Why and How to Install Floor Heating Under Tile and Stone

Hello and thank you for joining today's webinar, "Why and How to Install a WarmlyYours TempZone Floor Heating System," hosted by WarmlyYours Radiant Heating. I'm your moderator, Scott Rosenbaum, and I will take the next 20 minutes or so to discuss the benefits of installing your TempZone system and guide you through the installation process step by step. After that, we will open the floor to any of your questions. If you have any questions throughout the webinar, please submit them at any time by clicking on the Questions and Answers button located in the top left corner of your screen. I will address these questions at the end of the webinar.

First, let's explore the benefits of TempZone. This system is energy efficient, easy to install, and comes with a robust 25-year no-nonsense warranty. TempZone is ideal for installation under tile, stone, and even hardwood floors. It is available in two configurations: twin conductor, which features a single cold lead that connects to the thermostat, and single conductor wire, which is used for our custom mats. The system is available in both 120 and 240 volts, although EZ Mats and Shower Mats are only available in 120 volts. Additionally, the product is CULUS listed and ETL listed, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Now, let's take a closer look at the different types of TempZone products. From left to right, we have custom mats, cut and turn rolls, no-cut one-piece mats, loose cable, and shower mats. Shower mats are specifically designed for installation in shower floors or benches. Custom mats are tailored to your specifications; you simply provide us with a drawing of your room. In cases where large areas require more than one mat, it's important to note that these mats will lay next to each other with separate cold leads that must return to the thermostat, as indicated in the project drawing.

Cut and turn rolls are stock-sized rolls we keep on hand, and we provide a custom design to show you how to cut and lay them out. When you place an order, we often ship the same day. These rolls are available in both 120 and 240 volts and are popular for their ease of use. No-cut one-piece mats are also available, but if you need to use more than one, you will have multiple cold leads returning to the thermostat. This is where cut and turn rolls offer an advantage, as they can cover larger areas with a single cold lead.

Loose cable is the most flexible and cost-effective option. You can send us your drawing, and we will help you lay out the cable to fill your space, allowing for flexible spacing of three or four inches. The shower mats can be installed in your shower floor or bench, providing warmth where you need it most.

Next, let's discuss the materials and tools required for installation. A digital ohm meter is essential; it is one of your main tools and can be purchased at any big box store for under $15. You will use this meter to test your heating cable or mat multiple times during the installation process. It is crucial to test the WarmlyYours roll or product upon receipt to ensure it is functioning correctly. Testing it as soon as it arrives will help you avoid delays in case a replacement is needed.

In addition to the digital ohm meter, you will also need a control, and we recommend using a circuit check. This device will alert you if you damage the wire during installation, making it an important safety tool. When you send us the dimensions of your space, we will provide you with a customized installation SmartPlan, which outlines the best way to lay out your system. Our engineers design these plans based on extensive experience, ensuring a high likelihood of successful installation.

You will also need a staple gun or hot glue gun, scissors for cutting the roll, and basic tools such as a hammer, screws, a screwdriver, and double-sided tape for securing the cables. Before installation, it is important to test the position of the system to ensure the roll fits your space. Always verify that the dimensions on the SmartPlan match the actual measurements in your room to avoid complications during installation.

If you are installing multiple system mats in a single room, position each mat so that the warming cables or power leads do not cross over one another. When working with cut and turn rolls, remember to cut the fiberglass mesh, not the warming cable. Position the panels around fixtures according to your plan, using the cuts and turns as indicated.

During the installation process, staple or glue the panels to the subfloor and install the floor sensor. For cables, secure the fixing strips to the subfloor and run the cables from the thermostat or junction box across the room. Use masking tape to hold the cables down every 20 to 36 inches, especially if you are using self-leveling cement, as the wires can float to the top. For shower mats, lay out the cold lead along the edge of the mat and run it to the junction box, ensuring compliance with local inspection requirements.

When installing custom mats, apply a quarter-inch to three-eighths of an inch layer of thinset to the floor before pressing the mat down into it. For cables and shower mats, you can place thinset over the top after installation. The thinset should be spread evenly, allowing for a two-step installation process, which is recommended for those new to the installation.

