In-floor heating - stay warm from the ground up!

What's the worst part about getting out of bed on a frosty cold, winter morning? For many homeowners, it's the freezing cold tile floors in the bathroom! Getting up while it's still dark outside is hard enough. Wouldn't it be nice to at least set your tender tootsies down on a toasty warm floor? 

If you're planning a reno in your home - whether it's the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or basement - consider in-floor heating - also known as radiant heating - installed. It will not only keep your feet warm all winter long, but will also deliver heat to the room more efficiently. 

The two most popular types of radiant floor heating are electric and hydronic. The first requires the installation of electric wires beneath the floor. Because electric heating is costly, this method is best suited for small spaces i.e. bathrooms. The second type requires the installation of thin hot water tubes beneath the flooring. While this method is more expensive initially - the materials are costly and installation is more complicated - hydronic flooring is less expensive to operate over the long-term, meaning it is well-suited for larger rooms in your home, or as the sole source of heat for your house. Hydronic floor heating systems are also capable of cooling a space. 

In a new build or complete renovation, a hydronic in-floor heating system can replace the forced air heating system in a home. Here are a few of the pros of in-floor heating: 

1. It's invisible

2. It's energy efficient

3. Dust and allergens are not circulated through the home  (ideal for allergy sufferers) 

Tile or stone are the most common flooring materials used with in-floor heating because both act as an excellent conductor of heat. But you do have other options. If installed correctly with proper control of humidity, in-floor heating can safely be installed under hardwood or laminate floors. In-floor heating is not recommended for use under carpet.