QuietWarmth follows UL standards and can be installed outside of wet locations. QuietWarmth can not however be installed in wet areas.

What is considered a wet location?

A location in which water or other liquid can drip, splash, or flow on or against electrical equipment. A wet location luminaire shall be constructed to prevent the accumulation of water on live parts, electrical components, or conductors not identified for use in contact with water.

Answer:

Yes, if you are placing the mat in front of a vanity or outside of the shower and is not consider a wet spot.

No, if you are placing the mat below the shower pan, bath tub or in a suana. Antyhing that UL considers wet location

According to our instructions, we say no because the mat can not be placed under wet areas such as shower pans and bath tubs, suanas. Anything that UL considers wet locations.

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  • Red Rosin Beneifts

    • Economical protective covering over new floors, prior to completion
    • Saves time
    • Compatible with coal tar and asphalt-based roofing systems
    • Specially designed to resist bleeding
    • Good general purpose jobsite protective utility paper
    • Protection from paint overspray
    • Used for Plastering Projects and Landscaping

    Red Rosin Paper Uses

    Red Rosin Paper is useful in many construciton applications, such as roofing, flooring, jobsite protective covering and landscaping.

    Roofing Industry

    Roofing industry uses red rosin paper for the first layer of protection. Keeping your roofing dry is key.

    Flooring Industry

    Building Construction typically use red rosin paper to help reduce air and moisture flow through a wall or floor. This creates a “slip sheet” so different materials can slip by each other as they expand and contract. Keeping dust from dust from working down the floor and minimizing squeaking.

    Jobsite Protective Covering

    Red Rosin paper can also be used to temporarily protect a work site during construction. The paper roll help help existing floors from scratches, paint spills, etc. Red rosin is known for improving moisture resistance and tearing.

    Landscaping – Weed Control

    Landscapers use red rosin paper to prevent weeds from germinating. Mulch is usually applied above the paper.

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  • QuietWalk Plus Underlayment is designed for use with most nail, glue down and floating floor products and is flexible, easy to install and features a 1.8 mil moisture resistant top film layer. This sound reduction underlay system is suitable for use over most types of industry approved sub floors (3/4” plywood, concrete, OSB flooring, etc.). Consult with the flooring manufacturer for specific recommendations and requirements for your installation.

    GENERAL INFORMATION:

    Moisture: All sub-floor assemblies should be tested for moisture before installing your flooring products.

    Wood subfloors: Using a species specific moisture meter (Tramex, Lingo-Mat, or Delmhorst) determine if conditions are dry before installing. Wood subfloor moisture reading must not exceed 12%; the ideal moisture content within new solid wood flooring is 6%-9%. The differential balance between the wood flooring and subfloor must not exceed 4% or 2% for board widths over 2 1/4”. If moisture readings are too high, postpone the installation, find the moisture source and correct. Raise heat and increase ventilation, holding off installation until proper conditions are met.

    Concrete subfloors: Prior to installation the moisture content of concrete must be measured. Concrete must be 60 to 90 days old. Moisture testing only establishes the presence of moisture at the time of measurement. Of greater concern is future moisture transferring up through the slab into the surface, therefore the use of a moisture barrier is necessary.

    CONCRETE SLAB MOISTURE TESTING METHODS

    Calcium Chloride Testing

    Calcium chloride test ASTM F 1869, a quantitative test used to determine the amount of moisture in the slab. The emissions of moisture must not exceed 7 lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for QuietWalk Plus Underlayment. Testing kits are available at most flooring tool supply distributors.

    Rapid (RH) testing method ASTM F2170: a test for relative humidity within the slab. The results shall not exceed 75% at the time of testing.

    QuietWalk Plus Underlayment is designed to be installed in enclosed areas where temperatures will not fall below 55°F or go above 100°F. The underlayment and adhesives must be conditioned at 70 degrees Fahrenheit with the relative humidity between 25 % and 65% for at least 24 hrs before and 72 hrs after installation. Product is NOT recommended in areas subjected to heavy rolling loads.