Once the thinset has cured, you can proceed to install your flooring of choice. It is advisable to back butter the tiles to enhance adhesion and ensure a solid installation over the heating cables. The electrical hookup should be performed by a licensed electrician, ideally in a double gang box to accommodate all wiring and maintain a cool thermostat.

For controlling the floor heating system, we offer the SmartStat, a programmable thermostat, and the EZStat, which allows you to set a constant temperature. Both come with a three-year warranty and include a built-in GFCI, which is crucial for safety. When shopping for floor heating systems, ensure that the thermostat includes a GFCI to avoid additional costs and complications.

If you are considering the installation of a flex roll, start by measuring your area while excluding appliances, fixtures, and cabinets. Submit your dimensions to our team, and we will design a free floor plan tailored to your needs. Upon receiving your products, test every roll with a digital ohm meter to ensure they are in good working condition.

Inspect the subfloor carefully, removing any sharp edges that could damage the heating element. Use a suitable pen to mark areas on the floor where permanent heavy fixtures will rest. Follow the instructions on your floor plan to roll out the mesh in the correct direction, ensuring the heating cable is face down to protect it during installation.

When you reach a turn, cut the mesh across without damaging the heating cable. For tricky corners, you can use freeform spaces filled with loose lengths of heating element. Secure the heating element to the floor with hot glue or tape, maintaining proper spacing to avoid overlaps.

Once the installation is complete, test the rolls again with the ohm meter to confirm they are functioning properly. After validating the system, allow a professional electrician to wire your WarmlyYours thermostat according to the provided instructions. Finally, install your chosen flooring, allowing for proper curing time of thinset and grout before powering up the WarmlyYours Electric Radiant Heat System.

We often receive questions about the installation process, including how to perform cuts and turns. Remember to staple the mesh down, but never the wire, as this could cause damage. If you have any questions or need further information about our products, please contact your account manager or reach out to us at 800-875-5285 for assistance.

If you require on-site installation help, we are available 24/7 to take your calls. We frequently receive inquiries about installing TempZone under nailed hardwood, which is straightforward. You can provide us with your floor dimensions, and we will create a drawing showing the appropriate size cable or mats.

For installation, you will need to use sleepers—pieces of wood that are one and a half to two inches wide and about three-eighths of an inch high. Arrange these sleepers according to your installation plan, running the cable or mesh between them. Once secured, cover the installation with self-leveling material to create a flat surface for your hardwood flooring.

If you are looking for recommended installers, visit WarmlyYours.com and use our dealer locator feature by entering your zip code. Our materials are stocked in our warehouse just outside Chicago, allowing for quick shipping. Most orders placed before 4:30 PM Central Time will ship the same day.

If you have previously purchased a designed cut and turn mat but wish to install it in a different area, our engineers can assist you in redesigning it for your new space. Simply provide us with your order number and the dimensions of the new area, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

For those considering using the heating system as a sole source of heat in small rooms, our heat loss calculator can provide valuable insights. By entering information about your room's dimensions and insulation, we can determine if the floor heating system will provide sufficient BTUs for your space.

We also receive many inquiries about luxury vinyl tile (LVT). We recommend installing TempZone on the subfloor, followed by a layer of self-leveling material, which will create a flat surface for your LVT installation. The cold leads for our TempZone product are 15 feet long, providing ample distance from the thermostat to the heated area.

When installing the MAT system, ensure the cable is facing down with the mesh up. If you encounter situations where the cable must face up, use small pieces of tape to secure it. Although the U.S. does not have a wet locations listing, our cables and mats are approved for such use in Canada. Always consult your local code authority regarding installation in wet areas.

Thank you for your questions and participation in today's webinar. Our next session will be held on Thursday, November 5th, at 2:00 PM Central Time, focusing on our Envirin line of floor heating products for installation under carpet, laminate, and floating floors. To register, please visit www.warmlyyours.com/webinar.

If you are interested in previous webinars, you can find them on our website under the resources tab. We encourage you to watch these informative sessions as they provide valuable insights into floor heating. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to assisting you in the future. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-875-5285 or via email at info@warmlyyours.com. Until then, stay warm and be radiant.