Considerations
Product price is one element of a floor heating system but as the installer it is necessary for you to understand your specific site conditions and product needs. Give thought to the subfloor condition and skill set needed to do an installation.
Cable and Guide Systems
Guides are installed at the edges of the heated area. The heating cable is manually laid out in a serpentine pattern anchored by the guides. Generally, this installation model requires a lot of manual labour to: 1) install the guides and 2) to lace out the cable and 3) requires a good DIY skill level. Good for small heated areas, less so for large areas. A good choice when the project budget is very limited.
Custom Mats
The easiest, and thinnest x-section, of all systems to install. The mat is delivered in finished form ready for installation out of the box. Good for small and large heated areas. The mat is not field adjustable so it is important that the heated area dimensions are finalized prior to ordering.
Cable and Membrane Systems.
The membrane is applied to the floor in a layer of mortar. The heating cable is routed in channels within the membrane. Generally, this installation model requires a lot of manual labour to: 1) install the membrane and 2) to lace out the cable and 3) requires a good DIY skill level. Good for small and large heated areas. Typically used when there is concern of floor stability.
Heatlay only supplies membrane kits that have recognized 3rd party test certificates. The membrane in our best value kit will uncouple and be water and vapour proof just as well as the other listed brands. You can pay more for premium brand membrane kits but generally you are paying for peace of mind and not necessarily product value. The premium insulated membrane kit has an extra insulation layer added to the membrane to mitigate some of the concerns on very cold subfloors.
Delivery and Extras
Prices shown are for kits with programmable thermostats. Wifi programmable thermostats will add about $70 to the costs shown.
Delivery typically takes 3-5 days once an order has been placed.