Varieties of mats for a warm floor. Which to choose?

Underfloor heating is a great option for keeping your home warm and comfortable. The heating mat is a vital part of underfloor heating systems, helping to distribute heat uniformly throughout the floor. But picking the best heating mat can be difficult because there are so many different kinds available. Let’s examine the various types of warm floor mats and how to choose the best one for your house.

First off, the ease of use and effectiveness of electric heating mats have made them popular. These mats are made of a cable or mesh structure that releases heat when electricity flows through it. In general, they are simple to install, particularly in new construction or renovation projects. Thermostats can be used to precisely control the temperature of electric mats, providing warmth where it is needed. For certain rooms, such as kitchens or bathrooms, where heating is required beneath tile, laminate, or engineered wood flooring, they are perfect.

As an alternative, you might think about hydronic systems—water-based heating mats. Hot water is circulated beneath the floor by means of a network of pipes in these mats. They can be integrated with current heating systems and are extremely energy-efficient, despite being more difficult to install than electric mats. With their gentle and consistent warmth, hydronic mats are appropriate for many types of floors, such as stone, tile, or even carpet.

The ideal heating mat for you will mostly depend on your unique requirements and situation. Electric mats are useful because they react quickly and work well in smaller spaces. Additionally, they are frequently more affordable up front. Water-based systems, on the other hand, are known for being more energy-efficient and may be more appropriate for larger spaces or whole-house applications. Take into account things like the ease of installation, continuing expenses, and the kind of flooring you want to use.

It’s important to speak with experts or knowledgeable installers before making a choice so they can determine the needs of your house and suggest the best heating mat. The effectiveness of underfloor heating is determined in part by insulation, the state of the current heating systems, and the desired level of comfort. By being aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of heating mat and consulting a professional, you can make an informed decision that will guarantee your house stays toasty warm all year round.

The main advantages of foam polystyrene foam

Mats are a relatively new product in the market for heated flooring; they are of excellent quality and are manufactured with European technologies. There are several benefits to the plates:

• do not change the form during prolonged use;
• have convenient locks, which facilitates their styling;
• They have a marking to facilitate the installation of pipes or a heating cable of a warm floor;
• have excellent sound and thermal insulation;
• Do not gain moisture and do not rot;
• not harmful to humans, when heated, they do not distinguish hazardous substances;
• maintain large temperature changes (from -180 to +180 ° C);
• have a long service life.

It’s important for you to be aware that while burning, polystyrene foam releases toxic smoke that can be harmful. Manufacturers add antipypees, which prevent ignition, to prevent this property. These mats are available for purchase with an additional marking in the shape of the letter "C."

Types of mats

There are a total of four types of mats made for underfloor heating installations. Each of them is unique and designed to be installed under particular circumstances. Among the foam polystyreal mats are:

1. Rolled substrate;
2. Polystyrene foam;
3. Polystyrene with foil;
4. Polistyle mates with "bobes".

The characteristics of the space and the weight that must be supported determine which insulation mat is best. Keep in mind that the plates are not all the same thickness.

Rolled substrate

The consensus among experts is that the roller substrate can be broadly classified as an insulating material. Its thin layer, ranging in thickness from 2 to 10 mm, accounts for this. As such, the material’s range of applications is fairly restricted.

This kind of insulation is only utilized when the warm floor is used very infrequently or when it is laid as an auxiliary material.

It is definitely not advised to install rolled insulation above basements or other unheated areas. They will be completely ineffective in this situation.

Rolled substrate is inconvenient both before and after installation. It will require specialized adhesive tape to lay, and additional floor attachment is needed when installing pipes for the heated floor.

In the one and only exonerated instance, when the room’s architectural features prevent you from raising the floor level, it makes sense to use a roll substrate beneath a warm floor.

Because of its poor efficiency, this kind of insulation is typically used very infrequently to warm floors and is not advised by most specialists.

