Blog : Flooring Supply Shop Blog | Flooring and Floor Heating Supply - Part 7Flooring Supplies

9 Lies You’ve Believed about Underfloor Heating

If you are looking for the truth about underfloor heating, look no further! We’ve compiled the top 9 most common underfloor heating lies we’ve heard in our 25 years of business, for you to review

1. Underfloor heating is expensive

If you are reading this, you’ve made it farther than most. Many people do not have underfloor heating because it never even crosses their mind as something they can afford. Maybe they’ve experienced it in a hotel, or in a friend’s home, but in their own home? Within their budget? No way! Think again.

Underfloor heating has come a long way and new systems on the market are efficient and easy to install. The cost of purchasing a system and getting it installed varies on the size and scope of your project. Water systems are more expensive to purchase and install but provide lower long-term running costs whereas electric systems are competitively priced but rely on electricity which typically has a higher running cost.

Material cost for the Warmup DCM-PRO electric system with a smart WiFi thermostat in a 80 sqft bathroom would cost about $765. Installation costs will be added on by your flooring installer and are typically $5/sqft. The size and scope of your project may impact installation costs and so will the choice between water and electric.

Trends come and go quickly. The comfort from a radiant heated floor is guaranteed for life and sure to stay in style. This is $1,000 you’re not likely to regret spending on your bathroom remodel!

2. Electric underfloor heating costs a lot to run

While electricity is viewed as expensive, systems can be zoned and programmed to be cost-effective. While an electric system may not be the right choice for everyone: (1) electricity is 100% effective, (2) radiant floors only draw electricity for a limited duration (then radiate the heat out) and (3) electric systems can be powered with renewable energy sources, like solar panels.

To give you an idea of cost, an average bathroom system utilizes about 300 watts, so for some people, that’s just about the same as the lights over a mirror with fice 60-watt bulbs. In dollars and cents, it costs about $5/mo to operate that system in a bathroom for a few hours in the morning and evening. On a larger scale, a whole-house system in a 3,000 sqft space would run about $150-200/mo in the winter months.

3. Underfloor heating can not be used as a primary heat source

While it is true some underfloor heating systems can only provide supplemental heat, it is not true of all underfloor heating systems. With a heat loss calculation, it is possible to design an underfloor heating system that provides enough heat to be the sole heating source. With flexible options like the Warmup Radiant Floor Heating, it is easy to vary heat output from 11-20 watts per square foot based on heating needs by varying the cable spacing. Warmup also provides insulation layers that can further reduce power requirements yet deliver enough heat into the room.

4. You can only heat under tile

While it is true tile and concrete are the most popular types of floors to heat, floor heat can be installed under any type of flooring.

Tile and concrete are popular for needing heat to remove the chill but a fun fact is that carpet and tile are actually the same temperatures. Neither one is colder than the other and the same is true for any type of flooring! Tile is simply a better conductor, robbing us faster from our body heat (through our bare feet) which gives us the impression that it is cold. In a house heated at 70F, any flooring will be 70F. So, while the complaint is not that carpet is cold, the room is cold, and a floor heating system can solve that under any flooring type.

Smart thermostats on the market like the 4iE have capabilities to heat within limits. Pre-set limits exist for tile, carpet, vinyl, and laminate. If you have a maximum floor heating temperature specified by your flooring manufacturer, this setting can be customized inside a Warmup controller.

5. Underfloor heating is only for new homes

There are two main hypes of underfloor heating: hydronic and electric. It is true that hydronic underfloor heating is better suited for new builds but electric underfloor heating is great for new builds or renovation projects where the flooring is being replaced. Thinking, “No way! It will raise the floor height!”? Please, keep reading.

6. Heating your floors raises the floor height

As floor heaters are installed directly beneath your floor finish, there may be some impact to floor heights but in many cases, this floor build-up will be 3/8” or less, as the heater can be installed directly within a layer of tile adhesive or fitted directly into the subfloor itself. If you’re adding floor heating as part of a renovation project, consider installing one of Warmup’s low-profile electric systems like the StickyMat

7. Underfloor heating is likely to fail and cause major damage

While not all systems are created equally, there are options on the market that offer maintenance-free convenience and lifetime warranties. The key to securing that lifetime warranty (and never having to use it) is simply following the instructions! The rare cable failures we see are often installation errors or jobsite product damage. The top 3 installation errors we see are easy to avoid. They are:

Failure to test the cable before, during, and after installation (see our testing video)
Improper placement of the factory joint – either in the wall or not embedded under the floor in thinset/leveler (see our time-lapse installation video with tips)
System wired to the wrong voltage (see our wiring video)

8. In the event of underfloor heating cable failure, I have to rip up my entire floor

In the rare event that cable failure does occur, Warmup has free tool rental options available for locating a break before removing any flooring. By going about cable failure in this manner, it is possible for a break to be located and repaired with minimal flooring removed. With knowledge of the system under the floor provided and the right tools on-site, Warmup is happy to assist in pinpointing a system failure. Once located, you will want a qualified electrician to perform the repair. We do have videos to offer him/her support but if you’ve followed advise from #7, you can avoid this altogether!

