Turning on ufh for the first time - Tile Advice

[SusanB]

I have electric underfloor heating in a 4m x 5m room, tiled with 45cm x 45 cm tiles. The majority of the tiles have been down for a week. The tiler is to put the last 2 half tiles down (due to problems with the door) tomorrow, they only have 2 wires running under them. I would be very grateful for any advice about when I can switch the heating on and in what stages.

How much does the cold weather affect the adhesive drying time?

Normally I would be patient, but it's the kitchen where we are eating christmas dinner and it's large and cold; it would be wonderful to have the heating on and at a decent heat.
Many many thanks for any advice (tho' I know it may not be good news!)

 

[diamondtiling]

Hi Susan,
welcome to the forum. In normal circumstances you would turn your UFH on after about 2 weeks, it would be at it lowest setting and then slowly increased by 1 degree per day up to the desired setting. Unfortunately you have wires that are still not tiled over and so it would be wrong to turn it on. The two week period starts from when the last tile is laid, I presume you have paid out quite a bit for the whole installation and it would be a shame to jeopardize it at this stage. I think you might have to get a room heater on Christmas day or a large bottle of whisky, that will keep you warm.

 

[faithhealer]

Hi Susan, for the money you have paid , wait as Diamond says. I'm sure it won't affect anybody elses Xmas day
Merry Xmas and welcome to the forum

 

[SusanB]

Thanks for your sound advice.

 

[Rich]

Sorry to but in but i just read this thread and thought I ask your advice. will the UFH affect the grout or is it the just the adhesive that needs to be left for 2 weeks? EG... If a floor was tiled but not grouted for a week or so, would you leave it 2 weekd from being laid or grouted?

 

[diamondtiling]

Grouted and sealed if natural stone

 

[Ajax123]

Can't add anything useful to Diamonds advice except perhaps a nice 12 year old Malt or a decent Cognac would help no end. Won't get your heating on any sooner but at least you won't care so much....

 

[diamondtiling]

I could not agree more, I think this Glenmorangie I am drinking is giving me a warm happy glow, time for another me thinks.

 

[Ajax123]

I could not agree more, I think this Glenmorangie I am drinking is giving me a warm happy glow, time for another me thinks.

What an appropriate smiley.....Very seasonal

 

[Rich]

Thanks very much Diamond