How To Install Underfloor Heating (Under Tile Heating)

So you’ve invested in some underfloor heating, or under tile heating to give it its official name, and you want to know how to install it. The Tile Guru, our resident tiling expert, has created this below guide!

How to install underfloor heating

The Thermonet and Comfort Zone heating mats we supply are very simple to install. They are supplied on a self adhesive mesh that will stick to most surfaces. Map your room and measure the area to be heated. Lay the mat starting at approximately where your thermostat will be placed, roll it out to one end of the room, cut the mesh (not the cable) to return and keep going until your required heating area is covered.

Take the probe from the thermostat and channel it in the surface of the floor to sit an equal distance between the heating cables, using the included conduit. The cables can be tiled onto directly or can be encased into a self levelling compound. To complete, we recommend a qualified electrician is hired to connect it to your electric supply.

RELATED: ELECTRIC VS WET UNDERFLOOR HEATING

Here are some FAQ’s regarding underfloor heating:

How to wire Underfloor Heating

Although the heating mat can be installed be anyone, the thermostat needs to be wired up and electrically tested by a qualified electrician. You can find a reputable electrician at checkatrade.com.

Which insulation for underfloor heating?

The two types of insulation we supply are the Uncoated Econoboard which is designed for use on concrete, sand:cement or Anhydrite screeds, where the floor is solid and stable. Then there is the cement coated Marmox boards which are required on more flexible surfaces such as timber. They are more rigid so therefore offer extra stability against vertical deflection, as well as decoupling properties if any lateral movement occurs.

Underfloor heating without insulation boards

Our underfloor heating mats can be laid onto any floor surface direct without insulation. However it will be less efficient and cost more than double to run. With insulation, the heat is directed straight to the tiling and will heat up in around 20-30 minutes. Without the boards, the below substrate would need to heat up fully before the optimal temperature can be reached on the tiled surface. This can take approximately 3-4 hours.

Which screed for underfloor heating?

Although tiles can be laid directly onto the heating cables, to ensure you obtain even heat distribution, a thin layer of a flexible levelling compound, such as “Palace Fast Flex” can be laid over the cables. This also gives additional protection to the electric cables and gives you a perfectly flat surface to tile onto.

We hope that answers your question! If you have any other questions about your project, don’t hesitate to get in touch!