9. I can not install underfloor heating on my own

Since many people believe “underfloor heating is likely to fail and cause major damage” they would never in a million years think of installing it in their home themselves. Think again! Some underfloor heating systems are DIY friendly. From tiny homes to 1,600 sf homes, we’ve seen Warmup customers tackle their own installations that have stood the test of time. Worried you’ll have questions along the way? We’re available 24/7 to support you.

Click here to Buy Warmup underfloor heating

TI-ProBoard Structural Composite Deck Panels

TI-ProBoard® Structural Composite Deck Panels

TI Board is the base of a unique system to form a solid tiled surface to new or existing floors.

Two of the hottest trends in the residential market continues to be outdoor living spaces and open concept curbless showers. Flooring Supply Shop offers a unique underlayment product that fits both applications perfectly. TI-ProBoard is one of the most versatile products offered by International Flooring Center, Inc. The TI-ProBoard is a structural composite board manufactured from pultruded fiberglass that installs directly to joists. TI-ProBoard is the only single component system on the market today for exterior tile installations.

Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, designing a deck or balcony has many challenges in specifying the correct materials to ensure a durable, safe and long-lasting installation. Rain, snow, salt-water and freeze-thaw are just a few of the environmental issues that must be addressed. TI-ProBoard addresses all of these issues and more. It’s unaffected by expansion/ contraction, freeze/thaw or other weather conditions. Each panel is 1′ x 8′ and is only 3/8″ thick.

Blur the Lines Between the Indoors and Out

If you’re looking to specify a sustainable, durable and low maintenance exterior tile deck solution look no further than TI-ProBoard. With its 3/8″ low-profile design, TI-ProBoard allows you to seamlessly carry your interior tile to the deck on residential or commercial projects.

TI-ProBoard is not used in conjunction with any other wood material, such as plywood or deck boards, as an underlayment. Simply install directly to the deck joists, up to 24″ o.c., ensuring panels run perpendicular to joists and that proper slope is achieved to shed water.

Once installed, simply screed an exterior rated mortar to the top of the dove-tailed ribs. If there’s living area underneath, Waterproofing membrane to be applied next. If not, you are ready-to-tile using latex modified thin set meeting ANSI 118.4 or above.

TI-ProBoard has been third party tested and achieved an Extra-Heavy Floor rating in the Robinson Floor Test, ASTM C627. TI-ProBoard also achieved a Commercial Floor rating in the 14′ Suspended Robinson Floor Test. It’s now recognized in the TCNA Handbook under Structural Ribbed Self-supporting Boards (SRSB).

It’s the only board of its kind available on the market and is backed with a 10-year Limited Warranty.

Shop: ti-proboard underlayment

Tips to Save Energy and Money on your Flooring

Every homeowner strives to make the most of available flooring solutions to save energy and money. As flooring is an important aspect of every home, selection of a suitable floor becomes a critical decision. The all-important decision of flooring should be suitably addressed after assessment of all the requirements and constraints so that the money is invested in the right flooring option.

Moreover, flooring issue needs to be addressed separately for different sections of the house. For home flooring, different sections include kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, bedroom, hallway and stairway. All the sections need different flooring solution due to the different applications these are put to. Kitchen being the busiest area of the house and vulnerable to food spills and stains need flooring that can be cleaned easily and can handle high foot traffic. Vinyl flooring, tile flooring and laminate flooring match all criteria of such a section and prove beneficial in the long run.

Bathroom is another section that needs special attention while laying a floor. The floor of the bathroom needs to be waterproof. Easy to wash and dry, along with being slip resistant are some of the other attributes that are necessary to ascertain safety of users. Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring are the most preferred option for bathroom flooring. Besides, affordable laminate and wood flooring with waterproofing also work for bathrooms.

Bathroom design Project

Living room being the center of the house is considered as the reflection of the entire home. One must consider all the factors, including preference and budget, while installing floor to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Hardwood flooring is one of the popular options which is available in variety of colors and patterns. Depending upon the preference, homeowners can choose among natural or engineered hardwood flooring option, which adds value to the home.

Dining room floor, identical to kitchen floor, is a heavy traffic area within the house. Being prone to food and drink spills, one has to choose flooring option carefully to counter the same. Wood, laminate and tile flooring options are often preferred by homeowners for dining rooms. Bedrooms can also be exquisitely decorated by hardwood flooring. Hallways and stairways are other areas that receive heavy foot traffic and are exposed to dirt and moisture. Thus, durable flooring options like ceramic tiles are preferred for these areas.

