Installing Radiant Panels Under Tile or Stone

Tile or Stone over Radiant Panels: Mortar

When installing masonry, tile and stone, backer board shall be used over the panels. Thin set and screw backerboard to the panel with thinsets compatible with PEX Pipe. The installation on top of backerboard shall then be used following TCA Guidelines. A conventional mortar bed shall then be used. In the kitchen, bath, laundry or any other area where water may be present, a water sealant (i.e. Nobleseal) shall be used.

Maintain 2” minimum tubing clearance when screwing backer board down. Refer to the complete installation manual for further instructions on the installation of the radiant heat system. There can be concern about uneven heating of the floor surface with highly conductive flooring goods such as tile or stone.

Traditional mortar set tile or stone in areas unlikely to be subject to moisture

Tile or Stone in Mortar Installed over Radiant Heat Panel with No Moisture

Traditional mortar set tile or stone in areas likely to be subject to moisture

Tile or Stone in Mortar Installed over Radiant Heat Panel with Moisture

Tile or Stone with Thin Set

When installing masonry, tile and stone, backer board shall be used over the panels. Thin set and screw backerboard to the panels avoiding the PEX tubing. Thin set installation on top of backerboard shall then be used following TCA Guidelines. In the kitchen, baths, laundry or any other area where water may be present, water sealant layer (i.e. Nobleseal) shall be used.

Where tile or stone is going to be thin-set, anti-fracture membrane (Nobleseal) or equivalent shall be installed over the backerboard. Maintain 2” minimum tubing clearance when screwing backer board down. Refer to the complete installation manual for further instructions on the installation of the radiant heating system.