The demand for comfortable and functional bathrooms has increased in the last few years. The sensation of a warm floor under bare feet is very desirable, especially when using ceramic tile and natural stone. STEP Warmfloor™ is a low-voltage heating system and can be installed in showers, tub enclosures, laundries, steam rooms, etc. Choose the proper floor covering, setting materials and grout for each application. Most ceramic tile and cement based grout are not waterproof.

Certain substrate materials used in wet areas may be subjected to deterioration from moisture penetration and freeze/thaw cycles. Thermal and electrical insulation can be, and often are, destroyed by water entering the building sections. To avoid damage to the structure, resulting from inadvertent admission of free moisture, waterproof all horizontal surfaces and wrap into perimeter walls. Test pan, membrane and drainage fittings for leaks before starting the tile work.

In wet areas, it is important that the supply water piping and the drain have the same potential; i.e., piping and drain must be grounded. Do not place the heating elements in direct contact with any conductive material, such as shower pan, wire mesh, drains, etc. Heating elements have to be properly installed under a waterproof membrane to avoid risks of sneak current and/or short circuit. Although STEP Warmfloor™ is a low-voltage (24-Volt) system and cannot harm you, it is unpleasant to feel a tingling sensation on the floor.

Secure the elements to the subfloor and cover with a protection layer, e.g. floor leveler, mortar, etc. Alternatively, the elements can be placed under cement backer unit (CBU). The material may be water resistant; where a waterproof floor is required, a waterproof membrane shall be provided. Installation and material specifications are contained in ANSI A108.9, .10 and .11; or ASTM C1325, C1178 and C1288.

Waterproof membranes are available in built-up membranes, single-ply membranes, non-metallic and lead or copper waterproofing. In addition, liquid/paste form or flexible sheet form waterproof membranes can be applied in thin-bed or thick-bed installations. Where a mortar bed or mud float is used to cover the elements, allow the mortar to dry completely before applying the membrane and the floor covering. Water trapped under the floor could damage the substrate and/or cause sneak current. Do not use asphaltic liquid membrane directly on the element.

The Uniform Building Codes requires that horizontal weather-exposed surfaces that are sealed underneath be sloped for drainage - at least 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain. The sloping is necessary to eliminate all standing water conditions, which may promote algae/mold growth, slippery walking surfaces and deterioration of the building materials. For approved assemblies and correct applications consult with the pertinent institute or association, i.e., Tile Council of America, Ceramic Tile Institute, Marble Institute of America, Masonry Institute of America, National Tile Contractors Association, etc.

STEP Warmfloor™

APPLICATION EXAMPLES WITH STEP WARMFOORTM

STEP Warmfloor™ can also be installed:
- behind mirrors to avoid fogging and misting.
- in cabinets to warm towels and keep the humidity out.
- under tiles to keep the shower bench warm.
- under tubs and spas to help maintain the temperature of the water warm.
- on walls to impede the cold to infiltrate.

It is highly recommended to have thermal insulation under the heating elements to push
the heat where it is needed.

STEP Warmfloor™

Wet Areas - thin-set application of dry-set or latex-Portland cement mortar directly on the waterproof membrane.

Ceramic Tile

Latex-Portland Cement Mortar Bond Coat Waterproof Membrane / Ditra or equivalent Membrane Bond Coat

STEP Element
Insulation over Concrete Slab
Shower Receptors - cement mortar
Ceramic Tile
Bond Coat
Reinforced Mortar Bed 1" to 1-3/4"
Crushed Tile or Stone to prevent mortar
from blocking Weep Holes
Waterproof Membrane
STEP Element embedded in thin-set
Insulation on Sloped Fill
Wet Areas - waterproof membrane under
a reinforced portland cement mortar bed.
Ceramic Tile
Bond Coat
Reinforced Mortar Bed 1-1/4" to 2"
Waterproof Membrane -
Sheet or Liquid Applied
STEP Element embedded in thin-set
Insulation over Substrate

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