Infrared underfloor heating under tiles: DIY installation. Infrared underfloor heating under the tiles - pros and cons Infrared underfloor heating installation under the tiles

Tile is one of the best options for decorating a floor in a bathroom, toilet or kitchen. It does not deteriorate from moisture and is very durable. However, when walking on it, the legs can be unpleasant due to the sensation of cold, because this material cools down rather quickly and does not keep warm. That is why an infrared heated floor under tiles is an excellent option to make both the bathroom and the kitchen as comfortable as possible.

On the construction market, there are several options for organizing a warm floor in rooms - these are water and electric systems, moreover, the latter are of two types - cable and film. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which can significantly affect the final choice of the owner of the house. And all the nuances should be taken into account even at the stage of designing the design and renovation of premises.

Water floors are a system of pipes through which hot water flows from a centralized heating system or from autonomous boilers. Such floors are usually equipped with a screed, but there are options that can be equipped without pouring cement mixtures.

On a note! Due to the need to fill the screed, the ceiling height in the room is reduced by at least 7-10 cm.Also, water floors cannot always be settled in apartments located in houses of the old fund, due to the impossibility of connecting to the centralized heating system (the load on it will be too great ).

An electric cable floor is a system created from a heating cable laid on a rough base and also covered with a screed. Sometimes the cable can be laid without grouting. Such a floor works, as you might guess, from the mains.

- these are also electrical systems, only the base is heated by infrared radiation. The system consists of thin film mats laid on the floor and generating heat. Typically, such floors are laid on top of a poured screed. One of the main advantages of using IR floors is the absence of a significant rise in the floor level due to the absence of the need to fill the screed.

Can a film floor be installed under tiles?

It is easy to answer this question, but before that it is important to analyze the operating conditions of the floor, see the recommendations for laying the system. The instructions for the heating sheets indicate that they can be installed both under the laminate and under the wood, and also under the tiled tiles. Thus, the installation of this system under the tiles can be done safely.

On a note! IR floor systems can be installed even outdoors under porcelain stoneware slabs, since such heating is not afraid of exposure to water. Thus, there will never be paths covered with ice near the house.

In general, infrared floors are usually laid under laminate, carpet, etc. using the so-called "dry installation" technology. But, nevertheless, they are laid under the tiles, but with the use of tile glue, and sometimes screeds or mixtures for self-leveling floors. However, in the last two cases, it is important to remember some of the specifics of the work.

In general, a cable floor can be used under a tile - it will most likely last longer than a film floor, and is a type of floor heating specially designed for this type of work. At least for a "wet" installation, it is ideal. However, if you install IR floors correctly and in compliance with all safety requirements (grounding, work in a dry room, etc.), there should be no problems with them.

How film coatings work

IR floors are a fairly thin film with graphite (carbon) stripes between the layers. It is these black stripes that are the very heating elements, because of which the system begins to generate heat. There are also film floors completely covered with carbon. The film is laid out on the prepared base of the floor, connected by wires to the power supply network and begins to heat up. All surfaces around the film are heated by infrared radiation.

Infrared film - photo

The floor heats up very quickly due to the work of the film, and thanks to the "smart" thermostat, it turns off after heating. Thus, the IR floor only works for about 20 minutes per hour. If necessary, the system starts up again and heats the base.

Infrared floor has the highest efficiency compared to other types of floor heating systems. It heats up quite quickly, while consuming a very small amount of electricity. Thus, it is very economical.

The film is great for installation in any type of room, be it a bedroom, a nursery, a hall or a bathroom with a kitchen. In this case, the canvases are laid in accordance with the furniture arrangement scheme in the room - where large-sized objects (sofa, cabinets, etc.) will stand, the film does not fit. The easiest way is to mount it only where your feet are in contact with the floor - for example, at the exit from the bathroom.

Attention! There are two types of IR floors - bimetallic and carbon. The first one cannot be laid under the tiles.

It is interesting that, unlike other heating systems, the IR floor heats the surrounding objects, and not the air. Due to this, such a system has a positive effect on the formation of the microclimate in the room, it does not dry the air, but, on the contrary, enriches it with negatively charged ions.

