subject: Installing Heated Flooring During Your Seattle Remodeling Project [print this page] Installing Heated Flooring During Your Seattle Remodeling Project
Heated floors are more popular than ever today. In fact, most people remodeling their bathrooms today opt to also install heated flooring. Not only do these systems offer incredible luxury and comfort, but they're also increasingly affordable to install and to operate. This article looks at things to consider when installing heated flooring during your Seattle remodeling project.
Electrical
Heated flooring comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and installations that include heating wire and heating mats. The average heated flooring system only requires one 110V 12-2 dedicated electrical line to heat a floor of up to 200 sq ft. Not only will this ensure safety, but it will also comply with electrical building code regulations. Never attempt to run a dedicated line from your breaker panel on your own. Always hire a licensed electrician!
Installation
When installing your heated flooring system, keep in mind that you don't need to cover your entire floor space, especially when using stone tiles above it. Stone conducts heat very well, so for Seattle remodeling for a small bathroom, a heating mat centered in the middle of the floor that reaches out four to six feet is probably adequate instead of installing a heating mat that reaches wall to wall.
Heating Mats Vs. Heating Wire
If you're installing your own heated flooring system, choose heating mats. Heating wire gives you the ability to control the distribution of heat better, including spot warming, but heating mats work great, are much less complicated to install, and you lessen the risk of problems with a do-it-yourself installation. If you do opt for heating wire, it's critical that you follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter, especially when it comes to exact spacing.
Continuity Alarm
Whether you install a heating mat or heating wire, take the extra step to also install a continuity alarm. Installing a heated flooring system is hard work, and you'll be walking and putting pressure on the wires. If you accidentally damage your wires during installation, the continuity alarm will sound an alarm to let you know. This is especially important since you won't have easy access to your heated flooring mat or wires after you lay tile on top of it. It's no fun to finish your tile installation and then excitedly go to turn on your heated floor system just to find it doesn't work because you unknowingly damaged it during installation.
Turning It On
Don't turn your heated flooring system on for the first time until your tile flooring has fully cured. If you turn it on before your tile, adhesive, and mortar are set, you run the risk of a weak bond as the heat accelerates the curing too fast. This will result in drying out instead of curing, so your adhesive may loosen and your grout may flake away.
Installing a heated flooring system is a great way to enhance your home. While you can certainly install your heating system and the flooring above it, you must be careful not to damage the wires during installation. This is why most people hire a Seattle remodeling contractor with years of expertise to install their heated flooring so they have years of problem-free enjoyment.
