How to Install Floor Heating Under Nailed Hardwood

Hello and thank you for joining today's webinar, "How to Install TempZone Floor Heating Under Nailed Hardwood," hosted by WarmlyYours Radiant Heating. I'm your host, Scott Rosenbaum, and I'm going to take the next 20 minutes or so to talk to you about the benefits of installing our TempZone system under nailed hardwood and go over the installation process step by step. After that, I'll address some of the most commonly asked questions about this particular application.

Let's take a look at the benefits of TempZone. It is very energy efficient, with approximately 99% of the power input resulting in radiant heat, which offers an excellent transfer rate. The system is also easy and simple to install, supported by a wealth of online videos and resources to assist you. Additionally, it comes with a 25-year no-nonsense warranty. The TempZone product is specifically designed for installation under hardwood floors, though it can also be used for tile and stone. It is available in twin conductor flex rolls and cables, which means that you only have one connection to make to the thermostat, conveniently located close to it, eliminating the need to run leads from the end of the mat back to the thermostat.

When planning an installation under hardwood, it’s important to consult the manufacturer of the wood flooring to ensure compatibility with radiant heat. They will provide guidelines on the recommended spacing for nails, which could be 8 inches, 12 inches, or 19 inches, depending on their specifications. Once you have this information, you can inform us of the nailing distance and the direction you want the wood to run in the room. With this data, we can provide you with a layout plan. For instance, if the manufacturer specifies a 19-inch spacing, our 18-inch wide rolls will fit perfectly into those lanes, as demonstrated in the provided plan.

Now, let's discuss the installation process. To begin, gather an OMS tested WarmlyYours TempZone floor heating system, whether it comes on a spool or in rolls. It is crucial to test the product as soon as you receive it to ensure it is functioning properly; do not wait until the day of installation. You will also need a control with a sensor to monitor the floor temperature, as many wood floor manufacturers require a maximum temperature limit. A digital ohmmeter is essential for testing both the heating product and the sensor before installation. Other necessary tools include a tape measure, a circuit check device, a SmartPlan, a staple gun, and various fasteners such as nails and screws.

The first step in the installation is to place wood sleepers, which are 1 to 2 inches wide and approximately 3/8 of an inch high. These should be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations for spacing. For example, if the nailing distance is 8 inches, the sleepers should be placed 8 inches apart on center. Once the locations for the sleepers are determined, you will install cable fixing strips between them. For plywood, cement board, or similar surfaces, galvanized nails or screws can be used, while concrete surfaces require concrete nails. Alternatively, double-sided tape or hot glue can be employed to secure the strips to the surface.

The floor heating system is installed in the lanes between the sleepers. Start near the thermostat location, as the cold leads of the product are 15 feet long. It is advisable to begin within 10 feet of the thermostat. If you are running long stretches of cable, consider running it in the same direction as the sleepers for efficiency. Ensure that the cable is secured every 20 to 36 inches to prevent it from floating into the self-leveling compound.

Next, you'll need to make cuts and turns, which applies specifically to the TempZone flex rolls. Follow the layout plan for these adjustments, but remember that you cannot cut or shorten the heating cable itself. You can, however, cut and turn the green mesh that it is attached to. Ensure that the mesh is firmly adhered to the subfloor to prevent it from floating to the top of the self-leveling compound. Once the system is installed, whether using TempZone rolls or loose cable, secure it well and cover it with self-leveling compound up to the height of the sleepers. This will create a flat surface for the hardwood to sit on while leaving the sleepers exposed for nailing.

After the self-leveling compound has dried completely, you can proceed to install the hardwood flooring by nailing it into the sleepers. Be mindful of the installation requirements set by your wood manufacturer, as they may specify that the flooring must be glued down once it reaches one side of the room. It is crucial to avoid placing nails or staples near the heating cable or power lead to prevent damage.

Regarding controls, there are three options available, all of which require a thermostat sensor. The SmartStat is a programmable thermostat, while the EZStat maintains a constant temperature, which may be necessary depending on your wood floor manufacturer's requirements. For larger installations exceeding 15 amps of coverage, master thermostats with power modules can be utilized, allowing for up to 10 power modules to be controlled by one master thermostat.

Now, let's take a moment to review an installation video that demonstrates the process in action.

In this demonstration, we are installing electric floor heating under hardwood flooring in a living room that previously had carpet. This space is ideal for electric floor heating due to its two-story ceiling, which often traps heat at the top. By installing heating in the floor, we can achieve more even heating throughout the area.

After cleaning the floor, we will prime it in preparation for the self-leveling compound that will cover the heating wires. Priming is essential when using self-leveling over a wood subfloor. Once the primer is dry, we will begin placing the sleepers, which will create troughs for the heating wires.

As we lay the sleepers, it's important to establish a perimeter around the room to ensure that the edges are level with the center. Following the hardwood flooring manufacturer's specifications, we will measure and install the sleepers at the required 8-inch nailing pattern. The direction of the wood in adjacent rooms should also be considered to ensure proper nailing support.

Once the sleepers are in place, we will cut the cable fixing strips to fit between them, ensuring they are secured properly. With the cable fixing strips adhered, we can now lay out the heating cable, starting with the cold lead. It's crucial to cover the factory splice with thinset or self-leveling compound to prevent overheating.

After laying the first roll of heating cable, we will install the second spool, ensuring that the cables remain in place with the help of masking tape. Once the heating cables are in position, we can prepare for the installation of the hardwood flooring. The self-leveling compound should be at the same height as the sleepers, allowing for proper nailing.

Finally, we will test the circuit checks and the thermostat sensor to ensure everything is functioning correctly before completing the installation. Once the hardwood floor is installed, we will fill any gaps with putty and proceed to sand and stain the floor.

In conclusion, following the outlined steps will ensure a successful installation of electric floor heating under hardwood flooring. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our sales team or technical support. Thank you for your time, and we hope to assist you soon. Stay warm and be radiant!