Underfloor Heating Mat. Which One to Choose?
The heating mat is by far the most popular under-tile heating system. Among the advantages – the mats practically do not raise the floor level, their thickness is from 2.8 to 4 mm. and they are as easy to install as possible. Among the disadvantages is that it is more difficult to mount in rooms with a complex configuration, but this is not critical, since it is possible to partially separate the cable from the mesh and lay it along the desired trajectory while maintaining the laying step. Do not place objects on the heated surface that limit heat dissipation from the mat. Find out more about the varieties and pros and cons of heating mats in this article.
The power
The power of the heating mat per 1-meter ranges from 130 to 210 watts. Power 130 W – applies only when the tile thickness is less than 7 mm. For comfortable floor heating in dry, well-heated rooms with the same warm room underneath.
It is recommended to choose a power of 150-160 W for comfortable heating of any room in an apartment, including a bathroom, except for a balcony in winter.
How to calculate the mat area correctly?
When calculating the area, keep in mind: the heating mat should only work in open areas, the heat dissipation should not be limited to objects and furniture with a flat bottom, the furniture should be on legs with a gap of 2-3 centimetres. Measure areas without stationary furniture, and also subtract 10-15 cm from the walls and add up to the total area. If there is no suitable model in terms of area, round the selection down, because excess cable must not be cut or shortened.
Peculiarities of installation
The mat is mounted on a concrete base in the adhesive composition of the tiles or in a thin layer of self-levelling screed, while the thickness between the mat and the finishing surface of the floor should not exceed 3 centimetres. The mesh on which the cable is fixed is easily cut for laying the mat in any direction. To bypass complex shapes and protrusions of the room, the cable can be partially separated from the mesh and laid freely. A prerequisite is the continuous abutment of the cable to the solution in which it is installed. If you leave a void next to the cable, it will overheat and eventually fail. To control the heating mat, a regulator with a floor sensor is required.
Choose reputable brands that are well established. It is equally important to choose a responsible craftsman who understands the intricacies of installation – this is the key to the mat’s long work and the preservation of the guarantee. When choosing a mat, do not be afraid to make a reserve of power, it will definitely not be superfluous, and insulation and a thermostat will be responsible for the energy consumption. To find varieties of models just visit the B&Q website, everything is there.
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