Comments on: What is Radiant Floor Heating?

By: Gregory Willard

Gregory Willard — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:35:39 +0000

It’s starting to get colder where I live, and I can really tell in the mornings. It’s interesting that electrical radiant heating is controlled by its own thermostat that can be set just to heat the floor. I would love to be able to walk into my bathroom in the morning and not freeze because of the floors.

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 20:32:49 +0000

In reply to Julia. Hi Julia, Thank you for getting in touch! We never suggest installing tile over anything except a concrete or plywood subfloor. You can end up with issues like the thin set not adhering properly or the height of your floor being too tall for all the doorways and cabinets in the home. You also wouldn't feel the radiant heat through that many layers of tile. If possible, I would suggest removing the existing tile.

By: Julia

Julia — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 04:42:35 +0000

I am buying a home that already has hydronic radiant floors, to heat the home – But the ceramic tiles they used to put them in originally are very outdated from 15-20 years ago, and I would like to renovate everything to update the floors. Can I layer another tile flooring over top of the existing radiant heated tile floors, rather than tearing them out and replacing everything? They are in good condition and not broken – They are just really ugly, and I would like to cover them up and make the space more modern. Thanks.

By: Nash Rich

Nash Rich — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 23:33:12 +0000

It gets pretty cold in the winter where I’m at. I would love to have this for those cold chilly mornings. I think it would make it easier to get up too. I also think it would be nice to have for your driveway so you don’t have to shovel it! I didn’t know there were multiple ways to do it, but I think I would go for the hydronic way. Thanks for the info.

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:41:40 +0000

In reply to John Lucia.

Hi John,
I’m assuming that you’re asking about radiant heating? Most vinyl can be used with heating – as long as it’s Water Heat. There’s really not a specific type of Vinyl that works better than another.
If you have a look on our website, on the product page, under “Specifications”, it does indicate whether or not that product is Radiant Heat compatible.
I hope this answers your question- let us know if you have any other questions at all.

By: John Lucia

John Lucia — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 02:01:13 +0000

What’s the best Vinyl Flooring to use for heating

By: Pete

Pete — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 23:46:17 +0000

We have radiant floor heating and after 25 or so years the tiles are cracked and chipped. What would be another choice to replace the existing tile? Or maybe an up to date tyle?

By: Richard Murphy

Richard Murphy — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:47:01 +0000

Have you ever had a problem with VOC’s offgassing from a too hot older electrical floor radiant heating system installed on top of plywood? My client has a addition a rear of house, monolithic concrete slab foundation with plywood on top then an older electrical radiant floor heating wire and then slate tiles on top.The tiles are loose in some areas. Strange smell as I enter the room, mould has been ruled out.Client feels the house may be making her sick. I instructed her to shut off heat and am looking for A company to do A VOC complete inspection. Any Thoughts on this?

By: Sue

Sue — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:12:59 +0000

Can Bamboo flooring be laid over a hydronic radient floor?

By: Joan Svard

Joan Svard — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 02:49:06 +0000

We are experiencing a foul odor coming from our basement (open with two glass sliders & lots of windows). We have a pad and carpeting over the concrete floor with Hydro system. The smell is like cigarettes (none of us smoke) and has been getting stronger in the last 6 months. The house was built and carpeted about 8 years ago. We don’t know for a fact that the flooring is the issue but it is a place to start. The carpet is off white and still looks like new. We are not dirty people. Please help. Joan