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© 2015 Watts Water Technologies
Phase 4 - Floor Coverings / General Recommendations
Do not use solvent based adhesives or pre-mix mortars because they are not as heat
resistant and do not conduct heat well.
Please note, this installation manual is not a structural or a floor covering installation manual
and is intended only for general guidance as it applies to the TapeMat product.
It is recommended to consult with professional flooring installers to make sure proper
materials are used and proper installation techniques are followed.
Make sure nails, screws, or other fasteners do not penetrate the floor in the TapeMat area.
The wire can easily be damaged by fasteners penetrating the floor.
When installing tile or stone, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) guidelines, National Tile
Contractors Association (NTCA), or ANSI specifications should be followed as a minimum standard.
A polymer-modified thin-set cement-based mortar and grout is recommended instead of
water-based multi-purpose materials when installing a radiant product.
Select the proper size trowel for the installation of tile or stone. We recommend a minimum
3/8" x 1/4" trowel. This trowel works well for most ceramic tile. A thicker thin-set can be used
if required. Select the thin-set thickness in accordance with the floor covering requirements.
For additional information on tile installation, please contact TCNA at 864-646-8453 or visit
their web site at www.tileusa.com, or contact NTCA at 601-939-2071 or see their web site at
www.tile-assn.com
When installing floor coverings other than tile or stone, follow industry and/or manufacturer’s
recommendations. Ensure the mat is first covered with a layer of self-leveling cement based
mortar, letting it cure fully before applying any surface underlayment, floating wood or laminate
flooring, carpet, etc. The combined R-values of all floor coverings over the mat should not
exceed R-3. Higher R-values will diminish performance. Consult the floor covering manufacturer
to verify compatibility with radiant electric heat.
All floor coverings must be in direct contact with the cement-based mortar encasing the mat.
Do not elevate the floor above the mortar mass. Do not install 2" x 4" wooden nailers (sleepers)
on top of a slab for the purpose of attaching hardwood. Any air gap between the heating mat
and the finished floor covering will drastically reduce the overall output of the heated floor.
Care should be taken when laying area rugs, throw rugs, and other surface products on the
floor. Most products are okay to use, but if in doubt, consult the product manufacturer for
compatibility. Do not use rubber backed products that may degrade or very heavy rugs that
will trap heat. Be careful not to place a rug over the area where the sensor tip was placed,
causing false thermostat readings.
When placing furniture make sure an air clearance of at least 1-1/2" is available. Furniture able
to trap heat can damage the heating system, the flooring, and the furniture over time.
Use a digital multi-meter to measure the resistance between the conductors of the
power leads again. Record these resistances in Table 4 under “After floor coverings
are installed”.
