To apply self-leveling concrete before installing tile, simply mix the powder with the amount of water specified in the instructions, cover any holes in the floor such as vents or toilet rings, and pour the mixture over the subfloor until it is 1/4 in. to 3/8 in. thick. Once the concrete dries you may install the radiant floor heating products according to the installation manual.
If you are installing radiant floor heat under carpet, laminate, or engineered hardwood, pour self-leveling concrete over the mat or cable before gluing or floating the floor over it. If your project requires a primer, make sure it is the same brand as the self-leveling concrete.
Christian Roop says:
If you are installing the Radiant Floor Heat on a concrete floor with tile on top. Do you need a apply a self-leveling concrete first?
[email protected] says:
Hi Christian,
You want to make sure the heating elements are at the same depth under the tile across the entire room.
If you need to level the floor to achieve this then use a self leveling compound first.
That way you will know the once the tile is all installed, the system is the same depth all across the floor.
Janet Buzzard says:
How deep does the self leveling concrete need to be over the mat or cable before you can acid stain the concrete with Vivid acid wash concrete stain?
[email protected] says:
Janet,
If concrete will be the finished floor you would not use self-leveling mortar.
In this case, you would use the SlabHeat cables that go directly into the concrete pour.
You need a minimum of 3/4″ of concrete above the cable, but the cable should be no more than 1.5″-2″ below the finished surface.
Regarding the acid wash though, you should contact the manufacturer which is SunTouch, and get their input as to the appropriate depth so that the cable is not damaged.
You can contact SunTouch at 888-432-8932.
Thank you, Janet.