Characteristics of infrared heaters

IR floors are easy to regulate in temperature - for example, by setting the thermostat to 21 degrees, you can achieve the most comfortable floor temperature. Although in general it is possible to heat the system up to 50 degrees, this is not necessary. Since now a lot of manufacturers of IR systems have appeared on the market, you can easily select equipment at a suitable price. Installation can be done independently and rather quickly, and this will also have a positive effect on the owner's wallet of the room being equipped. And in some cases, infrared floors can even replace a centralized heating system.

Advantages of an infrared floor

IR floor has a considerable number of advantages.

1. The IR system does an excellent job of heating the surrounding interior items. The wavelength is 5-20 microns, which allows it to pass through the tiles.
2. Adjusting the temperature with an installed IR floor system is quite simple, which will create an optimal microclimate in any room.
3. Such floors are economical, they consume little electricity.
4. Human health will not suffer from significant electromagnetic radiation, as when laying a cable floor.
5. IR floors can become a kind of air ionizer.

IR underfloor heating under tiles - which one is better

Disadvantages of infrared systems when laying them under tiles

But IR floors also have their drawbacks. This is especially true for the option in which the system is laid under the tiles.

Infrared underfloor heating under tiles: installation features

Installation of infrared floors under tiles is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. But there are several nuances that are important to take into account. First you need to worry about the materials and tools that you may need for the job. This can be a heat-reflecting substrate, directly the IR film itself in the required amount, tape for insulating wires, tiles and glue for it, adhesive tape, corrugated tube, drywall, contact clamps, polyethylene, wires for connection, scissors, etc.

Infrared floor - installation

For laying both tiles and infrared heating systems, you need a flat base. Therefore, it must be cleaned of debris and inspected for damage and protrusions. There should not be any relief on it - all cracks are repaired, and it is recommended to grind off the bulges.

Also, the preliminary work on the installation of the IR floor system includes the creation of a scheme for laying the IR film and the placement of various elements such as a thermostat. In this case, the location of large-sized furniture and the place where the film will not be mounted should be taken into account. It is important to remember that all wires going from the heating system to the thermostat must be laid in a corrugation and a groove punched into the wall. However, it is not always necessary to gouge the walls. Sometimes the wires are laid in a narrow plastic channel that is attached to the wall surface.

Attention! It is important to work with IR heating film carefully, as it is quite easy to damage it. And they cut it only along clearly marked cutting lines. Cutting the film elsewhere can render it unusable.

All installation work must be carried out at an air temperature above 0 degrees, as well as at a humidity of no more than 60%. It is also important to be sure to ground the entire system. Particular attention is paid to the insulation of the contacts, as well as possible places of damage to the film.

Table. Types of IR film mounting.

View	Description
	It is used for installation on the surface of the IR film, laminate, carpet. It is used for the installation of tiles, but rarely. It implies careful leveling of the surface, laying the thermal insulation material and directly the film itself, then the installation of a protective film layer (polyethylene), drywall sheets and directly the tile itself, which is fixed with glue. In this case, the film is not exposed to contact with caustic substances and will last a long time. But the height of the base in this case turns out to be quite significant, which is not always relevant. In addition, this method of work will cost more.
	It is used for laying tile, stone, etc. The so-called classic method. The work will cost less than dry installation, but it is much more difficult. In this case, the surface is also prepared, then a heat reflector is laid on which the IR film is mounted. Then it is covered with a polyethylene film, reinforced and filled with a mixture for self-leveling floors. Ceramic tiles are mounted using the classical method (with glue) on top of this layer after it has dried. The underfloor heating system can be put into operation about a week after laying the tiles.

Installation of infrared underfloor heating under the tiles

Let's consider how the process of installing an IR floor from LamaHeat with a wet method is carried out. This is a special kind of IR floor that looks like a fine mesh and is great for wet installation.

Step 1. The subfloor surface is thoroughly cleaned of debris. Then a lavsan heat-reflecting substrate is laid on it. Its individual strips are connected to each other with adhesive tape.

Step 3. This canvas is connected to the power grid using special terminals and wires. Terminals with wires inserted into them are clamped with pliers.

Step 4. The wire connections are insulated with pieces of bitumen insulation on both sides.

Step 5. With the help of a clerical knife, recesses are cut out on the surface of the thermal insulation for laying wires in them.

Step 6. The ends of the IR cloth, where the wires are not connected, are necessarily insulated.