    *In order for any isolation barrier to be effective a certain amount of compressibility/deflection is required and to be expected when installing any flooring over an underlayment. This deflection may cause mild squeaking or “floor noise”, especially in nail-down applications. “Excessive squeaking or Floor Noise” can result from; loose or unlevel subflooring or improper installation methods and is not considered a product defect.

    Applications

    NAIL DOWN INSTALLATION:

    For Mechanically Fastened Solid Wood, Engineered Wood Floors, and solid bamboo products:

    1. Roll the QuietWalk Plus Underlayment out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of room using a sharp utility knife maintaining a ¼” gap at perimeter).
    2. Roll out next row in same manner butting underlayment close to first row (do not overlap padding) seams should be butted together leaving no gaps or overlaps.
    3. Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. When cutting around obstacles or when end of roll seams are butted together tape seams with duct tape or a quality strapping tape.
    4. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    * Low profile Floors: Wood flooring products need to be a minimum of 3/8” thickness in nail down applications over QuietWalk Plus Underlayment

    DOUBLE STICK INSTALLATION:

    For low profile solids, engineered, and bamboo flooring. Surface must be clean, dry and free of contaminants and sealers.

    1. Roll the Underlayment out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of room using a sharp utility knife maintaining a ¼” gap at perimeter). Cut the flap off each row for this glue down application.
    2. Use a 75 or 100 lb three section roller to secure Underlayment to substrate prior to installation of finished flooring.
    3. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    * Prior to installation of finished flooring. Due to the various subfloors in structures, please consult with the flooring manufacturer for adhesive specifications and approved subfloor recommendations. Only use manufactured recommended adhesive types for adhesion of this underlayment to substrate and flooring product to the underlayment.

    * Installations over concrete:
    • Wood floor adhesives alone are not moisture barriers.
    • For the best results, do not mix adhesive products. Use moisture barriers and adhesives from the same manufacturer.

    FLOATING INSTALLATION:

    For installation of click together, edge-glue floating engineered wood, click bamboo, laminate (including those with attached cushions)

    1. Be sure the sub floor surface is clean and dry.
    2. Roll the Underlayment roll out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of floor using a sharp utility knife maintaining a 1/2” to 3/4” gap at perimeter).
    3. Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Roll out next row in same manner butting underlayment close to first row.
    4. Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. Seal seams with duct tape or a quality strapping tape when cutting around obstacles or when end of roll seams are butted together.
    5. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    * Installations over concrete in high moisture areas (The emissions of moisture must not exceed 7 lbs per 1000 sq ft, in 24 hrs for QuietWalk Plus Underlayment. Testing kits are available at most flooring tool supply distributors) will require additional protection such as our 6 mil poly moisture barrier.

    FLOATING SUBFLOOR APPLICATION:

    Underlayment may be added as an isolation barrier to a free-floating plywood underlayment installation. Floating Plywood Nailing Base: Install a floating plywood nailing base over concrete to receive nail-down wood flooring:

    1. Lay 6 mil polyethylene sheet vapor barrier over concrete substrate. Overlap seams 6 inches and seal with duct tape.
    2. Roll the Underlayment roll out with overlap edge facing your starting wall (cut off flap) and the vapor barrier film (film side) facing up, and trim to fit the perimeter of floor using a sharp utility knife maintaining a ¼” gap at perimeter).
    3. Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Roll out next row in same manner butting underlayment close to first row.
    4. Remove the tape strip and secure the overlapping moisture barrier film. When cutting around obstacles or when end of roll seams are butted together seal seams with duct tape.
    5. Lay one layer of 1/2 inch thick CDX exterior grade plywood over vapor barrier leaving 1/8 inch gap between panels.
    6. Lay second layer of 1/2 inch thick CDX exterior grade plywood on a diagonal over first plywood layer again leaving 1/8 inch gap between panels.
    7. * Provide a minimum of 1/2-inch expansion space at the perimeter of room for normal-sized areas.
    8. Screw plywood layers together in a 6 inch or staple pattern. Exercise care not to puncture sheet vapor barrier by using appropriate length fasteners.
    9. Prior to installation of wood flooring, install 15 lb asphalt roofing felt underlayment.
    10. Install flooring according to the flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    RADIANT HEAT SYSTEMS:

    Please refer to the flooring manufactures and the radiant heat product installation instructions when installing over radiant heat systems.

