DIY Network

Ultimate Bachelor Bath (1 of 3): In-Floor Warming System From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-109

	This old 70's bathroom was an absolute disaster ...
	until DIY's Amy Matthews came to the rescue to help the homeowner transform ...
	it into a new high-tech bathroom for the ultimate bachelor.

Materials for the Tub Deck —

tub outline template
lumber
chalk line
tape measure
safety goggles
gloves
miter saw
nail gun
8-penny ring shank nails
level
liquid nails adhesive
staple gun
marker
drill with paddle bit
jigsaw
hammer

Materials for In-Floor Warming System —

broom and dustpan
vacuum
safety goggles
gloves
15 lb. standard roofing felt
kneepads
hammer stapler
hammer
ohm meter
scissors
staple gun

Materials for Poured Concrete Floor —

mask
safety goggles
box cutter
heavy-duty drill with mixing bit
5-gal. bucket
1/4" gauge rake
large rubber squeegee

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

In-Floor Warming System

1. Larry, the homeowner, decided to put down a concrete floor and chose a floor warming system that is basically electric radiant heat -- it has coils in a mesh that go underneath. He sent the floor plan to the company and they sent him an installation plan. The warming system can go under any type of floor.

2. In order to start, the floor needs to be absolutely clean. Sweep and vacuum floor until no dust or dirt is left, and be sure there are no protruding elements in the floor.

3. Lay down standard 15-pound roofing felt, which is standard roofing felt. Tack it down with a hammer stapler (figure A).

4. Pound down all the staples with a hammer until they are below the surface.

5. The most important step in putting down a floor warming system is to test the electrical resistance of the heat coils with an Ohm meter to ensure no damage takes place. It needs to be tested at least four times during installation -- before you start laying it down and three other times. The yellow tag will have the numbers of the resistance test that was done at the factory (figure B). Make sure your numbers are within ten percent of the numbers they sent you. The flooring comes with a chart where you can record your tests as you go.

   Note: Resistance is a property of the electrical element that can be measured with an Ohm meter. Testing ensures that the actual measurement agrees with the theoretical. Also, test the ground to make sure there is no short in either of the two wires.

6. Lay out the mats according to the plan, cutting the mesh at the end of the room for a return (figure C). Be sure NOT to cut or nick the wires.

7. Staple down the mesh, again avoiding the wires completely.

8. When all the mats are in place, secure the lead wires to the floor. Weave the temperature sensor through the mesh (figure D). An electrical inspector needs to check the floor warming system before you put down your flooring.

Next: Pouring Concrete Floor

RESOURCES :

Toilet and Tub (Toto)

Product name: Nexus Airbath Tub
Model #: ABY794N
Color: Cotton White

Product name: Neorest 600 (Toilet)
Model #: MS990CG
Color: Cotton White
Where available: For dealers nationwide, visit the Toto USA website, link below.
Toto USA, Inc.
1155 Southern Rd.
Morrow, GA 30620
Toll-free: 800-350-8686, ext. 381
Website: www.totousa.com

Electric Radiant Floor Heating Mats
Brand name: WarmTouch
Where available: Available Nationwide, please call DK for your nearest dealer.
DK Heating Systems, Inc.
587 N. Edgewood Ave.
Wood Dale, IL 60191
Toll-free: 800-959-9276 (for nearest dealer)
Websites: www.dkheatingsystems.com or www.tilexdesign.com

Concrete Floor Components
Brand name: Elite Crete
Product: Texture Pave
Product: Thin Finish
Product: Chemstone or Portion Control
Product: CSS Sealer
Product: Stamps
Product: Liquid Release
Where available: Visit the Elite Crete or DecoScapes websites, links below.
DecoScapes
1975 Seneca Rd., Suite 200
Eagan, MN 55122
Toll-free: 877-454-9511
Fax: 651-454-9055
Websites: www.elitecrete.com or www.decoscapes.com

GUESTS :

Jorj Ayaz
Owner, Aspen Builders and Remodelers
4844 Island View Dr.
Mound, MN 55364
Phone: 612-670-4999