Warm floors

Invisible benefits

Underfloor heating is not only a comfort option, but also an economical solution for home heating and your health. Using underfloor heating indoors will:Cleaner air and environment – there is usually no dust on underfloor heating compared to homes heated by convection radiators. This is very useful for people with allergies. It is also easier to clean rooms as there is no need to clean hard to reach places behind radiator pipes etc.

Lower energy costs – 2°C lower temperature with underfloor heating is enough to provide the same level of comfort. This is achieved because the heated floor warms the air and the temperature is evenly distributed throughout the room.

Easier interior planning – interior elements can be placed anywhere in the room, radiators do not restrict the free use of space.

What floor coverings can be used on underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating is usually laid on different types of tiles, which provide very good heat transfer. But tiles also have their drawbacks. When the floor is not heated, you have stone cold floors, the tiles are hard and they tend to crack or break when dishes fall on them. Almost all floor coverings in the Parketa Sala range are suitable for use on warm floors. Only solid wood floorboards are not recommended for underfloor heating. All types of two- and three-layer parquet, laminate, many cork floors and vinyl flooring are suitable for warm floors. For the installation of any floor covering on a warm floor, it is important that the floor system does not exceed the optimum thermal resistance coefficient of 0,15 m²K/W. This is calculated by summing the thermal resistance of the floor covering and the underlay. For example, if you want to install laminate flooring or parquet, you will need to add the thermal resistance of the underlay. If the sum does not exceed the optimum factor, such a system can be used safely. It is also very important that the surface temperature of the floor to be heated does not exceed the values set by the manufacturers. In general, the limit is around 26-27 °C, depending on the coating. Optimally, a comfortable floor surface temperature is around 23-24 °C. Carpets and floor coverings applied on top of the floor covering will accumulate heat, which may cause the surface temperature to exceed the permitted limit. In such cases, a lower surface temperature of 20-22 °C should be provided. A damp-proofing membrane under the floor should be used in any case.

How to equip a heated floor?

Perhaps the most important aspect of laying underfloor heating is surface preparation. It is important to strictly follow the underfloor heating system manufacturer’s installation instructions. Later, make sure that:

Enough time has passed and the concrete base has dried out. This usually takes at least 2 months.

Substrate flatness – up to 2 mm of unevenness, measured in any direction with a 2-m guide or spirit level, anywhere in the room, is allowed.

The surface moisture content of the concrete shall not exceed 1,8% CM.