Is it possible to make a warm floor under the laminate? How to make a warm floor under a laminate with your own hands - tips from experience. Infrared warm floor

For a long time, "warm floor" and laminate flooring went in parallel ways. This greatly hindered their further advancement in the construction market. Therefore, just a dozen years ago, an innocent question - is it possible to put laminate on warm floors - caused bewilderment among professional builders, because. the two concepts were incompatible. Everything changed immediately and suddenly - laminate manufacturers could no longer tolerate the current situation and presented consumers with products with completely different characteristics, allowing symbiosis with underfloor heating systems.

In life, situations often arise when it is easier to explain why it is possible by analyzing the reasons why it was impossible before. Same with laminate. For a long time there was a categorical ban on its combination with floor heating from below. And then immediately yes. Consequently, the manufacturers have eliminated the reasons why it was forbidden to lay lamellas on the “warm floor”.

The main reason is the release of toxic formaldehyde (chemical formula HCHO) at +27 o C. In the laminate-“warm floor” combination, the heating of the lamellas reaches +30 o C. The emitted fumes of formaldehyde resins did not fit into the requirements of sanitary standards for residential premises.
The insufficiently high thermal conductivity of the laminate reduced the efficiency of the floor heating systems used - the room was not entirely comfortable. Attempts to increase the temperature in the apartment led to a sharp increase in the cost of heat sources.
The laminate did not combine with water floor heating due to frequent temperature fluctuations (with a large number of expansion-compression cycles, any wooden flooring, and the laminate belongs to it, is deformed).

Rules for choosing a laminate for heating "warm floor"

The industry today produces laminate for all occasions. Therefore, not all commercially available laminate panels will fit over the “warm floor”. There are many reasons:

low level of heat conduction;
high emission (release) of formaldehyde;
weak waterproofing, etc.

In order for the consumer to navigate the world of laminate, pictograms and signs of letters and numbers are placed on special inserts. Let's try to understand some of them. So, the photo below shows pictograms showing that the flooring can be used in combination with a “warm floor”.

The inscriptions state:

H2O - for a water “warm floor” (everyone knows the formula of water);
Warm Wasser (translated from German - “hot water”) - for floor heating with water (not pictured);
Underfloor heating (translated from English - “underfloor heating”) - for cable and infrared floor heating.

Black pictograms with stylized pipes indicate good heat conduction (which is required for underfloor heating), brown pictograms directly indicate that the lamellas are intended for underfloor heating.

But that's not all. These icons are not enough to make the right choice. The consumer needs additional characteristics in order to buy a laminate for underfloor heating - marking should help with this.

The problem of harmful fumes. When the temperature rises to 27 o C, a conventional laminate begins to actively emit harmful formaldehyde. Manufacturers have slowed down the heat-induced chemical reactions in formaldehyde resin. As a result, harmful substances begin to be released at a temperature of + 28-30 o C.

This is indicated by the pictograms in the photo above. Class E0 means that there will be no formaldehyde emission up to a temperature of 30 degrees. E1 claims that the minimum emissions start 2 degrees lower, but up to a critical mark of 30 o C, they comply with sanitary standards.

Influence of high temperatures. The laminate above the "warm floor" is exposed to high temperatures, this indicator is especially important for heating systems with water as a heat carrier, where temporary jumps up to +40 o C are possible. The ability of the laminate to withstand overheating is indicated by the letter B and the number 1 (see the pictogram below) .

Thermal conductivity. According to the European standard EN4725, the thermal resistance index of lamellas with a substrate for "warm floors" in total cannot exceed 0.15 m2 x °K / W, including lamellas 0.05-0.10 m2 x °K / W, substrates - 0.04-0.06 m2 x °K/W. The lower the coefficient, the better the heat passes from the heater to the room. This information can be found on the insert.

Wear resistance. The last controlled indicator for lamellas mounted on heated floors is wear resistance. Its level shows the abrasion class. Experts consider AC3 to be the minimum class for lamellas on underfloor heating, AC4 is optimal.

Which substrate is better to choose for a warm floor

Putting a laminate without a substrate on a heated floor will not work. After all, it performs a number of very important functions, as detailed in the work: "". In the version with a "warm floor" two more functions are added:

reflect heat upwards when laid under a heating system;
freely pass warm streams when laying on top.

It is very simple to select a substrate for laying under a heating system: it must be foil-coated (you can find out about this type of damper in the article: ""). The reason is easy to explain - the foil reflects infrared rays.

The substrate in the “above the heating system” option must have additional characteristics:

Good thermal conductivity, which is achieved in several ways: the property of the material to conduct heat well (the heat transfer resistance coefficient should not exceed 0.04-0.06 m2 x °K / W); small thickness; the presence of perforation - through the holes, heat easily reaches the floor covering;
Be resistant to high temperatures - do not melt or deform (sag);
Stay environmentally friendly at high temperatures - do not release toxic substances under the influence of heat;
Have vapor permeability to provide protection against the formation of condensate.

These conditions are best met by cork, polyethylene foam and extruded polystyrene substrates.

cork material can be purchased in rolls or sheets. It is heat resistant and environmentally friendly. Due to the high thermal resistance (good insulation), its use in the electric floor heating system is excluded. The high retail price also interferes.

Foamed polyethylene easy to install, available in different thicknesses, easy to cut, which is convenient for a complex configuration of the room, the connecting seams can be glued with adhesive tape. However, the main advantage of such a substrate is its low price, in connection with which foamed polyethylene constantly tops the sales rating.

Extruded polystyrene with small holes (perforation) appeared on the construction market relatively recently (represented by the Polish brand "Arbiton Floor Ther"). This is so far the best option for a laminate under a decentralized heating system: it performs the main functions more efficiently than foamed polyethylene and perfectly transmits heat. It also has an affordable price.

Is there a preferred type of underfloor heating for laminate

Above are the requirements for lamellas and the substrate when installing decentralized heating. But it is also important for the owners of apartments and houses to know which “warm floor” is better for laminate flooring. To answer this question, you need to know what types of "warm floors" can be installed, their fundamental difference from each other, the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

On sale in any major hardware store will be offered:

water;
electric;
infrared (also called film) "warm floor" from various manufacturers. In addition, you can buy infrared rods, which represent a symbiosis of electric and infrared floor heating systems.

