How it works?

Systems: DEVImat in tile adhesive, In-Screed, In-Slab, Under Timber

Depending on the application and personal preference of the homeowner, either of these systems can be installed using loose cables or mats. There are generally three different systems that can suit particular design requirements:

Electric Heating Cables in TILE ADHESIVE

• Under tile heating consists of a thin heating cable pre-laid on a self-adhesive fibreglass mesh. It sits in the glue or levelling screed which then becomes heated and warms the floor covering.  Cables can be placed in a tile adhesive of at least 5 – 15 mm depending on the design requirements of the room and the personal preference of the homeowner.  An ideal option for retrofit and new construction projects, this “on-demand” system is quick to respond to a change in the thermostatic reading. Located immediately under the heated surface, it tends to be the fastest floor heating system on the market.  One thing to keep in mind with this particular system is that installation costs can be a bit on the high side, but running costs have the potential to be quite low.

Electric Heating Cables in SCREED BED

• Screed heating consists of heating cables fixed on top of the floor structure using a light steel mesh or fixing strips. The cables are embedded in a sand/cement bed which then becomes heated and warms the floor covering. In screed heating is considered to be a ‘direct’ acting system although it does have some storage. This system is the best option for rooms that have some flexibility in the height of the floor.  Typically embedded in 20-30 mm of screed, usually at the time of construction, these systems can raise the floor of an existing room by 30 mm in addition to the floor tile. The benefit to this system lies in its ability to hold the heat for a much longer period of time when compared with an adhesive system.  Generally speaking, these systems take up to 1.5 hrs. to heat up and will give off heat for the same period of time once the system has been turned off. This system works well for areas that are irregularly shaped and installation is recommended by a trained professional.

Electric Heating Cables in CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB (“storage system”)

• In slab heating consists of heating cable that is typically fixed to the top layer of the slab reinforcement, prior to the slab being poured. The heating cables heat up the slab, in turn warming the floor covering above. Cables are laid on the top mesh in about 30-40 mm of concrete and run during off-peak hours to cut energy costs and maximize the efficiency of the system. During peak hours, the system runs on the stored energy accumulated during off-peak hours. This system is usually used in new construction before the slab is laid.

Electric Heating Cables WITH INSULATION FOR UNDER FLOATING TIMBER FLOORS

• This system consists of heating cables that are fixed to an insulated panel that is specifically designed to spread the cable out at 100 mm centres. Recommended for use under manufactured floating timber floors, the panel’s polystyrene insulation ensures that any heat loss downwards is minimized and its aluminium surface ensures a uniform distribution of heat transfer to the timber floor.

* We highly recommend the use of MARMOX insulation beneath the heating element. This is to improve warm up times and reduce running cost.