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  • QuietWalk is designed for the following applications:

    • Floating Laminate Flooring
    • Floating Engineered Wood
    • Floating Bamboo
    • Floating Rigid PVC Core Vinyl Planks

    If you have a floor that needs to be glue or nail down, then we suggest QuietWalk Plus. QuietWalk Plus underlayment was engineered to be used for floating, glue down or nail down flooring applications. If you are wondering what the difference between QuietWalk and QuietWalk Plus, then this article will explain.

    Another flooring underlayment for nail or glue down is Insulayment. Insulayment doesn’t offer the built-in vapor barrier for the extra protection of moisture.

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  • The plastic side faces up and the fiber faces down. Two benefits are provided:

    Moisture Protection

    Quiet Walk Underlayment Moisture Protection

    The fibers can actually allow the vapors to evaporate through the gutter system of the underlayment. The fibers are treated with a safe anti-microbial to inhibit mold and mildew.

    Protection from Leaks

    QuietWalk Underlayment Protects from Leaks

    Spills, leaky plumbing, faulty ice-makers can cause floor damage. QuietWalk underlayment fibers can absorb up to 5 times it’s own weight, drawing harmful moisture in while protecting the overlying floor.

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  • On grade concrete is tricky. The proper thing to do is to test what the concrete is emitting for moisture vapors.

    Find the suitable floor underlayment that will perform to those emissions. Foam underlayment is made from resin/petroleum based products which will block moisture inherently.

    Fiber/Felt Underlayment is made from recycled materials and will help the concrete breathe those vapors instead of just blocking them helping to inhibit mold and mildew situations. It manages moisture and will not allow moisture to pool under the blocker like foam. Pull back a welcome mat once on the stoop, moisture is there as the mat was blocking the emissions and allowing them to accumulate into water.

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  • QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl Plank

    With the rise of vinyl plank flooring, MP Global Product introduces the first felt underlayment designed for vinyl plank flooring. With density in mind, we tweaked the fiber formula from our other popular QuietWalk for laminate flooring. Same benefits as the famous QuietWalk, just thinner/denser which eliminates movement when walking on vinyl plank flooring.

    We’ve heard of other underlayment causing compression issues once they installed their LVP. This was due to the underlayment having to much “compression”. It can be costly for DIY or contractors to rip up the old flooring.

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  • Installing any type of flooring in the basement can be tricky. With common humidity levels that are associated with basements, you want to make sure your flooring gets plenty of ventilation.

    We developed VentiLayer/Bellawood Basement to help just that. Our patented mesh layer promotes ventilation to disperse potentially harmful moisture away from your beautiful flooring.

    Underlayment for Concrete Basement Floors

    • The best basement underlayment protection for floating laminate and engineered hardwood flooring.
    • Strong, flexible mesh layer elevates the pad and promotes ventilation so moisture doesn’t become trapped
    • Helps protect the floor from moisture damage and inhibits mold growth
    • Provides added insulation
    • Cushions the floor, absorbs sound, and helps make laminate floors sound more like real wood
    • A green product; made with recycled content
    • No off-gassing from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

    Underlayment for Concrete Basement Floors

    Basement Underlayment Installation Instructions

    1. Be sure the subfloor surface is clean and dry
      If required, level the floor with self leveling concrete compound or Pre-Mixed Floor Patch, fill in cracks larger than 1/6″. All wood and concrete subfloors must be flat within 1/8″ over a 6 foot span, or 3/16″ over a 10 foot span. All areas must be check prior to installation.
    2. Roll Bellawood Basement underlayment over the subfloor with the vapor barrier film facing up and the attached plastic mesh facing down to the subfloor.
    3. The perimeter edges of the underlayment need to be 1/2 to 3/4 inches away from the wall.
    4. Seams need to be butted together flush, do not overlap the pad. Tape the seams with a good quality duct tape.
    5. Install floating engineered wood or laminate flooring according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
    6. It is recommended that the flooring planks be laid opposite direction to the seams of the underlayment whenever possible.
    7. Allow 1/4″ clearance between the drywall and finished floor.
    8. Leave baseboards up off finished floor a minimum of 1/16″ to 1/8″ for air circulation.

