Warmth, Light, and Luxury: Comfort Solutions for the Perfect Spa Bathroom

Thank you, everybody, for joining us. My name is Lynn, and I am a sales representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by one of our wonderful technical support team members, Scott. This presentation is all about creating a spa bathroom, whether for yourself or for your customers. We will cover a lot of different information, so if you have any questions, feel free to type them in the chat or use the "ask a question" feature. If we don’t see your question right away, we will definitely address it by the end of the presentation.

We will discuss various products that can enhance a bathroom's appeal and transform it into a spa-like retreat. Our focus will include floor heating options, shower heating, towel warmers, mirror defoggers, and LED mirrors, which add an elegant lighting feature. Lastly, we will touch on our radiant panels. To begin, let's explore some design elements that contribute to a spa bathroom. A common choice is a large freestanding tub or a spacious walk-in shower, creating a retreat-like atmosphere. Lighting also plays a crucial role; adjustable lighting elements with warm tones can provide a soothing glow, enhancing the luxurious feel of the space. Incorporating features like floor heating and towel warmers elevates the overall experience.

One of the key ingredients to a spa bathroom is maintaining warmth. A cold, damp bathroom can be uncomfortable, especially after a shower. Stepping out of a warm shower onto a cold floor is not conducive to relaxation. This is where a floor heating system comes into play, ensuring that the bathroom remains warm and inviting. This addition can truly transform the space into a personal retreat. Scott, could you share some insights about the features of our TempZone system?

Certainly! The cable we are showcasing is just one of the products offered by TempZone. We provide flex rolls, various types of cable, easy mats, custom fit products, and pro ruler cable for flexible installation. Most of these products are wet location listed, making them safe for use in bathrooms and showers. While a bathroom is classified as a wet location, a shower is considered a wet location. Therefore, our cables can be installed in both areas, with the exception of the custom fit product, which is not wet location listed and cannot be used in a shower.

When installing floor heating, it is essential to consider the areas that need heating. For instance, you should avoid placing heating elements under a freestanding tub, as it is not advisable to heat the underside of the tub. Many people inquire about heating the bottom of a cast iron tub, but the answer is no. The heating product must be embedded in thin set and installed in a floor. Additionally, the National Electric Code prohibits the installation of electric heating cables in shower walls or bathrooms, although local code officials may have different allowances. It’s crucial to consult with local authorities if you are considering wall heating.

Another common misconception is the desire to heat the entire floor area. However, we do not heat under permanent fixtures like tubs, vanities, or toilets. It is important to maintain a distance of at least four inches from the wax ring of a toilet. Consequently, when accounting for these exclusions, you typically end up heating around 80% of the area. This is vital information for those new to floor heating installations, as it helps set realistic expectations.

Scott, you mentioned shower heating earlier. Can you elaborate on the differences between heating a shower floor or bench compared to the rest of the bathroom?

Absolutely! Shower floors and benches typically require thicker applications, which can affect heating efficiency. For instance, a shower floor may be several inches deep, while a bathroom floor is generally only about 3/8 of an inch thick with thin set. This increased thermal mass means that a separate thermostat may be necessary for the shower area to ensure it heats up adequately and reaches the desired temperature. In some installations, we use a shower mat with a pre-formed spot for the drain, which simplifies the process.

At WarmlyYours, we offer custom installation plans called SmartPlans. These plans ensure that you achieve the exact coverage you need. They take into account the placement of permanent fixtures such as tubs, cabinets, and toilets, and help you visualize where heating should occur. If any changes are needed, we can update the plan accordingly to ensure you get the coverage you desire. On installation day, having a SmartPlan will streamline the process significantly.

The first step in installation is to gather the correct information. For those new to this, I recommend providing us with a sketch of the area. This allows us to determine the appropriate size of the heating product needed. It's essential to account for permanent fixtures, floor vents, and any support posts that may be present. Once we have your plan, it’s crucial to verify that it matches the actual dimensions of your room, especially if any changes have been made.

When it comes to installation methods, you can attach the heating product to the subfloor and cover it with self-leveling compound, allowing you to tile over it the next day. Alternatively, if you are experienced, you can use a two-step method, applying thin set over the heating product and then tiling the next day. The single-step method, where you apply thin set and tile simultaneously, is more challenging and not recommended for beginners due to the potential for uneven surfaces.

