How to Choose the Right Electric Floor Heating for Your Subfloor

Hello. Thank you so much for joining us today for our webinar for March. We're going to be going over choosing the right electric floor heating for your subfloor. I am Lynn, a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours, and today I am joined by Hannah Tully from our technical support and product team. We're excited to jump right in. If you have any questions during the presentation, please don't hesitate to ask. You can do so either in the sidebar chat or at the bottom of the screen in the ask a question module. If we don't see your question right away, we will definitely get to it by the end of the presentation.

Today, we will discuss some basics of electric floor heating, particularly how to get your project started on the right foot. We will cover a general introduction to electric floor heating and the requirements for whatever subfloor you will be installing over. At the end, we will also show you some installation examples to help you visualize what we are discussing. Electric floor heating offers numerous benefits. One significant advantage is its energy efficiency compared to traditional forced air heating systems. It heats spaces quickly and allows for zoning, meaning you can heat only the areas you need when you need them. Additionally, electric floor heating reduces air movement, which in turn minimizes allergens, dust, and pollutants in your home. If you are building a new house or replacing a floor, it is an easy way to add extra comfort and luxury to your space.

We will be discussing our different systems, including TempZone, Environ, and in-slab heating. Hannah, could you elaborate on how different subfloor materials affect the installation?

Certainly! Today, we will primarily focus on the more typical wood subfloors and concrete subfloors. The main difference is that when working over a concrete subfloor, it is essential to separate your floor heating from the concrete. This is because concrete absorbs a lot of heat, which can decrease the efficiency of your system. In the slides, we will discuss the thermal barrier we provide for those situations. For wood subfloors, it is crucial to ensure that the subfloor is leveled and ready to receive the specific type of flooring you plan to use. In other words, make sure it is structurally sound for the flooring you will be installing.

Great! Can you also explain some of the installation methods? I know we generally have two types of installation: embedding the heat or floating the heat. Can you clarify when each method is appropriate?

Absolutely! With our embedded systems, which we will cover in more detail shortly, these systems are virtually ready to receive any flooring. By embedding the system, you create a nice leveled surface. If you use self-leveling cement, you will have a smooth surface on top, allowing you to install virtually any flooring without any indication that floor heating is present. For floating flooring types, such as laminate, floating wood, or carpet in the United States, we have another product that requires floating. The simple explanation of that process involves installing the underlayment first, then floating your heating system, and finally floating the flooring on top.

It's important to note that floating vinyl flooring is not suitable for this method. You would still use vinyl flooring with our embedded systems.

That's a great point. There is often confusion between laminate and vinyl, as the terms are frequently used interchangeably, even though they are technically different materials. It's essential to be clear about the specific product you are using. Additionally, you should consult the flooring manufacturer to understand any requirements when pairing their product with electric floor heating. Common limitations include heat restrictions, such as not exceeding 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit, or requirements for the amount of space needed between the floor and the heating products. These limitations generally apply to certain flooring materials, such as laminate, LVT, engineered wood, or nailed-down wood. Tile, on the other hand, typically does not have such restrictions.

Another point to consider is that while floating laminate is usually compatible with our floating systems, some laminate manufacturers may require their products to be installed over embedded heating systems. This means you cannot install laminate directly over a floating environment type system. So, temperature and installation methods are crucial to keep in mind.

Can you explain how to determine which heating system to choose? We discussed requirements and general tips, such as needing to have vinyl over something embedded. How do you select the right system?

This slide introduces the actual product names. Earlier, we discussed embedded and floating systems. The TempZone system is one that must always be embedded. We offer this product in rolls, flex rolls, Easy Mats (which are standard mat sizes), custom mats, and cable for specific customization. Again, this system always requires embedding. The Environ product is available in rolls and Easy Mats, designed for floating floors, where the heating element will also be floated. As mentioned earlier, these would be compatible with floating laminate, floating wood, or wall-to-wall carpets in the United States.

When considering subfloors and heating options, if you're working over a wood subfloor with an embedded system, ensure that the subfloor is prepared properly. It should be completely level and clear, with any gaps or holes filled and sealed. If you are pouring self-leveling cement, it will find any holes or cracks in the floor, which can cause damage. Therefore, it is vital to prepare the subfloor by priming it, filling any holes, and ensuring it is ready for installation.

Another important consideration for wood subfloors, or any subfloor, is that when using self-leveling cement, you can either install the heating system and then apply the self-leveling cement, which is correct, or use the self-leveling to level the existing floor. However, the latter is not the right process, as it can lead to uneven heat distribution. If the floor is unlevel, you may end up with more material in one area and less in another, resulting in inconsistent heating. Therefore, always level the floor first, apply the self-leveling, and only then proceed with the floor heating system installation.

When looking at a tile installation, you can see a good cross-section of the process. Starting with a wood subfloor, ensure it is prepared, then lay out your heat using either rolls or loose cables attached with fixing strips. After that, use thinset and install the tile floor.

Can you discuss shower heating and what that entails?

