I am going to tile our hallway, downstairs loo and kitchen with porcelain tiles and thinking that underfloor heating would be a nice addition also. The plan of those three, lends itself to a continuous run and is probably about 10 sq m in total size. though the long hallway, Im thinking only really the middle of the passage needs heating - and not really needing of up and down runs.
Just a couple of simple questions....
Firstly, the surface. The floor itself the tiles are to be laid on, is from the original building floor. Its not concrete - but a plasticy type tile that is often seen. Ive got no idea of its depth, but would say its probably about 2 or 3mm.
Does that sound likely to be ok for using underfloor heating with? I dont think the tiles mentioned are plastic (which would obvioulsy be likely to melt under an electronic element), but that about the best description I can think to describe them. I am unable to lay boards to insulate further. It would raise the level too high.
My second question is related to wiring and the sensor probe Ive seen mention in these kits. They talk about digging down to fit the probe, whilst the heating elements themselves, are just sticky taked into position, then tiled over. Im confused as to why you would dig down? Is that just because of its bulk - which would be much higher that the rest of the elements? Im assuming that to be the case - but dont like the idea of cracking the current plasticy flooring thats in situ.
Lastly, hardwiring. Obviously a thermostat is part of the equation and a spur to power it. Is this really a "must" for a qualified electician? It doesnt sound too difficult! Im supposing ignoring it and DIY, would mean a potential insurance problem?
Cheers