When deciding what type of system is best to heat tiled floors, we often get asked why we suggest ThermoSphere Ultimate over ThermoSphere Mesh and vice versa. In this electric heating blog article, we’ll walk you through the two key reasons why one is recommended over the other as well as:
This blog has read time of only 5 minutes. However, should you be short of time and need your Ultimate or Mesh questions answered, just contact one of the team who will be happy to help.
The heating and decoupling mat is designed to prevent cracking, lifting and delamination of tiled floors and it allows the tiled surface to move independently from the subfloor. The mat also reduces the risk of damage to a tiled floor caused by expansion and contraction. In addition, it provides a waterproofing layer which is ideal for wet room projects.
Unlike a mesh mat system, the heating cable (ThermoSphere Ultimate) is pressed in-between the studs of the membrane mat which also helps to protect it during installation. You can also choose two different outputs. A two-stud spacing for an output of 195W/m2 or a three-stud spacing for an output of 130W/m2.
Benefits of ThermoSphere Ultimate
A mesh mat system, like ThermoSphere Mesh, is made up of a heating cable which is attached to a mesh mat at regular intervals and is one of the most common electric heating systems in the market. These types of underfloor heating systems are available in different outputs. As an example, ThermoSphere Mesh is available with either a 100W/m2, 150W/m2 or 200W/m2 output. The higher the output of the system, the faster it will reach the desired temperature. Higher output systems are more commonly used for rooms that have a higher heat loss such as conservatories. Whereas lower output systems (100W/m2) are ideal for larger, well-insulated and commonly used rooms that require warmth for most of the day.
Benefits of ThermoSphere Mesh
Both systems do a top-notch job in heating tile or stone floors, but there are instances where we would recommend one over the other.
If you have a project that requires the electric underfloor heating to be installed on either an old screeded or timber subfloor which needs to be reinforced or there is a need for decoupling, we recommend the ThermoSphere Ultimate system. This not only reinforces the floor, the decoupling properties of the matting also neutralises lateral movement in tiled floors.
Another common type of project where we would recommend ThermoSphere Ultimate is for projects such as wet rooms or where there is a requirement for waterproofing. This is because the decoupling layer (Membrane Mat) provides a waterproofing layer. During installation, the tanking process will ensure the wet room remains watertight for the life of the tiles with the added benefit of Membrane Mat being totally waterproof too.
When an electric underfloor heating project doesn’t have a decoupling requirement and there is a particular budget that needs to met, then ThermoSphere Mesh would be ideal. It is cheaper per metre square compared to ThermoSphere Ultimate but equally effective at warming the space.
The following build-ups are the most common for tile floor finishes for both concrete and timber subfloors.
Both electric underfloor heating systems can easily be installed by an experienced DIYer but we always recommend that a qualified electrician makes the connection to the mains. It’s also important to have the right tools for the job. This includes the right meter to take the readings of the system before, during and after it is installed. Without these, the electric underfloor heating system won’t be able to be registered to receive its lifetime warranty,
Worry not. The following videos will guide you through the whole installation process for both systems.
If you have any questions about what’s been covered in this heating blog article, please contact us via the website or give one of the team a call on 0800 019 5899