Warmup Radiant Floor Heating

For saving energy, homeowners should opt for flooring solutions like wood during winters that keep the house warm. Additionally, homeowners can install Warmup Radiant Floor Heating to keep the house warm. Likewise, homeowners living in areas with hot climate must opt for flooring options that keep the house cool. This simple measure would ensure less dependency on the electrical appliances like AC or heater and thus, save energy as well as money.

Choosing the right flooring option, as per the preference and budget, not only will help enhance the appearance of the house but will also prove beneficial in saving money and energy. Thus, it is advisable for homeowners to do a proper research and if need be, seek professional guidance to select the right flooring option.

Special offers from Dr. Fred

One system revolutionizing the way surface restoration and maintenance is done!

To each of our valued customers,

Thank you and we have witnessed great and supportive acts from every different industry with the growing issue of COVID-19. We have been talking to many of you and we know that everyone is affected.

As a result of this many have lost jobs or they have been postponed, while some areas that have not been hit as hard are taking the opportunity of empty facilities to perform deep cleaning and restoration project. We want to help where we can and so does everyone at this time. See below for generous offer from Dr. Fred Hueston!

Many of you reading this know, or know of, Dr. Fred Hueston. He is a very respected member of the industry and has generously offered his correspondence course at 50% off!!

If you are not familiar with Dr. Fred and his professional experience, Click here to read Fred’s CV.

As you know we have always promoted training and education. Knowledge, know more than ever, is power! Until the Corona virus crisis has passed many of you will be unable to work your regular jobs and schedules. Take advantage of this time to get that education you have been putting off.

****Coming soon…. Many of you have asked us for a correspondence option and we are working hard to provide you with one during this time! We will keep you posted when this becomes available****

Special offers from Dr. Fred:

“I have put together a number of self-guided voiced-over power point presentation that you can view and listen to. All classes listed below are completely downloadable and you only need to purchase one time. For more information or to order any of the classes below, please contact me at fhueston@gmail.comor give me a call at 321-514-6845.

Iknow times are tough and for this reason I am going to cut all the prices in half until this crisis is over. I will also be hosting some round table discussions to discuss various subjects in the stone and tile business. If you have an idea, please contact me and let me know what you would like to learn. Fred Hueston

Stone Forensics Correspondence Classes

The following are the current classes available:

Stone and Tile Inspection and Troubleshooting – $1500 – now $750
Stone Restoration 101 $499.00 –now $249.50
Advanced Stone Restoration $499.00 – now $249.50
Historic Stone Restoration $599.00 – now $299.50
Stain Removal for Stone and Masonry $299.00 –now $149.50
Sell More Stone- For distributors etc who sell stone and tile $299.00 – now $149.50
Designing a Sustainable Stone Terrazzo Rest. Procedure-$299.00 –now $149.50
Engineered Stone Repair Restoration $299.00 –now $149.50
How to Turn Your Profession, Skill or Trade into a Major Cash Machine
By becoming an Expert Witness $299.00 – now $149.50

We are grateful to have you all as partners during these challenging times! Thank you for your patience and loyalty, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with the amazing products and service you’ve come to trust from us.

We have full inventory and are practicing safe operations and can supply you with any Monkey Pads or Cheetah Pads at www.flooringsupplyshop.com that you may need as well as our incredible tech support.

Stay safe and healthy!! We will all get through these challenging times!!

With Regards,

The Innovative Surface Solutions Team

1-800-280-0333 or email us at customerservice@innovativesurfacesolutions.com.

Cheetah Pads — The professional and Eco Friendly Solution

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5 easy tips to de-clutter your home

You’ve just moved into your new home and everything’s looking great, except the mounds of stuff you thought you’d have room for, now beginning to pile up in your closet. Where do you put it all? Here are our 5 easy tips for de-cluttering your home.

Schedule a de-cluttering weekend

Working all day leaves little time or motivation to start tidying the house. So to avoid putting this annoying task off a minute longer, schedule a date in your diary. And if you can, get family and friends involved too. The more hands, the easier the work.

Organize first, buy second

The worst thing you can do is to go out and buy a ton of storage boxes before deciding what’s staying and what you are throwing out. Once everything has been sorted through, buy a few containers, and if that’s not enough, you can buy more. Otherwise, those empty containers will take up the space you wanted to make in the first place.

Give away one item each day

It’s always hard throwing out things you have become accustomed to over the years, but giving away things gradually, whether it be to family, friends, or thrift stores, makes the process that much easier.

Fill one trash bag

If you want a tidy, spacious home, you’re going to have to be ruthless. The easiest method is to grab a large trash bag and see how quickly you can fill it. It’s a great de-cluttering trick and the best place to start.

Three-year rule

Sure, those old roller skates may come in handy for the future, but when is the last time you picked them up and dusted them off? A good rule for de-cluttering your home is: ‘If you haven’t used it in three years, chuck it’. Whether it’s clothing, kitchen gadgetry, gardening tools. If you’re not using it regularly, it isn’t worthy of your space.