I am remodeling two bathrooms and would like to install electric radiant heat before installing the tile. My question is, is there one manufacture that is better than the others? I would like to minimize the height. All responses would be greatly appreciated.
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I've tried to sell it 1000 times and no body wants it. Wish I could help.
When I looked around, I couldn't find much difference between manufacturers. In fact, the mat looks exactly the same for most companies- I suppose it should, because it's just low watt density resistance wire held in place with a plastic mat.
Go for the programmable thermostat- it's pricey but worth it. And after I got sick of trying to get the tape that came with the kit to stick to the hardibacker I had just put down, I used staples (carefully!) to hold the mat down before I mortared.
It's a great investment of a few hundred bucks, it makes life much more pleasant in the mornings. I ended up getting mine at blowe's, they were the only place around that had any in stock, and I liked being able to open the box and inspect it before I bought it.
zak
I've used Nuheat on several projects and had great luck with it. I used another system on one project - a plastic grid with wires running through it - it was cheaper that the nuheat but was a real pain to install because the plastic mesh would not stay flat on the floor and kept sticking up through the thinset. I ended up having to staple it about every 2". The nuheat is real easy - just roll it out and trowel over it. Also comes in mucho standard sizes.
I agree about the programable t-stat - they're worth the money.
I've used the 'Warm Tiles' on several occassions and have always been happy with the results. Ditto on the programable t'stat upgrade. Went with the wire system not the matt system due to irregular shaped areas involved.
To minimize adding 'height' to your floor, and to make laying the thinset and tile easier, it's a PITA but worth it, to lay the wire in channels you create in the substrate. I used Durock cement board and a throw away router bit and router to cut the 'channels'. Dusty and dirty.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
That's a cool way to inset the wire. I think mine was a suntouch. To get the floor to end up level, I used 1/4" hardibacker under the mat, 1/2" in other places (under the sink, etc.). I recommend mortaring down the mats and floating them level, then letting them harden before you set the tiles. I didn't and I regret it.
zak
Thank you very much for your response. At this point, I am still undecided what system I wll choose.