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Installations
Can I do it myself?
No, but we can supply the necessary materials to electricians who have installation experience.
When using in-slab heating is extra slab thickness required?
No, DEVI in-slab heating does not require any structural modifications, e.g. if 100 mm is specified, it will be quite sufficient. The cables are attached to the top mesh (usually L72 or L82, previously F72 or F82) just prior to the pouring of the concrete.
What is the minimum screed bed thickness required?
A 20-25mm screed bed is common, although a cable system for a 10-15mm bed can be designed if requested - please discuss with your Builder or Tiler.
Can Floor Heating be installed into a thin adhesive bed?
Yes, it is now possible using the 'SuperThin' devimat™. devimat™ Heating can be installed on top of most existing floor surfaces, including concrete, timber, F/C Sheet and existing tiles.
Can a suspended slab be heated?
Yes, they can, however the exposed underside of the slab MUST be insulated to minimise downward losses. Styrofoam or polystyrene are often used.
What level of home insulation is recommended?
A minimum of 'R1.5' for walls and 'R2.5' for ceiling insulation should always be installed. We recommend that you follow the minimum recommendations of your Local Authority. We also recommend the use of perimeter and under floor insulation for the slab itself, particularly in cold areas.
Can 'any' floor coverings be used over floor heating?
With the exception of some "Hand Loomed" carpets or Soft Bituminous backed carpet, problems are relatively unknown. Coverings commonly used include: carpets, tiles of all types, cork, vinyl, slate, brick and parquetry. Problems can occur with parquetry or cork if the floor has not dried sufficiently. Pre-drying is recommended when these coverings are to be laid. This involves running the heating system at a moderately low temperature for a couple of weeks, turning it off to allow the floor to cool, before laying the covering. All adhesives used must be suitable for use at 40°C - most good adhesives are! If in doubt, please consult the flooring manufacturer or DEVI Comfort Heat.
Does the heating cause structural damage, such as cracking of the slab or tiles?
No, because the floor heating does not cause the concrete to become too hot. In fact it will not become as hot as your footpath will become on a sunny day. Cracking may occur if the heating is used to cure the concrete quickly. We recommend that the heating should not be activated for at least two months after pouring the slab or one month after tiles are installed into a sand/cement topping. If in doubt, please consult the flooring manufacturer or DEVI Comfort Heat.
How long will the floor take to warm up?
Each installation will vary, but the average warm-up times are:
- In Slab: 1-2 days for initial warm up using the Off-Peak II Tariff . The system should be turned on at the beginning of winter and left on until late spring. Thermostats will control the temperature that you have chosen. In Screed / Adhesive Bed: 1 day for initial warm up using the Off-Peak II Tariff . The system should be turned on at the beginning of winter and left on until late spring. Thermostats will control the temperature that you have chosen.
- In Bathrooms (in tile bed): On average 45-60 minutes each operation using demand tariff. Most people run their bathroom heating for 2 - 3 hours in the morning and the evening, or as required.
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