How to Install Pro-Exclusive Ruler Cable Heating with Tile and Luxury Vinyl Tile

Joining us today, my name is Lynn, and I am a sales representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by Scott, a member of our technical support team and an amazing source of information. Scott will be discussing the installation of our Pro exclusive Ruler Cable heating system underneath tile or luxury vinyl tile. If you have any questions during the presentation, please don’t hesitate to ask. You can submit your questions using the "ask a question" feature or in the chat. We will do our best to address them by the end of the presentation. We also received a few questions in advance that we will address throughout our discussion.

Today, we will be focusing on our TempZone Ruler Cable, highlighting its benefits and how it works effectively for heating beneath tile and luxury vinyl flooring. We will also cover some installation steps for the heating element. The Ruler Cable is our newest product at WarmlyYours, and it is particularly exciting because it is a Pro exclusive, available only to our trade Pro customers. This product simplifies installation, reducing guesswork and making the process much easier.

Scott, could you elaborate on what makes this cable particularly advantageous for our trade professionals?

Certainly! One of the standout features of the Ruler Cable is its high visibility. The cable is marked with black print on a yellow background, resembling an old-fashioned tape measure. It includes markings every half inch, every inch, and at one-foot intervals, which helps users track how much cable has been used. This feature is crucial for ensuring accurate installation. The Ruler Cable is compatible with a variety of flooring products, including luxury vinyl tile (LVT), tile, stone, and marble.

As you mentioned, the ruler marks are a first for electric radiant heating cables, and they work in conjunction with the SmartPlan we provide to ensure the correct amount of cable is used, making installation quicker and smoother.

Now, Scott, could you discuss the improved durability and flexibility of this product?

Absolutely! Richard sent us a question asking if this wire is compatible with other brands of heat underlayment. The answer is yes. However, I would recommend using our Perdesso product, as it fits perfectly with the Ruler Cable. In the past, with twin conductor wires, the thickness varied based on the length of the wire. To ensure a consistent fit, the outer cover of the Ruler Cable is made of PVC, with varying thicknesses to accommodate different wire sizes. This design allows for uniform diameter across all cables, enhancing compatibility.

The outer PVC cover is durable and thick, while the inner insulation is made from ETFE fluoropolymer, which is highly resistant to cuts and damage. This construction allows for easy bending around corners and curves, making installation more straightforward. Unlike some competitors, the Ruler Cable maintains its shape, allowing for repositioning without the hassle of dealing with bends or kinks.

This product is exclusive to our trade professionals, providing a competitive edge over other installers. It simplifies the installation process, reduces the potential for error, and speeds up the overall project timeline. Additionally, as Scott mentioned, it can be paired with our Perdesso uncoupling membrane or other popular membranes, depending on your needs.

When considering heating beneath tile flooring, it's important to note that tile is one of the most popular choices for radiant heating. This is primarily due to its naturally cold surface, which warms up quickly when heated. Tile is often used in wet areas, making it ideal for spaces like bathrooms. Our TempZone products can be installed in wet locations, and tile does not have a high-temperature limit, allowing for greater heat delivery compared to other flooring types.

Kenneth asked about installing floor heat in sunrooms, which are often poorly insulated. In these cases, tile is an excellent choice because it can be heated to higher temperatures without restrictions, unlike LVT or laminate flooring, which have specific temperature limits. This means that tile can effectively deliver more heat into the space, making it a better option for sunrooms or three-season rooms.

It's essential to remember that certain areas should not be heated, such as under a tub or where plumbing is present. For example, while you can heat around a tub, you cannot heat directly underneath it due to code regulations. Additionally, you should avoid heating under vanities where the boxed bottom sits on the floor, but heating the toe kick area is recommended to keep toes warm.

Richard also inquired about using this product in an outdoor living space. Unfortunately, the Ruler Cable is not designed for outdoor use. However, we do offer outdoor heating products specifically for melting snow and ice. It's important to note that indoor and outdoor heating systems have different UL listings and codes, so it's crucial to choose the right product for each application.

When it comes to compatible systems for tile flooring, Scott previously mentioned that tile allows for higher heat settings. This means you can use various TempZone products, including flex rolls, cable, and the Ruler Cable. All of these options are waterproof and will provide adequate warmth to eliminate the chill from the tile.

While tile can be heated, it's important to note that heating shower walls is not permitted by the National Electric Code. However, heating the shower floor is allowed, which can significantly enhance comfort in the bathroom.

Now, let's discuss the SmartPlan we mentioned earlier. This plan outlines how the Ruler Cable will be laid out in the Perdesso uncoupling membrane. Scott, could you walk us through the specifics of this SmartPlan?

Certainly! At the bottom of the SmartPlan, you'll find important information for the electrician, including the required circuit specifications. The plan indicates the total amps and wattage, ensuring that the installation meets electrical requirements. The product being used in this installation is a 240-volt, 5 by 15-foot cable.

There is a common misconception that 240 volts is more efficient than 120 volts; however, the heat output is the same for both. The advantage of using 240 volts in this case is that it allows for a higher wattage without exceeding the 15-amp limit of our thermostats.

The SmartPlan also indicates the starting point of the cable and provides measurements to ensure accurate placement. It's crucial to verify these dimensions in the field before ordering materials, as any discrepancies can lead to issues during installation.

For example, if the plan indicates a certain length for the cable and you find that you've used too much or too little, you may need to reposition the cable, which can be time-consuming. The SmartPlan helps prevent these issues by providing clear guidelines for installation.

Once the Perdesso membrane is secured to the subfloor, the next step is to install the cable by snapping it into the membrane's nodules. The Perdesso membrane offers benefits such as crack isolation and waterproofing, which enhance the overall installation process.

When heating underneath luxury vinyl tile (LVT), it's important to note that LVT has gained popularity due to its versatility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Adding heat underneath LVT elevates its comfort and luxury, creating a heated subfloor that can be reused if you decide to change the flooring in the future.

For LVT installations, it's essential to embed the heating system in self-leveling concrete. The Ruler Cable is an excellent choice for this purpose, and using grip strips instead of an uncoupling membrane can save costs while still providing effective heating.

When using grip strips, it's important to secure them to the subfloor using nails or screws, especially over concrete. Masking tape can also be used to hold the cable in place during the self-leveling process. The recommended thickness for self-leveling concrete is at least half an inch to ensure proper coverage of the heating cable.

In terms of temperature limits, most LVT products have specific guidelines that must be followed to maintain warranty compliance. When setting up your thermostat, you can input the maximum temperature to ensure it does not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.

Finally, it's important to consider the R-value of the LVT flooring when selecting materials. Ideally, you want an R-value of one or less to ensure effective heat transfer. If the flooring has backing, it should still comply with this requirement to avoid insulation issues.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask. We appreciate your participation today and look forward to assisting you with your projects. Thank you for joining us, and stay warm!