Step 7. A layer of self-leveling floors is poured over the IR mesh. The layer is carefully leveled and dried.

Step 8. The tiles are laid on the self-leveling floor layer. The tiles are fixed to the surface with tile adhesive applied with a notched trowel.

Prices for IR warm floor film

infrared warm floor

Video - Installation of IR films under the tiles

Video - Installation of a classic type of IR film under a tile

It is possible to lay the IR floor under the tiles, but it is important to carry out all the work carefully and carefully, be sure to follow all the rules of work. Otherwise, warm floors of this type simply will not please the owner of the apartment with their work - they will quickly fail. In general, such a system is quite reliable and has an excellent quality of work.

Currently, there are many ways to make your premises more comfortable and functional. Heating the room plays an important role in creating comfort. How to properly install an infrared heated floor under the tiles, and what is needed for this, and will be discussed in our article.

Hosts can choose one of these types of heating:

• water heating;
• film heating system;
• heating with heating mats.

Advantages of a warm floor

Below we will consider, perhaps, the simplest underfloor heating - an ik floor for tiles.

Its advantages are as follows:

1. The air in the room does not lose its freshness, because this type of heating does not affect it in any way.
2. An infrared warm floor under the tiles, emitting long wavelengths, heats not only the surface of the floor itself, but also the entire body of a person who is currently walking on it.
3. This method of transferring heat allows it to be re-released from previously heated objects, which increases the overall temperature in the room even more.
4. The content of negative ions in the air increases by at least 4 times.
5. During operation, the infrared film does not emit dust, noise and vibration.
6. The amount of generated electromagnetic radiation is so small that it can be neglected.
7. This type of heating is perceived by a person much more pleasantly at the initial low temperatures in the room than in the case of water heating.

So what is a film infrared heat-insulated floor laid under the tiles? By and large, infrared heating consists of a thin film 0.3-1 mm thick, equipped with an electrically conductive element inside. Methods for installing an infrared warm floor under a tile will be described below.

Definition with materials and tools

In order to install a film underfloor heating under the tiles, you will need to acquire the following materials:

• heat reflecting substrate;
• infrared heating system;
• special dielectric mounting mesh;
• connecting wires;
• flooring, in this case ceramic tiles;
• adhesive mixture.

Laying a film underfloor heating under the tiles begins with the preparation of the rough base, which includes the elimination of irregularities, cleaning, rinsing and drying the base. After that, the installation of the heat-repellent material is carried out.

A layer of infrared film is carefully laid on top. It goes already assembled, it remains only to spread it parallel to the sheets of the heat reflector. Be careful not to overlap the film. Failure to do so may result in a short circuit or deterioration of the properties of the heat-reflecting material.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a device for controlling the infrared floor system. Its installation is carried out in a predetermined place, and it is connected to a conductive film.

In order for the temperature sensors to show the correct data, after placing the corrugated tube, they should be mounted between the two layers of the screed. After that, the temperature sensor and the thermostat should be coordinated.

Heat-repellent material

Such materials come in several varieties:

• foil;
• cork;
• with a reflective surface.

Everyone selects the type of insulation based on their needs.

Electrically conductive wire

Laying an infrared warm floor under the tiles is accompanied by laying a wire from the temperature sensor to the temperature controller. This is a fairly easy process - the wire is connected to the temperature sensor at the end of the corrugated pipe and stretches to the wall on which the control panel for the infrared floor system is located.

The wire will also need to be insulated, making sure that the screed does not get on it.

Preparatory work on the surface

You will need to carry out the following work:

1. Remove old floor covering.
2. Eliminate the roughness of the substrate and remove dust.
3. Dry the substrate thoroughly.

After completing these steps, you can start the main work.

Laying the heat-insulating layer

It should be noted that the thermal insulation must be installed with a metallized layer upwards. The thickness of the material, as a rule, should be no more than 2-3 mm.

Thermal film laying

Handle this type of material with great care, as the film is very thin and can be easily damaged. You can learn more about the correct laying and safety precautions from the attached instructions. In addition, you should not forget about high-quality insulation of the joints after cutting the film!

