Floor heat is easy, but keep in mind that mistakes can be made. Although most installations go perfectly, no one wants to make a mistake that could have been easily avoided such as a cold spot in their warm floor. To avoid these mistakes, it is key to know what product best suits your installation and order the correct amount!
1 – Buying from an unauthorized seller, which can eliminate a warranty or return
Take an extra minute to ensure you’re buying from an authorized seller to avoid trouble down the road. Warm Your Floor is an authorized distributor for all products we sell and is one of the largest sellers for each brand worldwide. With over 18 years of experience, our staff is well-trained to handle any issue that may arise. Along with our great customer and tech support, we offer 90-day returns.
2 – Not ordering the correct amount for proper installation
When starting your project, be sure to contact us to ensure the best results. We can talk through layout and the amount of product you’ll need to purchase. For example, if you are ordering our flexible mesh mats, it is important to consider the different sizes we offer and how they’ll work with your layout. It may be in your best interest to purchase two larger mats rather than four smaller mats, and that is one area where we can help you. Also, do not make the mistake of assuming the heat will spread across the entire floor. By contacting us and getting our input, you can be certain that your entire floor will be comfortably warm.
NOTE: Never cut the heating cable. Each floor heating cable is designed specifically to consistently maintain heating at the chosen wattage per square foot – each cable size is unique. Shortening the heating cable would lower the resistance (increase wattage) of the cable causing the system to overheat. Adding heating cable to the end of another mat or cable will also alter the resistance and the system will not heat properly.
*If the heating cable is cut, do not fret. There are solutions to repair.
3 – Inconsistent wire spacing for cable systems
It is very important to choose a spacing and stick with that exact spacing throughout your project. Inconsistent wire spacing leads to inconsistent heating. Consider purchasing one of our mat options to avoid this issue altogether. All mats are pre-spaced, which eliminates the chance of this spacing error. Keep in mind that manufacturers have differing requirements, so look at the instructions or ask us.
Remember that certain areas and flooring will require a closer-spaced wire to ensure optimal heating. Also, make sure that you install your system on a dedicated circuit. Not doing so can cause many issues if heating a large area because it could constantly trip your breaker.
4 – Thinking you don’t need a thermostat
You definitely need a thermostat and one with GFCI. Light switches are not a safe substitute. They have no GFCI protection and are not rated for radiant floor heating products. Per electric code, each floor heat system must be protected by GFCI. All the thermostats we sell have built-in GFCI so you know you’re getting what you need.
5 – Not testing the resistance of the heating elements
It is vital to test your heating elements before and after installation! The warranty of the system will be voided if the testing is not performed and written down. While our product quality is unparalleled, testing the mats’ resistance with a meter and using a fault alarm (LM, MSPRO) will ensure you success and provide peace of mind. Try purchasing our LoudMouth monitor. This gives you an audible alert if the wire is damaged during install. It is basically cheap insurance and can be reused for future installations.
Be sure to contact us if you have any questions or get stuck during your DIY installation. We are here to help!
Amy Jorgensen says:
Perhaps I missed it in the installation video, but how much height will a Ditra system (both the regular and the insulated one) or SunTouch mat system add to my subfloor? I am doing a remodel and already have existing floors adjacent to the area I want to be warmed. They were all even. I’m hoping to keep the same look and flow.
matthew@warmyourfloor.com says:
Hi Amy,
The regular Ditra system and most other products we sell add about 1/4″.
The Ditra-Heat Duo is a little thicker at 5/8″.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thank you, Amy!
Roland says:
Issue with “Ground fault detected”: this is my 2nd bedroom to install Quiet Warmth radiant heat mats, the first one turned out fine. This room includes 4 mats, i tested each one separately and they read correct (three of them around 40 ohms and one is 80).
I keep getting flashing red light ground fault issue.
I have done various trouble shooting, I then measured the combined resistance of these 4 mats. It comes to 12.5 ohms…can that be correct or way off ?
Thank you
Steve says:
I am using a self leveling mortar that I was planning on doing a little thicker than thinner as the floor has some cracks and I don’t want it to seep through. I let that dry and then do my tile adhesive and tile over the mortar correct?
matthew@warmyourfloor.com says:
Hi Steve,
Yes, you would pour the self-leveling mortar over the heating element.
Make sure not to have too much mass over the heating element as the more mass will increase the start-up time of the system.
Once that mortar has cured you would then install the tile over that mortar bed.
Jason says:
Im looking at converting a Ram Promaster 2500 into a camper. Do you have recommendations as I would like to install radiant floor heating? I plan on having it underneath vinyl plank or sheet flooring. Ill be running off solar most of the time.
matthew@warmyourfloor.com says:
Jason,
I would recommend using the QuietWarmth Click-Together Film for floating floors.
You can see that product line here: https://kc.warmyourfloor.com/shop-by-brand/quietwarmth/floating-film.html
And as long as you can supply 120V or 240V power to the thermostat controlling the system you’ll be able to make this work.
David Sanderson says:
Basement living room. 10×10 floor heating space available. Separate dedicated 110v electrical already installed. DIY project; handy with remodeling, minor electrical, carpentry.
Existing concrete floor with existing carpet. Which product can I use for under carpet, but on top of concrete floor or padding?
Scott Cook says:
Hi David,
The SunTouch WarmWire, TapeMats and Underfloor Mat products can be used under carpet.
Some relevant points to make when considering heating under carpet:
-The cable/mat still must be embedded in mortar to heat effectively
-The combined R-value of all floor coverings should not exceed R-3
-Always consult with the carpet manufacturer to verify compatibility with radiant electric heat
The installation steps look like this:
1. Attach the cable or mat to the subfloor or slab
2. Install the floor sensor between two heating wires
3. Make sure the power lead and flor sensor wires are run to the thermostat location
3. Pour self-leveling mortar 1/4” to 1/2” thick, fully embedding the heating wire and splice so that no portion of these are visible
4. Install floor covering after the mortar bed has fully cured
Terry L Kane says:
We have a heated bathroom floor and am in the process of a remodel. Can we install a shower on top of the heated mats? Right now the mats end at the shower, but with the remodel, our new shower will be larger, extending over the current shower size.
Marye Lee says:
Hi Terry,
This may depend on a few factors. Potentially, you could extend the shower over a mat already in the floor if you are covering it with tile, but you will need to be careful not to damage it. Please, give us a call at 866-558-3369 and we can help you out a little further with this project. Thanks, Terry!
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
Adam Gottfried says:
Can the tape mat be covered by a thin layer of self leveling concrete prior to ceramic tile installation?
Marye Lee says:
Hi Adam,
Yes, the SunTouch TapeMat must be covered in a 1/4″-1/2″ layer of self-leveler before installing the flooring. Please, give us a call at 866-558-3369 if you have any other installation questions. We will help you out along the way!
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team
Tomas Zubek says:
Can I install the Nuheat mat over a cork subfloor?
Marye Lee says:
Hi Tomas,
Nuheat does not specify if using a mat over a cork subfloor is acceptable in their manual. We recommend that you get in contact with the cork manufacturer to make sure that they will allow floor heat over the subfloor. Next, get in contact with Nuheat directly to make sure that you will be able to install over this subfloor and do not void the warranty.
If you have any issues with getting in contact with Nuheat, give us a call at 866-558-3369 and we will be able to help you get an answer for this. Thanks, Tomas!
Warm Regards,
Warm Your Floor Team