How To Fit Underfloor Heating
Electrical heating mats aren't overly complicated to install, are easily controllable and provide an even heat. You can buy kits that can be used under almost any floor covering. Follow our expert advice on how to fit underfloor heating.
By George Clarke
Heating mat
Sensor
Thermostat
Cold chisel
Club hammer
Scissors
Tape measure
Tile adhesive and tiles
Spirit level
Adhesive spreader
Budget
You can get a DIY electric mat and thermostat kit from around £300 for a 10 sq metre room
Time
Assuming your sub-floor is properly prepared, a small room will take a long weekend to complete
Skill
Advanced – you need to be confident about dealing with electrics – and you should get the connections done by a qualified electrician
Step One: Plan The Position Of The Wires
Carefully plan out the position of the heating wires so that the ends are near a convenient power supply. You may need to take advice on this before you start. Some systems use a plastic mesh to hold the wires at a regular spacing.
Step Two: Fit The Wires Around The Room
Check the maker's instructions - mesh systems can normally be cut so that you can fit the wires around the room. Don't lay the matting under kitchen units and don't overlap the wiring.
Step Three: Create An Electrical Conduit
The system is supplied with a separate sensor that is wired directly into the thermostat. This must be fitted inside electrical conduit and placed in the floor near to the thermostat position. Chisel a groove to fit the conduit and seal the tip with silicone sealant to stop tile adhesive setting around the sensor.
Step Four: Connect To The Power Supply
Ask a qualified electrician to check and connect the system to the mains power supply.
Step Five: Lay The Flooring
Spread tile adhesive over the matting and fix your floor tiles. Some systems can also be used under wood and laminate floors, but you may need an insulation board under the element.
Step Six: Refit Skirting & Doors
Refit all the skirting boards and trim any inward opening doors to fit over the new floor level.
- Never try to shorten the matting by cutting the wires.
- If you use more than one mat, make sure the sensor on the floor is placed between the two so that it can detect the temperature of both mats.
- Reduce your heating costs by fitting insulation between the joists of a suspended timber floor before fitting underfloor heating.
- Make sure any concrete screeds and tile adhesive are completely dry before switching on the heating for the first time.
Illustrations: Ed Roberts
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