A system of pipes of small diameter hidden under the floor (can be made of copper, metal-plastic, polypropylene or cross-linked polyethylene), through which the coolant is supplied in the form of hot water (sometimes antifreeze is used), is called water "warm floor". We note right away that in the classical definition, including in various encyclopedias, the main feature of such space heating is the connection of the system to central heating, which is impossible in principle:

Prohibited by law;
Damage to a pipe or coupling leads to flooding not only of an apartment with such a floor, but also of neighbors from below (central heating heats mainly apartment buildings), which is not quickly eliminated. The water accumulated in the screed and pipes will flow to the lower floor until the entire system is dismantled;
It is impossible to ensure the requirement for heating the laminate to no more than 30 degrees Celsius - in central heating, the temperature of the coolant is much higher. Installing a thermostat will not help - you need a bulky cooling system for the incoming coolant. But then the neighbors will have complaints - they will receive chilled water in the heating pipes.

First output: water "warm floor" can only be installed in private houses and cottages or multi-apartment one-story houses with an individual boiler or gas (electric) heating boiler.

Such a heating system also has many disadvantages:

difficult and expensive to install, maintain and repair;
a complete replacement of the system and the floor is required (water in most cases destroys the lamellas, despite their additional protection against moisture) in the event of a leak;
it is difficult to regulate the temperature of the coolant entering the system.

Second conclusion: under the laminate, if there is an alternative choice, it is better to refuse the water "warm floor".

Electric floors heated under the laminate is also undesirable. There is only one reason - it is difficult to warm the room to a comfortable temperature during severe frosts on the street. There are several factors intertwined here:

The heating temperature of the cable is not very high and fixed - otherwise it will simply melt;
The cable is laid in a screed, which requires its heating, and it gives off heat not only up, into the room, but in different directions. The thermal protection device from below and from the sides solves the problem, but not 100% - materials for domestic needs with absolute thermal protection have not yet been invented;
Laying the substrate and laminate on the screed exacerbates the problem - it is difficult for heat to break through such a sandwich.

Conclusion: the combination of electric “warm floor” and laminate is unacceptable for the regions of the Far North, undesirable for central Russia, and a convenient heating option for the southern regions of the country.

The ideal option for residents of Russia is infrared film "warm floor". The name of the system is formed from two concepts:

infrared - heat received as a result of infrared radiation;
film - conductors are mounted in strips in a thin film.

The undoubted advantages of such floor heating:

Profitability - the heating film is laid on the substrate, and the laminate is directly on it. As a result, there is no need to heat the screed - the heat goes directly to the flooring;
Safety. There are two points here: there is no risk of flooding the neighbors from below; the temperature of the heating elements is easily regulated, which prevents overheating of the floor panels;
It is possible to restore the system: for minor repairs, the failed strip is simply disconnected from the general power supply system, for major repairs, the floor covering is disassembled.

Infrared rods must be laid in the screed. Therefore, the shortcomings of the electric heated floor immediately appear. However, there is still a plus here - the temperature of the heating elements is higher than that of the cable, which makes it possible to heat the room more efficiently.

General conclusion on infrared heat sources: the rods are much more efficient than cable floor heating, but not enough to recommend them for latitudes with low temperatures, the film is so effective that it completely removes the question of whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor from the agenda.

Which laminate is best suited for each type of "warm floor"

Each floor heating system has its own characteristics in operation, which must be taken into account when choosing a laminate. Therefore, it is important to know which laminate is better to choose for underfloor heating with different heat transfer fluids.

Water floor heating. Affordable purchase price and low operating cost have made the water "warm floor" very popular. The laminate under such a floor must be resistant to high temperatures, up to +30 degrees Celsius, and its frequent changes and not collapse when leaks occur. In this situation, it is difficult to choose the right type and type of lamellas for flooring. The following criteria will help you choose:

Panel interlocks should be waxed to allow multiple expansion cycles without destroying the interlock. In addition, the wax serves as a protection against the penetration of moisture into the body of the lamella. Instead of wax, a number of manufacturers have developed special sealants with the same functions. Finishing the ends with a sealant is a decisive factor when choosing a laminate;
Wear resistance cannot be less than class 3;
The thickness of the lamellas should be within 8-9 mm, which will protect them from deformation during overheating above 30 degrees, as well as effectively pass heat into the surrounding space;
The level of formaldehyde emission during overheating should not exceed class E1;
An additional protection against moisture has been carried out, allowing direct contact with water.

Infrared film heating. The use of infrared rays as heat sources has several advantages:

good heat dissipation does not require a large amount of electricity, which compensates for the high cost of the system itself;
mounted on top of the screed, which opens access to it during operation.

Based on the above characteristics of the system, the minimum requirements are imposed on the laminate:

wear resistance class 3-4;
thickness not less than 8.5 mm.

Electric underfloor heating with cable. You can lay a laminate with the following characteristics on an electric "warm floor":

increased thermal conductivity (the coefficient of thermal resistance together with the substrate must be within 0.10 m2 x °K / W);
low level of formaldehyde emission - class E0 or E1;
have high strength for static and dynamic loads.

Rod infrared "warm floor". The combination of electric and infrared floor is actively gaining popularity among consumers. The requirements for the laminate in this case are the same as for electric heating.

The nuances of laying laminate on a warm floor

It is not very difficult to make a floor covering for a "warm floor" system. You can do this job on your own. For those who are starting such an operation for the first time, we advise you to study the instructions for installing the laminate - it is given in the work "".

However, there are several important nuances here.

1. Before laying the laminate, the screed must be heated to a temperature of +27–30°C. This will solve two problems at once:

dry the base of the floor to 5% humidity;
find a place for the screed when expanding - with errors in pouring, it is better to get burst concrete before installing the floor than after.

