Systems that are installed just beneath a tiled floor are typically of the electrical variety, where either thin electric heating cables are installed below a floor designed to remove the chill from a tiled floor or electric underfloor heating cables are installed within a concrete floor designed to actually heat a room and be used as the sole heating source. These are available in a number of forms:

Heating cable on open weave mesh matting - This type of system consists of a thin electrical cable which is pre-spaced onto an open weave mesh. Mat systems are supplied in various sized rolls to cover the floor area. Some of the rolls are self-adhesive or have double-sided adhesive tape to fix the mat to the floor. A mat type system offers a quick installation and even floor temperature as the heating cables are already spaced.

Loose laid heating cable - This type of system consists of a thin electrical cable that is supplied on a drum. The cables are available in different lengths to cover the floor area. The cable is laid out across the space using adhesive tape. A loose cable system offers ease of installation in awkward/odd shaped rooms.

Heating foil - The foil system consists of a thin heating foil that is encased in a plastic membrane. The foils are supplied in set size sheets and are individually laid out and bonded to the floor area. Correct bonding procedures must be followed when using this type of system as the tile adhesive has to adhere to the foil and not the existing floor.

When preparing to install an undertile heating system there are many crucial aspects that must be considered. Yowill find more detailed information in The Tile Association’s technical document “Tiling to Heated Floors” which will guide yothrough the fundamentals and help yoavoid the pitfalls. As the industry experts TTA always recommends seeking the advice of a professional before beginning any tiling project.

To purchase the publication “Tiling to Heated Floors” or to find more information on tiling, a range of tiling ideas, or to contact a fixer or distributor call us on 0208 663 0946, visit the TTA website at tiles.org.uk or scan the QR Code with your smartphone.

For more information on bathroom tiling, a range of tiling ideas, or to contact a fixer or distributor please visit the TTA website at www.tiles.org.uk or scan the QR Code with your smartphone.

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