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Radiant Floor Heating Installation Instructions

If you have a floor made of laminate or tile that is always cold, consider installing a radiant floor-heating system. The best time to do this is before a new floor is installed. Otherwise, you must remove the floor tiles and padding down to the subfloor and replace them after the radiant system is installed. You can purchase an electric radiant floor-heating system sized to the dimensions of your floor at your local building supply store. You do need to hire an electrician to install a 15-to-20-amp ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to power the system, unless one is already installed.

Things You'll Need

  • Electric radiant floor-heating system
  • Heavy scissors
  • Staple gun
  • Staples
  • Thin-set cement
  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Paint-stirring stick
  • Trowel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Roll out the mesh electric radiant-heating system and place it over the wooden subfloor, covering the entire surface of the subfloor. Make sure the electric power cord is adjacent to the GFCI plug on the wall.

    • 2

      Plug in the cord to ensure the unit heats up properly. If it doesn't have a plug, ask the electrician to wire the cord into the circuit to test it. Once you know the system is functional, have the electrician disconnect the cord or unplug it.

    • 3

      Trim the edges of the mesh to fit the dimensions of your floor. The electric wires run through this mesh, so take care not to cut any of the wires.

    • 4

      Staple the mesh (not the electric wires) to the wooden subfloor with the staple gun and staples. Make sure the mesh is flat and smooth against the floor so you don't have any kinks in the wires.

    • 5

      Mix the thin-set cement and water in a pail according to the directions on the package of cement. Thoroughly stir the cement with the paint-stirring stick until it is smooth and free of lumps.

    • 6

      Spread the mixed cement over the electric radiant-heating system with the trowel. Cover the entire system, making sure it is level and smooth when you are finished. Allow the cement to dry completely.

    • 7

      Plug the electric radiant-heating system into the GFCI outlet, or have the electrician connect it directly to the circuit. You can now install your flooring over the dried cement.