How To Install Heated Flooring (And When To Call the Pros)

Most people who want to sell their homes install heated floors to attract buyers and add value to their house. It would be best if you did not worry about installing the heated flooring because Plumb-Tech will take care of your floor from A-Z.

Before we look at the steps of installing a heated floor, it is vital to know its benefits.

Benefits Of Heated Floors

Here are a few advantages of installing heated flooring in your home.

1. Cheap To Operate

Other heating options use a lot of heat, unlike radiant heat. That saves the homeowner on energy bills while serving its purpose well.

2. Comfort

When your feet are cold, your entire body will feel uncomfortable. Now imagine the feet feeling warm? You will want to spend more time in the house. Besides, your kids and visitors will be more comfortable in the house.

3. Doesn’t Take up Space

You only need to install the radiator under the tiles or floor. You don’t have to move extra seats and tables to the bedroom to create space.

4. Safe And Comfortable

Do not worry about your young one touching sharp edges and hot surfaces because the heating system is installed under the tiles or floor. Also, it does not get too hot to burn.

Disadvantages Of Heated Floors

Like any other heating system, heated floors also have a few drawbacks. Here are some of the downsides.

1. Installation Expenses

Wiring is the most delicate part of the process, and you’ll need an electrician to do the work. The electrician will charge you an installation fee, which can be a bit costly.

2. Time-Consuming

When a heating system gets installed, you must cover it with a self-levelling compound. The compound can take up to two or three days to dry up and be ready for use.

How to Install Heated Flooring

Whether it’s a new or an old house, you can use a floor heating system to warm up the entire home. We have compiled this essential information to help you install your floor heating system like a pro. Check out these easy steps.

1. Unveil The Subfloor

Remove anything covering the subfloor. Whether it is a carpet or tiles, separate them from the floor using scrappers and solvents.

2. Put On The Crack-Suppression Membrane

It is a known fact that concrete expands and contracts with heat changes. Most floors are built using concrete, and these changes can cause cracks on the floor. You have to apply crack-suppression to protect the floor from damages in such instances.

The membrane comes with instructions. So ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before applying it. After smearing the membrane in sections, unroll it and place it flat on the floor using a floor roller. Also, remove any air bubbles that might form.

3. Fix The Grids 

Plastic grids are the ones that can hold radiant heat wires. To make them stick well on the subfloor, use hot glue. It is advisable to space them well on the floor. That helps in distributing the heat perfectly to prevent the floor from getting cold and hot patches.

4. Separate The Cables into Grinds

The manufacturer has included instructions on how far apart these cables should be. Now split the radiant heat cables into grids, and following the instructions, place them evenly. That helps to prevent cold and hot patches on the floor.

5. Apply The Thin Set Mortar

Get enough amount of mortar to work with within 10 minutes and mix it in the heavy-duty drill. The reason to mix it little by little is that the mortar tends to dry very fast.

A straight edge trowel will be the best for spreading the mortar over the electrical cables. To maintain a uniform thickness of the mortarboard, ensure you hold the trowel at a consistent edge. Give the mortar enough time to dry up.

6. Charge The Radiant Heat Floor

This is the trickiest part of the process. Ensure you hire an experienced and licensed electrician to do it for your safety. They should get a circuit from the main electrical panel and install a control panel in the right room wall.

7. Lay The Tiles

Before fitting the tiles permanently, dry-fit them to determine the best layout. Make sure the tiles against the wall are half of the other tiles. Use the notched edge of the trowel to create grooves as you spread the mortar.

Now fit each tile and adjust them well to make sure you maintain your pattern. To keep a straight line of the cement space, use tile spacers. If some tiles do not fit the floor's perimeter, use a wet saw to cut and shape them so that they work well.

8. Apply The Grout and Sealant

Ensure you remove the tile spacers before applying the grout. Mix the grout, and after the mortar is dry, apply it using a grout float. It is advisable to apply it in a diagonal motion because vertical and horizontal motions will dig the grout out of the spaces.

Leave it to dry slightly and remove the excess with a wet sponge. You can move the furniture in the room after the grout is completely dry.

Final Words

While it might be costly to buy and install the heated floor radiators, that one-time cost will save you a long time expense. They are an energy-efficient form of heating, do not require extra space, and are easy to install. So, underfloor heating is worth your coins.