Lift Your Workload, Not Tiles
Electric underfloor heating systems these days are technologically advanced and usually designed to be easy handling. Yet often, the heaters end up incorrectly fitted or worse, damaged. In addition to the hassle of repair, there is also the financial brunt to bear. Understandably, some installers and even retailers are put off the idea but in the face of a growing underfloor heating market, it is a pity. Indeed, installation doesn’t have to be stressful and accidents do not have to slide your profits into losses. The following are some ways to get around these concerns.
Prevention is better than cure. With installation, following the instructions carefully can eliminate most after-sales problems. Although systems in the market might seem similar and you already have relevant prior experience, always read through the manual thoroughly to preempt avoidable mistakes. Planning your installation ahead will allow for a clearer idea of the steps involved and increase your chances of a smooth progress. And at any time you have a question, call the manufacturer to be sure.
Mind the subfloor. When installing, there are some things you can look out for to reduce the likelihood of complications. For a start, make sure the subfloor is clean before laying the heaters over the area to be heated. This helps the adhesives to attach far more easily. Check too, if the subfloor material requires priming or not. On bases such as insulation boards, that coat of primer might never dry.
Test, Test, Test! After fitting the floor sensor probe, test both the heater and the floor sensor. Heating cable can be stressed by incorrect installation or damage but the fault may not show up straight away. By taking and recording resistance readings before, during and after installation, or as shown in the instructions, it makes a quick job of identifying the point of damage at a later date. Alternatively you may use special gadgets that warn you right at the point of accident. Warmup has a Watchdog monitor which is temporarily connected to the heating mat until the tiling is completed. If the wire is broken or damaged, an alarm sounds. In such instances, repair kits should be available from the heating company.
Be grout-smart. When tiling, it is advisable to choose flexible adhesive and grout, for this will be more accommodating towards the expansion and contraction effects of heating on objects, in this case, the tiles. If it’s a tight turnaround time, consider using rapid-set types. Once again, check with the manufacturer if in doubt.
Play by the rules. For making electrical provisions, installing and connecting the thermostat, it is obligatory to hire a Part P qualified electrician in accordance with British Regulations. So remember to coordinate this one.
Invest in a good system for it is less likely to create post-installation problems. The most common worries tradesmen have are the hassles of a failed system and the potential need to lift entire floors. Choosing a reliable manufacturer however, could relieve at least part of the stress.
A fair indication of a product’s quality is if it’s approved by a control body that tests the electrical strengths and safety levels. In Britain, BEAB (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) is the trusted authority on this. Other features to look out for include warranties and after-sales support. Manufacturers are not likely to promise product life-spans and services that they are not confident of delivering, so non-technical benefits can serve as a gauge too. Currently in the market, warranties range from an average of 10 years up to a lifetime. Warmup for example, goes a step further with their SafetyNet™ Guarantee which insures you against installation mishaps. Should you damage the wires accidentally prior to tiling, Warmup will replace the heater at no extra charge. Details can be found on warmup.com
Also check that you’ll be able to contact the heating company easily for backup. A helpline, especially if it’s round the clock, is invaluable. As an installer, it is always useful to know you have somewhere to go should you encounter a situation on a job, and better yet if there are service engineers to literally lend a hand and minimise disruption. The fewer tiles lifted, the lower the costs incurred!
Finally, with new products being introduced constantly, do ask for refresher training sessions with your preferred supplier if they are not already offered.