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  • Understanding what goes under your laminate flooring can help improve the life of your flooring. Of course, this really never gets talked about because the flooring is what you look at, feel and admire. What isn’t talked about is underlayment. Underlayment helps moisture protection, sound absorption and compression support.

    Do you really need underlayment for laminate flooring?

    Yes, proper underlayment and subfloors allows minimal wear and improve stability of any flooring. Without underlayment, click and lock mechanism can fail over time and give your floor an unlevel floor.

    How does laminate flooring underlay work?

    Underlayment works by providing the following benefits:

    1. Moisture Protection

    Fiber underlayment works by absorbing moisture/water vapors from your subfloor. The open gutter of the outer perimeter of the underlayment evaporates the vapors. With the built-in vapor barrier (film facing up), the moisture will never touch the laminate.

    2. Sound Absorption

    Another benefit is the fiber underlayment provides a fuller sound when walking on. Also dampens the sound from impact or sound transmission noises from other rooms.

    3. Improved Subfloor Minor Imperfections

    While laying out the underlayment, it can cover the small imperfections your floor has and makes your floor look nice and even. If your subfloor is uneven, your flooring can potentially buckle or sound like “rice krispies popping” when walking on.

    What are all the sizes of underlay for laminate flooring?

    There is a lot of variations between sizes. Some come in 100 sq ft rolls – 3′ x 33.4′ or 360 sq ft – 6′ x 33.4′. Some other size can be 48″ x 25′ or 48″ x 150′.

    Does price really make a difference with underlayment?

    Yes, it does make a difference with underlayment.

    Foam underlayments is like buying a bicycle. cfiber/felt underlayment is like buying a cadillac.

    Foam underlayment is essentially trapped air in tiny bubbles. The issues is over time with high traffic areas, the air is released/popped and never returned to is original form.

    Fiber/Felt underlayments however provide that compression rebound so your floor never looks/feels flat.

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  • Have you recently bought some bamboo flooring and looking for the best underlayment? Did you know what lies underneath your bamboo plays an even more important role or equal to?

    Underlayment for bamboo can help you solve three hidden problems.

    1. Moisture Protection

    From talking to customers who had questions, bamboo flooring seems to be more prone to moisture. With QuietWalk Plus underlayment, it prohibits upto 5lbs of moisture per 24 hours. You can figure out the amount of pounds your subfloor is emitting by doing a calcium chloride test.

    Most flooring installers won’t do a test but they lay down a 6 mil vapor barrier on top of the subfloor and under the bamboo/underlayment. The vapor barrier provides complete protection of moisture.

    2. Sound Absorption

    Another benefit is the fiber underlayment provides a fuller sound when walking on. Also dampens the sound from impact or sound transmission noises.

    3. Improved Subfloor Minor Imperfections

    While laying out the underlayment, it can cover the small imperfections your floor has and makes your floor look nice and even. If your subfloor is uneven, your flooring can potentially buckle or sound like “rice krispies popping” when walking on.

    We offer QuietWalk Plus underlayment for bamboo flooring that provides all three benefits above. Not only that, but it is a recycled fiber that allows no VOCs.

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  • Installing Heated Floors Under Your Tile Can Be Daunting

    In this article, we will explain the major steps on installing our QuietWarmth Peel and Stick Radiant Heat Film for Tile and Glue-Down Flooring. Not only is QuietWarmth great for DIY consumers, but it is also budget friendly while offering heat for your family.

    Installation Video:

    To start you can view our full installation instructions by clicking on the following image.

    Full Installation Guide

    Preparing the Job Site

    1. Ensure the job site is clean before working with the QuietWarmth® Peel & Stick Radiant Heat, free of any nails,
    screws and other sharp debris that could damage the mats.

