You’ve experienced radiant floor heating and decided, “I need this in my bathroom!” The problem is, you don’t want to rip up your existing floor for a heated tile floor, or you’re not ready to remodel the bathroom. With retrofit mats, there’s no need to do any of that! Your carpet, tile, wood or stone can stay right where it is. Instead, retrofit mats attach to the subfloor in the joist bays of your existing floors to warm any floor type.
It’s best for anywhere the joists can be easily accessed, such as a garage ceiling or from your basement or crawl space.
What does it mean to retrofit radiant floor heating?
Retrofit is the process of adding radiant floor heating to an existing building or home. This innovative heating solution is gaining popularity among homeowners looking to upgrade their heating systems without the need for major renovations. With retrofit radiant floor heating, you can enjoy the cozy warmth of heated floors in any room.
Installing retrofit radiant floor heating involves minimal disruption to your existing space, making it a convenient option for those looking to enhance their comfort levels. Unlike traditional forced-air systems that rely on ductwork, retrofit radiant floor heating uses a network of electric heating elements placed beneath the floor surface to evenly distribute heat throughout the room.
Installation Process for Retrofitting Radiant Floor Heating
Starting the process of adding radiant floor heating to your home can be exciting. However, it’s important to understand the necessary steps to ensure a smooth installation process.
Step By Step Process
Beginning with a clear roadmap of the installation process is imperative for retrofit projects. The pivotal steps include:
- Assessment: Conducting a thorough evaluation of your existing flooring structure to ensure compatibility with radiant heating. Always check the manufacturer guidelines before purchasing or installing radiant floor heating.
- Planning: Creating a detailed plan and layout for the heating elements, considering the rooms and zones to be heated.
- Joist Work: Gaining access to the joists from below the floor and preparing them for the installation of the heating system.
- Heating Element Installation: Laying down the electric radiant heat mats or cables according to the plan.
- Electrical Connections: Connecting the heating system to the power supply and installing thermostats.
- System Testing: Testing the thermostat and heating system to ensure everything operates correctly.
- Insulation Placement: Applying insulation to maximize heat distribution upwards into the rooms is recommended.
The Role of Joists and Insulation
Floor joists play a central role in the retrofit process. This approach typically involves attaching heating elements directly to the underside of the subfloor between the joists. Insulation is then subsequently added beneath the heating elements to minimize heat loss downwards and direct the warmth upwards into the living space.
Best Practices for Ensuring Efficient Heat Distribution
An effective retrofit not only lies in installation precision but also in optimizing heat distribution. Strategic positioning of the heating elements and comprehensive insulation are crucial. Here are some best practices:
- Avoid Obstructions: Keep heating elements clear from obstructive objects like furniture to promote the even spread of warmth.
- Thermal Mass: Consider the thermal properties of your flooring material; denser materials retain heat longer, aiding in efficient distribution.
- Reflective Layers: Utilize reflective barriers beneath the heating elements to efficiently direct the heat upwards.
- Consistent Testing: Perform regular tests during installation to detect any problems early on, ensuring the heat flows smoothly across the entirety of the floor.
Zoning and Controllability of Radiant Heating
Retrofit radiant floor heating systems provide not just a consistently warm environment but also offer enhanced control through zoning. But what exactly does zoning entail? Zoning is the division of your living space into different areas or ‘zones,’ each with independent temperature control. This approach allows for targeted heating, meaning you can maintain varying temperatures in different rooms or zones according to your specific needs.
The Power of Temperature Management
Zoning is a game-changer when it comes to heating efficiency and user comfort. In traditional heating systems without zoning, you may frequently find some rooms are too hot while others are too cool. Zoning eliminates this problem by letting you customize the temperature for each area—resulting in a more comfortable living environment and, often, in significant energy savings.
State-of-the-Art Temperature Control Technology
The technology used in modern radiant floor heating systems is sophisticated yet user-friendly. Typically, thermostats are installed in each zone to monitor and control the temperature.
In electric radiant floor heating systems, it’s often a matter of adjusting the electrical input to heating cables or mats responsible for different zones.
