Natural Stone Floor Warming Systems
One common complaint about natural stone flooring is that it can feel a little cold to bare feat. While this may be a desirable feature on a sultry summer afternoon, it can be rather jarring on a chilly winter morning.
The easiest solution to this, is to install a radiant sub floor heating system. Such a system consists of a series of “warming blanket” mats which are set just beneath the tile, resting on the subfloor. These mats contain electric resistance wires, which are hooked up to a 120 volt GFCI circuit.
Using the attendant thermostat, users can adjust the amount of heat that is radiated throughout the floor.
Installation of a subfloor warming system is easiest if performed during your tile installation. This is because often, tile is adhered directly to the warming matts, to ensure that the system is as efficient at heat distribution as possible.
The heating pads should be installed directly on a concrete subfloor. If your home has a wooden subfloor, it may be necessary to install cementboard over this.
Often, a small heating system can be wired directly into an existing GFCI circuit. However if the area being warmed is largem or if the thickness of the tile requires more output, it may be necessary to install a dedicated circuit for the heaters use.
The most important thing from a safety point of view in regards to these systems, is that the installer performs a resistance checks on all of the wires to ensure that they were manufactured properly, and were not damaged during shipping. Installers should also follow any manufacturers instructions regarding power limits, installation, and use.
not used as sole source of heat in rooms
usually made up of a series of flat matts which have electric resistance wires in them. mats warm up, and send heat through stone
mats usually wired to a 120 volt GFCI circuit
thermostat controls the heat
matts laid over concrete
adhesive added to them, then thinset tile placed on top.
do not install heating mats directly on wood subfloor. Install cementboard if necessary
an important safet issue during installation is to perform a resistance check on the heating wires to ensure that they were properly manufactured, and weren’t damaged during shipping.
the size of the installations determines whether the system needs to be hooked to a dedicated GFCI circuit, or if it can patch into an existing one.
