SLC & Radiant Heat Flooring by Todd Groettum

TFP Admin · July 30, 2007, 12:20 AM

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Scott Tullis had a good idea. I copied Camille's original post and moved all the replies to the Consumer/DIY forum, Our SLC & Radiant Heat Flooring Project. Please save this topic for replies concerning the article and begin a new topic or reply to an existing one where appropriate.

Thanks,

T

Jerry Spielbusch · February 20, 2009, 08:39 PM

Tileguytodd said

Well, I'm not that Shy..........so heres a Picture...............And I dont quite have so much time on my hands I dont know what to do with myself............But I do spend some time giving back to the Trade that has been good to me........Other than that, Yep I wrote that mess

Todd,
Your article is by far the best on the "net".

I've got a short list of related questions.

1. The way I read your article, you are putting on two coats of primer - one on the bare wood before you put down the heating element, and then again just before you pour the SLC.

2. Regarding the possible need to fill low spots after the SLC dries, what is a suitable compound to use.

3. Regarding the expansion spaces, how do I treat the edge of a tub. The whole room is only 30sq. ft. so there won't be a huge area involved. Getting a watertight seal along the tub is a bit of a worry.

FYI, I plan to use Ditra over the SLC.

Thanks for your assistance

rusty baker · February 20, 2009, 08:50 PM

TileguyTodd hasn't posted since Dec, 2007.

cproader · February 20, 2009, 09:14 PM

rusty baker said

TileguyTodd hasn't posted since Dec, 2007.

...

welcome Jerry...

TFP Admin · February 20, 2009, 09:22 PM

rusty baker said

TileguyTodd hasn't posted since Dec, 2007.

That's okay, he might have subscribed to this topic and come to reply when he is notified. But in any case, we have plenty of professionals here that can help with these questions.

Jim

Jerry Spielbusch · February 20, 2009, 10:02 PM

rusty baker said

TileguyTodd hasn't posted since Dec, 2007.

Might someone else be able to help? My tile experience is, at this point limited to a tub surround, which went well. A floor with heat is all new to me.

Thanks to whoever might be able to assist.

Jerry S.

stullis · February 21, 2009, 04:24 PM

Jerry Spielbusch said

1. The way I read your article, you are putting on two coats of primer - one on the bare wood before you put down the heating element, and then again just before you pour the SLC.

2. Regarding the possible need to fill low spots after the SLC dries, what is a suitable compound to use.

3. Regarding the expansion spaces, how do I treat the edge of a tub. The whole room is only 30sq. ft. so there won't be a huge area involved. Getting a watertight seal along the tub is a bit of a worry.

FYI, I plan to use Ditra over the SLC.

Thanks for your assistance

1. You read his article correctly and that is the way he does his. Standard procedure is to double prime wood subfloors. I do mine a little different. I get the area completely ready and then double prime the floor and THEN install the lath. Just work cleanly while putting the lath down. The problem with applying primer after the lath is down is the drying time needed because of the puddling that occurs.

2. A quality cement based floor patch can be used to fill low areas. Ardex Feather Finish is one brand. Some will just use thinset. If you use enough SLC to fully embed the wires you shouldn't have to many low spots. Using enough allows the SLC to flow properly.

3. I wouldn't put any sill seal along the tub. Just caulk the floor to tub joint well so the SLC doesn't flow/leak under the tub. Leave a small joint along the tub with your tile and use a matching grout colored caulk between the tub and tile.

Ditra over the SLC is a good idea.

Jerry Spielbusch · February 21, 2009, 07:55 PM

Thanks for the info. This stuff is scary when you do it the first time!

Jerry S.

stullis said

1. You read his article correctly and that is the way he does his. Standard procedure is to double prime wood subfloors. I do mine a little different. I get the area completely ready and then double prime the floor and THEN install the lath. Just work cleanly while putting the lath down. The problem with applying primer after the lath is down is the drying time needed because of the puddling that occurs.

2. A quality cement based floor patch can be used to fill low areas. Ardex Feather Finish is one brand. Some will just use thinset. If you use enough SLC to fully embed the wires you shouldn't have to many low spots. Using enough allows the SLC to flow properly.