    2. Tile flooring installations must meet subfloor requirements set forth by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

    What You Will Need

    • QuietWarmth® Peel & Stick Radiant Heat mats
    • Thermostat: An approved thermostat
    • GFCI Breaker (if not part of the thermostat)
    • Junction Boxes: Minimum of two boxes required for each room or area. One box (2×4 inch) required for thermostat, one box (4×4 inch) required for electrical connections.
    • Tools: Digital ohm meter (multi-meter), wire stripper, screw driver, wood chisel, knife
    • Tile installation products (3/8” x 1/4” or greater plastic trowel, mortar, backer board, tile, etc.)
    • 12/2 Romex

    Electrical Installation

    Step 1. GFCI Installation

    QuietWarmth® Peel & Stick Radiant Heat mats must be protected by a Class A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This can be done either by the internal GFCI in the thermostat (as long as it directly controls the mat), or by a GFCI protected circuit breaker. Never double protect the circuit with a GFCI at the thermostat and at the circuit breaker box. Follow all local building and electrical codes. Typical Amperage Requirement: 120 VAC QuietWarmth: 0.1 amps per square foot, or 10 amps per 100 square foot of mat.

    Step 2. Install Additional Power Modules

    Depending on the amperage requirements of the mat(s), one or more secondary power modules may be required. A power module is a relay or non-controlling thermostat and must be treated as such. It allows the expansion of the controlled area that the main thermostat can control, but it must be placed on it’s own 20 amp dedicated circuit and do not load the thermostat control with more than 15 amps. The National Electrical Code specifics that each branch circuit used in conjunction with a heating system must be for the exclusive use of the heating system. Do not connect lights, outlets, etc. to any branch circuit used with the QuietWarmth Tile Heat.

    Step 3. Install Electrical Boxes

    Install Junction box for the control device (thermostat) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This box should be located, unobstructed, on an inside wall so that the device reads accurately.Install a 4×4 inch junction box for making electrical connections between the mats and thermostat.

    Step 4. Bottom Plate Work

    Drill or saw holes at the bottom plate. One hole is for routing power leads or conduit and the other is for the thermostat sensor. These holes should be directly below the electrical box(es). It is recommended that you drill or saw holes at the bottom plate. You may also use a notch technique as an alternative.

    Step 5. Install Power Lead Conduit

    Route the power leads from the thermostat down the wall cavity through opening in the bottom of plate to connect the mats.

    Step 6. Install Thermostat Sensor
    * if thermostat comes with floor sensor

    A floor sensor comes with the recommended thermostat control. The sensor wire can be installed without a conduit or in a conduit separate from the electrical power leads if conduit is required by code. Open a second knockout in the bottom of the thermostat box. Feed the sensor (and conduit, if including) through the knock-out, down the wall cavity, through the opening in the bottom plate. Temporarily tape the sensor to the slab or subfloor in a location approximately 6” to 12” from the wall—final location of sensor after mat installation will be taped down at the edge of or in between two mats so that the sensor is not directly above a heating mat. Butt the sensor up against the side of the mat for best results. NOTE: The sensor is located in the thermostat packaging.

    Step 7. Rough in the Wiring

    Install appropriate electrical wire (conductor) from the power source and breaker protection to the thermostat following all codes. Leave 6” to 8” extra wire at the thermostat box.

    Installing the Mats

    Step 1. Inspect and Test Heating Mats

    Verification that the heating mats were received in operable condition is important prior to installation. When the heating mats are removed from the shipping box, test the resistance using ohm meter and record the information. If the resistance reading varies more than ±3% from the recorded readings on each mat, do not install the mat and contact your supplier for assistance.

    Step 2. Preparing the Stable Sub-floor

    Clear the floor of all debris, nails, etc. so the floor is smooth, clean and dry.

    Cutting & Customizing

    Step 1

    Cut the mat to the required length It is important to only cut BETWEEEN the Black Stripes. Do NOT cut into them as this will cause the GFCI to trip.

    Step 2

    Terminate the end with green insulating discs Cut back one black heat stripe from both ends of the panel making sure not to cut into black stripe. Fold one Kapton Insulating Disk, (Green dots supplied in kit) on the two silver bus bar endings on the panel on the opposite side from the thermostat location. Green insulating disk must be folded over the top and bottom of silver bus bar. Make sure the green kapton disk is covering the bus bar and the black ink area exactly as in the figure.