The warm-up process provides for a 2-week cycle. In the first days after turning on the heating, you need to add 3 degrees to reach a power of 50%, in the next 2 days to reach full power. Two days before the start of work, the heating is turned off.

Important: the heating system with the finished floor is turned on in the same mode. Shutdown occurs in reverse order. Violation of the rule threatens to damage pipes and cables due to the rapid expansion or contraction of the screed (expansion coefficients do not match).

2. Carrying out waterproofing measures on the top of the screed is mandatory. For these purposes, a polyethylene film with a thickness of 200 microns is well suited (laminate manufacturers prohibit waterproofing with a substrate under the laminate, which is possible with central heating).

3. Before laying the laminate panels should be several days in the room where the installation will be carried out. Thus, they adapt to the temperature and humidity in the room.

Conclusion

Modern materials have made the question - is it possible to put a warm floor under the laminate - made irrelevant. This is understood by itself, which does not mean at all that any laminate is suitable for different types of floor heating. When heating the floor with water, lamellas with a special marking are needed, showing that the manufacturer has taken into account all the requirements for this heating system.

For cable and infrared heating, a pictogram with a stylized pipe system is sufficient. However, for cable heating, lamellas with a thermal resistance index in the range of 0.10-0.12 m2 x °K / W are needed. For film - 0.15 m2 x ° K / W.

The installation of the floor is carried out according to the general instructions, but it requires preheating the screed and holding the floor covering in the room before starting work.

Underfloor heating features

Underfloor heating is considered one of the most effective means of heating for houses and apartments. The peculiarity of his work is that the warm air, heated from below, gradually rises, and the cold one descends. Thanks to this, warm air is constantly at the bottom, and it will be cool in the ceiling area, so you breathe much more freely and your airways do not dry out.

There are many different types of floors, in particular such as:

infrared;
electric;
water.

Each of these types has certain features, but they are united by general principles, in particular such as:

there is a uniform distribution of heat;
heating elements can be hidden under the floor covering;
high system efficiency;
no dust circulation.

Whether it is possible to put a laminate on a warm floor depends largely on the type of laminated flooring, since not all of its types tolerate contact with the heating system well.

Benefits of using laminate

It is very important to deal with the question of whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, since the laminate flooring requires special care and compliance with certain rules. Its laying above the floor heating system is quite possible, but it is very important to ensure optimal temperature conditions and waterproofing.

If we compare the laminated coating with other types, it becomes clear that it is simply ideal, since, if necessary, it is very easy to get to the heating devices. Heating allows you to walk calmly even in the coldest winter, without fear of hypothermia and discomfort.

When arranging the floor, you need to follow a number of important rules, as well as choose the right laminate. In addition, it is worth remembering that you can not lay carpets, as they will impede air circulation.

What are the types of laminate

Before you decide whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, you need to understand what exactly characterizes each of the available heating systems. The water system is good because it does not depend on electricity, which is why it has a greater degree of safety. With strict observance of the laying technology, it serves for a long time, without causing absolutely no difficulties in operation.

The most popular option is the electric floor. It is characterized by ease of installation and maintenance. Its main advantage is that it is possible to control the temperature.

Another common subspecies is the infrared floor. It is much more technologically advanced, as it makes it possible to evenly heat the surface. With it, you can set the most comfortable surface heating mode.

Marking feature

There are several types of laminate flooring, so it is important to know which laminate flooring is best to choose. If you purchase ordinary panels, they will warp from temperature changes. That is why this option is not suitable for underfloor heating.

With all these factors in mind, some manufacturers have developed a new laminate flooring formula that is just perfect for underfloor heating. When choosing a laminate, you need to pay attention to the permissible heating temperature level indicated on the package. In addition, the documentation indicates the type of product compatibility with underfloor heating.

These indicators are indicated with a special pictogram or inscription. If it has a water formula on it, then this means that the material is suitable for a water floor heating system. The panel thickness must be at least 8 mm. The best option is a class 33 laminate (12 mm panel thickness). A thinner product may not withstand temperature changes.

Laminated panels can be laid on the floor with a maximum heating value that does not exceed 27 degrees. The packaging must also indicate the resistance and the amount of harmful substances that are released into the air. Having studied all the characteristics of the laminate, you can choose the best flooring.

What affects thermal resistance

Just picking up a laminate with a specific marking is not enough. One of the most important criteria is the thermal coefficient of resistance. According to European standards, this figure should be higher than 0.15 m 2 K / W.

This also applies to the substrate, so to obtain the required performance, you will simply need to add the CTS of the substrate and laminate. The resistance level is affected by the thickness and density of the product.

If the value of the coefficient is quite large, then there is a risk of overheating of the substrate. In addition, the heating circuit can quickly break down.

Coating for water heating

Water heating systems are multi-layered. Their base is made waterproofing, and then a layer of thermal insulation is laid, which will not allow heat to go down. Then pipes of small diameter are mounted, which are covered with a concrete screed or gypsum fiber. Only after that the floor covering is laid.

In this case, it is very important to know which laminate is suitable for underfloor heating so that you can make the most correct choice. Laminated panels for such purposes should be:

made of high quality material;
have a high density;
protective covering.

If the laminate meets all these requirements, then it can be ideal for arranging a water floor system. Heating on a similar basis is characterized by high humidity. Conventional laminate panels are unable to withstand such conditions for a long time, but high-quality laminated materials can retain their excellent appearance and performance for a long time. That is why it is best to choose:

laminate 33 class (12 mm);
moisture resistant;
labeled H 2 O.

When operating a warm floor, it is necessary to observe a certain temperature regime. The indicator should not be higher than +27 degrees, otherwise the panels may be deformed and lose their appearance.

Coating for electrical heating

The electrical system is characterized by the fact that the cable element generates heat when current flows through it. The cable can be with one or two cores. In this case, it is imperative to determine exactly which laminate is suitable for underfloor heating, and what technical characteristics it should have.

When choosing panels, it must be taken into account that the coating must be with the appropriate type of heating. In addition, the material must necessarily meet such characteristics as:

abrasion resistance;
good thermal conductivity;
high resistance to damage;
safety.

