is essential for many LVT manufacturers, as their installation manuals often specify that heat must be separated from the LVT by a half inch. To meet this requirement, we recommend using a self-leveling compound that is 3/8 to half an inch thick, depending on your specific situation. This not only ensures compliance with the installation manual but also provides a flat surface necessary for installation.

EnvirOn, which is designed for floating installations, is not suitable for LVT. LVT has a property known as "drape," which means it will conform to whatever surface is beneath it. If the surface is not flat, the LVT will reflect those imperfections. Therefore, while EnvirOn may be suitable for other floating floors, it is not appropriate for LVT. Instead, using TempZone with self-leveling creates a flat surface that meets the warranty requirements.

In our example project, we will be using cable for the installation. The process begins with laying out the cable on the subfloor and securing it with masking tape. After that, you will pour the self-leveling compound over the top before installing the LVT. The masking tape is crucial because self-leveling is dense and can cause the cable to float to the top. It is essential to keep the cable or mesh product securely attached to the subfloor to avoid complications later on.

Before proceeding with the installation, it is vital to confirm with the LVT manufacturer that their product is warranted for use with radiant floor heating. Electric floor heating is generally more efficient than hot water systems, as it maintains a consistent temperature without the fluctuations that hot water systems can experience.

We have received a question regarding whether this product can be used for hardwood floors. Yes, we have a video demonstrating the installation of our cable under hardwood flooring. If you would like to see it, please contact us, and we can provide a link. The only difference when installing under hardwood is that you will need to use sleepers to nail the hardwood down, while still having the cables and self-leveling cement in between the sleepers to create a flat surface.

As we discussed earlier, it is important to distinguish between laminate and vinyl. While the terms are often used interchangeably, it is crucial to know which product you are working with to ensure proper installation. One of the key factors in this process is "drape," which refers to how LVT can sink and conform to the surface beneath it. Even if the LVT is labeled as having a rigid core, it can still conform to imperfections in the subfloor.

When selecting LVT for use with radiant heat, look for products with minimal backing and an R-value of less than one. You should also inquire whether the manufacturer allows radiant heating. If the product has foam or cork backing, these materials can act as insulators, preventing heat from passing through. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an LVT that allows for effective heat transfer.

Additionally, you will want to determine the maximum temperature allowed for the LVT. Some manufacturers specify limits such as 82 or 85 degrees. The advantage of our product is that our thermostat can maintain a consistent temperature without overshooting or undershooting, unlike hot water systems.

In our example project, we used a 240-volt cable to heat an area of approximately 132.2 square feet, with a total wattage of 1,973 watts. This setup requires just one 240-volt non-GFI 15 amp breaker. The cost to heat this space is about nine cents per hour, which translates to approximately 72 cents for eight hours of heating. This demonstrates that electric floor heating is not as expensive or inefficient as some may believe.

It is important to note that we typically only heat about 80% of a room, as heating right up to the edges is not common practice. This is especially true in bathrooms where fixtures like toilets and tubs can limit the heated area. Additionally, electricians often assume that 240 volts is necessary for all installations, which is not the case. For areas under 120 square feet, a 120-volt system is sufficient.

When testing the system, you will need an ohmmeter and a circuit check. The ohmmeter is essential for recording the resistance of the heating elements before, during, and after installation. The circuit check ensures that there is continuity in the heating wires and that there are no connections between the ground and the heating wires. We have instructional videos available on our website to guide you through this testing process.

Regarding temperature cycling, whether it causes the LVT to separate or heave depends on the manufacturer's guidelines. They will specify whether setbacks are allowed, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the flooring. The thermal mass of the self-leveling compound helps regulate temperature fluctuations, providing a slow and even heat distribution.

The project we are discussing is located in a second-floor bedroom in Kildeer, Illinois, where temperatures can get quite cold. The layout plan submitted for this project is a good example of what to consider during installation. It is important to ask the homeowner about the placement of furniture, as heating under immovable items like beds may not be necessary.

When you receive a SmartPlan from us, it will include detailed measurements and layout information, ensuring that you know exactly where to place the heating elements. The plan will indicate where to mount fixing strips and how to space the cable correctly.

Proper preparation of the subfloor is critical before laying out the cable. This includes filling any holes and applying primer to the wood subfloor. The primer is necessary to ensure that the self-leveling compound adheres properly. It is also important to understand the difference between drying and curing times for self-leveling compounds, as you should not turn on the floor heat until the compound is fully cured.

Once the self-leveling compound is in place, you can begin installing the LVT. Make sure to acclimate the LVT according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the thermostat is wired and ready, you will set the maximum temperature, ensuring compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

It is crucial to use a thermostat that has a floor sensor for controlling the temperature of the floor. Using a thermostat without this capability can lead to overheating and potential damage to the LVT.

In terms of wiring, it is essential to follow the National Electric Code, which requires that non-heating leads and sensor wires are not run in the same conduit. This ensures that the system operates correctly and safely.

We offer various thermostat options, and for LVT installations, a simple set-it-and-forget-it thermostat is often the best choice. This type of thermostat maintains a consistent temperature without the need for setbacks, which is important for maintaining the integrity of the flooring.

The finished room looks fantastic, showcasing the successful installation of the heating system beneath the LVT. The total cost for this project, including the cable, thermostat, and other components, is approximately $1,500.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. We are here to help. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found this information valuable.