DIY Network

Contemporary (Pt. 2 of 4): Connecting the Heating Strips From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-103

	In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan and homeowners Marshall and Jeanine convert this "old" kitchen ...
	into an eye-catching contemporary beauty!

In this second segment of Pt. 2 of the "Contemporary" kitchen, host Paul Ryan and the homeowners are shown by the flooring expert how to connect the strips for the in-floor heating system using a crimping tool.

Materials:

For the In-Floor Heating --

Gloves and eye protection
In-floor heating kit
Scissors
Wires
Connectors
Sealant tape
Terminal boards
Transformer
Crimpers
Stapler
Thinset
Bucket and sponge
Trowel
Cement backerboard
Power nailer
Galvanized 1-1/4" roofing nails

For Tiling --

Tiles
Gloves and safety glasses
Tape measure
Chalk line
Tile or wet saw
Porland-based thinset
Bucket and sponge
Drill with mixing paddle
1/4 x 3/8" deep square notched trowel
Sanded grout
Float

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

1. Connect terminal wires to the end of each strip. You have to connect a black "positive" and white "negative" wire to the terminal board (figure A), which in turn will go to the transformer.

2. Start by cutting a small corner of the plastic element to expose the braided wire that runs the length of each strip. Slip the mental connector over the braided wire at the heating strip (figue B).

3. Insert the flattened terminal wire into the connector so the two wires are touching.

4. Next, use the special crimping tool (figure C) to crimp the connector so it's good and tight.

5. To finish the connection, cut a short piece of self-adhesive sealant tape, fold it in half, peel away the backing and wrap it around the connection. Press out air and it will form a permanent seal (figure D).

6. Route all the wires into terminal boards and the transformer (figure E) and call an electrician to install an off and on switch.

7. Now that the heating elements are in place, you want to create a smooth surface over the heating strips before the tile is laid. You can do this by placing cement backerboard over the heating elements.

8. Mark where the wires are on top of the cement backerboard.

9. Mix a portland-based thinset with water using a drill with a mixing paddle. After it thickens, give it one last quick spin before applying to get the right consistency.

   Tip: Before you apply the thinset, be sure to eliminate the possibility of nailing through any of the terminal wires by marking the board to show where the wires go.

10. Apply the thinset mortar on top of the heating elements, using a trowel because the ridges in the trowel create a suction effect. This will help hold the boards in place.

    Note: Most thinset stays workable for several hours, but check the label for exact drying time.

11. Lay boards on top of the mortar. Leave a small gap between the boards for expansion and compression. Use a power nailer with galvanized 1-1/4" roofing nails to secure the boards (figure F). Don't walk on the floor for 24 hours!

The next big step in this process is to mark and then lay down the tile for the kitchen floor.

RESOURCES :

Skil
Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
Website: www.skiltools.com

Stanley Tools Information
Stanley Tools/Works
Website: www.stanleyworks.com

Fiskars (Bucket Boss Division)
Fiskars Bucket Boss Division
Website: www.bucketboss.com

Makita Products
Makita USA Inc.
Website: www.makita.com

Paslode Nail Guns
Paslode
Website: www.paslode.com

Wolfcraft Products

Wolfcraft Inc.
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 630-773-4777
Fax: 630-773-4805
Website: www.wolfcraft.com

Radiant Floor Heating System

Brand name: STEP Warmfloor
Suggested retail price: $10 per sq. ft.
Where available: Call 877-783-7832 for distributor in your area or go to www.warmfloor.com

Miscellaneous Product Information:

• STEP Warmfloor is easy to install and can be cut to length on the job site.
  
• STEP Warmfloor is self-regulating, maintaining the ideal temperature.
  
• STEP Warmfloor is approved for use with any non-conductive floor covering, including natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, hardwood and laminates, resilient and carpet.

Electro Plastics, Inc.
Website: www.warmfloor.com

Porcelain Tile

Brand name: Stong
Model #: VS105
Color: Nero
Where available: Crossville Poreclain Stone website, information below.

Crossville Porcelain Stone
Website: www.crossvilleinc.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Monica Irgens
President
Electro Plastics, Inc.
4406 St. Vincent Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-781-2121