Electric radiant floor warming uses a thin mesh mat with a heating element woven throughout to heat open floor areas. Rooms such as baths and kitchens are popular places to have extra warmth, but dont let the memory slip the foyer, mudroom, laundry room - or anywhere your pet lies down!

Using radiant heat, the heat stored in the floor is similar to the heat provided by a radiator. The heated floor radiates heat to the many people , pets, and objects in the room. The flooring surface is maintained at a comfortable, yet higher temperature than the ambient temperature of the floor before the heat was turned on. Since the heat is conducted and radiated from floor level up, it helps to provide a warm and relaxed environment for the occupants of the room, unlike forced air, which tends to concentrate most of the warm air near ceiling level. It provides even, uniform heat throughout the room, without the visibility of heaters or losing floor space to heating units.

Radiant floor warming has no moving parts, so there is nothing to break or wear down. It operates silently, allowing Rover to continue his sweet dreams of digging for bones and chasing the neighborhood cats.

Renovations as well as new construction can benefit from electric radiant heating. Unlike a hydronic system that needs a boiler to heat the water and flexible piping throughout the heated area, electric radiant heating could be done in small open areas with "spot heating" mats designed just for that area. Consideration of permanent fixtures and furniture plays an important role since electric radiant heat is not recommended under these areas. The heat needs to dissipate and if there is a fixture flush with the floor, the heat has nowhere to escape.

For installation, the subfloor should be clear of debris and sharp edges or objects that might damage the element. Loose boards should be repaired and all gaps filled in to assure the mat will be installed over a smooth and even surface. John OBrien, Director of Sales and Marketing for Radiant Floor Warming, a business providing electric radiant systems, says, " Our mat is only 1/8" thick - ideal for ceramic tile and stone since it will not add to the finished floor height. Our material is fully covered by the thinset or underlayment used in the tile installation." The ceramic tile or stone is then installed according the manufacturers and industry standards.