More Canadians are choosing radiant floor heating and installing it over existing floors, even concrete has become easier than ever before. Ken Philp ClimateCare strives to ensure their clients have all the information they need to make the best decisions for their home and family. Here, we will further discuss radiant floor heating systems over a concrete slab, and how you can install radiant flooring in your home.
Why Radiant Floor Heating on Top of Concrete Basement?
The basement is a cold zone in many homes, especially if you’re still working with unfinished concrete floors. Radiant floor heating warms your basement without wasting fuel trying to heat a space where warmth is being leached by the cold concrete. While carpets have been popular in the past to try and stop the cold, radiant floor helps insulate and heat simultaneously.
Installing Radiant Floor Heating Systems in Concrete Slab
One of the easiest ways to get radiant flooring is to install it as you are pouring the initial concrete floor. Many flooring and heating/cooling experts suggest synthetic cork as an insulating layer between the concrete of your basement and your new flooring.
The cork not only keeps the heat focused upward into your home but acts as a barrier to protect against moisture which may form as cold concrete meets heated radiant flooring.
Above this insulating layer is covered by mesh and heating wires, installed by an electrician. This is covered with an additional layer of concrete.
If installing a top floor like hardwood, subflooring with load-bearing structure should be installed before completing the concrete floor as well. Using the subflooring and spacers, you can safely connect a top floor, like hardwood, without fear of sending a nail through an electrical component.
Thinking about installing radiant floor heating into your home and have any questions? At Ken Philp ClimateCare, we would be happy to help. Give us a call today.
Radiant Floor Heating on Top of Concrete Basement
If your basement concrete is already existent, you can still install radiant heat through the use of an in-floor heating mat.
Before applying the mat, the floor needs to be touched up with any cracks being filled, and all dust and debris being properly cleaned. The room needs to be measured precisely to ensure the mat is the right shape and size. Next, the mat is laid out over the surface of concrete, keeping the edges of the mat about 6-inches clear of walls and outlets.
Most mat manufacturers recommend some form of adhesive. This may be glue or a mortar mixture. The mat is rolled back carefully for application and rolled back over the adhesive.
Finally, the mat is covered with your choice of flooring. Many Canadians choose tile because it is so versatile and aesthetically pleasing.
Contact Lambton Climate Care for More Radiant Heating Information
Ken Philp ClimateCare services Owen Sound and surrounding areas for a variety of plumbing, heating/cooling, and electrical needs.
Thinking about installing radiant heating in your home and have questions? Contact Ken Philp ClimateCare today, we would be happy to help.