• Do not lay the film over the entire area of ​​the room. It is better to lay it closer to the center, where practically no furniture will be installed.
• If you intend to lay infrared heat film under large furniture, you need to consider high-quality ventilation.
• Provide a 10 cm gap between the film and the wall.
• Make sure the insulation is actually a dielectric.
• If you lay the film throughout the room, you can save on wiring.

Connection

Before you start laying the tiles, you should connect the underfloor heating and make sure that the system is functioning properly. So, if flaws are found, it will be easier to eliminate them.

Laying the topcoat

Now you can install the tiles. The tiling process can be carried out in the traditional way. It will be possible to use the underfloor heating system only after one month after the installation of ceramic tiles is completed.

Finally

In conclusion, you can give a few rules on how to properly use an IR warm floor under a tile:

• It is impossible to install underfloor heating in any room at temperatures below zero.
• Be sure to provide for the grounding of the IR film.
• Waterproofing of a warm floor, if necessary, should be thought out in advance.
• Try not to damage the film, if this happens - insulate the damaged area with tape on both sides.
• The piece of film should not exceed 15 meters.
• Do not install underfloor heating under any heating elements.
• Avoid bending the film more than 90 degrees.

From the above, we can conclude that it is quite possible to install an infrared underfloor heating system on our own. You can visually view the entire process of the work carried out in the attached video material.

Ceramic tiles are a great option for decorating floors in a bathroom, kitchen or hallway. However, its big drawback is that it is cold and it is extremely uncomfortable to walk on it barefoot. But is it worth giving up tiles because of this? Of course not! Infrared underfloor heating under the tiles is the way out. This article is a kind of instruction that will help you figure out which warm floor is better and whether you can do the installation yourself.

Under the tile has a number of advantages. Let's see why it is better than other types of the "warm floor" system.

• Infrared heating does not affect the indoor air at all, it always stays fresh.
• The heat generated has a long wavelength. Thus, not only the floor is heated, heat is transferred to all objects that come into contact with the floor, including the human body.
• There is practically no electromagnetic radiation.
• The infrared floor system is silent, vibration-free, and dust-free.
• The number of negatively charged ions in the air more than quadruples.

The heat from the infrared film spreads from bottom to top. As a result, a comfortable temperature is kept evenly in the lower part of the room.

Despite all the advantages, many doubt whether it is possible to install a foil underfloor heating under the tiles, since it is recommended for the so-called "dry" installation. Indeed, it is better not to put the film in or. There are three reasons for this:

1. The composition of the film. Since tile adhesives and screed mixes are alkaline, the film may corrode after a certain period of time. As a result, exposed electrical connections can spark and short circuits.
2. The film has a low degree of adhesion. If you immediately put ceramics on it or pour a screed, it will "float".
3. Specially manufactured for "wet" mounting.

This does not mean at all that it is impossible to install a thin warm floor under the tiles. There are two ways, which will be discussed below.

Preparatory stage

What set of tools and materials will be required to install the underfloor heating system?

• Infrared underfloor heating set, including a thermal sensor;
• Heat-reflecting insulation no more than 3 mm thick;
• Mounting mesh, non-conductive;
• Connecting wires. Their cross section is determined depending on the power of the system;
• Double sided tape;
• Ceramic tiles and glue for them.

Accessories and tools for IR film mounting

Before installing a thin underfloor heating, it is necessary to prepare the base. The first step is to dismantle the old floor covering. Then it is cleaned of dirt and dust, leveled and dried. After that, you need to determine the place where the thermostat will be installed, and bring the wiring to it. It must be remembered that the warm floor must not be laid under large items. Therefore, you need to highlight the zones where the system will be installed. Then a heat-reflecting material is laid on the floor. It spreads along the perimeter of the floor in strips 60 cm wide, which are fastened to the base and to each other with adhesive tape.

Installation of underfloor heating

Variant of the plan for laying the IR floor film

After the preparatory work, you can start installing the infrared film. It is better to first draw a diagram of the location of the film, furniture and household appliances.

1. The thermal film is rolled out on the floor. It has cut lines to fit the desired size, it can also be cut between the black silicon strips. In this case, the copper contacts should be on the bottom side. The film should be cut into pieces as long as possible, and the contacts should go out in the direction of the thermostat. This will reduce wiring consumption and reduce the number of contacts.
2. A clip is attached to the copper strip, with one side of it inside the film and the other outside.
3. The cut lines are closed with bitumen insulation.
4. The pieces of thermal film are connected first to each other, and then to the thermostat.
5. The infrared floor is fixed with tape.