    Step 3

    *This step must be done regardless if you are cutting the mat or not. Otherwise it will lead to nuisance tripping of the GFCI and void the warranty.

    Sealing the heater by removing the liners.

    Fold back and crease the top “flap” on each end of the heating panel(s).

    Peel back the bottom release liner on the inside of the flap and adhere the heating element by pressing down firmly.

    Once the heating element is adhered to the bottom of the flap carefully peel back the upper release liner and press down to seal the edges of the membrane.

    MAKE SURE TO PRESS OUT ANY AIR BUBBLES AS YOU ARE ADHERING THE TOP FLAP TO THE BOTTOM.

    Proceed with the rest of the steps for installation on the following pages.

    Check the resistance reading again to the new customized size.

    Step 3. Laying the Mats

    Connection leads from the mats are 15 feet long, and can be cut to desired length to connect at the junction box. The heating mats should be laid so the connection leads are running to the wall of the room where the thermostat/junction box is located. The following steps will guide in the installation of the mats:

    1. With the release liner still on, position all the mats into place. Make sure the leads are within reach of the junction box and that there are no obstructions or floor penetrations in the way. Make sure the position of ALL mats is satisfactory before the next step.
    2. When all the mats are in proper position, roll the end with the connections back far enough to peel back approximately 12” (30cm) of the release paper to expose a portion of the adhesive surface.
    3. Press this exposed section of the mat onto the surface and then roll the other end back to the point where the release paper was removed.
    4. Begin pulling the release liner off and hand smooth the mat into position as it unrolls to achieve a positive bond while avoiding trapping air bubbles.
    5. For adjacent mats, follow the same procedure starting with alignment of the side by side mats in a butt joint fashion. Do not overlap mats.
    6. Peel off quick release liner and set mat in place, leaving clearance to walls or partitions at the connector end for wiring and final connections.
    7. Make sure to seal the flaps on each side of the mat(s). See page 10, Step 3 for directions.

    Step 4. Install the Thermostat Sensor

    As the mats are installed, locate the thermostat sensor probe. Sensor probe can be held in position with a small amount of tape. The sensor should extend approximately 6” to 12” from wall adjacent to the mat shown. Be careful not to locate the sensor near other heating sources such as a heating duct below the floor.

    Step 5. Connect the Electrical Leads
    Now, depending upon your wire lead installation, route the lead wires from each of the individual mat along the base of the wall and up to the junction box. Depending on the thickness of the mortar bed, you may also need to chisel a space under the point where the wires connect with the mat in order to recess the connection. Be extremely careful not to damage the heating mat or connection.

    NOTE:
    The thermostat sensor is thicker than the heating mat. If thin-setting over backer board or slab, saw a groove to recess the sensor to the level of the mat. Use duct tape to secure the sensor in the groove. Do not damage the sensor. Ensure the sensor is set down so it is level with the mat and not on top of the mat. Thermostat Sensor Sensor located 6-12” from wall

    A visual and electrical check must be performed on the heating mats prior to activation.

    Visual Inspection

    Also perform a visual check to look for any signs of damage to the mat or electrical leads that may have occurred during installation. When visually checking the mats, look for any signs of damage, wear, or scratching that might have occurred during installation. If any portion of a mat appears damaged, replace the entire mat. If damage is found, call the technical hotline at 888-WARM-PAD or email [email protected] for advice and/or replacement assistance.

    Continuity/Resistance Check

    Following installation, a second resistance check across the supply leads of each mat using a digital ohm meter must be made to detect any short or open circuits that may have resulted from the installation process. If the resistance check is the same as the original reading shown on the mat label, the mat is installed properly and no further testing is required.

    If the resistance readings are not within ±3% of the indicated value on the mat then call 888-WARM-PAD. If the resistance is ZERO: This indicates a short circuit. Check the path that the wiring is taking and make sure that no wires are pierced or otherwise damaged. Mats with damaged non heating leads must be replaced.

