Learn How to Cut Down on Installation Time for Heated Tile Floors

Hello. Thank you so much for joining us today. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by Scott, who is also from WarmlyYours. We appreciate you being here with us.

Today, we're going to discuss how to cut down on installation time when you're installing heated tile floors. If you have any questions during the presentation, please feel free to ask. You can do so either in the sidebar chat or at the bottom of the screen where it says "Ask a Question." We will address your questions, and if we don't get to them right away, we will definitely cover them by the end of the presentation.

We will be going over floor heating in general, specifically focusing on our TempZone product and our Perdese uncoupling membrane. We will show you an example project that includes an overview of the costs as well as an installation example. Scott, can you tell us a little bit about what to expect with floor heating and what you can do with it?

Absolutely. People who are used to forced air heating in their homes need to adjust their expectations when it comes to radiant heat. You won't walk into a room with radiant heat and feel a blast of hot air. Instead, you will enter a space that feels warm, and as you spend time in that area, you will feel warm too. This is because the heat radiates from the floor, warming you directly rather than heating the air first, which is the opposite of how traditional HVAC systems work.

If we look at a diagram of HVAC systems, we can see that hot air comes out of vents and rises to the ceiling before cooling off and descending back down to the floor. This creates a cycle of hot and cold air, which can leave your feet feeling cold, especially in basements or areas with overhead vents. In contrast, radiant floor heating warms you directly, concentrating heat on you rather than relying on the movement of air. This method is also very energy efficient. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that heat the entire house based on one thermostat, electric floor heating allows you to heat individual spaces as needed. For example, you can keep a bedroom warm while leaving other areas cooler if they are not in use.

Our TempZone system is our most popular heating solution because it can be installed under most flooring types. It includes several options: the TempZone flex roll, which has the heating cable pre-attached to a mesh for easy cutting and turning to fit your space; the Easy Mat, which is a pre-sized version of the flex roll; and the TempZone cable, which can be installed using fixing strips or our Perdese uncoupling membrane. The latter has channels designed for easy installation and provides extra support for tile floors.

When designing your heating system, it's important to consider the specific needs of the space you want to heat. For instance, a room on the second floor above a kitchen may not require as much heating as a room on a concrete slab or over an unconditioned space like a crawl space. The heating requirements differ significantly based on the room's location and the type of flooring. A room that starts at a comfortable temperature will need less energy to reach a desired warmth compared to a colder slab or unconditioned space.

Using the Perdese membrane provides flexibility and simplifies the installation process. It holds the heating cables securely in place, allowing for immediate tile installation after laying out the cables. While the Perdese membrane is excellent for tile floors, it is not necessary for heating wood or vinyl floors, as these materials do not have the same concerns regarding grout line cracking.

When planning your installation, it is crucial to order the correct size of floor heating cable, as adjustments cannot be made on-site. We offer complimentary installation plans and quotes to help you determine the appropriate size and length of cable needed. For this specific installation, we used one of our Wi-Fi thermostats, the nSpire Touch Wi-Fi, which allows control via the thermostat or a smartphone app. Additionally, a circuit check alarm is included to alert you of any damage to the cable during installation.

It's important to note that you cannot cut the heating cable or the mesh. You can make cuts and turns in the mesh, but the heating cable must remain intact. This is a common question we receive, so please ensure that installers are aware of this restriction.

Looking at the installation process, when working with a wood subfloor, you will apply the Perdese membrane using thin-set. After that, you will install the TempZone cable and cover it with another layer of thin-set before laying the tile. When laying out the Perdese, be sure to align the studs properly to avoid any zigzag patterns in the cable layout.

A customer question we received earlier asked about the layers needed when installing over a wood subfloor. The installation manual provides detailed instructions based on the type of subfloor, including the specific thin-set required for each type. The Perdese membrane allows for either modified or unmodified thin-set to be used on top, which is a feature not offered by all companies.

In our example project, the total area to be heated was 40 square feet, with the actual heated area covering about 15.6 square feet at a spacing of 3.75 inches. It is generally unnecessary to heat the entire room; typically, about 80% of the space is heated, leaving a non-heated perimeter around the walls. This approach helps avoid heating under permanent fixtures like cabinets or bathtubs, where heat is not needed.

The power requirements for this installation were 185 watts and 1.6 amps, requiring a 120-volt non-GFCI breaker. It is essential to use a dedicated breaker for the floor heating system to prevent nuisance tripping, especially if other devices share the circuit. Avoid using GFCI breakers, as the GFCI protection is already included in the thermostat.

As we discussed earlier, we typically recommend heating about 80% of the room. This is because certain areas, like under vanities or toilets, do not require heat. Additionally, it is wise to avoid heating directly under doorways to prevent potential damage from trim installation.

When creating a SmartPlan for your project, it is crucial to clearly indicate the layout of the heating cable and the location of the thermostat. The floor sensor should be placed about six to eight inches into the loop of cable, ensuring it does not touch or run alongside the heating cable to avoid inaccurate readings.

Misconceptions about floor heating often arise, such as the belief that a small pad of heat can effectively warm an entire room. In reality, heat only travels about an inch and a half from the wire, so it is essential to place the heating cable where warmth is needed. Additionally, the choice between 120-volt and 240-volt systems should be based on the size of the area being heated, as 120-volt systems are sufficient for spaces under 120 square feet.

It is also important to conduct ohm readings before, during, and after installation to ensure the system is functioning correctly. This process is part of the warranty requirements, and a digital ohm meter is necessary for accurate measurements.

The installation of the Perdese membrane involves laying it out properly and ensuring good adhesion with the thin-set. The minimum tile size for installation over Perdese is two inches by two inches, so be mindful of this when selecting your materials.

As we move into the exciting part of the installation, the heating cable itself is installed directly into the membrane, snapping into the grooves. Using a rubber float can ease the installation process, allowing you to push the cables into place without straining your fingers.

It is crucial to avoid overlapping the heating wire, as this can cause system failure. The layout should follow a serpentine pattern to prevent crossing cables. The floor sensor must be placed correctly, ensuring it is positioned between runs of cable and not touching the heating wire.

Finally, when installing the tile, only apply enough thin-set to set each tile, back buttering as necessary for good adhesion. Avoid covering the entire Perdese with thin-set at once, as this can lead to complications.

As you wire the system, ensure compliance with local electrical codes, which may require licensed electricians for certain tasks. After installation, you can set the thermostat according to the type of flooring used, taking care to adhere to the manufacturer's temperature limits.

In conclusion, we appreciate your participation today. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you with your projects and ensure a successful installation. Thank you for joining us, and as always, stay warm and be radiant.