Do You Need Insulation Board Between Subfloor And Heating Mat

Foam board insulation is easy to use and is a great diy way to add some insulation.

Do you need insulation board between subfloor and heating mat.

Electric underfloor heating mats. Use of insulation in underfloor heating systems. 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. Insulation for electric underfloor heating systems.

As mentioned before underfloor heating mats are especially suitable for regular shaped rooms and for heating a large area evenly. Proper insulation is a critical element in any underfloor heating system and electric radiant floor heating systems are not an exception. Available in various thicknesses. Strip the insulation off an end of the two wires that run the length of the mat.

It may need self levelling if uneven in which case you need to apply a self levelling compound prior to tiling. This can be particularly beneficial if you are trying to heat a room above a cement slab or above an unheated garage. It comes in standard size 4 8 sheets and smaller sizes in many different thicknesses from 1 4 inch to 2 inches. Do not install the 2 feet or so of mat to which you ll be attaching wire.

A common misbelieve is that the heat emitted by the cable can only rise up and therefore there s no need for insulation. Turn the mat so those ends are facing the wires that will bring power to it. Some types of thicker foam board insulation are available but they may need to be special ordered. Insulation boards increase the efficiency of all heat mat systems.

Underfloor heating insulation boards minimise downward heat loss. For a bathroom floor i would suggest using the no more ply board as both your tile backer board and insulation it will do both of these things. 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. 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.

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. 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.