It’s also important to note that you should never turn on the floor heat until the thin set has fully cured, which can take anywhere from seven to twenty-one days, depending on the product.

Another fantastic feature of a spa-like bathroom is the addition of towel warmers. These have been popular in Europe for years and are now gaining traction in the United States and Canada. Towel warmers not only keep your towels cozy after a shower but also help to dry them, preventing any musty odors. Unlike many European models that require plumbing connections, our electric towel warmers can simply be plugged in or hardwired, making them easy to install without extensive renovations.

We offer a variety of models and sizes, ranging from 19 inches to 49 inches, accommodating different spaces and needs. Additionally, they come in various finishes, including stainless steel, matte black, and polished gold. Scott, could you explain the installation options for towel warmers?

Certainly! When considering installation, it's important to determine whether you own your home or are renting. For renters, plug-in units are ideal, as they can be easily attached to a wall and removed when moving. If you own your home, you have the option for hardwiring, which involves connecting the towel warmer to a junction box. The dual connection models allow for either plug-in or hardwired installation, providing flexibility based on your living situation.

Another great addition to a spa bathroom is our mirror defoggers. These devices prevent steam buildup on mirrors during hot showers, ensuring that the mirror remains clear and ready for use immediately after bathing. They are easy to install, low maintenance, and energy-efficient, making them a practical luxury feature.

Scott, can you walk us through the installation process for mirror defoggers?

Of course! To install a mirror defogger, you first need to determine the optimal placement on the mirror. It should be smaller than the mirror itself and ideally positioned at eye level for both the tallest and shortest users in the household. Once you’ve marked the location, you’ll need to provide electricity to that spot, typically by tapping off a nearby light switch. The defogger uses minimal electricity, so power consumption is not a concern.

The installation involves adhering the defogger to the back of the mirror, ensuring that it is attached to the glass rather than any backing material. You’ll also need to leave a border for mastic to secure the mirror to the wall. Following these guidelines will make for a straightforward installation process.

Next, we have our LED mirrors, which come in various sizes and styles. These mirrors can be hung either vertically or horizontally, making them versatile for different spaces. They not only add elegance but also provide functional LED lighting, which is especially useful for tasks like shaving or applying makeup. Our LED mirrors are designed with CUL/US listed components for reliability and efficiency, and they come with a two-year warranty.

Scott, could you explain the installation process for LED mirrors?

The installation of LED mirrors is similar to that of mirror defoggers. You will need to ensure that a junction box is installed in the wall at the correct location to connect the wiring. It’s helpful to create a cardboard template to visualize where the mirror will be placed. Once the junction box is in position, you will need to supply wiring from the box to the back of the LED mirror. Having a second set of hands can be beneficial during installation to hold the mirror in place while making connections.

Finally, let’s discuss our radiant panels, which provide an excellent way to add warmth to the space. These panels utilize infrared heating technology, offering quick and efficient warmth. They can also serve as towel warmers, combining functionality with comfort. The Ember Flex units can be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or floor, while the glass or mirror models are designed for wall mounting only.

When installing radiant panels, it’s essential to ensure they are placed out of reach of small children or pets, as they can become quite hot. The panels can be either plugged in or hardwired, and it’s crucial to ensure they are GFCI protected, either through the thermostat or a GFCI breaker.

Are there any questions from the audience?

I haven’t seen any questions come through yet. We did receive an inquiry about heating hardwood floors, which is indeed possible with our TempZone system. We have a video on our website demonstrating how to install heating under nail-down wood flooring using furring strips and spacers. Additionally, for engineered wood flooring that floats, you can install our heating product, cover it with self-leveling compound, and then float any type of flooring over it.

Thank you for that great question, Carol. If anyone else has questions, feel free to ask.

Next month’s webinar will focus on radiant heating installation best practices, including planning and troubleshooting tips for trade professionals. Join us on March 13th at 1 PM Central Time for that session. We also offer short training sessions at 4 PM on Zoom, hosted by either Scott or myself, where you can learn more about our products and ask any questions.

For February, we are offering 30% off select towel warmers, so be sure to check our website, warmlyyours.com, for more information. If you have upcoming projects and would like to get a SmartPlan or have questions about our products, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to assist you.

Thank you all for joining us today. I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of your day, and thank you, Scott, for your insights. Be radiant!