There’s nothing quite like the warm comfort of a heated floor when winter’s chill descends. Radiant floor heating, another name for underfloor heating, is getting more and more common in contemporary homes. Cold tiles are a thing of the past thanks to its even heating distribution and ability to keep your feet toasty. Underfloor heating systems come in three primary varieties: infrared, electric, and water-based. Each is designed to fit specific needs and home configurations, and each has its own advantages and installation techniques.
Water-based systems, also known as hydronic heating, work by circulating heated water through a system of pipes beneath the floor. Because of its complicated installation procedure, this system—which is very effective at heating large spaces—is usually integrated into homes during the construction phase. Conversely, electric underfloor heating is perfect for renovation projects because it uses electric wires or mats, which can be simpler to install. It works especially well in smaller spaces or rooms where it is not practical to install large pipes.
At the top of the lineup is infrared underfloor heating. Instead of heating the air, this system uses radiant heat panels that produce infrared waves that warm people and things in the room directly. It’s an energy-efficient solution that can lower allergens and dust circulation while heating up quickly, making it a wise pick for households with allergy concerns.
The existing heating system in your house, your budget, and your preferences for heating efficiency and installation complexity all play a role in selecting the best underfloor heating system. Whether you’re renovating an old house or building a new one, each system has unique benefits. Making an informed decision to improve the warmth and comfort of your house will be made easier if you are aware of these options.
When considering the installation of underfloor heating in your home, it"s important to understand the three main types available: water-based (hydronic), electric, and infrared systems. Water-based systems circulate warm water through pipes under the floor, providing efficient and uniform heating but requiring more complex installation. Electric underfloor heating uses electric wires or mats and is simpler to install, making it ideal for retrofitting in existing homes. Infrared heating, the newest among the three, uses radiant heat panels that emit infrared waves, directly heating objects and people in the room rather than the air itself. Each type has distinct advantages and installation requirements, so choosing the right one depends on your specific heating needs, budget, and the feasibility of integrating it into your existing home structure.
What is the heat -insulating substrate for
The substrate serves as both a moisture-resistant waterproof layer and a heat-insulating material that operates on the "thermos" principle. Because it is positioned between the coolant and the base, the based pressure is softer. The substrate’s primary function is to retain and transfer thermal energy upward, preventing heat from entering the floor.
An adequately equipped lining has an impact on the heating quality. If the insulation is chosen incorrectly, even the most powerful and costly heating system will be ineffective because the heat will be wasted in an empty space.
For your information, technology states that the warm floor system ought to heat up to 80% of the floor.
It is essential to use a heat-insulating substance with low heat conductivity in this cake layer in order to get the desired outcome. You can direct and reflect heat upwards thanks to this characteristic. That is, a crucial component of efficient heating is the underwear substrate, which can be found in the center of the structure or concealed beneath a concrete screed.
Selecting a suitable substrate is a difficult task; you need to consider its manufacturing feasibility, practicality, ease of use, and required stiffness. Although such a product is not inexpensive, it will last a long time and improve efficiency dramatically.
The following characteristics help you choose the ideal substrate:
- good hydro- and thermal insulation indicators;
- increased reflective properties;
- resistance to temperature differences, if he withstands heating up to 90 degrees;
- deformation resistance;
- Fire resistance.
It ought to be ecologically friendly as well.
Types of substrates
You can use a variety of products that satisfy the aforementioned criteria as a substrate.
- Polystyrene smooth substrates – have a lower density, thickness from 2 to 10 cm. Costs a plate of 2 cm about 100 rubles. The slabs do not fix the pipes, for this you will need to install anchor brackets.
Cork material
Wood bark that has been chopped and compressed is used in the production of cork laying. The primary benefit is that it is produced using raw materials that are environmentally friendly and natural. Products are therefore non-allergenic and safe for health.
Furthermore, the cork has advantages:
- resistance to deformation – after mechanical exposure to it, it takes the original form;
- High sound insulation – this is provided by a porous structure;
- good degree of thermal insulation;
- Simplicity in cutting and laying.
The product is offered for sale in rolls or sheets. The thickness difference between the substrate roll and leaf is 2 to 4 mm for rolls and 4 to 10 mm for mats.
Like any component made of raw materials, the cork has drawbacks.
- susceptible to moisture;
- When installing, waterproofing the base is required;
- Poorly tolerates statistical loads.
