#Heated bathroom floor install

Handle the radiant heating system with care during the install.

Do not forget to hook up the temperature sensor, which helps regulate the mat’s heat settings. If you are connecting more than one mat, they need to be parallel with the thermostat. Follow the instructions that came with the system when connecting the wires. The final step in installing a radiant heating system is to hook up the electrical components. Follow the instructions on the grout, as drying time varies between manufacturers. Step 7 - Let Grout DryĪfter everything has been installed, you need to allow the grout to fully dry before hooking up the radiant heating system. This will make it easier to repair the radiant heating system if something should go wrong down the road. Whatever flooring option you use, consider going with a different finish then the rest of the bathroom. If you need to remove tile to get the floor level, proceed with caution and use plastic tools whenever possible. When laying down grout, avoid using sharp knives or metal tools because these can puncture the electrical components in the mesh and prevent it from working. Once the thin-set mortar has fully dried, you can lay tile and grout, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After the cement has dried, you can lay down whatever type of floating flooring you desire, including laminates, tile, linoleum, or carpet. A third method is to use self-leveling cement over the mesh. Another option is to apply a small layer of thin-set mortar over the electrical components. A plastic trowel is best for this installation as it is less likely to cut the electrical wires. Using a trowel, spread a layer of thin-set mortar over the mesh mats. You can also interlace the sensor wire with the mesh to keep it from moving around throughout the installation. You may need to cut a groove in the subfloor to ensure the area above the sensor remains flat. The probe should be placed evenly between the wires. Then insert the sensor probe between two electrical wires. With the mesh firmly in place, pull up the lead wires up and tape them to the thermostat. When stapling the mesh in place, be careful not to puncture the electrical components. The most common method of attaching the mesh to the subfloor is with staples, though you may need to use tape or hot glue if the staples do not hold. The method of securing the mats depends on the type subfloor. If the layout is correct, you can begin securing the mats to the subfloor. Once everything is in place, make sure the lead wire can still reach the thermostat. If you have to cut the mat to fit, make sure you only cut the mesh and not the electrical wire.

Ensure that the lead wire can reach the thermostat. You should space the mats at least three inches from walls and six inches from the toilet.

Most radiant heating systems come with a fiberglass mesh that enables the electrical components to sit flat against the subfloor. Once the subfloor is exposed you can start the process of laying down the thermal tile. The heating system will be installed directly above the subfloor, making it a dry installation.

#Heated bathroom floor install

Depending on the type of installation (new home construction versus renovation), you will need access to the subfloor to install a radiant heating system.