In order for a floor coated with laminated panels to work as efficiently as possible, you need to properly make a screed. Only in this case can you count on maximum thermal conductivity.

Infrared heating cover

Infrared flooring is considered the most expensive and convenient option, and laminate flooring is the most suitable flooring for it. It is worth noting that they were created specifically for the laminated coating. The infrared system consists of a thin film coated with special stripes. A substrate under a laminate for a warm floor is necessarily laid on it, so additional heating of the screed is not required.

When choosing a laminate flooring, you need to focus on such characteristics of the laminate as:

thickness - more than 8 mm;
wear resistance class 33;
presence of marking.

The most modern option is considered to be heated laminate. It is worth noting that when arranging an infrared floor system, it is necessary to provide grounding.

Heated laminate

The ideal solution would be heated laminate. By purchasing a similar product, you can combine flooring with a heating system. The heating elements are not located under the floor, but directly in the laminate. As a result, they are not located under the floor, but directly in the panels.

Thermal energy when using such a product easily enters the air. The big advantage is that you can lay the floors, making heated and unheated areas.

Choice of laminate flooring

Be sure to choose the right laminated panels for their intended purpose. The apartment or house is divided into several zones, namely:

bedroom, living room;
kitchen, study;
the corridor;
bath, bathroom, loggia.

In each case, the choice of laminate should be purely individual. For the kitchen, a waterproof laminate for a warm floor is ideal. At the same time, laminated panels must have special water-repellent compositions containing wax.

Panel joints must be carefully treated with sealant. The most suitable laminate class is 32-33.

For a bathroom, a bathroom and a loggia, when choosing a laminate, you need to take into account the fact that in these rooms the temperature should be no more than 28 degrees. Be sure to install a thermostat and a temperature sensor. This will prevent overheating of the flooring and deformation of the panels. Among the main requirements, it is necessary to highlight such as:

the presence of a water-repellent layer;
quality coverage.

The joints of the connection must be treated with a sealant.

The choice of laminate by installation method

Of great importance is the method of joining panels, in particular adhesive and locking. It is advisable to purchase laminated panels with a locking joint, since they will not deform when heated.

There are several types of interlocks that are just perfect for laying laminate on underfloor heating.

How to choose a substrate

Laminate, intended for finishing underfloor heating, must necessarily have a certain marking. Underfloor heating laminate underlay must also have the appropriate decals, which are printed on the packaging. The maximum allowable temperature is indicated next to them. When choosing a substrate, you need to consider such characteristics as:

thermal insulation;
soundproofing;
depreciation.

Be sure to choose the right one for the laminate. In this case, it must be taken into account that the thickness of the substrate should be no more than 3 mm, so that even the smallest irregularities can be smoothed out, but it is not necessary to isolate the heating element located below. It is best to choose a substrate made of expanded polystyrene, cork, polyethylene foam.

What products are best to buy

Many users are interested in which company to choose a laminate so that such a product will last for a long time. A fairly good product is the Haro product, as it has a high degree of wear resistance, reliability and stability.

The most popular laminated panels are Quick-Step products, as they are very well made and the panels can easily be confused with a natural board. A floor made of such material will serve for a long time, and its aesthetic appearance will delight both guests and home owners.

One of the prejudices regarding the laminate is that supposedly it is forbidden to lay a laminate under a warm floor. There are other warnings that laying is possible, but only if your floor is water, not electric.

I would like to say right away that all these prohibitions are purely prejudices. As for the truth, it is possible to lay laminate flooring under warm floors, the main thing is to use the right approach, do everything carefully and take your time.

How and what kind of laminate to lay under a warm floor, and is it possible to mount it on a warm floor at all

Regardless of what type of underfloor heating you have, it is necessary that the laminate you choose has a specific icon that looks like this:

This icon means that this laminate floor heating is allowed to be used.

Of course, laminate flooring, like any wood flooring, will not like the situation with temperature fluctuations. For this reason, after the delivery of the laminate to your home, it is necessary that it be in the same room where you plan to install it for about three days.

Laying electric underfloor heating under laminate

What is it for?

The reason is simple: the laminate gets used and adapts to the conditions where you later use it. During this time, based on the temperature and humidity, the laminate will gain the desired dimensions, and after you install it, there will be no narrowing and expansion that will create unnecessary difficulties for you.

Laminate under floor heating, important points

In the event that the room already has underfloor heating in the screed, the following steps must be taken:

1. To begin with, the screed warms up.
2. After warming up, you need to turn it off 2-3 days before the laminate installation process (to be more precise, turn it off just when the laminate was delivered to you).
3. And do not forget that after the work is completed, within three days the temperature regime of the room should be unchanged.

With the beginning of each heating season, the temperature of the underfloor heating itself must be gradually increased every day (by about three) until you get a comfortable floor temperature.

The same must be done after the heating season is over, gradually lowering the temperature to 15-18 degrees. After that, you can safely turn off the thermostat and enjoy the warm summer season.

How to install laminate on underfloor heating

To begin with, I would like to note that under the furniture the floor can have a higher temperature, therefore, during installation, it is necessary to carry out a more durable sealing of the seams.

Laying laminate flooring on underfloor heating

In normal mode, the laminate is laid on a substrate, which is designed to improve thermal insulation and sound insulation, for this reason, the heat coming from the heating element will not pass through it well, preventing the floor from warming up as needed. As for laying laminate without a substrate, in this case it will be noisy. But, of course, there is a way out of any situation.

In order for the laminate to lie well on the water-heated floor and warm the entire floor, a thinner screed is made for the heating element. Yes, and the thinnest substrate is taken, for example, 3 mm, which later flattens another half-millimeter-millimeter, which will make it even more thermally conductive, while the noise-insulating properties will remain. There is nothing unusual in laying laminate on a substrate - everything is standard.

We lay the laminate on the film or heating mats

Since the screed is not needed in this case, you can literally finish the job in one day. When laying the heating film itself or mats under the laminate, you need to remember some features:

– heating film/mats are not placed under heavy furniture;
- on top of the laid film or mats, a thick polyethylene film (about 80 microns) is placed, the essence of which is to protect electrical parts in case of liquid ingress.