When the warm floor is assembled, you can proceed to connecting it.

• To the place chosen in the wall. It is most convenient if it will be located near a switch or outlet.
• The connection diagram involves laying the wires from the heating elements to the thermostat. Experts strongly recommend installing wires under the skirting board along one wall. In addition, it is advisable to put them either in a box or in a gutter. And so that no bumps appear due to the wires, a recess is cut out in the heat-reflecting insulation for them.
• To connect the wire to the clamps on the film, the insulation is cut off at its end. Then it must be inserted into the clamp and pressed with pliers. The wire must be firmly fixed.

• The place where the wires are connected to the terminals is sealed with bitumen insulation on both sides with a margin.
• The other ends of the wires are led to the thermostat. The connection diagram is described in the instructions for each infrared floor model.
• The next step is to install the external temperature sensor and connect it to the temperature controller. It is better to put the sensor in a corrugation so that in case of breakage it can be easily replaced.
• At the last stage, the thermostat is connected to the network. If the underfloor heating consumes more than 2 kW, then a separate automatic machine is required to connect the thermostat.

After the whole set is connected, it is necessary to check its functioning. If everything works, polyethylene waterproofing is spread over the film. Now you can start laying the tiles.

Professionals offer two methods for installing tiles on an infrared floor:

1. A painting net is placed on the waterproofing layer, and then either a screed or a self-leveling mortar with a thickness of 8 to 10 mm is poured over it.

Mounting on a mounting grid

1. GVL are mounted on top of the waterproofing. They are fixed on the base between the strips of the heating elements using self-tapping screws.

Installation of tiles for underfloor heating on GVL

Then, according to the standard technology, with the difference that it is better to use an elastic adhesive composition recommended for a warm floor, and take into account the temperature gaps. Leave comments, rate the article!

Ceramics, glazed tiles are considered the best floor for sanitary rooms, kitchens. The cold surface will become comfortable if you install an infrared floor under the tiles. Radiation heat does not dry out the air, it is useful. Which way to use, dry or wet, creating a layer cake of a film underfloor heating under the tiles? Are there any peculiarities in the installation of heating plate cladding? Here we will talk about the advantages of installing a warm film floor under the tiles.

Why are film floors for tiles better than cable floors?

Both types of heating circuits operate on the electrical network. But the cable is laid on a base made of mats or poured with a concrete screed. This slightly raises the surface of the floor, it is applied using a screed or fill.

The belt structure of the infrared heater consists of 3 mm thick film-coated graphite rods. An infrared warm floor under the tiles is laid on a prepared base, no screed is required. You can do the installation of a warm film floor under the tiles with your own hands.

For both heating systems, a wiring is required to connect the circuit, with the installation of a thermostat. There are features of the use of insulation, adhesive.

Features of infrared underfloor heating

Laying tiles on the prepared surface of the room can be done wet and dry. We propose to carefully consider the composition of the IR tape.

Infrared underfloor heating has its own characteristics. When using self-leveling floors or screed, you need to consider:

• The cementitious mortar does not adhere to the coating film. If notches are made on the film surface, if they are not insulated properly, the floor will be shocked.
• The alkaline solution of the screed leads to structural changes in the film surface, the tape will quickly deteriorate.
• A bimetal-based infrared film heater cannot be used for laying under tiles, only carbon fiber.

Based on the characteristics of the infrared underfloor heating film, installation under the tiles is best done in a dry way. Experts consider the Teplolux film the most effective infrared heater.

Installation of infrared floor heating under the tiles

The figure shows the sequence of work on laying a film underfloor heating under the tiles.

Before laying, the heating circuit should be mapped. It should not be located under furniture. Taking into account losses, efficiency is 90%, it is optimal to choose a material with a power of 200 W / m2. The larger the volume of the room, the greater the heat transfer should be if the IR film is the only source of heat.

Sequence of operations for laying IR tape

Infrared underfloor heating is installed under the tiles, in compliance with all the recommendations of experts.

It is important to carry out all the operations for laying under the tiles of the infrared warm field in a strict sequence and carefully. If you do not have skills in working with electrical appliances, invite a specialist. At each stage, you need to ring the circuit to make sure there are no short-circuit sections. Thoroughly insulate the wires, crimp the terminals, install a thermostat - the most important part of installing a warm floor.