Advanced systems can be integrated with smart home technology, allowing you to adjust settings remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This integration not only makes it easier to manage your heating system but also contributes to energy efficiency, as you can turn down the heating in unused zones with the touch of a button, no matter where you are.
Zoning and controllability are key aspects that make retrofit radiant floor heating an attractive option for homeowners looking for comfort and efficiency. Properly implemented, these systems can provide personalized heating tailored to your lifestyle while keeping energy usage in check.
Retrofit Options from Warm Your Floor
SunTouch UnderFloor Mats
SunTouch’s unique UnderFloor mats are available in both 12-inch and 16-inch widths to fit common joist bay sizes. High-quality UnderFloor mats are made with ETFE insulation and oxygen-free copper alloys that prevent corrosion and give you warm, luxurious floors for years to come.
To use SunTouch UnderFloor mats under a suitable indoor-only floor, you’ll first need to be able to access the joist bays under the existing floor. Staple the orange mesh on the edges of the mats to the joists so that the mat hangs 2 inches from the subfloor above. Install mats wherever floor warming is desired, as they supply heat to the floor directly above the mat only.
Next, install rigid insulation, such as fiberglass or foam board (not spray-foam), with an R value of 13 to 19.
Finally, have a licensed electrician wire the mats to a junction box and connect it to the thermostat of your choice. For the most efficient use of your new SunTouch floor heating system, we recommend SunTouch programmable thermostats, so floors are warm and ready for you whenever you like.
QuietWarmth Retrofit Mats
QuietWarmth features a patented ultra-thin conductive ink technology that delivers low-cost heat to nearly any floor type from the joist bay beneath.
When it comes to QuietWarmth Retrofit mats, installation is easy. Simply nail or staple each panel of heating film at least every 12 inches to the side of each joist (not to the subfloor itself), leaving a 2-inch overhang beneath the subfloor. To better fit your space, QuietWarmth film can be cut with scissors to length at each 12-inch increment.
Phillip says:
Just want to clarify, an earlier response says this can’t be installed between house levels, but we have a bathroom directly over a finished (but uninsulated) garage, would we be able to install this under the bathroom (we can remove the drywall and reinstall)? I’m not seeing a reason why not but just want to check.
Floor Heat Expert says:
You can install SunTouch UnderFloor retrofit mats as you have described; you can remove the drywall, install UnderFloor, insulate and reinstall drywall. Don’t forget the insulation between mat and new drywall – it’s essential.
From The SunTouch UnderFloor install manual:
REMEMBER: Proper insulating and sealing of the floor cavity is necessary for the performance of UnderFloor mats.
Drywall ceilings below the mats will require access doors or cover plates if there are joist bay junction boxes. An alternative is to install junction boxes with a cover plate in the space above
upwards.
David Pettigrew says:
pettigrewdave123@gmail.com
Is your product available in Canada
Floor Heat Expert says:
Hi David – apologies for the delay in our response.
Yes, You can find them on http://www.WarmYourFloor.ca
Christy says:
Would this be possible in a condo? I purchased an apartment style condo on the third floor so I have a neighbor living directly under my unit. Would there be a crawl space between floors to install this retro fit?
Floor Heat Expert says:
Hi Christy,
Unfortunately, no, you cannot install Retro-Fit mats between floors.
The mats are made for use in a crawlspace or unfinished basement.
Krystal Moscatello says:
Question: I’m installing a new tile floor over an existing tile floor. Can i install radiant heat in between layer number 1 (existing tile) and layer number 2 (new floor)?
Please advise and thank you!
matthew@warmyourfloor.com says:
Hi Krystal,
You can install the heating element over an existing floor.
Just want to make sure the floor is as clean as possible and level before installing over it.
Keep in mind you still need mortar if the product requires it.
Please let us know if you need anything else.
Thank you, Krystal!
Eran Nettles Stanley says:
The radiant heat under my bathroom tiles is broken. Would there be any fire or other concerns with installing this product? The tiles are new and I do not want to replace them.Also, would it be ineffective because of insulation installed for the old heater directly on the subfloor?