    Test for Heating

    1. Install control device and connect to electrical panel box. Install and wire the control device according to manufacturer’s instructions.
    2. Wire the heating mat(s) to junction box, and wire the junction box to the thermostat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    3. Turn on the breaker and adjust the thermostat so that it is calling for heat. Refer to the installation sheets provided with the controls for proper setting. After all controls are installed, do not energize the system, except to briefly test operation of all components.
    4. After the system has been on for several minutes, run your hand over the heating mats to ensure that they are warm. The heat is a gentle heat and will only heat up slightly until the floor is installed. It will not get hot to the touch. Just a slight warm feeling. The system should now operate as designed. Please leave the instruction sheets for the thermostat in a safe place for future reference.
    5. Once heating has been verified, turn off the system.

    Final Floor Installation

    The mats are now ready for tile installation using a latex modified thin-set with a maximum thickness of 3/8” after the tile is embedded. It is recommended to use a plastic notched trowel to help prevent damage to the heating mat surface. Take care during the troweling process to not nick or cut into the mat or cold lead wires. A continuous circuit monitor alarm can be used to alarm you if the cold lead wires have been cut during the installation. Damaged cold leads can lead to GFCI tripping issues and/or the mat not working. It is best to be sure you haven’t damaged the cold leads before the floor is installed.

    We recommend working with professional flooring installers to make sure proper materials are used and proper installation techniques are followed. Install the floor covering according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a digital ohm meter to check the rsistance of the mat(s) and sensor(s) before, during and after the installation of the finished floor covering. Record the reading of QuietWarmth® Peel & Stick Radiant Heat on the Heating System Checklist & Warranty Registration Form, continuing to check for short circuits caused by nicks or pinches. If possible, take photographs of the mat installation before installing the flooring.

    Tile, Stone, and Marble Installation

    When installing QuietWarmth® Peel & Stick Radiant Heat under tile, stone, or marble, we highly recommend Tile Counil of North America (TCNA) guidelines or ANSI specifications for minimum standards of installation. We recommend latex-modified or epoxy modified mortar and grout, instead of water-based multi-purpose materials.

    Use full coverage of thin set with no voids. Spot Bonding (Dot Mounting), and leaving large voids, is unacceptable and will lead to a crunching noise where the heat mats are installed. Thin set must be installed following TCNA/ ANSI standards. Spot bonding of tile that only gives partial contact leaving large voids is not an acceptable method for tile installed on floors with thin-set mortars.

    Select the proper size PLASTIC trowel for the installation of tile or stone. We recommend a minimum 3/8” x 1/4” trowel. This trowel works best for most 1/4” tile.

    If you need more information on tile installation, contact TCNA at (864) 646-8453 or visit their Web site at www.tileusa.com.

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  • When installing new flooring, you want to make sure it last for years to come. With all flooring, moisture from the subfloor underneath (concrete) can cause issues and can cause headaches months from now.

    Why and how is there moisture in concrete slabs?

    There is always water underneath the ground, while it might not be near the surface, it is there. Months or years from now the water table [link] might rise and the water will pass through concrete in water vapors with a capillary effect. Since concrete is porous, water vapors transmits from the ground through the concrete slab into your basement. Once the water vapors gather underneath your flooring, it will start to pool up and “soak” into your hardwood flooring. Once this happens, the flooring can buckle or warp and cause havoc.

    With a 6-mil vapor barrier underneath your flooring, the water vapor will gather underneath the film and no longer reach your beautiful flooring. No more worrying if your floor will have issues. So why do all flooring manufacturer installation instructions mention installing a 6-mil vapor barrier underlayment underneath? The reason is quite simple: A 6-mil vapor barrier blocks all moisture from the subfloor from ever reaching your flooring.

    Vapor barriers come in two types

    6-mil vapor barrier roll

    Our MoistureBlock is a 6 mil polyethylene film vapor barrier that is used during the installation process with floating laminate, luxury vinyl planks and engineered wood floors. No need to bother with large fold-out, low quality, off-spec, construction grade films, which can be bothersome and hard to use before the floor is installed.

