b'Floor warmingFloor warming is expanding New technology in electric floor warming is seeing more energy efficien-cy cables and streamlined systems that eliminate bulky junction boxes. At the same time systems are getting easier to install, which removes some fear factor for installers not familiar with electrical systems. Todays floor warming membranes do double or triple duty in positioning cables, providing uncoupling, waterproofing or even insulation. Technology has even developed to extend floor warming into showers themselves, which not only adds comfort but helps dry the shower floor quickly and discour-age mold and microbe growth that can occur on lingering wet environ-ments. Smart thermostats allow connections with devices and services to program warmth from afar or allow the system to learn your lifestyle to better provide comfort. Electric floor warming is expanding even in non-traditional areas of the home, with some customers using electric floor warming for primary heat. Mark Pennine increasing in demand, allowing homeowners to control Technical Manager for the Tile Program attheirheatingsystemthroughanapprightfromtheir ARDEX Americas phone. Programmable models also allow setting multiple The advances for in-floor heating sys- time periods to turn the system on and off. tems are focused on popular societal trendssurroundingenergyefficiencyMark Albonettiand ease of installation for the installer.Installation and Technical SpecialistHeatingcablesarebecomingmoreMD Pro/PROVA Productsenergyefficient,safer,andhelptoTheuseofheatedtileandstone maketheinstallationeasier.Featuresflooring use will continue to increase. include allowing the installer to makeWhat has changed in the heated floors Mark Pennine longer runs before making a turn in thefor tile and stone lately is how the wire layout requiring less cable and reduc- orwiresystemwasinstalled.Inthe ing stress on the cable. Some heating cables additionallypast,youhadtoinstallthewiresby have the hot/cold wire connection contained within thethemselves or roll out a system where cable itself, which is important when using a click in heat- the wire was attached to a mesh mat. ing/uncouplingmembrane,eliminatingbulkyjunctionMark Albonetti The installer would then have to level boxes that need to be cut into the membrane.thebalanceoftheareanotheated The improvements in heating membrane designs arebeforebeginninginstallation.Thenewsystemsallow likewise focused on heating and energy efficiency, usingincorporationofthewireintothesubstrate,andthe lessenergyandwarmingthefloorfaster.Additionalinstaller is ready to tile.features like uncoupling and waterproofing help reduce installation time, and the design upgrades improve rollSean Gerolimatosmemory and prefilling for the installer. Director of Research and DevelopmentLastly,thermostatsarebecomingmorecomplexandSchluter Systems L.P.technologically advanced. Wi-Fi enabled thermostats areThe floor warming category is really driven by home-442020|TECH'