Heated Flooring for the Holidays

Underfloor radiant heating stands as an economically savvy and exceptionally efficient method for warming residential spaces, particularly in the midst of a bathroom remodel. Electric floor heating systems, widely embraced in residential settings, offer seamless control through intuitive smartphone apps, enabling personalized scheduling for optimal comfort. These floor heat systems can be easily run on a daily, weekly, or seasonal schedule. Leveraging my comprehensive background in selling, installing, and personally experiencing radiant heat under my own tile flooring, precision emerges as a crucial factor in the measurement and acquisition of floor heating components. The holidays are when most people are renovating their homes in anticipation of hosting family gatherings, making it an opportune time to foster a cozy atmosphere with radiant floor heating.

Why Opt for Radiant Heat:

Radiant heat systems not only present a valuable, hypoallergenic alternative to traditional heating methods but also surpass them in terms of efficiency and uniform heating distribution. Radiant heating systems are more efficient than baseboard heating or forced hot air, which loses efficiency due to duct loss. Radiant heat systems are silent; they make no sound when kicking on, operating, or shutting down. These floor heating systems also create an even heating throughout the space. Forced air systems create drafts and cold/hot spots based on vent locations. As long as the wire is run uniformly throughout the space, this does not occur with radiant heat. Additionally, when it gets really chilly, our furry friends typically gravitate towards couches and carpets. With heated floors, you may find your couch & rugs a little less hairy.

Heated Floor Systems for Tiles:

Electric floor heating systems prove particularly well-suited for remodeling projects, seamlessly integrating into tile flooring without adding unnecessary height. In contrast, hydronic systems, favored for new constructions, necessitate installation beneath the floor, a less practical option for remodels. Radiant floors, renowned for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, retain and radiate heat long after being turned off, boasting up to 30% greater efficiency than forced hot air systems.

Laticrete Stratamat

Popular Radiant Heating Systems and Installation:

Leading electric heating systems, such as Laticrete's Strata Heat and Schluter's Ditra Heat, offer comparable functionality. Skilled tile contractors embed the wire and uncoupling membrane, with licensed electricians ensuring precise electrical connections. While retrofitting is feasible, its efficiency is compromised due to increased material absorbing heat. Porcelain or stone flooring proves to be the optimal choice, effectively absorbing and retaining warmth. Radiant floor systems can be installed as a retrofit if you have access to the floor joists under the floor you would like to have heated. These systems get attached under the subfloor. These are not as efficient as there is more material that can absorb the heat. 

Care & Maintenance:

Once installed, electric radiant floor systems demand minimal maintenance, securely embedded in mortar or concrete without any moving parts. Safety concerns are mitigated through the incorporation of waterproofing membranes, like Schluter Kerdi or Laticrete Hydro-Ban, especially in installations within wet areas. The systems, generally safe, eliminate the risk of electrical shock post-installation.

Q & A:

How long does it take to warm up a room with heated flooring?

The time to heat/warm a floor will depend on the temperature of the room, the depth at which the radiant heat was installed within the mortar bed, and the type of material installed on the floor. On average, you would expect the floor to reach a comfortable temperature within 30 minutes or so from when you start the subfloor heating system.

Best Tiles for Heated Flooring:

Porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone stand out as optimal choices for radiant heat systems, facilitating efficient absorption and conduction of warmth. These materials enhance the overall effectiveness and performance of the heating system, ensuring a consistently comfortable living space wether its your kitchen or heated bathroom floor.

How does heated flooring work?

Heated flooring operates by using electric resistance to generate heat, with the wire insulated and buried in the thin-set or mortar bed beneath the tile. This method guarantees safety, eliminating the possibility of electrical shock post-installation. The generated heat permeates the flooring material, providing a consistent and inviting warmth throughout your living room, kitchen, or bathroom floor.

Thanks for reading our blog on heated flooring, and please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions about how you can keep your feet warm this holiday season.

-----------------------------------------------

Matthew Drobenak has been created and strengthening relationships with and within Architessa for the last year, prior to that he has worked as an installer, inside sales rep, manager and business development manager over his 20 plus year career in the tile and stone industry. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors and playing pickleball in his free time.

 

 

 

Austin Meyer brings a background in professional real-estate photography, graphic design, and copywriting to the table. As marketing specialist, he manages blogs, email marketing, photography, video editing. copywriting, SEO, and website design, amongst other things. Austin has both an eye for the big picture and little details, and wields creativity and positivity in everything he does.