Certainly! In addition to the embedded systems we mentioned, we also offer TempZone shower mats for benches and shower floors. These mats are designed for standard shower sizes and make installation straightforward. When discussing shower floor heating, you typically start with a pre-sloped pan and install a waterproofing membrane, which is shown in yellow in the cross-section. After applying a layer of thinset over the membrane, you would install the heating system, followed by additional thinset and tiles. The key difference here is that you are building up additional layers under the heating system to achieve the slope and waterproofing. We also offer shower waterproofing kits directly at WarmlyYours, so feel free to reach out if you have questions about those.

Yes, our website has a wealth of information, including cross-sections, videos, blog posts, and training materials. If you're interested or want more information, please check it out.

Now, looking at an LVT cross-section, this is where self-leveling cement becomes crucial. You start with a primed and clean subfloor, then lay out your fixing strips and cable. You'll notice the masking tape, which is used to hold down the cables, ensuring they stay in place during the self-leveling cement application. After the self-leveling has dried and meets the moisture requirements for the LVT, you can begin installing it.

It's worth noting that you may encounter two different installation manuals to follow. Your luxury vinyl tile installation manual may state that it can be floated without requiring thinset, but you must also adhere to the installation manual for our system. If you're using the TempZone type system, which always needs to be embedded, you must install the cable or TempZone Flex roll and apply a minimum of 3/8 of an inch of self-leveling cement. Only after that surface is ready should you proceed with the installation of your vinyl tiles according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Now, let's discuss glue-down flooring. I'm not as familiar with this, so I'll pass it to you, Anatoly, to ensure we provide accurate information.

No problem! Glue-down flooring is another common installation method. It's important to note that when starting a floor heating project or submitting floor plans, you should specify the type of wood flooring you plan to use. There are at least three main installation methods: floating wood floors, glued-down wood floors, and nailed-down wood floors. This information is critical because different installation methods require different products. For example, a floating system will use our floating environment heating mat, while a glue-down system will typically use the flex roll, and a nail-down system will require cable.

For this cross-section, you want a clean, level wood subfloor. After priming it, you can proceed with the TempZone Flex roll or cable, followed by a layer of self-leveling cement at least 3/8 of an inch thick. Ensure you follow the mixing instructions and ratios correctly. Once the self-leveling cement is fully dried, you can switch to the wood flooring manual to choose the proper adhesive and installation method.

Preparing a wood subfloor for a floating installation requires minimal prep work. Make sure the floor is clean of debris and level. From there, lay down a type of padding or underlayment. We recommend using our Cerazorb. This underlayment not only provides insulation but also protects the mat from damage as the floor shifts and moves between the laminate and wood.

This cross-section illustrates what we call an Environ Sandwich. When installing over a wood subfloor, start with the underlayment, followed by the Environ foil heating mat, and then lay out the laminate flooring on top.

It's essential to provide us with a detailed layout of the room, including dimensions and any obstructions like heating vents or posts. This information helps us provide the proper layout and avoid issues during installation.

For a wood subfloor with carpet installation, this is currently applicable only in the United States, according to the national electric code. Ensure you place padding down first, followed by the Environ, and then carefully install the carpet on top.

It's important to note that most instructions for carpet or other floating floors may specify that the underlayment should be under the flooring. However, in heating installations, the correct order is to start with the underlayment, then the heating system, and finally the flooring. Avoid placing anything between the heating system and the flooring, as this can trap heat and hinder proper heat transfer.

For a concrete subfloor, if you are using an embedded system like TempZone, make sure it is clean, primed, and level. If there are any high spots, grind them down to ensure a flat surface.

It's crucial to emphasize that whenever you're working over a concrete subfloor, especially in older constructions where the floor may not be perfectly leveled, you must level the subfloor before installing the heating system. This prevents uneven heat distribution, which can occur if one area has more material than another.

If you have existing flooring that you do not plan to remove, such as older vinyl or tile that is in good shape, consult with the self-leveling or thin-set manufacturer to choose the right product and preparation process. Avoid applying thin-set over glossy surfaces, as this can lead to poor adhesion.

Now, let's discuss Cerazorb. This product is vital when installing over a concrete slab. Concrete tends to act as a heat sink, absorbing heat before allowing it to rise and provide comfort. By installing Cerazorb, you can significantly improve the efficiency of your floor heating system, potentially increasing the temperature by up to four degrees. Cerazorb is also excellent for high humidity areas, as it is made from synthetic cork and will not mold or mildew.

For a concrete slab tile installation, the process involves preparing the subfloor, thin-setting the Cerazorb to the subfloor, laying out the TempZone Flex Roll, and then applying thin-set and tiles on top. Remember that Cerazorb must be thin-set down to the subfloor; it should not float, as this can lead to issues with the tiles above.

The same concept applies to LVT installations. After laying out the thin-set and Cerazorb, you will apply self-leveling cement according to the manufacturer's specifications for the LVT. Once that layer is dry, you can proceed with laying out the LVT on top.

