How To Install Radiant Heat Flooring Mats

Radiant heat flooring mats are an easy way to install floor heating in custom spaces. Here's how to do it.

Highlights:

Step 1: Prepare the Floor
Step 2: Apply a Layer of Thinset
Step 3: Lay Down the Heat Mat and Tile

Step 1: Prepare the Floor

Dry fit your heat mat onto your floor to make sure it is going to fit properly. Using a multimeter, test the ohm resistance in the floor mat to ensure there are no cuts and nicks in the wires. Testing is optional, of course, but if you don't test and there are any problems with the wires, the floor mat will not work properly, and after installing your tile (or other flooring) fixing or replacing the mat would be very time-intensive and cost prohibitive considering you'd have to tear up the new floor.

Step 2: Apply a Layer of Thinset

Apply the thinset to the sub-floor in notches just the way you would if you were tiling. The spaces create air pockets under the flooring mat which acts as suction to the mat and holds it in place better.

Step 3: Lay Down the Heat Mat and Tile

When laying down the mat, start in the farthest corner of the room and work your way back out of the room. Apply another layer of thinset on top of the radiant floor mat. Lay your tile just as you would on a sub-floor. Make the final connection to the Nuheat electric floor heat thermostat.