How to Install Tile with Electric Radiant Heating

Everything You Need for Installation
Admittedly, the words "cold" and "Florida" are not typically associated together - but every so often the sunshine state catches a cold front and experiences some shiver-worthy temperatures. But beyond that, let's be honest and admit that many of us keep our ACs so low that we'd welcome a little heat beneath our feet. So let's look at the proper way to install tile with electric radiant heating.
Everything You Need for InstallationThe Tile Council of North America includes a few different methods for installing tile with radiant heating. Essentially, the installation method changes based upon whether you're installing electric or hydronic systems as well as the type of structure you're working on. For this article, we're going to go over installation in an uncoupling membrane.

Electric Heating in an Uncoupling Membrane

The most important component of any installation is to read and carefully follow maunfacturer instructions, especially of the heating elements onto the membrane. As the CTEF points out, "some manufacturers make versions of their membrane that allows for electrical heating wires to be applied onto the membrane before tile is installed."

Step 1: Choosing The Thinset Mortar

This step is really handled for you because ultimately you should choose an unmodified or modified thinset mortar based upon the manufacturer's instructions. While many of us have been installing tile and more for many, many years and we may be used to know the right material for the job, it is always bestto check what the manufacturer requires. This is especially important because it can affect the system warranty. You read that right, simply using the wrong thinset mortar could void the warranty - neither you or your customers want that. The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) recommends, "what the TCNA Handbook recommends in the Materials section of Methods F128, F147 and F148 for installing uncoupling membranes that meet ANSI A118.12 standards."

Step 2: Ensure the Substrate Meets the Industry Standard for Flatness

Here are the standard requirements according to CTEF:
  • 1/4” in 10’ for tiles with all sides less than 15” long
  • 1/8” in 10’ for tiles with one side 15” or longer
You should check this with a 10’ straightedge, which you can get at any one of our D&B Tile showrooms. According to the CTEF, "to make the substrate flat, use one or more of these methods:
  • Grind the high spots (be certain to follow OSHA requirements for silica dust containment)
  • Fill the low spots with appropriate rapid setting patch material
  • Install a mortar bed
  • Install a liquid primer and self-leveling underlayment"

Step 3: Install the Membrane

Once the substrate is flat and you've got your mortar that was recommended by the manufacturer. Next is the actual installation. A couple of quick starting checkpoints:
  • Are the perimeter movement joints appropriate? We must keep the uncoupling membrane a consistent 1/4" away from any obstacle or change in plane.
  • Are there no bond breakers on the subfloor? Make sure there is no dirt, dust, or other materials that could prevent the mortar from properly bonding the membrane to the subfloor.

Now that those two checkpoints are done, simply install the membrane.

Step 4: Install the Heating Element

As the CTEF states, "every wire manufacturer has some specific instructions describing how to place their wire in their uncoupling membrane system. For instance,
  • They will tell you how far apart to place the rows of wire, how close to or how far from the wall the wire should be, etc.
  • They tell you how to test the wire before you get it off the roll.
  • Some require a couple of simple electrical checks.
  • You need to know where the thermostat is or will be and if you have enough lead wire to get to it.
  • You need to know where the temperature sensing probe for the thermostat will be placed.
  • You need to remember to install the temperature sensing probe so the system works."
We can't repeat enough...read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to test the heating element and record the test results on any warranty card. It's also a good idea to take pictures of the entire wire installation in preparation for laying the tile. The CTEF recommends, "make sure your pictures show:
  • The location of the temperature sensing probes
  • The location of the thermostat lead wires and temperature sensing probe wires
  • The spacing and distance of the wires from each other
  • The distance of the wires from obstacles like walls and toilets and heat registers and vanities
  • Any other pictures you think you need to document your wire installation"

Step 5: Install the Tile

With everything doublechecked and ready to go, now is the time to install the tile and showcase your beautiful work.

Step 6: Heed the Warranty Card

After completing step 5, test the heating element again. The CTEF points out, "make sure all of your readings are still correct and make sure you record this on the warranty card." Provide one copy to the owner and file one away for yourself. Finally, congrats on a job well done!
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