Measuring for heated floors is an important step in your floor heating buying process. Floor heating systems CANNOT be cut or shortened, so it is important to correctly calculate your heated area before choosing your size. Calculating the correct heater size before ordering saves the hassle of returns and project delays, making for a headache free installation.
ProLux Materials offers a comprehensive range of LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems including Mats & Cables, in multiple sizes to ensure you can find just the system you need.
This guide gives an overview of how to measure your heated area and properly plan for your LuxHeat Floor Heating installation. However, if you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us or reach out to our Design Service team for a free floor heating layout plan.
1. Evaluate Your Area
Begin by reviewing the area you intend to heat. Consider where you will be installing floor heating and where you will not - will you install it across your whole area or just certain sections of floor? In a bathroom, perhaps you want install heating in your shower? Think about this before you begin measuring.
2. Account for Obstacles and Fixtures:
Take note of any permanent fixtures or mark out where they will be installed. Note any cabinets, toilets, vanities, and other permanent or heavy objects and exclude these from your calculations. Floor heating should not be installed under any fixtures unless there is an air gap of 4 inches or more underneath. Also account for any obstacles such as H-Vac registers, projecting walls, or odd-shapes areas.
3. Account for Perimeter Setbacks:
Radiant floor heating should not be installed right up to the edges of walls or fixtures, or too near to any toilets or any vents or other sources of heat. Allow for the following perimeter setbacks when measuring your heated area:
- 3” from any walls or fixtures
- 4” from any combustible surfaces
- 6” from the center of a toilet drain
- 8” from H-Vac vents or other sources of heat.
4. Measure Your Area:
Keeping in mind the fixtures and the perimeter setbacks you’ve marked. Measure your remaining area to get an accurate evaluation of the heater size you’ll need. If the room has an irregular shape, divide it into smaller sections to measure each one separately. Then add these measurements together to get the total square footage.
5. Select Floor Heater Size:
Now that you have accurately calculated your heated area, you can select the correct size LuxHeat heating system to ensure a hassle-free installation. Choose the closest size down from your heated area size, as the heating system cannot be cut or shortened. For generally rectangular or square shaped rooms, choose a LuxHeat Mat System. For odd-shaped or irregular rooms with lots of obstacles, a LuxHeat Cable System will give you greater design flexibility without having to sacrifice on coverage.
6. Conclusion
By following these steps, you can accurately measure for radiant floor heating and ensure a stress-free installation with the reward of comfortable, efficient warmth for your space.
Any questions? Feel free to contact us for assistance at sales@proluxmaterials.com, or fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.