By: Paul Bianchina
Q: I really enjoy your weekly column, and was hoping you could help with a question. We are having a sunroom added to our house, and we were wondering how difficult it would be to add a floor heating system in just this room. Our contractor has never done one, and we don't know where to start. -Keiko A.
A: Adding a floor heating system for individual rooms, or even just specific spots within a room, is actually pretty easy. Both hot water and electric cable floor heat are readily available, but for individual rooms in a remodel situation such as yours, you'll probably find that the electric systems are the easiest.
Electric floor heat comes in two basic forms - heat pads and heat cables. The pads are available in a wide variety of standard square and rectangular sizes, or you can have custom size mats made up as well. For larger or more irregular areas, the cables might work better. In either case, the pads or the cables are installed first on the sub floor, then covered with thinset, then with tile or other masonry. Some types of mats and cables are also compatible with carpet, vinyl and other types of flooring.
Depending on the size of the mat or the length of the cables, both 110- and 220-volt systems are available. Either one is controlled by a wall-mounted thermostat, and there are a variety of those available as well. Floor heating mats are commonly available through distributors of ceramic tile supplies. Cables are available through retailers and wholesalers of electrical equipment, and through some home centers. As for installation, your contractor should be able to arrange for it through a joint effort between the electrician and the tile installer.
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