A Warm Welcome: A guide to DIY Electric Underfloor Heating

Introduction:

As winter's chill sets in, there's nothing quite as comforting as stepping onto a warm floor in the morning. Electric underfloor heating is a popular solution to keep your home cosy during the colder months. The best part? You can do it yourself! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of laying electric underfloor heating to create a toasty and energy-efficient space. However, it's essential to note that all electric underfloor heating systems must be tested and wired up by a qualified electrician. If you ever find the installation process too challenging, don't hesitate to consult a professional. Rayotec offer an installation service and you are always welcome to contact us to get a quote. It's always easier to address any issues before the floor covering is in place.

Choosing the Right System:

Before diving into the installation process, it's crucial to choose the right heating system for your needs. The most popular DIY system is the foil kit, suitable for engineered wood, laminate, and carpet with underlay due to it being a dry install.

If you plan to install tiled or vinyl flooring, the Webtech or loose cable system is required. Please note the 200w system is only suitable for under tiles. These systems are better suited for experienced DIY enthusiasts and professionals due to the complexities involved, including preparing flexible tile adhesives and flexible self-levelling compounds. When in doubt, consult a professional or reach out to our team at Rayotec for guidance in selecting the ideal system for your project.

Planning and Preparation:

Proper planning is the foundation of a successful DIY electric underfloor heating project. Consider the following factors before you begin:

• Room Selection: Determine which room or rooms you want to install underfloor heating in. While it's commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, it can be suitable for virtually any type of room.
• Floor Type: Ensure your chosen floor type is compatible with underfloor heating. This versatile heating solution works well with most flooring materials, including tile, laminate, and engineered wood.
• Heating System: The final floor covering dictates whether a foil kit or a Webtech/loose cable system is required. Mats are generally easier for beginners to install.

Gather Your Materials and Tools for the Foil kit system:

To embark on your project you'll need the following materials from Rayotec

Foil Kit system

• Heating mat/mats (covering 80% of the free floor space)
• Thermostat
• Cloth tapes
• Double-sided tape
• Conduit
• Depron Protect board (available in 10m2 packs, you must order sufficient to cover the entire floor area)

Tools and Equipment:

Here is a list of tools and equipment required for laying the Foil Kit system:

• Tape measure and a straightedge
• Pencil or chalk for marking
• Utility knife or scissors for precision cutting of the heating foil and insulation boards
• Multimeter to ensure electrical continuity and resistance
• Safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection

Installation Steps:

1. Surface Preparation: Begin by ensuring that your subfloor is clean, level, and completely dry. A well-prepared subfloor is crucial for the success of your underfloor heating installation.
2. Insulation Board Placement: Lay the Depron 6mm insulation boards in a staggered brickwork pattern. Secure the boards by taping them at the joins. If your final flooring choice is carpet with underlay, use double-sided tape to secure the perimeter of the insulation boards. When laying carpet over a heating mat it is always advisable to place a 6mm batten around the perimeter in order to be able to put the gripper rods into.
3. Heating Mat Continuity Test: It's essential to conduct continuity tests both before and after installation. This step ensures that the heating elements are functioning correctly and no damage was done during the laying process.
4. Mat Layout: Depending on the size of your area, you may be provided with one or two mats. Larger areas will require multiple mats, while smaller rooms can be covered with a single mat.
5. Starting Point: Commence laying the heating mats and floor probe at the location of the thermostat. This strategic placement allows your electrician to easily connect the cables to the back of the thermostat. The heat mats are self-terminating, eliminating the need to worry about where you'll finish.
6. Mat Installation: Unroll the heating mat from the thermostat location towards the opposite end of the room. As you progress, cut along the foil to fit the mat precisely. After cutting, flip the mat 180 degrees and roll it back in the opposite direction. Continue this process until the heating mat is completely laid out across the floor.
7. Leave a Border: Be sure to maintain a border of 150-200mm all the way around the room, keeping the heating mat neatly within the designated area.
8. The floor probe must be installed within the conduit supplied and taped over. Please position the floor probe between two loops of heating cable closer to the edge of the heat mat. The sensor cable must be a minimum of 2cm from either heating cable.
9. Secure with Cloth Tape: After the mats are in place, firmly secure all edges with cloth tape. This ensures that the mats stay fixed in their position and are ready for the final floor covering to be installed.

