Welcoming Warmth for a Grand Entryway in Chicago, IL

Chicago winters are notorious for their chill, but this homeowner ensured a warm welcome every time they step through the door. By installing an electric floor heating system over an existing concrete slab, this project transformed a cold, tiled 123 sq. ft. foyer into a cozy, energy-efficient transition space. It’s the perfect example of how radiant floor heating can add luxury and practical comfort to high-traffic areas.

Project Details

Location: Chicago, IL
Room Type: Entry/Hallway (Foyer)
Heated Area: 111 sq. ft. (Total Room: 123 sq. ft.)
Flooring: Tile/Stone over Existing Concrete Slab
System Info: 240V TempZone™ Cable (1326 Watts, 6 Amps)
Insulation & Underlayment: CeraZorb® Synthetic Cork & Prodeso Membrane
Operating Cost: ~$0.21 per hour (based on avg. Chicago rates)

A Warm Welcome in the Windy City

The challenge for this Chicago homeowner was twofold: dealing with the harsh local climate and a subfloor consisting of an existing concrete slab. Concrete is durable, but it acts as a "heat sink," pulling warmth out of the room and making tile flooring feel ice-cold to the touch. The goal was to install a robust in-floor heating solution that could break that thermal bridge and provide consistent warmth.

The solution involved a multi-layer approach for maximum efficiency. The installer utilized CeraZorb® insulating underlayment to prevent heat loss into the concrete slab, followed by the Prodeso Membrane for crack isolation—ensuring the new tile wouldn't crack due to subfloor movement.

The heart of the system is the TempZone™ Floor Heating Cable (240V), installed at 3.75-inch spacing. This flexible cable allowed the installer to navigate the specific layout of the foyer, ensuring edge-to-edge coverage. The result is a stunning, warm entry that dries wet shoes quickly and provides an inviting atmosphere the moment you walk inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is in-floor heating effective over a concrete slab?

Yes, but insulation is key. Concrete slabs can absorb heat, preventing it from rising into the room. In this Chicago project, CeraZorb® insulation was used under the heating element to create a thermal break, pushing the heat upward into the tile rather than down into the ground.

2. Can radiant floor heating be the primary heat source for a foyer?

Absolutely. With a wattage output of roughly 12 watts per square foot (as seen in this project), this system provides ample BTU output to warm the room without needing auxiliary vents or radiators, provided the home has standard insulation.

3. How much does it cost to run heated floors in an Illinois hallway?

It is very affordable. Using a programmable thermostat like the nSpire Touch ensures the system only runs when needed. For this large hallway, the cost is roughly $0.21 per hour of active heating time.

4. Why use heating cable instead of a mesh roll?

TempZone™ Cable offers maximum flexibility. In a foyer or hallway where walls might be angled or the dimensions are unique, the cable allows the installer to customize the spacing (3.75" in this case) to ensure every inch of the walking surface is heated evenly.