Appendix 1: types of construction and applications – Infloor Standard Electric Cable User Manual
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Infloor Installation Manual
Appendix 1: Types of Construction and Applications
Type of Construction
Mortar Applications:
Thin-set and thick-set (self-leveling) mortar applications are
illustrated to the right.
a. If a backer board or plywood sheeting is used to strength-
en the floor, or if the wire will be placed directly onto the
slab, install wire in the thin-set mortar bond coat above
these materials.
b. If a thicker mortar bed, or self-leveling concrete, is used to
strengthen the floor, the heating wire can be installed in
either the mortar bed (dry-set) or in the mortar bond coat
directly below the tile or stone.
Heating wire is generally installed above the self-leveling
mortar in a thin-set bond coat. Use plastic lath instead of the
typical metal lath when installing in a self-leveling layer.
Self-leveling Mortar Applications:
These are appropriate applications if installing engineered
wood, vinyl, laminate, or carpet floor coverings. Attach the
heating wire to the subfloor or slab, then pour self-leveling
mortar 1/4" to 1/2" thick according to manufacturer’s specifi-
cations. Install floor covering after the mortar has cured.
Special Precautions
Iso lation Membrane: Install the heating wire above the
membrane, whenever possible, unless recommended oth-
erwise by the membrane manufacturer.
Ins ulation: Insulation dramatically enhances the perfor-
mance and efficiency of floor-warming systems. Do not
install rigid insulation directly above or below backer
board or mortar.
Mo saic Tile: When installing mosaic tile, it is recommended
to apply a two-step process. First, embed the heating wire
in a thin self-level mortar bed (1/4”–3/8”), then thin-set
the mosaic tile according to typical practice.
Ex pansion Joints: Do not install heating wire through an
expansion joint. Install heating wire right up to the joint, if
necessary, but not through the joint.
CAUTION: Never bang a trowel on the Heating Wire
to remove excess mortar from the trowel. This could
damage the heating wire.