Gathering Your Materials and Tools for the Webtech/Loose cable Systems:

To begin laying your Webtech or Loose Cable Systems, you'll need the following materials from Rayotec:

Webtech/Loose cable system

Materials:

• Heating mat/loose cable (covering 80-85% of the free floor space)
• Thermostat
• Cloth tapes
• Conduit
• For concrete subfloor: Insomax boards (6mm or 10mm thickness)
• For all subfloors: 6mm Ultra tile backer board, screws & washers
• Flexible tile adhesive and flexible self-levelling compound (not supplied by Rayotec)
• Floor Primer (not supplied by Rayotec)
• Glue spray

Tools and Equipment:

Here is a list of essential tools and equipment required for the installation of the Webtech system:

• Tape measure and a straightedge
• Pencil or chalk for marking
• Utility knife or scissors for precise cutting of the heating elements and insulation boards
• Multimeter to ensure electrical continuity and resistance
• A notched trowel for adhesive and compound application
• Impact Drill Driver for securing backer boards (for wooden subfloors only)
• Safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection
• Electric Mixer with paddle for mixing the self-levelling compound and tile adhesive.

Installation Steps:

1. Surface Preparation: Begin by ensuring that your subfloor is clean, level, and completely dry. A well-prepared subfloor is essential for the successful installation of underfloor heating.
2. Apply Floor Primer: Use a suitable primer to prepare the subfloor for the subsequent application of tile adhesive or self-levelling compound. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.
3. Insulation Board Placement: For concrete subfloors, securely lay insulation boards using flexible tile adhesive. For wooden subfloors, attach tile backer boards with screws and washers, applying flexible tile adhesive where necessary.
4. Heating Mat Continuity Test: It's crucial to conduct continuity tests both before and after installation. This step ensures that the heating elements function correctly.
5. Starting Point: Commence laying the heating mats or cables at the location of the thermostat. This strategic placement allows your electrician to easily connect the cables to the back of the thermostat. The advantage of these systems is that they are self-terminating, eliminating the need to worry about where you'll finish.
6. Mat/Cable Layout: Depending on the size of your area, you may be provided with one or more mats or cables. Larger areas may require multiple mats, while smaller rooms can be covered with a single mat. Manipulate the mats for optimal coverage or space the cables correctly if using loose cable systems. When using a decoupling membrane, ensure the cables are clipped into grooves with the correct spacing.
7. The floor probe must be installed within the conduit supplied and taped over. Please position the floor probe between two loops of heating cable closer to the edge of the heat mat. The sensor cable must be a minimum of 2cm from either heating cable.
8. Secure and Tape Mats/Cables: Ensure that the mats or cables are firmly laid down and adequately taped to maintain their position. This is a critical step in ensuring a secure and efficient installation.
9. Self-Levelling Compound Application: Prepare the flexible self-levelling compound as per the manufacturer's instructions. Carefully spread the compound over the heating elements, ensuring a smooth and level surface. Different floor coverings may require different thicknesses of the compound so always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.
10. Flooring Installation: Once the adhesive or compound has dried, you can proceed to install your chosen flooring material directly over the heated surface.

Enjoy the Comfort:

After having your electrician complete the wiring installation and ensuring everything is in working order, you're ready for your final floor to be put down. Once done and the floor has acclimatised as per manufacturer specifications it’s now time to enjoy the cozy warmth of your electric underfloor heating system. Set the thermostat to your preferred temperature and say goodbye to cold feet during the winter!

DIY electric underfloor heating is an excellent way to enhance the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. With the right materials, careful planning, and attention to detail, you can achieve a warm and inviting space without the extra cost of having a professional lay it. So, why not embark on this DIY project and enjoy the luxury of warm floors all winter long.

If it all seems overwhelming the Professionals at Rayotec are always ready to step in and get the job done. We will quote, carry out a site visit and install the systems to the highest standard so you can enjoy it for years to come.

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