Michele G says:
I live in northern NJ and I’m researching the different methods for heating the first floor of my home. There is a full basement below, with open joists. There are various water pipes and electrical wires that serpentine throughout the basement ceiling. Would the UnderFloor mats be sufficient to heat the first floor living area, or just the floors?
WarmYourFloor Expert says:
Hi Gail,
The joist bays do need to be open in order to install the mats. And the mats hang down from the ceiling about 2 inches.
The mats can not cross or come in contact with any of the wires or pipes.
You also need to be able to get insulation material into each bays to trap the heat.
So you need enough space to install the mat and insulation materials without obstruction.
Amanda says:
Hi will this heat the room up as well or just the floors? I want to get rid of my radiators but I don’t want to rip my wooden flooring up? I’m looking for a heating system that will heat the house up but can be fitted by going under the floors to install.
Thad Mason says:
I want to use the retrofit version in the crawl space but my floor joists are 24″ on center not 12″ or 16″. What are my options?
Brian Edwardson says:
Can you explain the how to install the insulation?
I’m assuming you’re saying to install insulation just below the heating maps to “trap” the heat against the floor?
Floor Heat Expert says:
Hi Brian – Here’s a link to the install manual – and a direct link to one of the sizes – take a look at the photos, and also there’s a video on that page
UnderFloor Instruction Manual Link
https://kc.warmyourfloor.com/suntouch-underfloor-16-x-4-long-120v-0-4a.html
You can also call us, or reply, and we’re glad to help
And, Yes, install under the mats after placing them in joist bays
Wayne Turi says:
Are there any installers
Floor Heat Expert says:
Hi Wayne, There are many experienced installers for floor heating. More than half of our customers are DIYers, as our products install easily and we have great support documentation, manuals and videos.
Please contact us and we can support you!
866-558-3369
Floor Heat Expert says:
Hello Wayne,
There are many qualified installers of floor heating systems.
The retrofit mats are one of the easiest to install.
In fact, the products are so easy to install, many customers install floor heating as a DIY project. The instructions, videos, and support we offer make floor heating a good project for Do It Yourself installation – for the final step of connection to power, electrical experience is required so ensure you or your installer has those qualifications, or hire a Professional.
Joshua Odom says:
Would this be able to provide adequate heat through the subfloor to the tiling? If so, could it be a hazard to heat through the wood sub flooring? Thanks
matthew@warmyourfloor.com says:
Hi Joshua,
Yes, the retro-fit mats are designed specifically to heat from the joist bays through the subfloor to the tile.
As long as the joist bays are open and mats are not being installed near wires, pipes or ducts this is safe to use for this application.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Thank you, Joshua!
Scott Cook says:
Hi Joshua, The retrofit mats that fit in the joist bays are indeed safe – they are designed and safety listed for this very purpose.
While a lower heat output than the mats that sit on top of the subfloor when installing new flooring, they still provide 10 Watts per Sq Foot which translates to approx 34 BTUs/SF/Hour. Remember to insulate under the UnderFloor mats – this is critical to performance. The retro fit mats are a great problem solver and most people are very happy with the results.
Jeanne Lodwick says:
we need a warm floor. do you install? we want to put wood flooring on top.
Jeanne
matthew@warmyourfloor.com says:
Hi Jeanne,
We do not do installations, just distribution.
These products are not difficult to work with though so any floor contractor and electrician can install this for you.
But keep in mind a nail down hardwood floor would not work with floor heat.
If you’re using an engineered or laminate wood you’re okay.
Rick Berg says:
I am interested in using your product.
I have a small bathroom with ceramic tile. It is about 8 foot by 5 foot.
I have a crawl space. With a dirt floor.
Can you send me information on what I would need?
Scott Cook says:
Hi Rick,
Sounds like your referring to the retrofit mats that install between joist bays, yes?
If so, we need to know the measurements of the bays you have and how many of each size so we can figure out what you’ll need.
You can always send us a quote request with that information using this link here: https://www.warmyourfloor.com/quote-request
Once we have that information from you we can tell you exactly what you’ll need.
Thanks Rick!