Do You Need Insulation Board Between Subfloor And Heating Mat

Proper insulation is a critical element in any underfloor heating system and electric radiant floor heating systems are not an exception.

Do you need insulation board between subfloor and heating mat.

Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available but they may need to be special ordered. Strip the insulation off an end of the two wires that run the length of the mat. Use of insulation in underfloor heating systems. Insulation boards increase the efficiency of all heat mat systems.

It may need self levelling if uneven in which case you need to apply a self levelling compound prior to tiling. As mentioned before underfloor heating mats are especially suitable for regular shaped rooms and for heating a large area evenly. Turn the mat so those ends are facing the wires that will bring power to it. A common misbelieve is that the heat emitted by the cable can only rise up and therefore there s no need for insulation.

This can be particularly beneficial if you are trying to heat a room above a cement slab or above an unheated garage. Foam board insulation is easy to use and is a great diy way to add some insulation. When you measure and create the floor plan remember to subtract any fixtures such as baths and cupboards to ensure you get the correct size mat for the floor area. It comes in standard size 4 8 sheets and smaller sizes in many different thicknesses from 1 4 inch to 2 inches.

Insulating underlayments like cork or cerazorb provide a thermal break between a subfloor and the heating elements which can help prevent heat sink and increase energy efficiency. These products which we do carry typically have a layer of aluminum on the surface to assist with the heat transfer. Many people ask the question how can i install radiant heat if i don t have access to the floor from below one way is to go with a manufactured grooved board system that you can put down and simply lay the pex in it. Do not install the 2 feet or so of mat to which you ll be attaching wire.

Lay the heating mat onto the insulation backer board use a flexible adhesive recmmended by the manufacturer to lay the tiles there is an alternative to the above method and that is to lay a flexible self levelling flooring screed or compound over the underfloor heating mat before you lay the tile adhesive for the tiles. Underfloor heating insulation boards minimise downward heat loss. Yes you do need to make the flooring more rigid when tiling onto a boarded floor and it is always recommended to use an insulation board alongside the underfloor heating. When 10mm boards are used beneath a 200w system the floor will normally heat up in as little as 20 minutes and they add very little build height for a great energy saving measure.

Available in various thicknesses. Electric underfloor heating mats. If there is any cracks in the floor you need to use ditra matting and when using porcelain or natural stone the adhesive has to be flexible.