A growing number of homeowners are choosing underfloor heating to improve the efficiency and comfort of their living areas. When paired with concrete base laminate flooring, it provides a sleek and contemporary way to keep a room cozy. Either an electric or a water-based system can be used, and each has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
Warm water is circulated via pipes buried beneath the flooring to provide water underfloor heating. Although this method can be more complicated and costly to install, it is energy-efficient and compatible with a variety of heating systems. Conversely, electric underfloor heating generates heat through electric cables or mats, making installation simpler and heating up faster. However, because electricity costs are higher, this type of underfloor heating may not be as economical over time.
The best kind of underfloor heating for your house will depend on a number of variables, such as your budget, the difficulty of installation, and the amount of energy used over time. The benefits and drawbacks of installing underfloor heating systems—either electric or water—under laminate flooring on a concrete surface will be discussed in this article. We’ll also give you a detailed installation guide to make sure you install these systems effectively.
Although each system has advantages and disadvantages, installing electric or water underfloor heating beneath laminate on a concrete floor provides a cozy and effective heating solution. Water-based systems are complicated and expensive to install, but they offer reliable heat and are economical in the long run. Conversely, electric systems can be more expensive to operate but are simpler and less expensive to install. A system’s suitability for a given budget, installation complexity, and ongoing energy expenses are all important considerations.
- Differences between laminate and other floor coverings
- How laminate conducts heat
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Choosing a warm floor for laminate
- Cable warm floor and mats
- Infrared films for underfloor heating
- Water heated floor
- Installation of infrared film
- Film structure
- Film installation process
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Differences between laminate and other floor coverings
Unlike more costly parquet boards, laminate is a multicomponent material. About 90% of it is made of wood, and the remaining 10% is polymer. Pressing is used to create this material. The majority are created with adhesive polymers, which are not very heat-tolerant.
It should be noted that while laminate, particularly if it is composed of low-quality materials, can form phenols and other compounds that are harmful to health, ceramics cannot release any harmful substances when heated. If you want to arrange a heating system, laminate is a better option than linoleum.
How laminate conducts heat
Laminate has a low heat conductivity because wood fibers are used to make it. The situation cannot be resolved by adding insulation; the floor will remain cool. Laminate does not transfer heat well like tiles do.
Even if such a coating is installed correctly, it takes a long time to heat up. In addition, when planning installation on a floor heating system, it should be taken into account that wood chips bonded with a polymer composition can expand greatly under high temperatures. This may cause the coating to open
Thick varieties are effective heat insulators. The coating surface stays cool as a result.
Only buy materials bearing an emblem allowing their use in such circumstances if you intend to install underfloor heating. Its small thickness and dense structure define it. Such material has a low expansion coefficient and emits no hazardous substances when heated.
Advantages and disadvantages
The installation of laminate has benefits and drawbacks.
- room temperature of the coating when the heating is off;
- high decorativeness;
- the ability to grind and re-varnish;
- durability;
- small replacement;
- strength;
- ease of use;
- the ability to replace the coating without damaging the system;
- ease of installation;
- variety of designs.
One drawback of this combination is that a material specifically made for it needs to be purchased. When the coating gets too hot, it could be destroyed. When heated, edges can distort rapidly. To provide further protection against moisture, additional treatment is needed.
Choosing a warm floor for laminate
It is possible to lay laminate on cable, infrared, and water floors. Every choice has benefits and features unique to it.
Cable warm floor and mats
It is best to select a heating cable that is fixed to the substrate if you intend to install an electric heated floor yourself. A unique fastener is used to connect the mats to one another after they have been put in place on a concrete substrate.
The process of installing a heating cable is more intricate. Prior to mounting the cable, specific holders need to be installed. The benefit of the cable option is that it can be installed even in rooms with intricate layouts.
Infrared films for underfloor heating
This option consists of mats with an integrated system that, when connected to the power grid, emits infrared light. In this instance, the items that are exposed to infrared radiation heat up rather than the mats themselves.
Direct installation of infrared films beneath the laminate is possible. If you intend to install the system yourself, this type of underfloor heating is advised because it is incredibly easy to install.
Water heated floor
It is necessary to install specific plastic pipes and link them to the heating system in order to heat the floor beneath the laminate with water. The process of passing hot water through the pipes further warms the area.
Installation of infrared film
Because infrared film beneath the laminate is so simple to install, individuals who independently install the system and laminate tend to select it.
Film structure
Although thin, the infrared film is robust. Its structure is intricate. Numerous carbon heating elements are mounted on an elastic plastic base.
A copper busbar connects the two of them. An anti-spark silver mesh layer is another layer of film. Every mat has a terminal that can be connected to the power supply.
Film installation process
Although infrared film can be put directly on a concrete base, plywood is generally advised by experts. Applying a layer of isolon and taping the joints together is a good idea.
It is covered with the film. Following this, the thermostat, temperature sensor, electrical wires, mounting clamps, and protective film are installed.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Provides even heat distribution | Higher installation cost compared to traditional heating |
| Energy efficient and can lower heating bills | Requires professional installation |
| Compatible with laminate flooring | May raise the floor level slightly |
| Improves comfort with warm floors | Repairs can be difficult and costly |
| Quiet operation | Electric systems can increase electricity usage |
| Reduces dust circulation, benefiting allergy sufferers | Water-based systems need regular maintenance |
Installed beneath laminate flooring on a concrete floor, water and electric underfloor heating systems provide efficient ways to heat an area. To accommodate varying needs and tastes, each type has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. In the long run, water-based systems are more economical and energy-efficient, especially for larger areas. They do, however, need more frequent maintenance and a more involved installation procedure. Conversely, electric systems can eventually cost more to operate but are simpler to install and require less maintenance.
It is essential to confirm that laminate flooring is appropriate for underfloor heating before installing these systems beneath it. In order to stop heat loss and moisture damage, which can shorten the heating system’s lifespan and reduce its efficiency, proper insulation and vapor barriers are necessary. For both systems to operate at their best and be safe, proper planning and adherence to manufacturer instructions are necessary.
In conclusion, the decision between water and electric underfloor heating under laminate on a concrete floor is influenced by a number of variables, such as financial constraints, the difficulty of installation, and ongoing operating expenses. Homes can improve comfort and efficiency by selecting a system that best suits their needs by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each one and taking the space’s unique requirements into account. To fully benefit from underfloor heating, proper installation and upkeep are essential.
