Tiles and porcelain stoneware are good thermal conductors, so underfloor heating beneath tiles is one of the most effective solutions for bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways.
What You'll Need
- DEVI heating cable or mat.
- Thermostat with a floor temperature sensor.
- DEVIfast™ mounting tape for cable fixation.
Installation Steps
- Prepare the base: it should be even, clean, and insulated.
- Secure the mounting tape and lay the cable with equal spacing across the heated area.
- Install the temperature sensor in a corrugated pipe between the cable loops.
- Pour screed or apply a layer of tile adhesive and lay the tiles.
- Connect the thermostat and check the cable's resistance.
Power Calculation
For a bathroom, 140–150 W/m² of heated area is usually sufficient. Only consider the free floor area – excluding the bath, toilet, and furniture.
When to Turn on the Floor Heating
After laying in screed, underfloor heating needs to dry completely – usually 21–28 days for cement screed and several days for tile adhesive. Premature activation can lead to cracking of the covering. The first startup should be gradual, slowly increasing the temperature.
Common Mistakes
Do not shorten the heating cable or turn it on before the screed is completely dry. It's best to entrust the installation to specialists – Aquatherm can assist with selection and consultation.