Everything You Need to Know About Luxury Vinyl Tile and Floor Heating

All right, welcome to today's webinar entitled "Everything You Need to Know About Luxury Vinyl Tile and Floor Heating." My name is Scott, and I'm joined today by Lynn, who will be driving the presentation. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to join us, especially on this beautiful day in the Midwest. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the sidebar chat. We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. If we don't get to them during the presentation, we'll ensure that we address all your questions at the end.

Today, we will discuss floor heating with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks (LVP). We will cover how floor heating works, what to look for when working with LVT, and we will showcase an example project where one of our electric floor heating products was used in a space with LVT, which turned out beautifully. Additionally, we will go over the installation process, providing a step-by-step guide for those considering a project with LVT.

Many people wonder why they should consider heating LVT. It's a cost-effective flooring option that also looks great. Scott, can you tell us a bit about the durability of LVT? The durability is quite good, but the chemical composition of LVT often limits how warm it can get. It's essential to purchase high-quality LVT because lower-quality options are more susceptible to temperature extremes, including sunlight coming through windows. The cheaper the product, the shorter the lifespan, so investing in higher-quality LVT is advisable. The better products can last 20 to 25 years, and you may find yourself wanting to change the look before the flooring wears out.

One of the great aspects of the installation we are discussing today is that once you tire of the LVT and want to change colors or switch to carpet, laminate, or tile, the subfloor we create under the LVT allows for easy replacement. You simply lift up the LVT and replace it with another flooring type. LVT naturally feels warmer underfoot than tile, and it provides flexibility in changing your flooring style.

If you're planning a project with LVT, you'll want to use one of our heating products that can be embedded, specifically our TempZone products, either the Flex or the cable. Scott, can you elaborate on what to look for in a heating product for LVT? It's somewhat counterintuitive because the product you want to heat LVT with is similar to the one used for tile. People often ask if they can use our Envirin product, which is great for carpet and laminate, with LVT. However, today we will explain why Envirin is not a suitable fit for LVT.

The TempZone flex rolls provide about 15 watts per square foot, while the TempZone cable allows for different spacing to achieve varying wattage outputs. If you're on a second floor above a heated space, you might not need the full 15 watts per square foot; you could reduce it to eight watts per square foot since the floor is already warm. It's crucial to consider whether you're heating over an unheated crawl space or a second floor above a warm kitchen, as these are two very different installations.

When heating over an unheated space, you would want to use 15 watts per square foot, while over a heated space, you could reduce it to eight watts per square foot. This approach saves on electricity costs and installation expenses since you would be using less product. Today, we will address the disconnect between using a product designed for tile and heating LVT, as we frequently receive questions about this.

We have a couple of cross-sections to show our LVT installation on a concrete subfloor. If you're working with concrete, the heating product will heat up much faster than if it were embedded in the concrete slab itself. Some people might wonder why they should invest in Cerazorb, but it has a good R-value, providing a thermal break between the heating wire and the slab. The slab will pull heat downward until it warms up, which can take hours or even days. However, with LVT, you want a system that warms up quickly, ideally within an hour.

To achieve this, we thin-set the Cerazorb to the slab, isolating it from the heating system. After attaching the Cerazorb, the heating roll is installed on top, ensuring it is secured every five or six inches with hot glue. It's important to place the wire side down to prevent the coils from floating to the top of the self-leveling compound. Self-leveling cement is very dense, and anything underneath it will try to float to the surface, which we want to avoid.

Once the Cerazorb is in place, we pour 3/8 to 1/2 inch of self-leveling cement (often abbreviated as SLU or SLC). This creates a flat heated subfloor, which is essential since LVT has stricter flatness requirements than laminate. If you're working with an older home where the floor may sag in the middle, it's crucial to flatten the surface before building up layers. This ensures even heating across the entire floor.

Now, let's discuss the differences between laminate and LVT. Many people mistakenly consider them to be similar products. LVT tends to drape over time, conforming to the subfloor beneath it. If you install Envirin over Cerazorb, you might see the LVT start to drape, which can lead to the heating cables telegraphing through the surface after several years. Laminate, on the other hand, is more resilient and does not drape in the same way.

When selecting LVT for radiant heating, it's essential to choose a product that has a warranty allowing for heating. You should also check the maximum allowable distance from the heating element to the top surface, ideally between one to one and a half inches. Additionally, look for LVT with minimal backing, as thicker materials can act as insulators, preventing heat from reaching the surface.

