Floor Heating System Installation Overview

Electric floor heating systems are easy to customize and install. Many different types of heating elements are available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Much of the installation of an electric radiant floor heating system can be completed by ambitious do-it-yourself homeowners; however, it is important to note that a licensed, qualified electrician connect the wiring for the system. This is to protect the homeowner by ensuring that the system's warranty remains valid.

The most common floor heating system features thin heat resistance cable that is embedded under the surface of the floor. Warmzone's ComfortTile heat cable is a proven industry leader, performing for decades in homes and businesses throughout Northern America.

Technology continues to advance, and other floor heating product offerings from Warmzone include near paper-thin heating elements (FilmHeat) as well as self-regulating low-voltage systems, retrofit joist heating systems and more. As a leading provider of radiant heated floor systems, Warmzone offers one of the largest selections of radiant heat systems in the industry so that customers can be assured of being matched with the ideal radiant heating system for their homes.

ComfortTile^® floor heating systems are the most recommended systems for heating tile floors; however, the heating cable can also be used to heat a variety of other floor types. ComfortTile heat cable can be purchased on spools or pre-spaced on mats. The thin heating cable (just ⅛-inch in diameter) off the spool gives installers the flexibility to install floor heat in small, custom shaped areas and rooms. The ComfortTile mats feature cable that is pre-spaced and affixed to a durable, flexible mat with an adhesive backing. Prior to rolling the mats out, be sure to sweep the subfloor and remove all the dust and debris. Small, sharp objects such as rocks and nails can damage the cable insulation and cause problems in the future, so preparing the floor before laying out the heating cable is important. After preparing the floor the mat can be rolled out and the adhesive backing can then be secured to the subfloor. This speeds up the installation, which can result in lower labor costs. The cable is just ⅛ to 3/16-inch in diameter, so there is very little floor build up. The heat cable off the spool is secured to the floor using flexible cable strapping (pictured) that can also be easily secured to the sub-floor. The strapping features a series of reliefs that provide pre-engineered channels for the heating cable. The ComfortTile heat cable is routed through the channels of the strapping according to the floor heating system's pre-determined spacing. After the heating cable or mat is secured to the subfloor and the cable layout is complete, self-leveler or thinset can be applied directly over the heat cable. Tile is then installed over that, followed by applying the grout. NOTE: It is recommended to use a rubber or plastic trowel when applying the thinset rather than a metal trowel to avoid damaging the cable.

Installed directly in the thin set under tile floors, ComfortTile is the most recommended system for heating rooms with ceramic tile. ComfortTile can also be used to effectively heat a variety of other floor types.

To make turns when laying out the floor heating mats, simply cut the mesh backing and turn the mat accordingly, as shown in the photos provided. (Be careful to never cut or damage the heating cable.) The twin-conductor heating cable (mats and cable) features a 10-foot, 2-wire cold lead (14-17 AWG) plus ground braid. ComfortTile cable also boasts a 25-year manufacturer warranty.

When installing heat cable off the spool, the cable is secured to the floor using durable, flexible plastic strips (see photo of cable and straps to the right) that can be either glued, nailed or screwed to the subfloor. The reliefs in the straps allow different cable spacing options. Simply route the cable around the reliefs according to your cable spacing and return to the cable to the other strap. These convenient straps ensure easy and accurate heat cable installation.

Some Important Tips

Make sure that the ComfortTile heating cable AND the splice are completely embedded in the thinset or leveling pour, otherwise the cable will overheat and fail.

Never allow the heating cable to touch or cross. (Minimum cable spacing is 2 inches.)

Do not cross the heating lead on the connecting lead or thermostat wire. It is important that a qualified, licensed electrician be hired to connect the wiring and related electrical components.

Thermal insulation can also be used to improve the system's efficiency.

When installing heat cable off the spool, the cable is secured to the floor using thin plastic strips (cable strapping) that are nailed or screwed or glued to the floor. These straps have small channels and tabs in them where the heat cable is placed. Simply press the cable into the tab to secure it. (See photo at right.)

Cut the mesh backing. (Be careful to avoid cutting the heat cable.) Pivot the mat to begin the next row.

After pivoting the floor heating mat, align it accordingly and continue rolling out the next row. (Maintain proper spacing between rows.)

The FilmHeat^® floor heating system is one of the most recommended floor heating systems, designed especially for installation under vinyl flooring and all types of floating floors. The affordable, easy-to-install panels are just 0.016-inches thick, so there is virtually no floor build up, and the panels can be cut on site. The FilmHeat system can be installed on any standard subfloor, so long as it is flat, smooth, and free from protrusions such a nails, screws, etc.

The heating panels are laid out according to the system layout provided by Warmzone. Cut the heating panels to the desired lengths. Cut only through the clear area between the heating stripes. NEVER cut closer than 1/4 inch to the heating stripes, and DO NOT cut into the heating stripes themselves. Firmly attach the heating elements to the floor. If installing over a wooden subfloor, nail or staple the elements in place. If installing over a concrete subfloor, tape the elements in place using duct tape. (When installing the thermostat, keep in mind that it should be located on an interior wall where it will not be subjected to direct sunlight, and that the lengths of the non-heating leads are taken into account.)

The RetroHeat^® floor heating system is a unique system that gives homeowners an affordable option for installing luxurious radiant heat under existing floors without having to undertake any major remodeling construction. If you have access to the floor joists from below, then you can install the RetroHeat floor heating element. The system features a thin "film" heating element (only 0.016-inch thick) that is shipped in rolls. When installing RetroHeat, the heating panels can be cut to the required length on site and then stapled up between the floor joists. The heating panels are available for joists in 12, 16, and 24-inch widths. (NOTE: Measurements are taken from the center of one joist to the other, not the distance between each joist.) RetroHeat can be installed under almost any flooring, including: hardwood, tile, carpet, laminates, vinyl, and marble, etc.

After stapling the heating panels between the floor joists under the floor you wish to heat, the electrical connections are then made. (Be sure to follow the directions in the installation manual and periodically test the system.) After your electrician makes the electrical connections, install common batt insulation over the heating element. The insulation directs the warmth upwards through the floor and enhances the energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss. This is an affordable and effective option for heating existing floors.

      Illustration of RetroHeat installed between joists.       ♦       Roll of heating element.       ♦      Crimping the bus braids on the heating element.       ♦      Staple up the element between joists.