STEP Warmfloor™ radiant heat is approved for use with any floor covering including: natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, hardwood and laminates, resilient, and carpet.
STEP Warmfloor™ is a technologically advanced radiant heating system that features a flat self-regulating heating element made of a semi-conductive polyethylene. The radiant heating elements consistently distribute heat safely, evenly and efficiently and can be used for a wide variety of applications.
The flexible polymer heating element is so thin that it will not affect your floor buildup, weight loads, or flooring choices. STEP Warmfloor™ unique attributes make it an effective radiant heat choice for new construction, remodeling and retrofit applications.
* Special precautions need to be taken when in direct contact with adhesives and conductive material.
Heating under Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate
|
|
Plank style finished floors come in many shapes, sizes and colors. The luxuriant look and feel of these floor products combined with a STEP Warmfloor™ radiant heating system creates a finished floor installation that greatly enhances the comfort and value of your home. Step Warmfloor™ is an excellent system to be applied under wood. For a wood floor, it is very important to have a low and stable temperature on the whole floor surface. Because STEP Warmfloor™ is self-regulating, the material acts like a sensor over the whole floor area and therefore, can not overheat. Radiant heat should not be turned abruptly on and off, as this will subject the wood fibers to be repeatedly traumatized causing stress fractures, gaps and twisting. With STEP Warmfloor™ the heating level can be lowered to attain the ideal constant temperature by using a STEP Control™. Installation of STEP Warmfloor™ under wood is a breeze; simply cut the element to the appropriate length and make the electrical connections. Secure the elements to the subfloor (with approved adhesive, staples, or pegs) and cover according to trade practices. |
Heating under Tile and Stone
|
|
Tile and natural stone provides the coldest sensation out of any of the common finished floor materials. Own a luxurious warm floor by incorporating a radiant heating system under the tile that greatly enhances the comfort and value of your home. Step Warmfloor™ heating elements can be installed directly in the mortar underneath tiles and stone. Simply roll out the elements, cut them to the desired length on the job site, secure elements to the subfloor with staples or approved tape, and apply tiles or stone on top of the slotted elements. In wet areas, the heating elements have to be properly installed under a waterproof membrane to avoid risks of sneak current and/or short circuit. Although STEP Warmfloor™ is a low-voltage (24-Volt) system and cannot harm you, it is unpleasant to feel a tingling sensation on the floor.
|
Heating under Carpet
|
|
Out of all the commonly used finished floor materials, carpet provides the warmest sensation on the floor. Even though this is the case, many carpet installations can benefit from the use of a radiant floor warming system, especially if the floor is over an unheated space. Step Warmfloor™ heating elements can be installed directly underneath carpet with a carpet cushin above the elements. Simply roll out the elements, cut them to desired length at worksite and apply.
|
Thermal Insulation
For any floor warming or radiant heat system, the use of proper thermal insulation is required. Without the use of insulation, cold stripes on the finished floor surface may be evident even with a tight element spacing. As a minimum, you need to have more R-value below the elements than above.