Do you have any doubts about which material to choose for the installation of underfloor heating? Where is it more profitable to buy a film heater? Call us, our experts will advise.

Today, many bathrooms have tiled floors. However, its cold surface is not always pleasant. The installation of a warm floor will help to correct the situation. By installing an infrared heating system, you can enjoy your stay in the bathroom and significantly save on the electricity consumed for floor heating.

How film coatings work

Many owners have a problem of choice, cable or still infrared underfloor heating under the tiles, which one will show itself better can only be understood during operation. I must say that the reviews of experts in this matter are ambiguous. Electric cable heating requires a solid concrete screed, which significantly reduces the height of the bathroom. In addition, it is not as economical as its infrared counterpart. However, some specific moments during the installation of film structures do not make them an ideal option for laying under tiles.

To finally understand this issue, you should find out the features of infrared warm floors. These systems are made on the basis of carbonic or bimetallic films. The latter type is strongly not recommended to be used as a heating element for ceramic tiles.

All such heating designs work on the principle of infrared radiation. The coating is a film divided into sectors. Each of them contains heating elements. During installation on a thin coating, the terminals are connected to the copper strips. When the power supply is connected, heat radiation occurs.

It must be said that, unlike other electrical heating systems, an infrared warm floor heats not the air, but the surrounding objects, including the human body. Such radiation is absolutely harmless to the body and is completely analogous to the effects of sunlight. In addition, during floor operation, the air is enriched with negatively charged ions, which has a beneficial effect on the microclimate of the room and does not dry out the air, as with the operation of other electric heating models.

Characteristics of infrared heaters

The main advantage of film systems is their high operating efficiency. The maximum energy savings can be achieved by adjusting the temperature approximately 21 degrees Celsius. Although the highest value for which the design is designed can be about 50 degrees.

The cost of these products has a large price bracket, which is their next undoubted advantage. This allows you to choose a design in accordance with your financial capabilities. In addition, you can significantly reduce the budget for repairing a bathroom by installing a heating system yourself, since laying an infrared heated floor under a tile with your own hands will cost much less than the work of professional craftsmen.

When asked what is better than a water or infrared warm floor, we can confidently declare the advisability of installing the second option. After all, this system becomes a full-fledged independent source of heating for housing, in contrast to water structures. It must be said that foil underfloor heating can replace the central heating of an apartment. In addition, this system is much easier to install than water heated floors.

The versatility of hydrocarbon infrared warm floors allows them to be installed under any type of floor covering, sometimes they even insulate open balconies and gazebos. In addition, the sufficient waterproofing properties of such a system do not prevent them from being laid in bathrooms and other areas of an apartment with high humidity. Although experts still recommend laying an additional waterproofing layer in such cases.

Disadvantages of infrared systems when laying them under tiles

However, in addition to advantages, any material always has disadvantages. You should know that all the useful properties of infrared radiation when laying such a warm floor under the tiles will be absorbed by the floor covering, and not by the human body. The room will be heated by convection. A warm floor covering will give off the accumulated energy, and due to the movement of air, the walls and other items of the bathroom are heated. Due to this property, the system should not be laid under areas occupied by furniture and plumbing, as they will be very hot from the floor.

Another significant drawback will be the gradual erosion of the thin polymer heating film by the adhesive for tiles, which can gradually damage the entire system, as well as cause a short circuit and a fire. The high adhesion properties of these coatings can be reduced by placing a sheet of drywall and a small mesh fiberglass mesh between the heating structure and the ceramic cladding. However, such actions will significantly reduce the heating capacity of the system.

Underfloor heating infrared under tiles require laying on an absolutely flat surface, otherwise you can easily damage the thin film even during the installation process. Therefore, you should prepare a rough subfloor in advance and, if necessary, level it.

In addition, the correct connection of the contacts of the structure requires certain skills and knowledge in the electrical business. If you have never encountered such work, it is safer to entrust the installation to professionals.

Features of laying a film warm floor under a ceramic cladding

To carry out a competent installation of an infrared warm floor with your own hands, you should adhere to some of the rules and recommendations of specialists. The installation of this type of coating is slightly different from other electric heaters. In addition, certain nuances appear when such a system is finished with tiles.