Choosing a laminate on a water-heated floor

What is the best laminate flooring for underfloor heating? Does this solution have significant drawbacks? How to independently make water heated floors under the laminate? Many people ask these questions, and therefore, let's understand.

First, let's define the terminology. What is a water underfloor heating system?

This is a system of pipes that are laid with a small step under the finish coating and warm it up. The warm-up temperature will be slightly lower than the temperature of the human body. What is the essence of such a heating scheme?

1. You can connect water heated floors to any boilers with circulation pumps, even solid fuel ones.
2. In order to create a water heated floor, there is no need to remake an existing heating system - you just update it with another circuit.
3. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact of adjusting the temperature, or adjusting the speed of water circulation, so that the temperature of the warm water floor is in the desired mode and does not go beyond.
4. Another plus - due to the fact that the heat source is located below, the air is heated throughout the volume.

Of course, we all know that the truth is in the details. So, what is needed for a warm floor to function normally? Yes, we are talking about the idea of good thermal conductivity of the floor covering mass surrounding the pipe. Just in order to ensure this requirement, the pipes of underfloor heating are usually laid in a screed.

Otherwise, the pipe will warm up only that section of the floor that passes above it, and the main part of the floors will remain cold. Among other things, the screed also performs the function of distributing heat. But here the question arises - what is the point in heating the screed if it is isolated from the room?

So the most traditional option for laying a water-heated floor is under a tiled or porcelain stoneware coating - they have good thermal conductivity. Another good option is homogeneous linoleum.

As for the question of which laminate to choose for underfloor heating, the answer is actually quite simple. Common sense must be followed. Since the laminate is made of pressed hardboard, its thermal conductivity is quite low, it serves as a heat insulator. Accordingly, the smaller the laminate boards are in thickness, the more efficient the heating will be. When talking about a higher class laminate, you need to understand that its density is higher, and the protective coating is thicker.

It is on this that its thermal conductivity depends. There are other reasons why you should purchase higher grade laminate flooring for your underfloor heating. The higher the class of the laminate, the less it will be prone to drying out and changing linear dimensions depending on temperature fluctuations and humidity. The more durable and durable it will be.

In addition to the laminate you have chosen, you should not forget about the substrate, because a lot also depends on it. We recommend that you choose a type of underlay for laminate flooring, which will be designed specifically for underfloor heating systems and have maximum thermal conductivity.

Laying the right laminate for underfloor heating (water)

So, as you already know, a water-heated laminate floor is reliable and safe. In this case, one of the advantages of a water floor is that the heating of the base, for example, a concrete screed, is carried out evenly, which leads to an increase in the service life of the laminate. Let's look at the main points of combining a warm water floor and laminate, depending on the type of floor.

We note right away that in order to ensure the required level of humidity of the screed after the water-heated floor is laid, it is enough to simply turn on the system. Thanks to this, the concrete will be perfectly dried and warmed up, you just need to remember about the gradual increase in temperature. Before you start laying laminate flooring, make sure that the substrate is in accordance with the conditions specified by the manufacturer in the recommendations for this flooring.

Features of installing a laminate under a water-heated floor

Installation of a warm floor Cement-sand screed

In order to carry out the installation of underfloor heating with your own hands in this case, you must:

- On the floor, which is already leveled to the horizon (i.e., has differences of no more than three centimeters), you need to lay polystyrene foam (its thickness is from 2.5 to 10 cm).

- The next layer will be either polyethylene or foil penofol (the second option is preferable).

- A reinforcing mesh must be laid on top, the cells should be no more than 1.5 cm. Thickness - 2-4 mm.

- It is necessary to lay a pipe on top (cross-linked polyethylene, aluminum-reinforced polypropylene or metal-plastic) and fix it to the grid with plastic clamps.

- It is also necessary to lay a damper tape around the entire perimeter of the room. Any elastic material will work for the tape.

- Then you need to fill the floor with a sand-cement screed with fine screenings. As for the thickness - no more than 5-7 cm. There should not be more than 3 centimeters between the floor surface and the pipe (taking into account the thickness of the laminate).

- It will take three to four weeks for the floor to gain strength.

- After the substrate is laid.

- Before you start laying laminate on a warm floor, you need to warm it up to operating temperature. As in the case of standard laminate laying, there should be gaps along the edges (from the edge of the board to the wall), the width of such a gap should not be less than 6-8mm. To do this, you can use spacers.

Installation of a warm floor on a dry screed

I would like to note right away that warm water floors under a laminate, with a dry screed, are an inefficient idea in terms of heat consumption.

The only impressive plus of this option is that installation is much faster, since there is no need to wait until the concrete becomes strong.

So how do they combine dry screed, water heated floors and laminate? It happens like this:
- To begin with, laying waterproofing on the floor

- After the floor is covered with bulk materials (it can be expanded clay screenings or ordinary dry sand).

- You need to set beacon profiles along the horizon, with their help you can level the floors under the laminate using a rule or just a straight rail.

- The next step is to lay a tape of porous materials around the perimeter of the room.

- The floor must be covered, for this you can use two layers of drywall (as an option, plywood or OSB), the main thing is that a mandatory overlap of the seams is necessary. The layers are fastened with self-tapping screws at the seams in increments of 5 cm for plasterboard and 15 cm for plywood and OSB.

- Everything else is exactly the same as in the case of a cement-sand screed. The floor needs to be warmed up, the substrate laid, and then the laminate itself.

Substrate under the laminate underfloor heating: which one is suitable for the water type, and which one for the electric one?

Warm floors, today, are no longer a luxury item and do not surprise anyone. The implementation of a warm floor is possible in various modifications, depending on how the heater is arranged. Important is the fact that with warm floors you can use any floor coverings, in particular, laminate.

It is worth noting here that in this case the system “substrate under the laminate - warm floor” works. Let's see what properties a good substrate has:

The substrate has high waterproofing and heat-insulating qualities.
It has an extremely high reflectivity.
Resistant to various temperature changes.
Resistant to deformation.
Has soundproofing properties.
Good vaporizer.
Environmentally friendly.
Easy to mount.