Using a regular cork substrate for a water-warm floor is not advised. Installing a cork with a rubber layer—where rubber serves as a binder—is preferable.
Foamed polyethylene
The least expensive option is lining made of polyethylene. The molten material is forced through a cellular form during the production process, after which it is heated and pressed. It emerges as an elastic canvas with air holes.
Two varieties of polyethylene substrates are produced:
- Non -seated – cells filled with gas, 3 mm in size. The product is produced with a thickness of 0.8 to 3 mm, 1 or 1.5 meters long.
The primary benefits of this kind are:
- increased moisture resistance;
- small thickness;
- Low price.
However, this model has additional drawbacks, such as fragmentation, a fast rate of wear, a density of only 25 kg/cube.m, and a loss of flexibility when it bends under weight. Furthermore, the material’s thermal conductivity of 0.55 W/(m ° C) indicates that it does not retain heat well.
- Stitched polyethylene plate foams – have a dense structure, since the technology contributes to the formation of transverse connections that reduce the size of air cells.
- high strength;
- increased density – 33 kg/cube.m;
- The degree of soundproofing reaches up to 18 dB;
- heat -conductivity coefficient 0.031 W/(m ° C);
- Two types are produced: rolls and mats, the thickness of which is from 1 to 20 mm;
- service life up to 15 years.
The primary drawback is the price.
Foil substrates
A substrate with a foil surface is commonly used. An enormous benefit is that its foundation can be cork, foam, polystyrene, tile, or polystyrene. The properties of the basis are greatly enhanced by the use of metallized film.
The aluminum or lavsan film that serves as the reflective external coating. It affects the even distribution of heat and raises the water system’s efficiency to 98%. The size of the foil layer determines how much heat is generated. This material’s ability to support large loads and resist deformation is one of its key characteristics.
It is noteworthy that Lavsan possesses a unique property that allows it to retain its reflective properties and moisture-holding capabilities even after extended contact with a concrete screed.
Wood and scrap materials (OSP and chipboard)
According to Finnish methodology, warm floors are installed using the wood-type base. It is possible to avoid filling the concrete screed by choosing this option.
The technology entails placing the water floor pipes in the grooves that have been previously prepared. The chipboard sheets or racks that are secured with wood lags give the basis its rigidity.
An attribute of this kind
- ease of installation;
- strength;
- environmental friendliness;
- Universality – the ability to install any kind under sexual coating.
The substrate’s drawbacks include its poor moisture tolerance; to improve its hydrolyzing and heat-insulating qualities, place foil film between the pipe and the wooden base.
Just so you know! It is important to note that professionals advise against heating warm floors with the markup. The product only improves the convenience of the plate arrangement.
| Type of Underfloor Heating | Features |
| Water Underfloor Heating | Uses hot water running through pipes to heat the floor. Energy efficient and good for large areas. |
| Electric Underfloor Heating | Uses electric wires or mats beneath the floor. Easier to install but can be more expensive to operate. |
| Infrared Underfloor Heating | Employs infrared technology to emit heat. Efficient at heating objects directly without heating the air. |
Weighing the advantages of water, electric, and infrared options is necessary when selecting the best underfloor heating system for your house. Although they need a substantial initial installation effort, water-based systems are very effective for heating an entire house and can be integrated with current heating solutions. Conversely, electric systems are simpler to install and better suited for smaller spaces or rooms that require extra heating. The newest of the three technologies, infrared heating offers a rapid response time, possibly reduced operating costs, and direct heating of objects and surfaces, giving it a distinct level of comfort that the other systems might not be able to match.
Every kind of underfloor heating has a unique set of benefits. In the long run, water-based systems are more affordable, especially if you currently have a central boiler. Electric systems are a good option for renovation projects because they require less disruption during installation. Although they are less common, infrared systems distribute heat effectively and evenly while wasting little energy. The choice ought to be made in light of particular requirements like the project’s scope, budget, and infrastructure for home heating already in place.
Lastly, it’s critical to take your home’s insulation into consideration before installing any underfloor heating system. The effectiveness of underfloor heating can be significantly increased by adding effective insulation, which traps heat inside the room, lowers heating costs, and improves comfort. To get the most out of your investment in underfloor heating, make sure your home is well-insulated, regardless of the system you select. Speaking with an expert can give you customized guidance that considers the unique characteristics of your house and heating requirements.
