Prepare the Subfloor
Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level.
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Reach out for efficient, cost-saving, and luxury concrete floor heating.
With decades of hands-on experience, we've honed our craft to become leaders in the heated floor industry. Trust in our expertise to deliver solutions that truly stand the test of time.
For our heated floors, we carefully select and offer only the best products. With GWD you're investing in durability, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
We're committed to providing top-tier heated floor solutions at prices that are competitive and fair. No compromises, just the best value for our valued clients.
Our team of highly skilled installers ensures that your heated floor system is set up seamlessly, with precision and care. Experience excellence from the ground up with our expert installation crew.
Delving into the world of radiant underfloor heating, there are two primary contenders: electric and hydronic systems. Both come with their unique set of benefits and challenges, ranging from installation complexities to maintenance needs.
Electric Radiant Infloor Heating systems utilize electric resistance cables or mats to produce heat.The electric cables or mats are spread out and fixed across the floor, and once activated, they directly heat the floor surface above. Electric systems are inherently more reliable than hydronic systems as they have no mechanical or moving parts that could break down. The installation process is also much quicker and simpler, and there is no required maintenance.
Hydronic systems use a series of tubes laid beneath the floor into which warm water from a boiler circulates, producing radiant heat. They are typically more complex and expensive to install compared to electric systems and have a much higher likelihood of breaking down and need of repair. Hydronic systems also require regular maintenance unlike their electric counterparts.
Concrete floors, known for their durability and sleek aesthetics, are becoming an increasingly popular choice in modern interiors. Whether you’re eyeing a new pour or updating an existing surface, comprehending the costs involved, from material sourcing to finishes and sealing, is paramount.
| Concrete Flooring | $2-8/ft² |
|---|---|
| Plus | |
| System Cost | $14/ft² |
| Plus | |
| Installation Cost | $8-20/ft² |
| Plus | |
| Subflooring Replacement Costs | $3-10/ft² |
| Plus | |
| Underlayment Costs | $0.50-4.50/ft² |
| Total | |
| Low End Estimate | $27.50/ft² |
| Upper End Estimate | $56.50/ft² |
Same as New Build
Plus
Removal of Old Flooring = $1.50-3.50/ft²
Same as New Build
* Retrofitting entails placing the heating component between the floor joists from underneath the room. This method doesn’t necessitate changing the completed floor; however, it does demand access from an open ceiling below the room. If there’s an existing finished ceiling, like drywall or plaster, it will have to be taken down to access the joists.
Heated concrete floors require careful installation for optimal performance. Starting with subfloor preparation to the final system checks, here are the essential steps for a successful heated concrete floor setup.
Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level.
Decide on the layout and spacing.
Prevent heat loss and direct warmth upwards.
Follow the planned layout.
Ensure a safe electrical connection.
Adhering to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Re-test the system post-installation.
Yes, it is possible to add underfloor heating to concrete floors. Both electric and hydronic heating systems can be embedded within or laid on top of a concrete substrate. The concrete acts as a thermal mass, storing and radiating heat efficiently, making it well-suited for underfloor heating.
Yes, heated concrete floors offer consistent warmth, especially in colder climates, enhancing comfort and overall energy efficiency due to concrete’s high thermal mass.
The initial installation can be somewhat costly, especially for hydronic systems, but the operational cost can be lower compared to other heating methods due to the efficient heat retention of concrete.
With proper installation and controlled temperature changes radiant heating will pose no risk to a concrete floor.
Not necessarily. While embedding systems in existing concrete requires digging, there are also surface-mounted systems that can be laid on top and then covered with a thin layer of screed or another flooring material. However, for new constructions, it’s easier to integrate the heating system before pouring the concrete slab.
The only other additional cost you are likely to encounter when installing radiant heated floor systems is for floor insulation. This can be required for retrofits, remodels or new build projects but only in certain scenarios.