Laying laminate on electric underfloor heating

Since laminate belongs to the category of natural flooring, it is natural that it has all the advantages and disadvantages of natural wood. This is precisely the reason why, when laying laminate boards on warm floors, it is impossible to do without a substrate. If you don't lay it down, the floors will be very noisy.

If the installation of a warm floor is carried out on a self-leveling floor or on a thin screed, then you will need the thinnest substrate, its thickness should be 3 mm. As already mentioned, since other layers will press on it, then under their weight it will flatten to the required 2-2.5 mm and will serve both as a good heat insulator and have high soundproofing properties.

Substrate requirements for water floors

The main condition in the underfloor heating system is to provide an increased degree of heat transfer. In this case, there will be no waste of heat. If the floors are based on pipes, then, at a minimum, if an accident occurs, then the substrate will perform the function of additional waterproofing.

Alternatively, sometimes you can use a special molded foam cover - you can easily fix the pipeline into it, and it will act as a substrate.

More often than not, the typical underlayment is foil, which helps to reflect heat, because this heat should not heat the ceiling of your neighbors on the lower floor. If the foil has sufficient thickness, then it can be either polymer-based (you need to glue it in a thin layer), or in its pure form. In principle, the degree of waterproofing of the heat insulator is low. This protection must be taken care of and a separate layer of insulating material must be laid.

No special fastening for the substrate is needed, since it is laid on a heater. When installing water-heated floors, a reinforcing screed is used, with which the substrate is pressed down.

A cozy home is everyone's dream. And each owner tries to make sure that the house has a comfortable atmosphere for living. The idea of heating a room through the floor is not new, it is more than two millennia old, it appeared in ancient Rome. With the advent of laminated coating, it began to be addressed more and more. The nobility of color and variety of textures, ease of installation - all this has made laminate a popular finishing material. But walking barefoot on its cool surface is uncomfortable even in summer.

On the shelves of hardware stores are various types of electric underfloor heating, including under the laminate. The convenience of the system is in complete autonomy, you can lay it yourself or involve specialists. The only downside is the high electricity consumption. But this problem can also be easily solved by adjusting the degree of heating and turning off the system when additional heating is not needed.

Therefore, the popularity of such systems is growing. Laminate manufacturers began to produce collections labeled "the possibility of laying on underfloor heating" in order to increase demand for their collections. The composition of MDF boards includes formaldehyde, which evaporates when heated, poisoning the surrounding air. Therefore, for underfloor heating, a coating with a low content of harmful substances is selected. And the electrical systems themselves are very different from each other. In order not to make a mistake in choosing, it is worth studying in more detail the types, properties, installation of popular material.

Types of electric underfloor heating

The principle of operation of heating systems located under the floor covering is the same. The electric current heats the thermocouples, which transfer the heat further. The difference is just in the type of heaters - it is a cable system or film, built on infrared radiation. One of the types of cable system is thermomats. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a warm floor, you should take into account the size of the heated area of \u200b\u200bthe room, the type of flooring, and other nuances.

Cable

An electric underfloor heating is a special heating cable laid in the form of a snake on a mesh base made of nylon or metal. The distance between the loops is no more than 10-15 cm. The structure is mounted on a flat surface, then it is poured with a concrete screed with a height of at least 3 cm. Subsequent installation of the laminate follows the standard scheme.

Main advantages:

Due to the even laying of the cable, the surface of the laminate heats up evenly over the entire area.
The system does not violate the interior design, only a thermostat is visible on the surface that regulates the heating temperature.
One cable can provide heating of adjacent premises, which will significantly reduce costs.

Along with the advantages, the system has certain disadvantages that may affect the final choice.

Using a single-core cable complicates the work in that it must begin and end in the same place. In addition, it has a stronger electromagnetic radiation than a two-core one.
High electricity consumption is due to the fact that part of the heat is spent on heating the concrete screed. If you are laying laminate on top, then you need to choose a substrate that will let heat through.
It is impossible to mount the cable system under sofas and cabinets, where there is almost no heat exchange with air - overheating and failure are possible.

When choosing a cable electric floor heating, preference should be given to a two-core cable.

Thin heating cable

This is the same electrical cable system, only the cable section is smaller than that of a conventional one. The advantage is a low screed, which is filled with a thin cable, reliability and mechanical strength of the structure. It takes less time and electricity to warm up, so when installing under a laminate, more attention is paid to a thin cable.

Heating mats

To simplify the arrangement of an electric underfloor heating, they began to lay the heating cable with a snake on a polymer mesh in an industrial way and produce mats ready for installation. Thanks to this, they have received an undeniable advantage over the cable system.

Significantly reduces installation time. It is not necessary to calculate the distance between the heating elements, the mesh roll is simply rolled out over the surface of the concrete screed.
Easy to adjust to any room geometry. The polymer base can be cut into the required fragments without touching the cable.
From each thermomat, the “cold end” of the cable is output, to which the thermostat is connected. Through it, the required heating temperature of the system is set.

Heating mats do not have to be filled with concrete screed. They are simply laid on a leveled surface, and a floor covering is laid on top, most often a laminate.

infrared film

The electrical system on the film has additional advantages compared to other heating systems. Thermal film is an electrical circuit assembled on a plastic film base from a copper busbar, carbon heaters and a silver coating. The laminate heats up thanks to infrared radiation, which works similarly to the sun's rays.

The main advantage of infrared film is ease of installation, saving time and money, the ability to do all the work yourself. Laying is carried out by the "dry" method, without screed and glue, under any floor covering, including laminate.
Another important plus is the economical consumption of electricity compared to other electric underfloor heating. Uniform constant heating of the entire area is possible with a minimum consumption of electricity.
Does not reduce the height of the room when used under laminated flooring, since the thickness of the infrared film underfloor heating is only 0.23 - 0.47 mm. This figure has almost no effect on the parameters of the laid laminate.
In addition to practical assistance in maintaining a comfortable temperature in the house, the infrared electrical system gives a healing effect. Radiation power is consistent with the human body, heat rays suppress pathogens, maintaining good health.
Film underfloor heating is not afraid of mechanical stress, it can be laid under heavy furniture and in public places.

