Ella Walter
There are various options available for installing electric radiant heat under or over a shower pan. Some sources suggest that it is possible to heat the shower floor using a dedicated heating cable and ensuring the shower area has completed the required waterproofing steps. However, others recommend installing the heating elements under the shower pan or tub. Some companies, such as WarmlyYours, design shower pans that work with heated shower floors, while others like Tile Redi do not recommend using their polyurethane shower pans with heated floors. Ultimately, it is important to consult with professionals and manufacturers to determine the best course of action for your specific project.
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What You'll Learn
Heating cables and mats
- TempZone™ Shower Mat: This mat is designed to cover traditional shower floors and can be installed under tile and stone surfaces. It measures 32" x 32" and generates 15 watts per sq. ft., providing 7.1 sq. ft. of heating coverage. It is UL Listed and backed by a 25-year warranty.
- SunTouch Floor Warming Mat: This mat can be installed over a foam Schluter shower pan and is designed for use under ceramic, porcelain tile, or stone flooring. It measures 36" x 60" and covers 15 sq. ft. It is important to note that the pan must be able to handle 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- WarmTiles SAM Self-Adhesive Electric Floor Warming Mat: This mat can be installed under tile, wood, stone, and concrete flooring.
- NUHEAT Electric Shower Mat: This mat measures 32" x 32" and has a 5" center drain cutout. It can be used with mortar bed and pre-built shower bases.
When installing heating cables and mats, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a licensed electrician for the final thermostat hook-up. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the shower pan can handle the heat generated by the heating system, typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Radiant heat under the shower pan
It is possible to install electric radiant heat under a shower pan. However, it is important to note that the shower pan must be made of a suitable material, such as copper, and the heating elements must be installed correctly to avoid any damage.
One method of installation is to use a product such as Quik Trak, which can be placed under the pan without affecting its integrity. The radiant heat can then be installed under the pan in a gypcrete pour or using Quik Trak before building the shower seat. This ensures that the heat is distributed evenly across the shower pan.
Another method is to install a dedicated heating cable inside the shower area, separate from the bathroom floor cable. The heating cable must be secured with a hot glue gun and thin-set mortar, and the Schluter-KERDI waterproofing membrane must be installed over the heating system. It is important to note that the floor temperature sensor should not be placed inside the shower area to prevent premature turning off of the bathroom floor warming cable.
Some professionals also suggest pitching the floor under the pan using cedar shims and newspapers before installing the heating elements. A skim coat of thin-set mortar should be applied first and allowed to dry before installing the pan to ensure a smooth surface.
It is important to consult with professionals and follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing electric radiant heat under a shower pan to ensure safety and avoid any potential issues.
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Compatibility with polyurethane shower pans
While polyurethane shower pans are available, they may not be the best option for use with radiant heat. Tile Redi, a manufacturer of polyurethane shower pans, states that using their products with heated floors will void the warranty. However, they acknowledge that some of their customers successfully use their polyurethane shower pans with heated floors, although the installation method is unknown.
To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to isolate the polyurethane shower pan from the heating elements. This can be achieved by applying a skim coat of thin set over the shower pan, letting it dry, and then installing the heating elements. This additional step helps to ensure that the polyurethane shower pan is not in direct contact with the heating components.
When considering the use of electric radiant heat with a shower pan, it is essential to prioritize safety and effectiveness. While electric radiant floor heat is safe to install in shower areas, the temperature of the shower water may override the floor temperature, potentially reducing the benefits of the heating system.
There are alternative options available for shower pans that are compatible with radiant heat. For example, WarmlyYours offers shower pans specifically designed to work with heated shower floors. Additionally, copper pans are commonly used in shower installations and can accommodate radiant heat. Other materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, composite plastic, and molded stone are also viable options for shower pans, each presenting its own advantages and considerations.
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Warming systems for shower floors
Electric floor warming systems can be installed in shower floors, but it is important to verify that they are approved by the local building code official or authority. These systems are relatively straightforward to install, often involving a glue-and-taping process, and can be a great DIY project for those who are comfortable with wiring. However, it is recommended to consult a qualified electrician if you have any doubts about the process.
Radiant heating is another option for warming shower floors. This can involve installing tubes below or above the shower pan or using a product like Nuheat Shower Mats, which are specifically designed for use in showers. It is important to note that some shower pan manufacturers, like Tile Redi, do not recommend using their products with heated floors as it may void the warranty. Other manufacturers, like Wedi, allow for the use of electric floor warming systems and can provide guidance on the necessary components.
When installing a warming system for a shower floor, it is important to consider the floor temperature sensor placement. It is recommended to install the sensor outside the shower area, on the bathroom floor, to prevent the thermostat from turning off the warming system prematurely when the shower is in use. Additionally, maintaining a consistent temperature for the warming system can help prevent grout failure and water leaks caused by frequent heating and cooling.
Overall, warming systems for shower floors can be a great way to add comfort and value to your home, but it is important to carefully consider the specific products and installation methods to ensure safety and compatibility.
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Radiant heat over the shower pan
It is possible to install electric radiant heat over a shower pan. However, it is important to note that there are some considerations to be made before doing so. Firstly, it is recommended to consult the shower pan manufacturer to determine if their product is compatible with a floor heating system and to follow their specific instructions for installation. For example, Tile Redi shower floor pans are made of polyurethane composite, and while customers have successfully used them with heated floors, Tile Redi's warranty is voided if the pan is used with a heated floor.
Secondly, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary waterproofing steps are completed before installing the heating system. This includes installing a waterproofing membrane, such as the Schluter-KERDI membrane, over the shower base. It is also important to note that the floor temperature sensor should not be installed inside the shower area but on the bathroom floor to prevent premature turning off of the warming cable.
Additionally, there are different methods for installing the heating system. Some recommend installing a radiant slab, then the pan, and finally the tile. Others suggest using a product like Quik Trak or installing tubes below or over the pan. It is also important to consider the type of shower pan; while copper pans are less common, they can be used with radiant heat. However, one source mentions that installing radiant heat under the shower pan may not be effective as there will be little heat transfer, and it could complicate the drainage system.
Overall, while it is possible to install electric radiant heat over a shower pan, it is important to carefully consider the specific products and installation methods used to ensure compatibility, safety, and effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to install electric radiant heat in your shower. However, it is important to complete all necessary waterproofing steps and ensure that the floor temperature sensor is not installed inside the shower area.
First, you must install a curb and then a waterproofing membrane over the shower base. Next, you must install a dedicated heating cable inside the shower area and ensure that it is secured with a hot glue gun. Finally, complete any other necessary waterproofing steps.
Yes, there are other shower pans that are compatible with electric radiant heat. For example, WarmlyYours and Wedi shower pans are designed to work with heated shower floors. Tile Redi shower pans are also used by customers with heated floors, although this voids the warranty.
