The choice of a laminate floor heating system has several features and subtleties. It is worth noting that this finishing material consists of wood, which is why it needs special care during operation. Many people wonder if it is possible to lay laminate on a warm floor, especially those families in which there are small children.
It is quite possible to use a laminated coating to equip a floor heating system, however, the installation procedure requires the observance of certain conditions.
The feature of the warm floor
The warm floor is considered one of the most effective heating means for the house and apartment. The peculiarity of his work lies in the fact that warm air, heated from below, gradually rises, and cold air drops. Thanks to this, warm air is constantly below, and in the ceiling area it will be cool, therefore it breathes much more freely, and the airways do not dry out.
There are many different types of floors, in particular such as:
Each of these types has certain features, but they are united by general principles, in particular, such as:
- uniform heat distribution occurs;
- heating elements can be hidden under the floor covering;
- high system efficiency;
- lack of dust circulation.
Is it possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, largely depends on the type of laminate coating, since not all of its types tolerate contact with the heating system well.
The benefits of using laminate flooring
It is very important to understand the question of whether it is possible to lay the laminate on a warm floor, since the laminate coating requires special care and certain rules are observed. Its laying over the floor heating system is quite possible, but it is very important to ensure the optimum temperature and waterproofing.
If we compare the laminated coating with other types, it becomes clear that it is just perfect, since if necessary, you can very easily get to the heating devices. Heating allows you to safely walk 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 put carpets, as they will interfere with air circulation.
What types of laminate can be
Before deciding whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, you need to understand what exactly is characterized by each of the existing heating systems. The water system is good in that it is independent of electricity, which is why it has a greater degree of security. With the exact observance of the laying technology, it serves for a long time without causing any 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 technological, as it makes it possible to evenly warm 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 for a warm floor is better to choose. If you purchase ordinary panels, then they will warp from the temperature difference. That is why this option is not suitable for underfloor heating.
Given all these factors, some manufacturers have developed a new formula for laminate flooring that simply blends perfectly with the underfloor heating system. When choosing a laminate, you need to pay attention to the permissible level of heating temperature indicated on the package. In addition, the documentation indicates the type of compatibility of the product with a warm floor.
These indicators are indicated using a special pictogram or inscription. If there is a water formula on it, then this means that the material is suitable for an aqueous floor heating system. Panel thickness should be at least 8 mm. The best option is a laminate of class 33 (12 mm panel thickness). A thinner product may not withstand extreme temperatures.
Laminated panels can be laid on the floor with a maximum heating value that does not exceed 27 degrees. The packaging should also indicate the resistance and 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 a laminate with a certain 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 just need to fold the CCC of the substrate and the laminate. The resistance level is affected by the thickness and density of the product.
If the coefficient value is quite large, then there is a risk of substrate overheating. In addition, the heating circuit can quickly break.
Water heating coating
Water heating systems are multi-layered. Their base is waterproofed, 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 overlapped with a concrete screed or gypsum fiber. Only after this is the flooring laid.
In this case, it is very important to know which laminate is suitable for a warm floor, 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 will ideally be suitable for arranging a water floor system. Heating on a similar basis is characterized by increased 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 be no higher than +27 degrees, as otherwise the panels may become deformed and lose their appearance.
Electric heating coating
The electric floor heating system is characterized in that the cable element generates heat when current flows through it. The cable can be with one or two cores. In this case, you must definitely determine which laminate is suitable for a warm floor, and which technical characteristics it should have.
When choosing panels, it should be borne in mind that the coating must necessarily 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;
- security.
In order for the floor with a coating of laminated panels to work as efficiently as possible, you need to properly make a screed. Only in this case can we count on maximum thermal conductivity.
Coating for infrared heating
An infrared floor is considered the most expensive and convenient option, and a laminate is the most suitable coating for it. It is worth noting that the film floors were created specifically for the laminated coating. The infrared system consists of a thin film coated with special strips. A substrate under the laminate for a warm floor is necessarily laid on it, therefore, additional heating of the screed is not required.
Choosing a laminated coating, you need to focus on such characteristics of the laminate as:
- thickness - more than 8 mm;
- wear resistance class 33;
- the presence of marking.
The most modern option is a heated laminate. It is worth noting that when arranging an infrared floor system, it is necessary to provide grounding.
Heated laminate
An ideal solution would be a 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 of this, 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 floors, making heated and unheated areas.
The choice of laminate for the intended purpose
Be sure to correctly select the laminated panels for the intended purpose. An apartment or house is divided into several zones, namely:
- bedroom, living room;
- kitchen, cabinet;
- corridor;
- bath, toilet, 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 with a wax content.
The joints of the panels must be carefully treated with sealant. The most suitable laminate class is 32–33.
When choosing a laminate for a bathroom, a bathroom and a loggia it is necessary to consider that in these rooms the temperature should be no more than 28 degrees. Be sure to install the temperature controller and temperature sensor. This will prevent overheating of the flooring and deformation of the panels. Among the basic requirements, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- the presence of a water-repellent layer;
- high-quality coating.
Joints must be sealed.
For a corridor or bedroom, it is recommended to choose a laminated floor with a matte surface. For heating, you can install an infrared or electric floor.
The choice of laminate according to the installation method
Of great importance is the method of joining panels, in particular adhesive and castle. It is advisable to purchase laminated panels with a lock connection, since they will not deform when heated.
There are several types of castle joints that are just perfect for laying laminate flooring.
How to choose a background
Laminate designed for finishing underfloor heating must have a certain marking. The underlay for the laminate for the warm floor should also have the corresponding decals that are applied to the package. The maximum permissible temperature is indicated next to them. When choosing a substrate, you need to take into account such characteristics as:
- thermal insulation;
- sound insulation;
- depreciation.
Be sure to choose the right mats for a warm water floor under the laminate. It should be borne in mind 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 polystyrene foam, cork, polyethylene foam.
All these substrates are distinguished by their affordable cost and minimal degree of thermal conductivity, so they are best suited for organizing high-quality insulation. However, if you determine which substrate is warmer, then cork will be the best option. It is environmentally friendly, resistant to decay, and parasites will not appear in it. It must be laid on high-quality polyethylene.
What products are better to get
Many users are interested in which company to choose a laminate, so that such a product lasts for a long time. Haro's product is a pretty good 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 expertly made and panels can be easily confused with natural boards. A floor made of such material will serve for a long time, and its aesthetic appearance will delight both guests and home owners.