A Perfect Start to a Perfect Finish
Are you thinking about installing underfloor heating in your home? Besides deciding on the right underfloor heating system (dry or wet), the type of flooring is another important consideration. Read on to find out the best floor coverings for underfloor heating.
Installing an underfloor heating (UFH) system under your favourite floor finish is the only way to enjoy a truly comfortable and luxurious living environment. Unlike traditional heating methods, the UFH system distributes the heat evenly across floors, turning them into some efficient radiators that create an inviting and relaxing living space. Below, we explain the best final floors for UFH.
Ceramic, Stone, Slate, and Terracotta
Solid floors, such as ceramic, stone, slate, and terracotta, have good thermal conductivity, transferring the heat to the surface quickly and enhancing the heat output. A rapid heat-up time is what makes these floors ideal for UFH. Ceramic and slate tiles are recommended by most flooring installers because they are thinner than stone and terracotta tiles, further reducing the heat-up time.
Wood and Laminate Flooring
Unlike the aforementioned flooring options, which have virtually no thermal resistance, wood and laminate floors conduct less heat. For faster heat-up times and a more efficient heat output, the thickness of the floor should not exceed 18mm. If you intend to have wood or laminate flooring installed, check with the manufacturer, supplier, or installer to ensure that it can be used in conjunction with UFH. Additionally, it is important to know that denser wood or laminate finishes transmit the heat better and faster than boards that are not dense. Laminate flooring can also be used with UFH, as long as it is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Perfect floors, need a perfect screed
Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring
Vinyl and linoleum floors have great heat conductivity, facilitating fast heat-up times and increasing output. Vinyl and linoleum floors cannot be used in areas where the floor surface temperature exceeds 26° Celsius, or warping may occur.
Carpet
Contrary to popular belief, a wide variety of carpets are compatible with UFH, working very well with both wet and dry systems. Though carpets have a higher thermal resistance than other floor finishes, good heat-up time and system output along with full comfort conditions can be achieved.
Since 1987, the specialists at HomeScreed have worked on many prestigious projects which brought us a reputation as one of the best contractors in the floor screeding and underfloor heating industries. For screed and underfloor heating advice and installation, feel free to contact our staff at HomeScreed.