When heating a laminate laid on an infrared film, the level of formaldehyde vapor in the ambient air does not increase.

There is only one drawback of the material - the high price. But if we compare the total costs of underfloor heating systems, then infrared film will cost no more than other materials.

Having understood the advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating, it's time to learn how to carry out the installation on your own. Find out what are the subtleties in laying various systems, what you need to worry about in advance.

Step by step instructions

Each heating electrical system is accompanied by a detailed description of the technology of laying under the laminate, the procedure, so that the contractor does not have any questions during installation with his own hands. But before starting work, it is necessary to carry out step-by-step preparation of the surface for an electric underfloor heating.

Thoroughly clean the base from dirt and debris, close up all the holes and cracks with cement mortar, if there are many irregularities, make a concrete screed, strengthening the solution with a metal mesh.
Lay a foil tape to insulate the base and reduce heat loss, fastening the strips with tape.
Determine the installation point of the thermostat, which should be located at least 0.3 meters from the floor level, and prepare the wall for laying the power cable and temperature sensor.

Floor preparation (screed)

The surface of the concrete on which the electric heating system will be mounted must be level. The durability of the operation of both the underfloor heating and the laminate depends on this. On irregularities, the floor covering breaks, swells, cracks appear. Therefore, it is important to carry out a cement-sand screed, putting a metal mesh down to reinforce it.

The base is marked into meter sections, beacons are installed to control the level of the concrete layer.
The mixture prepared in the right proportion is poured onto the grid.
The wide rule aligns the horizontal position of the screed level.

You can learn more about the various ways to prepare the floor for laminate flooring in the article.

After complete solidification, about a month later, the prepared concrete floor is covered with heat-insulating material (substrate). This will protect against heat loss and ensure uniform heating over the entire area. When laying the electrical system on a wooden base, thermal insulation is not necessary, since wood has a low thermal conductivity.

Installation of heating elements

After preparing the base, you can proceed with the installation of an electric underfloor heating under the laminate. This step depends on the type of system, therefore, when laying the heating elements, it is necessary to act strictly according to the instructions.

Even before laying out the cable system, it is necessary to draw up a cable layout, calculate its length and width, and determine the power that can heat the room. And only then start the installation.

Fix the starting point and unfold the heating element with a snake or spiral. You should avoid the place where the furniture will stand, and do not get closer to the walls than 15-20 cm.
The distance between the wires is at least 5 cm, overlapping and touching of the heating elements is not allowed. This will lead to overheating and failure of the entire structure.
Remove the temperature sensor into the corrugated tube and put it between the bends of the heat cable, and hide the wire coming from the sensor into the prepared channel on the wall leading to the thermostat.
Connect the wires and test the system in test mode. If the cable is warm, then everything is fine. After turning off the electricity, you can start pouring the warm floor with a cement-sand mixture.
Be sure to draw on paper an exact layout plan for the location of all elements of the system, this will help to localize and repair the failed area.

If electric mats are chosen for heating, then the work is noticeably simplified - a cement-sand screed is not made on them. Laminate is laid immediately on thermomats. The rest of the steps are repeated. It is necessary to carry out preliminary calculations, determine the area to be covered and draw a diagram of the layout of parts. During installation, make sure that the heating elements are not nearby, install the sensor and connect the system to the thermostat.

It is even easier with your own hands to lay an infrared film underfloor heating under the laminate.

A diagram of the location of the heating elements is drawn up, the film is cut along the marked lines into fragments of the desired size, but not more than 10-15 meters.
Then the parts are laid out according to the plan at a distance of 20 cm from the walls with copper tires down and fastened with adhesive tape.
A thermal sensor is connected to the black strip from the bottom side of the film, and clamps with wires are attached to the edges of the copper strips. All contacts are carefully isolated.

The work must be neat. Do not place one piece of film on another, do not step on the heating elements. Once connected to the thermostat and tested, the system is ready for laying laminate flooring.

Installation of temperature sensors and thermostat

To ensure uniform heating of the electric floor, it is necessary to install a temperature sensor between the heating elements, which will control the heating temperature. It must be isolated from dust, moisture and be located no less than half a meter from the wall on which the thermostat is fixed. The main task of the sensor is to transmit information about the level of heating. Depending on the setting, the thermostat will turn the system on or off, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the underfloor heating.

The device has external and internal connection. In the first case, the thermostat is fixed on the wall, and the supply wires are closed with a plastic box. With an internal connection, a recess is made in the wall into which the thermostat is inserted. The "cold" end of the cable and the wire from the temperature sensor are tucked into the corrugation and hidden in a specially laid channel in the wall. And only after that proceed to the final laying of the laminate.

The simplest thermostat is set to a certain temperature in the room. As soon as it gets higher, the device temporarily turns off the warm floor. The programmable temperature controller can perform several functions, depending on the set program:

maintain the set air temperature by turning the heating on and off;
turn on at a set time, for example, before the owners return from work, and turn off when no one is at home, maintaining the minimum allowable temperature;
change the heating level depending on the time of day, helping to save energy.

Modern models are included in the "smart home" settings and are often controlled remotely.

Laying laminate on cable floor

It is possible to start laying the laminate only after the complete drying of the cement-sand screed, which is poured into the heating cable. To improve heat transfer, it is not necessary to use a substrate, but to immediately assemble the coating. But then the background noise will increase. If you are not satisfied without a substrate, then thin sheets of polystyrene or special insulating materials will do.

On electric mats, laminate flooring is laid in the usual way, since there is no concrete screed, and heat easily passes through the substrate.

Laying laminate flooring

The most convenient way to lay laminate flooring on underfloor heating is to use an infrared film system. Since a screed is not required here, a dense polyethylene film is laid on top to protect the conductive surface from mechanical damage and moisture ingress.

