- You can use the Warmup Floor Heating Mats system under carpet, vinyl, wood and linoleum or any ceramic or natural stone floor tile such as slate, porcelain, limestone, marble and terracotta. You can even use the heater under thicker floor finishes such as flagstones - just plan a little more time for the floor heat up.
- You may choose to cover or protect the heater as part of pre-flooring work with a cement-based smoothing underlay (this is especially useful when laying flagstones). Follow the tile manufacturer`s instructions closely, using grout and thin-set tile adhesive, each with a compatible latex additive.
- You may install the heater on an interior wood subfloor or solid (concrete slab) sub-floor. In either case, a cement backer board should be installed for maximum stability.If you`re using a water proofing, or moisture barrier system, consult with the system manufacturer to establish if the membrane must be fitted above or below the heater. Please bear in mind that the heating element can reach temperatures of 131 degrees F, so it may be necessary to use a skim or scratch coat layer to dissipate the heat.
Preparing Wood Subfloors
- When installing the heater to an interior wood subfloor, make sure you use a suitable residential underlay such as cement backer board. Attach to existing floorboards securely and, if necessary, ensure a flush fit by first leveling with a latex or cement underlay.
- Secure the underlay or backer board according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and in line with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications. Tile and stone installations should also confirm to the Tile Council of America (TCA) guidelines
Preparing Concrete Floors
- For best possible results, it is recommended that you install Warmup Heating Mats onto an insulated concrete subfloor. The use of a polystyrene tile-backer board significantly enhances the performance of the heating system.
- Warmup recommends the Warmup Insulation Board which can be fixed to the subfloor with flexible tile adhesive. You can also install the heating system onto un-insulated concrete or screed subfloors, however, they will be less responsive and will take longer to heat up, resulting in extended heat up time and higher running costs.