Under tile heating mats
If you are planning to renovate an existing floor, floor heating mats are the most economical, luxurious and practical form of space heating you can buy.
During renovation, electric heating mats are rolled into position prior to the screed being laid. These mats heat the floor during regulated heating periods.
How to install
Unlike traditional heating systems there are no ducts, fans, consoles or vents required. This frees up your wall and floor space giving you the freedom to decorate your interior without interferences.
Discuss it at your initial planning stage with your architect, builder or specialist heating installer.
Measure your heating area
Using the examples below, measure the floor area you need to heat.
Note: do not calculate permanent fixtures (wardrobes and benches) as heating areas.
Calculate heating area
Living room example A
Heating area = 4.1m x 5.1m
= 20.9m²
Example A selection
Quantity: 2
Bedroom example B
Room area = 2.1m x 4.1m
= 8.6m²
Area of fixtures = 2m²
(wardrobe)
Heating area = 8.6m² - 2.0m²
= 6.6m²
Example B selection
Quantity: 1
Bathroom, toilet, laundry
example C
Room area = 2.0m x 3.75m
= 7.5m²
Area of fixtures = 2.2m²
(bath, shower, toilet, bench)
Heating area = 7.5m² - 2.2m²
= 5.3m²
Example C selection
Quantity: 1
Compatible floor coverings
Floor coverings
Most floor coverings are suitable for use with underfloor heating; see the list below for compatible options.
Engineered wood flooring must only be installed on a fully dry subfloor. This typically means allowing the underfloor heating system to operate initially to help remove residual moisture from the concrete slab before installation.
Floor covering adhesives—Some water-based latex adhesives may soften or lose bond strength at temperatures above 40°C. For this reason, we recommend setting the underfloor heating thermostat to a maximum floor temperature of 25°C.
Suitable floor coverings for use with a cement screed
✓ Carpet
✓ Concrete
✓ Engineered wood
✓ Granite
✓ Hybrid flooring
✓ Laminate flooring
✓ Marble flooring
✓ Quartzite floor tiles
✓ Slate
✓ Stone tiles
✓ Terracotta tiles
✓ Travertine tiles
Gentle background warmth
The heat stored inside the floor is emitted from the whole surface area, giving an almost even air temperature from floor to ceiling. Warmth is produced where it is required most, underfoot, and then radiates throughout the area.
CSIRO tests show that where floor level temperatures are around 16°C people feel comfortably warm all over. When floor level temperatures are lower, people feel cold even if the temperature at head level is over 21°C.
Under-tile floor heating is the energy efficient way to provide a constantly comfortable room temperature.
Health and safety
The system is free from dirt, smoke or fumes. Any dust movement is minimal, so the system is ideal for people who suffer from respiratory difficulties such as asthma.
The system is safe for all family members as there are no burning surfaces
Burning surfaces
Some other heating systems present hazards for children, the elderly or pets
Safety first
The system is securely encased in the floor and operates in silence
Economical and Energy efficient
Heat input to the floor is controlled by wall-mounted or in floor thermostats. Heating in each room or zone is controlled by a separate thermostat, so energy need never be wasted.
The system takes advantage of low-cost off-peak electricity or time of use tariff available in most areas. When normal rate electricity is being used the system can be regulated by a time clock. Check with your local electricity authority regarding off-peak power availability in your area.
The floor stores enough heat during the off-peak charge period to maintain a comfortable temperature for the full 24 hours. Heat storage is topped up again during the next heating period.
