underflor heating mat or wire?

[jimshell]

hi can anyone help am doing my kitchen in a couple of weeks and am looking at warming the floor coz god it is cold in there(no heating in kitchen) am going to use plinth heater but am also getting underfloor heating which is best? would i need insulation on floor (concrete) bungalow built in 1971. also fitting mdf splashbacks to walls what is best stuff to adheer to walls many thanks jim

[bishbosh77]

Hi
Yes you would definitely have to use some form of insulation if you can't afford the insulated board then use a paint that helps stop the heat being absorbed into the floor, not as good as the boarding but cheaper.

[Defy]

Have a look here bottom of the page m8

[jimshell]

thanks for reply, think i will be using boards although its dearer. when floor insulated all round if putting heat mat or wire in what is best way to avoid a step up in middle of floor where mat is compared to where units stand. have also been told not too heat under units! why?

[wetdec]

The heat is wasted under the units and there can be 2 to 3 m2 under there which adds up in cost unless you particularly want to tile to the walls. I am sure we could do something to help if you send us the measurements.

[Dan]

Please also consider popping into your local CTD store. www.ctdtiles.co.uk they have underfloor heating and usually demo area's / demo tiles too.

Have you thought of using enerfoil? http://www.enerfoil.com/enerfoil/faqs.htm
Very thin (1mm) and really easy to install, so the floor height hardly increases. You can install it straight to the concrete assuming it's smooth floated not rough. Then use a flexible adhesive and grout for the tiles.
I always do the whole floor that ways there's no cold spots and actually works out cheaper to run, because of the lack of cold spots to draw the heat back down.
Here's how to install
http://www.enerfoil.com/enerfoil/install.htm

[jimshell]

thanks to all of you, room, size is 3625 x 2600 will be tiling wall to wall, not a big fan of just doing walking area, you know, struggling to get washing machine/dishwasher out, chipping tiles!! Are any of the mats or insulation boards on ebay anygood seems to be lot cheaper than my local shops

[grumpygrouter]

Originally Posted by Dave Carr

Have you thought of using enerfoil? http://www.enerfoil.com/enerfoil/faqs.htm
Very thin (1mm) and really easy to install, so the floor height hardly increases. You can install it straight to the concrete assuming it's smooth floated not rough. Then use a flexible adhesive and grout for the tiles.
I always do the whole floor that ways there's no cold spots and actually works out cheaper to run, because of the lack of cold spots to draw the heat back down.
Here's how to install
http://www.enerfoil.com/enerfoil/install.htm

Interesting concept. I notice you say it can be applied straight to a concrete base. Does this not pose the same cost problems as wire/matting applied straight to concrete as you are heating the slab?

Grumpy

I think the mats are insulated on their underside to promote the rising of the heat. It certainly doesn't mention anything in their installation guide for not applying straight to the concrete, just that it needs to be smooth.