There are a number of different methods to install a heated floor
Heated floors have been in use for thousands of years, dating back to the Roman Empire. Heated floors for modern homes and buildings have been gaining in popularity since the 1960s. Modern radiant-heated floors use either electrical mats or heated hot water as the source of heat. Heated floors depend on the natural occurrence of heated air rising combined with the cooler air at the ceiling to circulate the warmth into a room or building.
Cost
You will want to weigh the current energy costs in your home or building against the cost of installing either an electrically heated floor or using hot water that can be heated with natural gas, wood or solar.
New or Existing Construction
The elements, either electrical or hot water, embed into a concrete slab during construction. In installations added as part of remodeling, the heat source for heated floors installs beneath or on top of existing subfloors.
Adding Heated Floors to Existing Construction
Electric heating elements attach to cut-to-size plastic matting, which staples to the wooden subfloor. Lightweight gypsum smoothed over the surface of the matting encases the electrical elements. The gypsum provides a heat-conductive smooth surface for installing your choice of floor covering. This type of installation adds weight to the subfloor and requires adequate support.
Plywood subfloor is available that has evenly cut grooves for the insertion of electric heating cables or flexible tubing for hot water. This plywood nails over the top of existing subfloor and floor covering installs directly over it. Exercise care if nailing hardwood floors to this type of subfloor to avoid penetrating the electrical coils or hot water tubing.
Under Subfloor
Heat sources for heated floors installed beneath the subfloor may be more expensive to install and use. The heat sources are shielded with aluminum strips or sheets to prevent heat escaping into basements or crawl spaces. If not installed properly this type of heated floor may not warm the room or area adequately.
Floor Coverings
The type of floor covering installed on heated floors affects the efficiency of the floor. Ceramic tile conducts and retains the heat generated by the heated floor and requires less energy. Generally, ceramic tile qualities allow a lower heat setting to maintain a comfortable level of warmth. Vinyl tile and vinyl sheet flooring retain warmth slightly less than ceramic tile, but are a good choice.
According to Energy Savers.gov, use thinner carpet and padding on heated floors. Dense carpets may require a higher temperature setting to maintain the comfort level. Laminated and engineered hardwood is a better choice for use on heated floors than natural hardwoods. Natural hardwoods may warp and split when used on this type of floor.
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