Modern production technologies have made it possible to create a laminate that can be laid on a warm floor. Previously, this could not be done, since it was deformed under the influence of temperature. Nowadays, different types of floor coverings have been created, which have their own distinctive features. To choose a laminate flooring, you need to be able to understand its characteristics.
Properties of the laminate for underfloor heating
Laminate for underfloor heating is a material that has special requirements.
- It must be resistant to high temperatures. The product should not deform from floor heating.
- Low emission of formaldehyde. It is harmful to humans, so you should choose a coating with a class E0 or E1.
- High thermal conductivity. Shows the ability to transfer heat.
- Maximum coating thickness 9 mm. If you take more, the thermal conductivity will decrease.
- Connection to each other by means of locks. It is not recommended to use an adhesive joint due to changes in dimensions during heating and cooling.
The benefits include:
- Stylish appearance. Suitable for any interiors.
- Low cost.
- Easy to install.
- Long service life.
- Good rigidity. You can put heavy furniture, there will be no traces of it.
- A wide range of. You can buy stone or other natural materials.
Disadvantages:
- Warm floors are not compatible with all types of coatings.
- Risk of overheating. Incorrect installation and non-observance of operating conditions can lead to heating of parts and failure.
- Requires edge coating with waterproof material.
Carpets are not used on top of the laminate. They reduce heat transfer and can lead to overheating and system failure.
Choice of coverage
When choosing a suitable coating, they rely on the characteristics, type of heated floor, heating features, and the purpose of the room. The range of types of laminate is varied, so you should decide in advance on the selection criteria.
There are several types of underfloor heating: electric, infrared, water. Almost any type of laminate is suitable for the water system. It is usually placed in the kitchen. The most popular coating for it is the 33 class and higher laminate. It has suitable characteristics and efficient operation. For better heat transfer, a cement-sand screed is used.
When choosing a cover for a bathroom, it is important to take into account the microclimate of the room. The most important indicator will be resistance to moisture and high temperatures.
On an electric underfloor heating
Electric types have a high heating intensity. For this reason, high temperature resistance is the main factor when choosing a laminate. Safety requirements must be observed. The documentation must state that it can be installed on an electric floor.
On infrared film
The principle of operation of infrared film heating is based on electricity. For this reason, the coverage requirements are almost the same as in the previous case.But with a film IR system, heating will be more uniform, and there is no need to create a screed.
On the water
Warm water floor is the most common. It is distinguished by its ease of installation and a wide range of products. Has an affordable cost compared to other varieties.
The laminate flooring must have a special, high quality protective film to better fit the boards on the water floor. Due to temperature differences between the floor and the floor, condensation can form, which can destroy the system. It is recommended to take a thinner and more moisture resistant look. Under the influence of liquid, it should not lose its shape.
Most often, ceramic tiles or parquet are placed on the water floor. This is due to the high risk of leakage or depressurization of the system.
If the owner opted for a laminate, it is recommended to install a thermostat. It will allow you to control the heating, which will have a positive effect on the flooring.
Laminate with built-in heating
This is a special innovative type in which the heating elements are already installed in the structure. Each board has its own heating with a certain power per square meter.
The positive qualities include:
- High system efficiency. When the heating is turned on, the heat goes from the inside and gets into the air faster.
- Heat loss is reduced by design.
- You can install regular laminate flooring to create unheated areas.
- Possibility to install a thermostat to save energy.
This is a new development, so not many consumers have had time to appreciate it.
Substrate selection
Any wood flooring is laid on a substrate. It performs 4 functions:
- protection of the coating from wear due to friction against the screed;
- removal of squeaks;
- straightening irregularities;
- insulation of the house.
The substrate should not degrade the temperature performance. The material must be environmentally friendly and not emit toxic substances and odors when heated.
It is important that the backing does not hinder the evaporation of moisture. Otherwise, condensation forms under the laminate, which can lead to the formation of mold, mildew and the appearance of other harmful bacteria. The best choice is a porous cork substrate. Foamed polyethylene and polystyrene foam are also suitable.
What to look for when buying
To understand what kind of coating you need to buy, you should carefully study the labeling of the laminate. The manufacturer indicates in it all the characteristics of the material.
The buyer should pay attention to the following designation:
- Possibility of using with one or another type of warm floor. A water heat-insulated floor under a laminate and an electric one have their own different characteristics.
- High temperature exposure.
- Water vapor permeability.
- Moisture resistant properties.
- Coverage and emission class. According to GOST, even E1 can be used.
- thermal conductivity of the laminate.
You can buy flooring and underfloor heating at a hardware store. The leading positions in the rating of warm floors for laminate are occupied by Caleo, Devi, Thermo.
Installation features
The effectiveness of the system depends on the correct installation. To do this, you need to use the installation instructions.
- Laying is carried out only on a pre-leveled surface.
- After pouring the concrete screed, you need to wait until it dries completely. Drying time is usually 1-4 weeks.
- Laminate is placed only on a proven heating system. It needs to be tested to ensure that the floor is functioning properly.
- After purchasing the boards, it is necessary that they lie for at least three days in the room where they will be laid.This will allow the coating to accept the macroclimatic conditions of the room, so that their size will not change during installation.
- Optimum temperatures for work are from 16 ° C to 32 ° C. Laying is done on a cold base.
- When the installation is completed, it is necessary to turn on the system and gradually increase its temperature to the optimal value. The value must be increased by 5 ° C per day.
Compliance with the recommendations will allow you to properly lay the laminate on the warm floor and create an effective heating system for your home.