First you need to find out what exactly is needed during the installation process. You can usually get by with the following list of materials:

• underfloor heating system;
• heat reflective substrate;
• wires for connecting the structure;
• dielectric mounting tape;
• drywall sheets;
• glue for ceramic products;
• tile.

First of all, carefully examine the floor covering. The surface must be dry and clean and free from any relief. The floor is leveled if necessary.

It is necessary to draw up a project for the placement of underfloor heating control equipment. Usually it is mounted in the wall outside the bathroom at the optimum height for operation. The wire connecting the sensors and the heating system must be passed through a corrugated pipe, which must be built into the screed layer or sunk into the wall.

In the next step, an insulating material of cork or amalgam is installed to reflect heat. For the convenience of installing the heating film, it is cut into strips of about 50 cm along the perforation line, fastening them together with tape. In this case, the length of the strips should not exceed nine meters. Particular attention should be paid to the joints of the material, their good insulation will contribute to a long and trouble-free operation of the system.

The copper strip along the entire length of the cut should be on the subfloor.

It is necessary to ensure that the ends of the coating do not overlap each other, but are laid exactly end-to-end. All installation work must be done very carefully so as not to damage the thin surface of the material. To fix the film to the floor, it is covered from above with a mounting net and fixed with brackets. This must be done carefully, trying not to touch the electrical contacts to avoid damage to them.

Holes are made on the copper strip using a hole punch, onto which the terminals are subsequently fixed.

Connecting a warm floor to the power supply of the apartment

First, you need to fix the sensor with the temperature readings and the control relay on the wall and lead the wire through the corrugated hose before the film starts.

Through the terminals, using wires, you need to connect the strips of the warm floor to each other and connect them to the cable coming from the control equipment.

To do this, at the junction points, the wires are stripped from the insulating braid. Then, using pliers, they are crimped at the terminals and at the junction with the devices. After tying the systems together, all bare areas must be carefully insulated. It is important to ensure that all cables are not crossed, but parallel to each other.

It is better to have the final connection to the power supply to a qualified electrician in order to avoid a short circuit and a fire in the house.

Laying tiles over a film warm floor

Before proceeding with the flooring, you should test the operation of the system. In case of any problems, you need to identify and fix them. If the structure is functional, you can start laying the tiles.

To do this, lay drywall sheets on top of the film coating. They will become a kind of buffer between the polymer surface and the alkaline tile adhesive. For reliability, they must be fixed to the floor with self-tapping screws, being careful not to touch the electrical contacts of the structure.

Then you can start laying the tiles. It is important to use a comb-type trowel to avoid the appearance of an air cushion between the tile and the underfloor heating system. In general, ceramic products are laid in the same way as usual.

Nuances when installing an infrared heated floor

To ensure a positive result with self-installation of film heating systems before laying the tiles, the following rules should be observed:

• installation of the structure is possible only if the room air temperature is positive;
• grounding of infrared systems is mandatory;
• damage to the film during installation must be carefully insulated, and it is better to try to prevent them;
• it is forbidden to lay heater strips longer than ten meters;
• do not fold the material or overlap the film cuts.

Fulfillment of all the above norms will help you to qualitatively insulate the floor in the bathroom, even in such an atypical way for a tile covering.

Despite some opinions about the unsuitability of using warm infrared floors under ceramic cladding, it is still possible to install this particular heating system under the tiles with high quality. All complex and time-consuming installation work is compensated for by an economical and comfortable bathroom floor.

The sensor equipment is best installed near the bathroom.

For self-installation of an infrared heating system, you need to purchase some tools and materials

Infrared floor heating is much easier to install than water

Foil underfloor heating can only be installed on open floor areas

The shielding surface of the underlay will help to avoid heat loss during the operation of the floor

It is necessary to fix the film to the floor very carefully so as not to damage the contacts

After connecting the terminals, insulate the junction of the wires

A thin layer of tile adhesive is applied to a drywall sheet and leveled with a notched trowel

Infrared floor heating connection diagram

It is necessary to cut the strips of the film along the perforated line, without touching the contacts

It is better to entrust the connection of the infrared floor to the power supply to professionals.

Long-wave infrared radiation is absolutely safe for humans