Underfloor heating of a mobile type refers to modern heating systems for apartments and private houses. Its main feature is the ability to move the floor to any suitable place in the room. Mobile floor heating is presented in several versions, has its own technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Before buying, it will be useful to study the features of such floors, as well as the available options from well-known manufacturers.
Mobile underfloor heating options
A warm portable floor partially resembles a familiar stationary analogue, but at the same time requires less maintenance and installation costs. The mobile floor does not require the installation of a floor covering, the laying of a new waterproofing layer, as well as the pouring of the screed. It is enough to spread it around the perimeter of the room, set the temperature at the desired level and connect it to the network. Depending on the type of heating element and the heating method, such floors can be infrared or resistive.
Infrared
The infrared version is a film with a carbon mixture, which is applied on it in a continuous layer or in the form of separate tracks. Infrared radiation provides an electrical current that flows to the heating element. Radiation waves with a length of 5-20 microns heat not only the coating itself, but also the air masses surrounding it. To ensure the correct direction of the beams, a foil backing is located at the bottom of the floor.
Resistive
The resistive coating consists of metal tracks with an increased level of resistance, to which two cables carrying electrical current are connected in parallel to each other. Due to this scheme, the device works even in the event of failure of individual heating elements.
The tracks are located at a distance of one millimeter from each other, thanks to this arrangement, the surface of the entire system warms up evenly. A resistive floor consists of a polymer base, metal tracks and a protective plastic layer. Mobile coverings easily withstand unwinding and twisting during operation.
Specifications
A mobile heat-insulated floor under a covering or carpet is a heating electrical part, which is located in a flexible film with an increased level of heat resistance. A product of this type is capable of maximally heating up to 55 degrees, this is the optimal indicator that is safe for humans. The construction of a mobile floor includes the following elements:
- the film that is the basis of the device;
- heating elements;
- protective layer;
- cable for connecting to the mains;
- thermostat;
- Power Supply.
Heating in portable floor heating equipment occurs due to the access of electric current to the heating elements. The device can be used by placing it under a carpet or rug, while the cover must completely cover the mobile system.
Manufacturers produce mobile floors for electrical networks with a voltage of 12 and 220 volts, the power of the device per square meter can vary between 200-600 watts.
Advantages and disadvantages
- ease of use, no installation problems;
- the ability to heat any area in the room without the need to carry out additional installation work;
- safety and environmental friendliness, lack of secretions that provoke allergies;
- accelerated and uniform heating of the surface;
- increased level of efficiency;
- acceptable heating temperature;
- low cost.
Mobile underfloor heating has practically no drawbacks. Of the main disadvantages, users note the high operating costs, as well as compliance with strict safety rules in the process of using portable electrical equipment for floor heating.
The film system is not placed under parquet, laminate or wood, as their hard layer significantly reduces the efficiency of the device's working process. When installing under linoleum, it must be borne in mind that it can emit an unpleasant odor and harmful substances.
Installation rules
The mobile warm cover does not require special installation; to install it, it is enough to unfold the mat and connect it to the network. The heating system can be laid on the floor with any finish, considering how smooth the surface is. The air is heated upwards, for this reason the material from which the base is made will not matter. The upper part of the floors is covered with soft decorative coatings.
The rugs can only be installed on a flat surface, grooves and cracks can provoke equipment failure. Furniture and any interior items are not placed on the finished coating, otherwise the device will overheat. The film equipment must be connected to the mains separately from other devices, while the system must have a built-in device with a fuse. Mobile rugs are used only in unfolded form, they cannot be folded in several layers.
In order for the thermostat to work properly and for a long time, it must not be covered with carpets. It is allowed to cover only the film part of the device itself.
Well-known manufacturers of mobile underfloor heating
Express
Teplolux Express floors work on the principle of heating mats. They need to be covered with a hermetic material that resembles rubber in properties, and a cable up to 2.5 meters long should be laid. The top of the cover is supplemented with artificial felt, which does not require special maintenance. Of the advantages of such floors, they note the possibility of installation on any surface, including linoleum, laminate, tile or parquet, full compliance with all safety standards and resistance to flame. The brand's mobile coatings can be used both indoors and on balconies or loggias.
Sinplen
Sinplen Express portable rugs are in great demand among buyers. These are thin coatings with a thickness of 0.6 mm. They are recommended to be combined with carpet and laminate. Mobile floors of the brand will function even after one or more elements are out of order. They are supplemented with a special temperature regulator to maintain it at an optimal level and can also be used to heat balconies and loggias.
Trio
Coatings from the Trio brand are 0.6 mm thick. They are recommended to be used mainly for spot heating, for example, in the area of the room where residents are most often located. The advantages of this type of flooring are low energy consumption combined with low cost.
