The insulation under the slab
Without insulation under the slab, a good part of the heat goes down into the ground instead of up into the room.
It is the most irreversible of the three decisions, and the one people regret most often. Once the slab is poured, there is no going back.
The floor covering
Ceramic and stone conduct heat well. Engineered wood and vinyl have temperature limits to respect, set by their manufacturer.
The choice of covering has to be known before the cable goes down, because it affects the spacing and the output per square metre.
The circuit and the thermostat
Radiant floor heating needs its own circuit, protected and sized for the area to be heated.
The floor sensor goes in at the same time as the cable, in a conduit that allows it to be replaced without breaking the floor. It is an installation detail that avoids a full redo years later.
Master electrician, RBQ licence 5855-0849-01 and CMEQ member 17468. About ten years in the trade across Montreal’s Southwest and the South Shore.
Who does the work