When planning the arrangement of underfloor heating in an apartment or a private house, it is important to choose the right type of system and not be mistaken with the finishing. Otherwise, the proper level of space heating efficiency will not be achieved. Underfloor heating tiles are an ideal solution in all respects. To make the best choice, you should familiarize yourself with the assortment and features of the products on the market.
Types of laying underfloor heating
The consumer is presented with a wide selection of systems that can be used for the construction of a warm floor.
The water circuit is set up in private mansions and, with the permission of management companies, on the ground floors of apartment buildings. The line is laid in a snake or in a spiral on a heat insulator, and then poured with a cement screed. The advantage of this solution is that it is economically viable, water stores heat for a long time after the circuit is turned off by the thermostat.
Electrical products have no restrictions on the place of installation. Installation can be carried out in living and utility rooms, balconies and loggias.
Systems are subdivided into the following types:
- Cable. They are single-core and two-core resistive and self-regulating (matrix) wires 4-8 mm thick.
- Matte. They look like canvases, where a heating wire with a diameter of up to 4 mm is embedded in a plastic mesh.
- Infrared. They are made in the form of a film, inside of which there are carbon filaments that emit IR radiation when a current is passed.
Underfloor heating communications are installed under the screed, in its array or on the outer surface. The latter method is the most effective as it allows all the heat generated by the system to be used.
Decorative coating options
When choosing a floor covering, you need to take into account a number of factors that affect the efficiency of heating the room and the people living in it.
Products must comply with the following parameters:
- high temperature resistance;
- immunity to constant heating and cooling;
- high thermal conductivity;
- environmental Safety;
- installation technology;
- ease of service;
- strength;
- durability;
- resistance to abrasion and chemically active substances;
- texture, color and surface design.
Since floor coverings last for decades, the last thing to think about is the cost of materials. It is better to choose an expensive, but high-quality coating, the condition of which you will not need to worry about until the next major overhaul of the building.
The best finishes that are used in the arrangement of underfloor heating:
- Ceramic tile. The material has a relatively low cost, high thermal conductivity, heats up quickly, transferring energy practically without loss. There is a wide range of products of this type on sale, characterized by various design solutions. The downside is that the outer decorative layer wears off over time, and objects falling to the floor leave noticeable chips on the surface. You should choose a tile of 5-6 class of hardness, 4-5 class of wear resistance and water absorption of 3-6%.
- Porcelain stoneware.This is a more durable coating, but its cost is also higher. The material has a homogeneous structure throughout the volume, due to which no mechanical damage is noticeable on its surface. The high thermal conductivity of porcelain stoneware ensures efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the room. The downside is that the coating imitates natural stone - this option does not fit well with the design of living rooms.
- PVC tiles. Warm floor tiles without heating maintain their performance at any temperature, including negative ones. Its distinctive feature is a pleasant tactile sensation even with the heater turned off. When heated, the material does not emit harmful substances. Medium thermal conductivity allows tiles to be installed directly on cable mats or infrared foil. Warm floor tiles are easy to install, even a beginner can easily cope with this process.
- Vinyl tiles. Warm vinyl floor tiles are a great solution for decorating bedrooms, kitchens and even a child's room. Vinyl parquet has a multi-layer structure with an adhesive backing. It can be glued immediately after removing the protective film without using cement mortar or liquid nails. Ceramic inclusions provide high wear resistance of products, and ultraviolet treatment ensures color retention throughout the entire period of operation. Warm tiles do not change their properties when heated
When choosing, priority should be given to a material that can provide effective heating with minimal electricity consumption.
Advantages and disadvantages of floor heating tiles
If we summarize the performance characteristics of floor heating, we can highlight the characteristic pros and cons inherent in all types of materials that are used in residential premises.
The advantages include:
- strength;
- waterproofness;
- good thermal conductivity;
- a variety of textures;
- wide range of colors;
- ease of installation;
- durability;
- dielectric qualities;
- ease of cleaning from contamination.
The material also has its drawbacks. The main thing is the presence of seams that are visible and felt to the touch. When the heater is turned off, tiles and porcelain stoneware become cold and unpleasant to walk on. Tiles crack when solid objects fall on them. If there is no stock, replacement can be very difficult.
Features of materials
Tile and porcelain stoneware have almost the same technical characteristics. The difference is only in composition, hardness and porosity. Moreover, both materials are excellent conductors in direct-acting constructions. The floor, covered with solid tiles, is capable of high-quality heating of the room even in stand-alone mode without wall radiators. However, such a coating requires a high-quality and sensitive thermostat. Good conductivity can cause overheating. A floor temperature in the range of 23-28 degrees is considered comfortable.
Vinyl and PVC tiles have less thermal conductivity. On the one hand, this is good, since a critical temperature rise is excluded. On the other hand, more energy is required to provide a comfortable indoor environment. The synthetic coating responds better to shock, cushioning under heavy loads.
Mounting methods for selected elements
Installation methods differ significantly depending on the composition and shape of the elements of the underfloor heating. One thing in common in all cases is the high-quality leveling of the base and its primer to improve adhesion.
Tiles and porcelain stoneware are laid on glue based on cement. It is possible to use mortar packaged in tubes, it is faster, easier, but more expensive.Laying is done in even rows, offset or diagonally. Alignment is achieved using plastic crosses. After the solution hardens, they are removed, and the seams are rubbed.
Polymer fragments are fixed on the slab on an adhesive backing or floating directly on the screed. In this case, gluing is performed only along the chamfers at the edges of the products.