To improve heat transfer and reduce harmful fumes, the following requirements are imposed on the floor covering:

the thickness of the laminated board should be within 6-8 mm;
laminate class - 32 or 33 with locking joints;
cork mats are not recommended as a substrate.

When installing an electric floor under a laminate, a mandatory temperature gap between the wall and the coating is maintained.

Video

Many apartment owners, when arranging underfloor heating for laminate, want to do all the work with their own hands, without inviting specialists. A detailed video will help you understand the process, learn about professional intricacies, and carefully study the most difficult situations. The video will show the difference between electrical systems and help you make the right choice.

conclusions

In conclusion, I would like to briefly recall the main features of installing electric underfloor heating under a laminate with your own hands. Then the work will be carried out at a good professional level.

Before laying, be sure to draw up a diagram of the location of the heating elements, whether it is a heat cable, electrical mats or an infrared film that requires grounding.
After analyzing the installation methods of various systems, choose a simple option that does not require special knowledge.
In order to save wires, install the thermostat in the middle of the room.
Installation should take place in such a way that, in case of repair, have access to any part of the structure.
In an apartment with low ceilings, give preference to the film version, since it has almost no effect on the thickness of the floor covering.

Upon completion of the work, when the underfloor heating is installed and the laminate is laid, a mandatory pause of three to four days will be required before commissioning. With the beginning of the heating season, the heating of the system to the optimum temperature occurs gradually, with a daily increase of 5-6 degrees. In the same way, a decrease to a complete shutdown is done.

Recently, underfloor heating manufacturers are increasingly claiming that their systems are suitable for laying under any type of floor covering, including laminate, parquet and solid wood. Is it really?

Indeed, it is possible to lay a water-heated floor under the laminate with your own hands and operate it safely, but for this you will need to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions and follow the recommendations indicated by him.

Is it possible to lay water floors under laminate and parquet

There are justified concerns regarding the use of laminate, solid wood and parquet as flooring for underfloor heating. This is due to two features of this material:

It turns out that laying a laminate on a water-heated floor (like any other glued floor covering) is possible, but for this you will need to choose the right material and follow special recommendations regarding installation and operation.

The operating instructions separately indicate for which heating the material is intended. It is strictly forbidden to use a laminate designed for electric heating with a water-heated floor.

How efficiently do water floors under laminate flooring heat?

Initially, I would like to note that putting laminate on underfloor heating is not an ideal solution. As noted above, the wrong choice of flooring can affect not only the terms of its operation, but also affect the health of the owners of an apartment or a private house. But if you still choose a laminate, you will need to follow certain instructions.

Otherwise, the heating system "warm water floor" laid under the laminate effectively heats the room. The material itself heats up quickly and retains heat well. The thickness of the coating cake remains minimal compared to tiles.

Another advantage is the possibility of mounting a parquet board or an array. The maximum heating temperature of the coolant up to 27-28 ° C is quite enough to maintain a normal, comfortable mode in the room.

Restrictions in the power of a water heated floor associated with the characteristics of the flooring make the operation of the heating system as the main source of heating limited.

How to install underfloor heating installation instructions

The choice of laminate for underfloor heating is extremely important and affects the life of the coating. You will also need to strictly follow the installation procedure established by the manufacturer:

Laying laminate should be entrusted exclusively to professionals. Despite the apparent simplicity of installation work, there are some nuances that beginner installers often do not take into account. As a result, over time, the floor structure shrinks, creaks appear, joints diverge, etc.

The device of a warm water floor with a laminate does not "forgive" any errors associated with the installation of the coating.

How to fill in a warm water floor system (what kind of screed)

The technology of laying parquet boards and laminate implies the preparation of a perfectly even base for the installation of the coating. Ways to level the floor, which are used in normal cases, are not suitable for underfloor heating. One of the reasons for the creak is just a poorly leveled floor before laying.

When choosing a composition for pouring floors, you should also consider some features:

- an ordinary cement mortar under the influence of a temperature difference begins to crumble, crack, loses its integrity and strength. Therefore, the manufacturing technology of the screed composition involves the use of special plasticizers. At the same time, professionals advise not to save on additives. The required amount of plasticizer is clearly indicated on the container.

Smooth surface– laying adhesive laminate requires a perfectly flat surface. Often, craftsmen make the mistake of trying to level the finish layer using conventional tile adhesives. As a result, after a while, such a layer simply lags behind the main screed. Lining under the laminate is also not able to eliminate all the differences.

Thermal conductivity- given that in order to heat the room, the heating system must first heat the screed and coating, it becomes clear that the cement composition must have increased thermal conductivity. The efficiency of heat transfer largely affects the feasibility of using laminate or parquet.

All three of the above aspects explain why the largest manufacturers recommend the use of ready-made mixtures in the construction of floors using laminate. It is impossible to independently produce a solution that fully meets the technical characteristics of an already finished composition.

How to choose a laminate for a water floor

Which laminate for a warm water floor to choose? If it is firmly decided to use this particular coating, then you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

Breeds of natural wooden parquet, suitable for a water-heated floor, are glued directly to the base of the concrete floor. The use of a substrate is not provided.

Errors allowed during installation

Installation errors are made not only by beginners, but also by professionals. Basically, miscalculations are related to the following aspects:

The choice of material - cork laminate and other flooring with a thickness of more than 10 cm, is categorically not suitable for underfloor heating. The lack of heat transfer leads to the need to increase the heating temperature of the coolant and, as a result, to heat the laminate over 30 ° C, and this leads to the appearance of toxic fumes.
There are many samples of parquet and laminate, which are recommended for use specifically for water-heated floors.
Use with laminated carpets is another common problem. After laying the laminate, a rug is laid on top of it, furniture is installed, etc. There should not be an additional coating in the place where the warm floors pass, as this leads to overheating.
Violation of laying technology- the smoother the prepared surface, the more likely it is that after a year of operation, the parquet or laminate will not make squeaks and other noises when walking.

Laminate and parquet are not the best solution for underfloor heating. But subject to certain rules, their use can be effective and safe.