Tiling with heating elements

[SkidooRider15]

I am installing tile in my downstairs bathroom. I am looking at putting in a heating tile system since the floor is pretty cold down there in the winter months. The area isnt very big that will have tile, I believe 22.5 sq ft. I have 2 questions...

1. Has anyone ever installed something like this under the tile? Do I just thinset right over the heating wire/mat?

2. Is there a advantage or disadvantage to using the loose wire VS the heating mat?

Loose Wire System

Heating Mat

 

[duneslider]

Which every type you use, make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions exactly. Its hard to answer your questions because the manufacturers have their own instructions. Some will want you to pour a selfleveling compound over the mat before tiling. Just remember.

I have done both mats and loose wire and they all achieve the same thing.

 

[Kpaige]

I have used the mat that you buy and you can cut and move the Matt to fit the room. Works well and what I used you install with thin set. One thing to make sure you do is test it with a meter make sure you have a complete circuit as they are fragile and are now to break. Would **** if you put it all down and it had a break in the circuit. Also do not plug it in to see if it works they are designed to have material to heat activated with out this can burn them up.

 

[jhelrey]

They usually come with a buzzer so you know if you did something stupid to the wires.

 

[CTyankee]

Disclaimer: Not a tile guy....or an electrician.

Mostly all tile jobs around our parts are using Schluter systems. One bath in the current job we are doing had the wire heat installed. Our tiler used the system shown in the attached video. He has only good things to say about it. Not cheap by any means, but takes a lot of potential problems out of the equation. YMMV.

 

[3sum]

Another vote for Ditra heat.


Chris Pope Locust Grove, GA
07 Sprint ABS, 07.5 Tuono, 85 V65 Magna

 

[duneslider]

The Ditra heat is a very nice way to go but in the end they all do the same thing. I do agree that the ditra heat is very simple and easy to use even diy, it doesn't require anything special, just thinset.

Again, just follow the directions exactly! The tip on using the buzzer or a multimeter is essential. If you want to make sure the wire is not damaged during installation.

 

[ColoradoToy91]

My Ditra heat install. VERY important to follow the instructions and rent or buy the proper equipment.

 

[barrybeefburger]

Use a plastic trowl when pushing out the self leveling compound or the thin set.