Foam polystyrene slabs

There are two types of polystyrene plate foam that are ideal for insulating warm floors. The more affordable choice is a standard foam. In the event that this option has been selected, keep in mind that the insulation density shouldn’t be less than 35 kg/m3. To ensure that the substrate won’t flex or rupture under the weight of the structure, certain requirements must be met.

Extruded polystyrene plates make an insulation that is more resilient but also more costly. This material is strong, perfectly withstands loads, and has a cellular structure.

You can mount a roll substrate on top of the slabs to achieve an even greater heat-insulating effect.

Special locks on each plate make the insulation installation process easier. If a heater has markings on it already, this is done to make laying pipes for insulation easier.

Foam polystyrene with foil

Polystyrene foam is also used to make these warming mats for a warm floor. There are two categories for them:

• Panels interconnected by a continuous foil film. During installation, such a heater is laid out on the surface;
• Separate mats with special locks on the sides. When laying the plates, they are interconnected using grooves on the locks.

These panels have a coordinate mesh applied to them, which makes navigating easier when laying pipes or heating cables.

Reinforcing mesh or brackets are used to secure the warm floor.

Polistyle mates with "bosses"

This kind of insulation was created specifically to be placed beneath heated flooring. Based on the textural characteristics, this foamopolisterol is identical to that found in the plates, which are known as "beans" because of their unique side bulges.

The protrusions are positioned one from the other at a specific distance and have wildly varied shapes, depending on the manufacturer. There is no need for additional fastening because this design fixes the water pipe on the insulation’s surface.

Because the boss is 20–25 mm tall, it is simple to attach a 20 mm pipe, which is standard when installing a water-warm floor. The entire plate may have a height of 40 to 50 mm.

The plates are connected by locks that ensure adequate insulation tightness, allowing you to apply any kind of screed on them. The sound insulation of this kind of mat is an additional benefit for a heated floor. Noise indicators are lowered to 25 dB.

Choosing the appropriate mat for a heated floor is crucial to maximizing both comfort and energy savings in your house. There are numerous types of mats that are available, and each has special qualities and applications.

Because they are straightforward and simple to install, electric heating mats are a popular option. They are made up of a heating element embedded in a rollable mat-like structure that is put directly under the flooring. These matting are perfect for rooms where traditional heating systems are not practical or for retrofitting already-existing floors.

Hydronic (water-based) heating mats are an additional choice; they work by moving warm water beneath the floor via a system of pipes. Hydronic systems are renowned for their energy efficiency and capacity to evenly distribute heat over larger areas, despite being more difficult to install than electric mats.

Think about things like the type of flooring, your heating requirements, and the insulation in your home when selecting a mat. Electric mats are a good fit for smaller spaces like bathrooms or kitchens because they are typically quicker and easier to install. Conversely, hydronic systems can be combined with renewable energy sources or current boilers to provide whole-house heating.

The ideal mat option ultimately depends on your needs and financial situation. While hydronic systems offer long-term energy savings and can raise the value of your property, electric mats are more cost-effective up front and simpler to retrofit. Regardless of the option you select, a warm floor can greatly improve the comfort and effectiveness of the heating system in your house.

Choosing the right type of mat for your underfloor heating system can significantly impact the comfort and efficiency of your home"s heating. There are various options available, each with its own benefits and considerations. Firstly, electric heating mats are easy to install and suitable for smaller spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. They provide quick heat-up times and precise temperature control. Another option is hydronic (water-based) mats, which are ideal for larger areas and offer efficient heating using hot water circulated through pipes. They can be integrated into different floor types but require professional installation. Reflective foil insulation mats can also be used to enhance the efficiency of underfloor heating by reducing heat loss downwards. When choosing a mat, consider factors such as the size of the space, installation requirements, energy efficiency, and compatibility with your flooring type. It"s essential to consult with professionals to determine the most suitable mat for your specific heating needs and to ensure optimal performance and comfort throughout your home.

Video on the topic

The pros and cons of mats for the warm floor of KNAUF and Contour