Can I use underfloor heating systems on the walls of a walk in shower?

Question

or alternatively is the insulation suitable for use on walls with tiles

Answer 1

I doubt it, underfloor heating is not designed for vertical surfaces, and since heat rises, in a wall as well as in free air, the upper section will overheat considerably and probably burn out. It MAY be possible if you used a self regulating element such as Raychem manufacture, but I have never seen this done, and would have my doubts about safety especially in the zone 1 area you are talking about, You would have to use a low voltage SELV system in any case, and there are not many of them.

Answer 2

I am assuming you are referring to Hydronic heat (a system of tubing under floors that circulates warm water to provide heat in many applications (sidewalk and driveway snow melt, room heating, bathrooms etc.) This technology is great at warming rooms and cold floors and provides very even comfortable heat. It unfortunately is not meant for vertical installation. Pumps circulate heated water from hydronic systems like the WaterFurnace EW unit. The pumps would have to work a LOT harder to push this liquid vertically rather than horizontally. It does a very good job in the floor because as you probably know heat rises. Even if these systems were designed to be installed vertically, it would be less effective because the heat is now coming from the wall ( a higher source) and will travel up to a higher position -not down to the ground -leaving the floor cold. The floor radiates heat into a space in a traditional scenario.And simple physics demonstrates heat travels from the floor and heats the rest of the shower as it rises up.

The shower head is already heating the upper space so there is little need to add heat into the walls. Besides, think about when you first step into a tile lined shower on a cold day. Would you rather have warm feet (which are in contact with the ground) or your belly and thigh area which will actually feel very little heat benefit since they aren't actually in contact with the walls?

Answer 3

That sounds like a fantastic idea - I imagine you could - heat conductive materials to construct the wall itself along with first rate insulation behind it in the cavity. A heat tolerating waterproofing to ensure no corrosion etc (if relevant) - you'd probably only need it in the lower half of the walling - heat rises and so at the top it would be less efficient/useful/more expensive to run.
I'm not a builder but theoretically I could design something that would work (if no pre-existing systems are on the market, though I'm sure there will be). Best of luck with it.

Answer 4

As water has to go up copper pipes to get to radiators up stairs, running underfloor heating pipes which are plastic up a wall behind tiles shouldnt be a problem. make sure you can bleed the air out of the system though you dont want air locks.i dont know about an electric system though.

Answer 5

Some manufacturers of under floor heating, make wall mounted radiant panels. These are mounted under the tiles and use the tile surface to radiate heat.
Another option is to go for a large mirror, mounted electric element. ScrewFix Direct do one reasonably priced. It is not a major heater, but it may remove the chill!
Another alternative, is a vertical radiator mounted in a corner of the room. They are @ 300 - 40mm wide and as tall as you want (up to say 1.9m) and make a statement.

Answer 6

I was going to suggest you were putting in ceramic tiles on and exterior wall and then read on.

yes you could if there is no electrical in it, plus it should be insulated as well,however; it's not necessary with the new ridgids they have with the greater R-factors and the Johns-Manville pink wrap, you could probably get R-25 in your walls with all the pipes too.

If this is by you and you want a slick deal, put in a shwr-hd on the opposite wall as well...you'll enjoy it.

insulate the floor also under the shower and full glass fronts.
sorry , I getting carried away with your project as I'm doing another now for myself and its all travertine marble floor to ceiling 4 x 7 and to ceiling.
Its fun to do and enjoy yourself this holiday season.

Answer 7

IGNORE RUDOLPH M's SUGGESTION
never fit a heat lamp in a shower, as for the underfloor heating in a wall, I've never seen it and wouldn't advise it

Answer 8

Yeah if you want to risk first or second degree burns - radiators not warm the room enough to be comfortable, water not warm enough from the shower head? Got nothing else to throw money at? You think your a born-again roman aristocrat?

Answer 9

Not a good idea. Creates a fire hazard and is inefficient. Have you thought of installing a ceiling radiant heat lamp. It warms up the room quickly and only needs to be on when the room is occupied.

Answer 10

turn the shower on hot before u get in. save $$$$$$