SunTouch TapeMat Installation Manual
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6. Make a 1” wide notch in the curb to embed the heating
wire. Ensure the wire is not pinched or bent sharply. Do
not run the heating wire through a non-masonry curb,
causing it to overheat.
7. Embed mats in mortar and install only under tile,
stone, brick, or other masonry surface, per this
instruction manual.
8. Never begin the mat in a shower. The connection
between the power lead and the heating wire must
be fully embedded in mortar and located at least
1' (304.8 mm) away from shower openings and other
areas normally exposed to water.
9. Mat controls must be located at least 4' away from
shower openings. Controls cannot be exposed to water
or touched by a person while in the shower area.
10. All grout seams should be sealed after the mortar and
grout has completely cured.
11. As an option, consider installing a dedicated mat in
the shower area, separate from the rest of the floor.
This will increase control options, allowing less floor to
be warmed when the shower is not required. It will
also allow for better isolation of the shower area in the
off-chance a problem occurs.
STEP 4.11
Take photographs of the mat installation. This can be very
useful later during remodel work to help avoid possible wire
damage. Keep the photos with this installation manual and
provide to end user upon completion.
Phase 5: Floor Coverings
It is recommended to consult with professional flooring
installers to make sure proper materials are used and
proper installation techniques are followed. Please note, this
installation manual is not a structural or a floor coveirng
installation manual and is intended only for general guidance
as it applies to the SunTouch TapeMat product.
Illustrated floor schematics can be found in the Appendix for
additional reference.
When installing tile or stone, the Tile Council of North
America (TCNA) guidelines or ANSI specifications should be
followed as a minimum standard.
A latex-modified thin-set cement-based mortar and
grout is recommended instead of water-based multi-purpose
materials when installing a radiant product.
Do not use solvent based adhesives or pre-mix mortars
because they are not as heat resistant.
Select the proper size trowel for the installation of tile or
stone. We recommend a minimum 3/8" x 1/4" trowel. This
trowel works well for most ceramic tile. A thicker thin-set can
be used if required. Select the thin-set thickness in
accordance with the floor covering requirements.
For additional information on tile installation, please
contact TCNA at 864-646-8453 or visit their web site
at www.tileusa.com.
When installing floor coverings other than tile or stone,
follow industry and/or manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ensure the mat is first covered with a layer of self-leveling
cement based mortar, letting it cure fully before applying any
surface underlayment, floating wood or laminate flooring,
carpet, etc. The combined R-values of all floor coverings
over the mat should not exceed R-3. Higher R-values
will diminish performance. Consult the floor covering
manufacturer to verify compatibility with radiant electric
heat. Also, make sure nails, screws, or other fasteners do
not penetrate the floor in the TapeMat area. The wire can eas-
ily be damaged by fasteners penetrating the floor.
All floor coverings must be in direct contact with the
cement-based mortar encasing the mat. Do not elevate the
floor above the mortar mass. Do not install 2" x 4" wooden
nailers (sleepers) on top of a slab for the purpose of attaching
hardwood. Any air gap between the heating mat and the fin-
ished floor covering will drastically reduce the overall output
of the heated floor.
Care should be taken when laying area rugs, throw rugs, and
other surface products on the floor. Most products are okay
to use, but if in doubt, consult the product manufacturer for
compatibility. Do not use rubber backed products.
When placing furniture make sure an air clearance of at least
1-1/2" is available. Furniture able to trap heat can damage the
heating system, the flooring, and the furniture over time.
Locate power lead and factory connection to heating wire at least
1’ outside the shower area.
Heating Wire
Factory Splice
Shower Curb
Tile
Thinset Mortar
Notches in Shower Curb
(Minimum 1” wide, to avoid sharp
bends in cable and ensure cable is
fully embedded in mortar.)