It's important to remember that while the minimum self-leveling cement layer is 3/8 of an inch, some flooring manufacturers may specify that embedded floor heating needs to be covered by at least half an inch of self-leveling. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for temperature and separation requirements to ensure a proper installation.

We haven't discussed our uncoupling membrane much. Can you explain Perdesso and when it's best to use?

The uncoupling membrane serves to separate the flooring from the subfloor, allowing for independent movement. When using this type of product, follow the installation instructions to choose the right thin-set based on your subfloor and the number of layers of plywood. This will dictate the proper installation procedure. If you plan to use this product, consult the installation manual or cross-section provided on our website to ensure a correct installation.

For a concrete subfloor with floating heat or flooring, the main requirement is to have an insulating underlayment. Cerazorb is crucial when installing over a concrete slab. Lay out your Cerazorb, ensuring it is thin-set down, and then lay out your Environ, which should not be attached to anything. It will float on the Cerazorb, and you can then lay your flooring on top.

It's worth noting that for floating installations, you do not need to thin-set down your Cerazorb. You can float it, tape it together, and secure the perimeter or corners to keep it in place. This allows the entire installation, including Cerazorb, Environ, and floating flooring, to function as designed.

For carpet installations over a concrete slab, the same concept applies. Start with padding, lay out your Environ, and carefully install the carpet on top, ensuring you select high-quality padding with a good R-value for better insulation and system performance.

Lastly, for laminate installations, the process is straightforward. Lay out your Cerazorb on the slab, followed by the Environ, and then install the laminate flooring on top.

If you are working on a new construction with a new slab pour, you have two options for floor heating. If you plan to use polished concrete as your final flooring surface, you will use the slab heating system. However, if you intend to install any type of flooring on top of the newly poured concrete, you can either install your heating system in the concrete or finish the concrete and use an embedded system.

The main difference lies in how you plan to use the system. If you only need to run the floor heat for a few hours at a time, you will benefit from having the heating system over the concrete. This setup allows for quick efficiency, as the system heats up quickly for short-term use. However, if you want the floor heating to act as a primary heat source for an extended period, it is more beneficial to install the slab heating system, placing the heating element in the middle of the concrete pour.

Do we have any questions? I know we received a few in advance, so we will address those. Please feel free to ask any additional questions in the sidebar chat or the ask a question module at the bottom of the screen.

Our first question is from Kimberly, who asks if WarmlyYours radiant floors can be used inside a water or PEX line type system in a new home build. The answer is yes; both hydronic and electric floor heating systems can be used in new construction. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and the type of flooring you plan to install.

This question ties nicely to our previous discussion about new construction. You can choose different heating systems for different areas of the house. For instance, you might use slab heating for the first floor and an embedded system for the second-floor bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing for efficient energy use.

Amy asks if you can install under hardwood. Yes, it depends on the manufacturer's limitations and requirements. Be sure to select the right system based on how you will install the hardwood to ensure proper installation.

That's a good question. As we mentioned earlier, always share the installation method you plan to use. Your hardwood manual may specify whether the system can be floated, glued down, or nailed down. If you do not communicate this information, your installer may choose a method that is incompatible with the heating system.

Our last question comes from Pedro, who asks about shower pans and electric heating in showers. We briefly covered this earlier. We have shower waterproofing kits and pre-sized shower heat mats designed for standard showers. Depending on your shower size and installation plan, feel free to reach out to us for more information.

There are many ways to approach shower installations, combining traditional methods with new products that simplify the process. Communicate with your installer to ensure we can provide the right product and installation guidance.

I don't see any other questions at the moment. If anything comes up while we wrap up, please feel free to ask. As a reminder, our next webinar is scheduled for April 13th at 1:00 PM, where we will discuss creating a heated driveway with one of our snow melting systems. Although it may seem early to think about snow, it's a good time to plan for next winter.

We also offer daily training sessions right here on Crowdcast, typically once or twice a day, often hosted by me or Anatoly. These sessions last about five to ten minutes, so feel free to join us to learn more and ask questions.

For March, we are offering 25% off select towel warmers, so be sure to visit our website for more information on that promotion. At the end of today's webinar, we will send you an email asking about your experience. We would love to hear your comments, suggestions, and any topics you are interested in learning about.

We want to ensure we provide the information you are looking for. You can always contact us via phone or email, whichever is easiest for you. We want to make sure you feel confident and have all your questions answered as you work on your heating projects.

Lastly, don't forget to check out our website for a wealth of information, including cross-sections, videos, and blog posts. It's warmlyyours.com with two Y's.

Thank you, Anatoly, for joining and co-hosting today's webinar. We appreciate your expertise on the technical side of things.

Thank you, Lynn. It was a pleasure, and I hope everyone learned something new today. If you have any feedback or want to learn more about our products, please let us know. We want to tailor our webinars to provide the information you truly want to know.

Until next time, stay warm, be radiant, and have a wonderful rest of your day.