    6 Mil Vapor Barrier

    Underlayment with 6-mil Vapor Barrier

    Some underlayment come with a built-in vapor barrier that also provides extra benefits such as:

    • Sound Absorption – Helps keep sound from reaching to other rooms
    • Moisture Protection – MP Global Products QuietWalk DriWick technology allows moisture to wick away from underneath while protecting your floor
    • Compression Resistance – Helps support the floor from high traffic areas and feel more comfort underfoot
    • Thermal Insulation – Helps break the coldness from concrete flooring

    It also never hurts to install both MoistureBlock and underlayment together as this offers total protection from moisture.

    Best 6 mil Vapor Barrier Underlayment by Flooring Type

    All Flooring – MoistureBlock

    6 Mil Vapor Barrier
    [dt_default_button link=”https://mpglobalproducts.com/flooring-underlayment/products/moistureblock/” button_alignment=”default” animation=”fadeIn” size=”medium” default_btn_bg_color=”” bg_hover_color=”” text_color=”” text_hover_color=”” icon=”fa fa-chevron-circle-right” icon_align=”right”]View Product[/dt_default_button] [dt_default_button link=”https://mpglobalproducts.com/where-to-buy-flooring-underlayment/moistureblock/online-stores/” button_alignment=”default” animation=”fadeIn” size=”medium” default_btn_bg_color=”red” bg_hover_color=”” text_color=”” text_hover_color=”” icon=”fa fa-chevron-circle-right” icon_align=”right”]Where To Buy[/dt_default_button]

    Laminate or Floating Floors (No Glue or Nail Down Installation) – QuietWalk Underlayment

    [dt_default_button link=”https://mpglobalproducts.com/flooring-underlayment/products/quietwalk/” button_alignment=”default” animation=”fadeIn” size=”medium” default_btn_bg_color=”” bg_hover_color=”” text_color=”” text_hover_color=”” icon=”fa fa-chevron-circle-right” icon_align=”right”]View Product[/dt_default_button] [dt_default_button link=”https://mpglobalproducts.com/where-to-buy-flooring-underlayment/quietwalk/online-stores/” button_alignment=”default” animation=”fadeIn” size=”medium” default_btn_bg_color=”red” bg_hover_color=”” text_color=”” text_hover_color=”” icon=”fa fa-chevron-circle-right” icon_align=”right”]Where To Buy[/dt_default_button]

    Luxury Vinyl Flooring – QuietWalk Luxury Vinyl Underlayment

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    Hardwood Flooring – QuietWalk Plus Underlayment

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    How to Install Vapor Barrier on Concrete Floor Under Laminate Flooring

    1. Always read the flooring manufacturers recommendations and instructions before installing the underlayment.
    2. Before rolling out the underlayment, be sure to sweep, vacuum, and remove all debris on the substructure.
    3. Fill in any significant holes, gaps or breaks that may exist on the substructure.
    4. Roll out the Underlayment over the substructure surface.
    5. Leave roughly 2-3 inches along each side to overlap against the wall.
    6. Splice each roll of underlayment with a 3 mil tape, duct tape, or similar pressure-sensitive tape that meets/exceeds
      the water vapor transmission ratings suggested by the flooring manufacturer.
    7. If installing MoistureBlock Film Underlayment with Self-Sealing film edge, simply connect the rolls by removing the
      liner from the tape and adhere to the edge of the previous roll.
    8. Always be sure to connect the film rolls together with the adhesive tape evenly so that there are no gaps between
      the adjoining rolls of film.
    9. Once completed, you can trim up the excess vapor barrier

    [dt_default_button link=”https://mpglobalproducts.com/flooring-underlayment/products/moistureblock/” button_alignment=”default” animation=”fadeIn” size=”medium” default_btn_bg_color=”” bg_hover_color=”” text_color=”” text_hover_color=”” icon=”fa fa-chevron-circle-right” icon_align=”right”]View MoistureBlock Underlayment[/dt_default_button]

    [dt_default_button link=”https://mpglobalproducts.com/where-to-buy-flooring-underlayment/moistureblock/online-stores/” button_alignment=”default” animation=”fadeIn” size=”medium” default_btn_bg_color=”red” bg_hover_color=”” text_color=”” text_hover_color=”” icon=”fa fa-chevron-circle-right” icon_align=”right”]Where To Buy[/dt_default_button]

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