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Are you tired of stepping onto cold, hard bathroom floors when you first wake up in the morning? Do you dream of a warm and cozy bathroom oasis that will make your daily routine more enjoyable? Look no further than underfloor heating!
In this article, we will explore the benefits of incorporating heating into your wet room floors and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to bring this luxurious upgrade into your home.
Say goodbye to chilly shower floors and hello to a spa-like experience every day!
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Can you put a Heated Floor in the Shower?
Yes, you can install a heated floor in your shower or wet room! In fact, incorporating underfloor heating into your shower area can provide a variety of benefits beyond just keeping your feet warm, especially in the cold months.
First, a heated shower floor can help to eliminate any lingering moisture, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, heated floors can speed up the drying process, preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
But the benefits don’t stop there. A heated shower floor can also create a more comfortable and luxurious showering experience, allowing you to indulge in a spa-like atmosphere right in the comfort of your own home.
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What to Consider before Installing Underfloor Heating in the Shower
The shower is a wet room within your bathroom, therefore, underfloor heating must be properly planned to ensure the system is safe and functional.
When planning to install a heated floor in your shower or wet room, there are several important considerations to keep in mind, including:
1. Choose a Heating System designed for Wet Areas
It’s important to ensure that the heating system you choose for your shower floors is compatible with your shower type. It should be specifically designed for wet areas.
There are underfloor heating systems as well as heated floor accessories you can use for your floors.
If you have a pre-formed shower base, it may not be suitable for underfloor heating. However, if you have a tiled shower area, you can easily incorporate underfloor heating.
Underfloor heating can clearly be installed under a variety of different flooring types, including ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone.
There are two main types of underfloor heating systems that can be used in the shower:
(a) Electric Underfloor Heating
Electric underfloor heating is a popular choice for shower areas because it can be easily installed under a variety of flooring types, including tiles, and provides quick and efficient heating.
This system typically involves installing a heating mat or cable directly under the tiles, which is connected to an electric thermostat.
When the thermostat detects a temperature drop, it will turn on the heating element and warm up the floor.
Electric underfloor heating is generally easy to install and can be controlled via a thermostat or thanks to technology, a mobile app.
(b) Hydronic Underfloor Heating
Hydronic underfloor heating uses hot water to warm up the floor and can be installed under a variety of flooring types, including tiles.
This system involves installing pipes or tubes in the shower area, which are connected to a boiler or heat pump. The hot water flows through the pipes and warms up the floor.
Hydronic underfloor heating is generally more expensive to install than electric underfloor heating, but it is more energy-efficient and can provide a more consistent level of warmth.
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(c) Heated Shower Mats
There are heated shower mats available that can be placed on the shower floor to provide warmth and comfort.
These mats typically have a non-slip surface and are made from waterproof materials to ensure safety and durability.
Heated shower mats are generally electric and plug into an outlet, with a thermostat control that allows you to adjust the temperature.
They are relatively easy to install and can be a cost-effective option for adding underfloor heating to your shower.
However, it’s important to note that heated shower mats may not provide as much warmth or coverage as an installed underfloor heating system.
They may also require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure that they remain in good condition.
If you’re considering a heated shower mat, it’s important to choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
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Depending on your needs and budget, work with a professional installer who can choose the right system and ensure that it is installed correctly and safely.
2. Consider your Type of Shower Flooring
It’s also important to consider the type of flooring you plan to use in your shower or wet room.
Heated floors work best with certain types of flooring, such as tile, stone, or concrete. These materials conduct heat well and won’t crack or warp when exposed to moisture.
3. Ensure the Heating System is Waterproof
One of the most important factors to consider before installing underfloor heating in your shower area is waterproofing.
Since water and electricity do not mix, it’s crucial to ensure that the system is properly waterproofed to prevent any risk of electrocution or damage to your home.
The heating elements should be installed on a waterproof substrate and a waterproof membrane should be applied over the top to ensure that the area is completely sealed.
We advise homeowners to employ the services of a licensed professional to ensure that the heated flooring system is installed correctly.
This includes proper waterproofing and sealing to prevent water from damaging the heating system and to prevent moisture buildup under the flooring.
Drawbacks of Heated Floors in the Shower
While heated floors in the shower offer many benefits as above, there are also some potential drawbacks that homeowners should be aware of:
(a) Cost
One potential drawback of installing a heated floor in your shower or wet room is the cost.
Depending on the size of your shower or wet room and the type of heating system you choose, the cost can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Particularly if you choose a hydronic system that requires a boiler or heat pump, underfloor heating in the shower can be more expensive than traditional heating systems.
The installation cost of underfloor heating is typically higher than the cost of installing a traditional heating system, which may be a factor to consider.
This is because underfloor heating requires specialized installation, including the installation of heating elements or pipes beneath the flooring, and additional components such as thermostats, temperature sensors, and controls that are required to regulate and monitor the system’s temperature.
This makes them more complicated and time-consuming than installing a traditional heating system such as a radiator.
(b) Installation
Installing underfloor heating in the shower can be a more complex process than in other areas of the home.
It requires careful consideration of waterproofing and drainage, and proper installation of heating elements and controls.
Also, the installation process may take longer than expected and could be more disruptive to your daily routine.
(c) Maintenance
While underfloor heating is generally a low-maintenance system, if there is an issue with the heating elements, it can be challenging to repair.
Depending on the severity of the issue, it may require removing the tiles and replacing the heating element, which can be time-consuming and costly.
(d) Energy Usage
While underfloor heating is an energy-efficient way to heat your shower, it can be more expensive to run than other heating systems.
This is particularly true for electric systems, which can be more costly to operate than hydronic systems.
Additionally, if the system is not properly insulated, it may require more energy to maintain the desired temperature.
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Overall, heated shower floors are a luxury feature in the bathroom and can provide several benefits that may make them worth considering.
So if you’re looking to upgrade your shower and enhance your daily routine, adding heated floors to your shower area could be the perfect solution.
Just be sure to choose a high-quality, waterproof heating system, select the right type of flooring, and hire a licensed professional to ensure proper installation.
Good thing, the installation of heated floors in your shower can potentially increase the resale value of a home, as it is a desirable feature for many home buyers.
More so, heated floors can also be a selling point for potential buyers, especially in areas with colder climates or where tiled floors are common.
Go ahead and get your bathroom remodeled already!
