Warm Floors, Cool Questions: WarmlyYours Answers Your Electric Floor Heating Questions

Thank you, everybody, for joining us for our first webinar of 2025. Today's topic is warm floors, but cool questions. We want to answer your electric floor heating questions, and if you have any during the presentation, please feel free to type them in the chat. There's also a question and answer feature of Zoom, so you can use that as well. If we don't see it right away, we'll definitely get to those questions by the end of the presentation. We do have a couple in the chat. Okay, that's Olivia sending awesome.

Looking at the webinar outline, today we're going to be talking about all of our different floor heating systems. We'll go over some of the options available to you and the different installation methods when working with cable. We're also going to discuss our smart plans, and at the end, we'll cover our control options along with all of our online tools and resources.

Our first product is definitely our most popular, the TempZone Flex Roll. This product is favored for a good reason: it offers quick installation and even heat distribution. Scott, could you tell us a little bit about how the TempZone Flex Roll works?

Yes, it's a mesh product made of fiberglass, which means it doesn't have a memory like plastic netting. If plastic netting is stored in a roll, it tends to curl back up when laid out. In contrast, fiberglass lays flatter and is much easier to work with. The cable is pre-spaced, so all you have to do is roll the product out, follow your installation plan, cut the mesh—never cut the wire—and turn it to fill your space. This makes for a very quick installation.

Once you have everything laid out, you secure it to the subfloor. A common mistake for beginners is to attach the first panel and then move on to the next without ensuring everything fits. This can lead to having too much or too little cable at the end, requiring you to rip everything up and start over. So, remember to do your cuts and turns, lay it out to ensure it fits, and then attach it to your subfloor. This simple hint has stuck with me for a long time.

The TempZone Flex Roll is also very slim, measuring only about an eighth of an inch thick, making it easy to work with. It's great for professionals and DIY installers alike, so if you're a homeowner looking to do it yourself, this product will make the job straightforward.

Next, we have the TempZone Ruler Cable, a relatively new product that we are excited about. Scott, what makes it special?

We spent a lot of time designing this product to make it as easy to use as possible. The main feature is its ease of installation into a membrane if you choose to use one. It can also be installed into grip strips, which we will discuss later. The TempZone Ruler Cable has markings every half inch, allowing you to know exactly where you are while using the cable. This feature is particularly useful for following our installation plans to ensure you're in the right place and using the correct amount of cable.

The cable is easier to bend, making it more convenient to work with, especially when installing it into a membrane. The numbers on the cable are printed in yellow, resembling a ruler or tape measure, which makes them easy to read. This product is exclusive to our trade professional customers, so if you're a trade pro interested in the Ruler Cable, definitely reach out to us.

Next, we have our TempZone Easy Mats, which are conceptually similar to the TempZone Flex Rolls but are typically used in different applications. The Easy Mats are designed for specific areas, often referred to as spot heating. They are ideal for high-traffic areas where you frequently walk, stand, or sit, providing warmth exactly where you need it most, which enhances energy efficiency.

Since these mats are pre-sized, they eliminate the need for on-site cutting and turning, making them particularly suitable for small spaces. They are designed to be simple: just lay them out and apply thinset on top, and you're good to go. For beginners, it's important to note that you can't just place a strip of floor heating down the middle of a room and expect the heat to spread sideways. The heat does not travel laterally; it only radiates about an inch and a half from each side of the wire. This is why the wires on the mesh are spaced three inches apart, allowing for a smooth spread of heat.

When it comes to TempZone cable installation, we offer two different types of installation methods. You can choose to use a membrane or not, giving you a lot of flexibility. This is what the installation will look like, whether you're using the cable with a membrane or with our fixing or grip strips.

It's also important to consider where you want to install heat, especially under permanent fixtures like toilets, tubs, and cabinets. Unless it's a floating cabinet, you want to avoid placing heat underneath permanent fixtures. For example, if you have a floating vanity, it's fine to install heat underneath it. However, if the vanity is resting on the floor, you should avoid heating underneath it due to National Electric Code regulations.

Additionally, you want to be cautious not to place heating cables too close to the wax ring of a toilet, as this can lead to unpleasant odors if the wax ring melts. Some companies require you to purchase a membrane to install their products, but we recognize that not every floor requires a membrane. By using strips along the perimeter of the room and routing the cable back and forth, you can save a significant amount of money.

This brings us to the grip strips, which we have invested a lot of time and energy into designing to make installations easier. These grip strips hold the cable securely in place, preventing it from pulling out when making turns. Unlike less expensive options, our grip strips maintain tension, allowing for a smoother installation process. They also feature holes for screws or nails, making them easy to secure.

For larger installations, especially in big rooms, it's advisable to use masking tape to hold the cable down. If you're applying self-leveling material, the cable can float, which can complicate the installation. By using inexpensive masking tape every two or three feet, you can keep the cable in place and maintain proper spacing while thinsetting or tiling over it.

Our uncoupling membrane is another option for installing cable, simplifying the process. It holds the cable in place while allowing for a more flexible installation. Typically, you'll attach it to the subfloor using modified thinset, depending on the type of flooring and subfloor you have.

One of the advantages of this product is that you can install the cable and start tiling on top of it immediately, which is especially beneficial for small rooms. This can save you time and travel costs, allowing you to complete the project in a single day.