3. I wouldn't put any sill seal along the tub. Just caulk the floor to tub joint well so the SLC doesn't flow/leak under the tub. Leave a small joint along the tub with your tile and use a matching grout colored caulk between the tub and tile.

Ditra over the SLC is a good idea.

stullis · February 21, 2009, 09:36 PM

Jerry Spielbusch said

Thanks for the info. This stuff is scary when you do it the first time!

Jerry S.

That's why you hire a pro.

Jerry Spielbusch · February 21, 2009, 09:57 PM

That certainly is always the preferred option, but sadly, not the one that I can afford. I must do what I can figure out how to do myself, and use a pro when there is no other option. I would much rather be fishing than tiling any day!!!

Jerry S.

stullis · February 21, 2009, 10:02 PM

And if you have a failure? Especially since you are adding infloor heat the cost and complexity of the install increases.

You already more than doubled the cost with the infloor heat so $$ ain't that tight.

TFP Admin · February 21, 2009, 10:12 PM

I am sure none of us have a crystal ball that sees into the thought processes, let alone the pockets of our consumer members. We can guide them and encourage them to make good decisions, but we should stop short of badgering them. Ya think?

Kman · February 21, 2009, 10:19 PM

I've seen some DIY's that had better skills their first time than some "pros" out there. While SLC can be tricky, it's not impossible to wrangle the first time out. I would suggest that you have a helper to do your mixing if you have to mix more than one bag. A constant flow of SLC is what you're looking for.

Also, have all of your prep work done before you even open the bag. Check and double check. Once it's mixed you need to get it on the floor immediately, and you have only a few minutes to make sure it's in place before it starts to set up.

stullis · February 22, 2009, 08:24 AM

TFP Admin said

I am sure none of us have a crystal ball that sees into the thought processes, let alone the pockets of our consumer members. We can guide them and encourage them to make good decisions, but we should stop short of badgering them. Ya think?

Badgering??
They come here for help they can certainly stand some objective thinking instead of believing the marketing BS given out by the big box stores and the half-truths spouted by the manufacturers and DIY TV shows .

Anyone out there know of a "cheap" electric infloor heat system? I don't.
Is this Diyer capable of doing the electrical hook up? Probably not, he will be calling an electrician.
How about the needed equipment? By the time they buy or rent the tools how much in $$ did they stick into it?

Can they do a good job? Yes they can but most times they don't.

You add in the heat system and the SLC in this project, his risk factor and the economic consequence is pretty high to recommend a diyer attempt it.

But hey good luck I still think you would be better off hiring a pro or pick a different product.

Jerry Spielbusch · February 22, 2009, 08:44 PM

stullis said

Badgering??
They come here for help they can certainly stand some objective thinking instead of believing the marketing BS given out by the big box stores and the half-truths spouted by the manufacturers and DIY TV shows .

Anyone out there know of a "cheap" electric infloor heat system? I don't.
Is this Diyer capable of doing the electrical hook up? Probably not, he will be calling an electrician.
How about the needed equipment? By the time they buy or rent the tools how much in $$ did they stick into it?

Can they do a good job? Yes they can but most times they don't.

You add in the heat system and the SLC in this project, his risk factor and the economic consequence is pretty high to recommend a diyer attempt it.

But hey good luck I still think you would be better off hiring a pro or pick a different product.

Topic sponsored by:

Hey guys . . . thanks for your help, even though it appears to be somewhat reluctant. I too was a pro at what I did for a living, and was likewise always skeptical of someone thinking they could do professional work on their own the first time. I guess we'll just have to hope for a little luck and see how it comes out. I've done many projects myself, and all turned out good.
FYI . . . the electrical is already in and yes, I have all of the tools to do the job. Also, this is a very small bathroom, so that makes it a bit easier to tackle. I ask questions of anyone who has the patience to answer before I start anything new. In this case, with your help, I think I have enough information to proceed. I know the DIY group costs you money, but it is a simple fact that there are lots of us out there who simply must figure out how to get it done ourselves or live without it. That's the bottom line . . . it's not a choice, it's what is.