It's also critical to install the floor sensor from the thermostat correctly, as this will help maintain the maximum temperature of the LVT. The floor heating system typically operates at temperatures lower than what sunlight can generate on the floor surface, so it's essential to manage these temperatures effectively.

When setting up the thermostat, you can access installer settings to establish floor protection limits. The floor sensor, included with the thermostat, must be installed in the floor during the self-leveling process to regulate the temperature accurately. If your LVT has a maximum temperature of 82 degrees, for example, you would set the thermostat accordingly.

Now, let's take a look at an example project. This particular installation was done in a basement bedroom/office in Toronto. When you receive a SmartPlan, it's crucial to interpret it correctly. The first step is to provide us with a sketch of the space, including dimensions, so we can design the heating layout for you. This ensures you order the correct amount of product for your specific area.

In this project, the heating was not installed in every corner of the room, as no one typically stands against the walls. If you're considering using the floor as a sole source of heat, remember that tile can be heated to higher temperatures than LVT or carpet. This is an important consideration when deciding on the type of flooring to use.

We also have a heat loss calculator on our website that allows you to evaluate different flooring types for their heating capabilities. If you're using LVT in a room with many windows, it may not be as effective as tile, which can achieve higher temperatures. Therefore, it's essential to determine whether you want the floor to provide supplemental heat or serve as the primary heating source.

Once you have your SmartPlan and the system arrives, the first step is to order a circuit check, which is an essential installation tool. You will also need a digital ohm meter to test the product upon arrival. Testing the heating system as soon as it arrives ensures that any issues can be addressed before installation.

After testing, you can lay out the product on the floor and perform another test to confirm everything is functioning correctly. Once satisfied, you can proceed with the installation. It's crucial to document the final readings in your installation manual and warranty card for future reference.

The circuit check serves as a safety measure, alerting you if the wire is damaged during installation. It tests for continuity in the heating circuit and checks for shorts, ensuring that your system remains intact throughout the installation process.

As we move to the installation process, if you're working with a concrete subfloor, the first step is to ensure it's clean and flat. If the subfloor is wooden, it must also be flat before proceeding. Once the surface is prepared, you can apply the Cerazorb underlayment, ensuring it covers the entire area to maintain a consistent height.

When installing Cerazorb, it's essential to use an eighth-inch v-notch trowel with thinset to create a solid bond. The installation should resemble brickwork to avoid continuous lines that could compromise the floor's integrity. After the Cerazorb is in place, you can proceed with the heating product installation.

For this project, the TempZone flex roll was used, which is easy to install. Ensure the cable side is down, and the logo is facing up. Before laying the heating product, apply primer to the Cerazorb, as specified by the self-leveling cement manufacturer. This step is often overlooked but is crucial for proper adhesion.

As you lay out the heating product, use the circuit check to monitor for any damage. When making cuts and turns, always cut the mesh, never the heating cable. Secure the heating product down with hot glue every five to six inches to prevent it from floating during the self-leveling process.

Next, you'll need to install the floor sensor from the thermostat. It's important to place the sensor wire in an open loop, approximately six to eight inches away from the heating wire. Ensure that the sensor wire is not run in the same conduit as the non-heating leads, as this could interfere with readings and system functionality.

After the self-leveling cement is poured, it's vital to test the heating mat again before covering it. This ensures that everything is functioning correctly before proceeding with the installation of the LVT. The self-leveling cement should be mixed and poured according to the manufacturer's instructions, and care should be taken to caulk around the room to prevent leakage.

Once the self-leveling cement has cured, you can install the LVT flooring. Be sure to check the moisture content of the self-leveling compound with a moisture meter, as LVT may have specific moisture requirements. Additionally, allow the LVT to acclimate in the space for the recommended time before installation.

It's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding cure time and acclimation to ensure a successful installation. If you have any questions about the installation process or specific requirements, don't hesitate to reach out for clarification.

As we wrap up, remember that proper wiring is essential, and you should always consult local codes regarding electrical installations. Some areas may require that a licensed electrician handle the wiring, so it's wise to check before proceeding.

Finally, we have various thermostats available, and it's important to choose one that meets the requirements of your LVT. Always verify with the manufacturer about the maximum temperature limits and ensure that your thermostat settings comply with those guidelines.

In conclusion, this project showcases the beauty and functionality of LVT flooring combined with electric floor heating. The installation process may seem complex, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a rewarding experience. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope you found this information helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out.