Moving on, we have our Environ product, specifically designed for floating floors. This product is installed similarly to a sandwich, where it is not attached to anything. You start by laying down a ThermalSheet, which is essential because you can never place the Environ between two hard surfaces. The ThermalSheet provides the necessary support for the cable, allowing it to function effectively.

Once the ThermalSheet is in place, you roll out the flex rolls, cut the aluminum-reinforced binder, and make your cuts and turns just like with the TempZone. The entire system floats, including the ThermalSheet and the flooring above it. This product can also be used in the U.S. between a carpet pad and stretched carpet.

However, it's important to note that Environ cannot be used with luxury vinyl tile (LVT) due to strict flatness requirements. The installation manual for most LVT products specifies that heat must be embedded and at least half an inch away from the LVT, which means you would need to use TempZone with self-leveling material.

The ThermalSheet is not only a great option for working with Environ but also prevents heat loss, making it especially beneficial when working with concrete slabs. Placing heating cables directly on concrete can lead to heat being pulled down, resulting in cold floors above. By using the ThermalSheet, you can ensure that your floor feels warm rather than cold.

Our slab heating mats or cables are designed for new construction slab heating or for polished or stamped concrete floors. These products feature widely spaced mesh to allow concrete aggregate to pass through easily. The maximum concrete aggregate size is three-quarters of an inch, ensuring effective heat distribution.

When installing slab heating, it's crucial to place the heating cables on rebar positioned halfway in the concrete pour. You should never lay the heating cables directly on the bottom layer of gravel, as this will prevent heat from reaching the floor above. Instead, use chairs or top hats to hold the rebar in place while pouring the concrete.

It's also important to consider the layout when installing heating cables. If you know that a permanent fixture, like a bookshelf, will be placed in a specific area, avoid running the cable from wall to wall. This not only saves costs but also ensures that you don't have heat under areas where it won't be effective.

One of the benefits of working with us is our smart plans, which are designed for your peace of mind. These plans streamline the installation process, providing step-by-step guidance from beginning to end. You can expect a turnaround time of about one business day, making it a great resource for both professional customers and DIY-ers.

The smart plan includes important details such as thermostat locations, cable markings, and spacing requirements. It's essential to double-check the dimensions on-site to ensure everything aligns with the plan. This helps avoid issues with having too much or too little cable at the end of the installation.

We also provide a detailed electrical plan with our quotes, outlining the requirements for your specific installation. This includes information on breaker sizes and electrical consumption, helping you understand the system's needs.

It's important to note that not every floor heating job requires 240 volts. For jobs under 120 square feet, we typically use 120 volts, which only occupies one space in your breaker panel. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not have two available spaces.

Additionally, we clarify common misconceptions regarding GFCI circuit breakers. The National Electric Code states that the floor must be GFCI protected, but this protection is already included in the thermostat. Therefore, you don't need a GFCI circuit breaker, as having both can lead to nuisance trips.

All of our controls are compatible with our floor heating systems, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. For 2025, we are introducing the nJoy Wi-Fi thermostat, which allows you to control your floor heating system via your smartphone. It also integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for added convenience.

Our online tools are designed to simplify the planning and understanding of our systems. The quote builder provides instant, reliable quotes based on project information, including space size and flooring type.

We also offer an operating cost calculator, which dispels the misconception that electric floor heating is inefficient or costly to run. By inputting your location and system details, you can see your estimated costs per day, month, and year.

Our design tool is a first-of-its-kind in the industry, enabling you to create a digital replica of your room. You can input measurements, select fixtures, and send it to us for a SmartPlan design.

The heat loss calculator helps determine if your heating system will adequately warm your space by considering factors such as exterior walls and windows. This is crucial for ensuring that your system meets your heating needs.

We are committed to making electric floor heating as simple as possible for you. As pioneers in online project planning, we offer personalized account management to guide you through every step of the process. Our fast turnaround for customized floor heating plans and hassle-free returns further enhance your experience.

We also provide 24/7 technical support, with experts available to assist you with any questions or issues. Our team is knowledgeable about all brands and types of flooring, ensuring you receive the best assistance possible.

As we wrap up, we want to address a few questions we received ahead of time. Jerry asked about the effectiveness of heating wood floors. It's important to maintain a consistent temperature, typically around 82 to 84 degrees, without significant fluctuations. This ensures even heating throughout the space.

For basements, heating with electric floor heating is an excellent option, especially for hardwood, as it provides warmth from the floor up. This is particularly beneficial in spaces where traditional heating methods may not be as effective.

Brad inquired about the difficulty of DIY installations for small bathrooms. Most installations can be done as a DIY project, with plenty of resources and videos available to guide you. However, we recommend having a professional electrician handle the circuit wiring and thermostat connections.

Our next webinar is scheduled for February 13th at 1 o'clock, where we'll discuss perfect solutions for a spa bathroom. We also offer additional training sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 4 p.m., where you can ask questions and learn more about your projects.

We are currently offering a 30% discount on select towel warmers, so be sure to check that out on our website. You can visit our site anytime to learn more about our products, or feel free to email or call us for assistance. Thank you for joining us today, and we hope to see you next time!