Underfloor heating under a laminate on a wooden floor: we do it ourselves with a step-by-step diagram of an infrared underfloor heating under a laminate. Laying electric underfloor heating under laminate flooring is a good way to make your home cozier. Is underfloor heating effective under laminate flooring?

Today, when the "warm floor" system is used not only for additional, but also for the main heating of the premises, many are wondering: is it possible to make a warm floor under the laminate?

After all, this flooring can change its geometric parameters depending on the humidity and temperature conditions.

Experts do not recommend heating under floor coverings such as solid wood or natural parquet, as the tree will really behave in such conditions not in the best way. As for such a combination as underfloor heating and laminate, it is not only possible, but also very justified.

Under what laminate can you lay a warm floor

Everyone who has floors in the apartment finished with this coating knows very well that no insulation laid under the laminate will make it warm and pleasant to the touch. The surface of the laminate does not contain wood, it is a layer of durable resin that protects it from abrasion.

And it stays cool in any heat. But if you arrange a warm floor under the floor covering, it will be pleasant to step on the laminate even barefoot.

But the answer to the question of whether it is possible to put a laminate on a warm floor is not so unambiguous. It is possible, but not any laminate and not any underfloor heating system.

First, let's deal with the first part of this statement.

Since laminate is a wood-based product, it has the properties of wood to a greater or lesser extent. Namely: the ability to absorb moisture and swell, and when the temperature rises, it shrinks and deforms.

Of course, due to the high content of resins, these properties are manifested to a minimal extent, but still you need to carefully choose a laminate for a warm floor, paying attention to the following indicators:

The thickness of the laminate must be more than 8 mm. Thinner lamellas can be deformed due to frequent temperature changes.

Choosing a floor heating system

Now that you know what kind of laminate you need for underfloor heating, you can talk about choosing a heating system.

To date, three options for floor heating are used: water, electric and film infrared. All of them are popular, but what warm floor to choose for a laminate?

Water heated floor

This option is a low-section piping system hidden under the floor, which is connected to the central heating.

It is possible to make such warm floors under a laminate, but only in private houses, since laying water pipes v apartment buildings over "dry" rooms, in principle, is not allowed.

Of course, you can achieve project coordination or mount the system without it, but this option has several serious drawbacks:

The cost of installation and maintenance is quite high.
It can be even more expensive to repair in the event of a malfunction.
If a leak appears in the pipeline, you will have to change not only the entire heating system, but also the laminate for underfloor heating, as it will become unusable due to exposure to water.
When connected to the system central heating it is difficult to regulate the heating temperature, and too high temperatures are harmful to the laminate.

Electric (cable) floor heating

This is the most popular floor heating option, but it is not very suitable for floor coverings that have low thermal conductivity, including laminate.

The point is that the heating electrical cable it is poured with a screed, on which a laminate, tile or any other coating is subsequently laid. The cable must first heat the screed, in the thickness of which it is located, after which the screed itself transfers heat to the floor covering.

In the case when the laminate is laid on a warm floor, a substrate is laid under it, which also has a low heat transfer and further reduces the heating efficiency. Thus, in order to warm the laminate, you will have to wait at least an hour, while spending a large number of electricity.

For reference. The device of a cable electric floor heating is most effective for heating coatings made of ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, which have high thermal conductivity and are laid directly on the screed.

Film floor heating

This system is based on the effect of infrared radiation, and it is called a film warm floor because it is a thin film with strips of conductive material.

It is he who is considered the most suitable for laying under a laminate, as it has the following advantages:

Installation of a film underfloor heating occurs without glue and screed.
It is very economical and effective for heating coatings with low thermal conductivity.

It is safe both for human health and for the laminate itself, as it maintains a certain level of heating.

For reference. Laminate should not be heated above 28-30 degrees, as at higher temperatures it can deform.

In addition, strong heating provokes the release of formaldehyde vapor from the laminate, a substance hazardous to health.

Thus, the most suitable insulation floor in the case of laminate is an infrared film option. Some Western laminate manufacturers have already begun to produce a coating with a built-in heating system, but, unfortunately, the price for it is still very high.

How to install underfloor heating

It’s easy enough to lay a film underfloor heating with your own hands if you understand electrics and have some skills.

This will not take much time and will not force you to build structures that reduce the height of the room, since the film itself is very thin, but directly on it.

But first things first. The laying technology will be described using one of the most popular thermal films Caleo as an example.

What is required for installation

Caleo underfloor heating under laminate is sold as a kit, which, in addition to the film itself, includes contact clamps and insulation for them, as well as a wiring kit for connection.

To install a warm floor under a laminate, you will need other materials:

Heat-reflecting material on a soft basis, covered with a metallized film. It can be laid over the entire area, even where there is no warm floor. Such insulation under the laminate will serve as a substrate.

Attention! The use of materials covered with aluminum foil is not allowed!

Polyethylene film to protect the thermal film from moisture.
Scotch.
Temperature controller with temperature sensor. With it, you can set the desired level of floor heating.

Mounting technology

Lay the heat-reflecting material on a previously prepared flat surface, fastening the individual sheets together with adhesive tape.
Cut the Caleo thermal film into strips of the desired length along the cut lines. Lay the strips close to each other on top of the heat-reflecting material and secure with tape so that they do not move during operation.

Attention! Before laying the thermal film, consider the arrangement of furniture in the room, since the film underfloor heating can only be mounted on an area free from heavy furniture.

Install a thermostat.

Connect the underfloor heating strips to each other using the supplied wires of different colors. The connection must be made in parallel.
Install the terminals on the copper strips, making sure they fit snugly and insulating the connection points with the bituminous insulation included in the kit.

Connect the wires from the last strip of thermal film to the thermostat, as indicated in the wiring diagram attached to the device.
Attach the temperature sensor to the thermal film from the wrong side with bituminous insulation. In the place where it will lie, it is necessary to cut a hole and a groove for wires in the heat-reflecting material.
Connect the thermostat to the mains and turn on the underfloor heating to check.
Spread a plastic sheet over the warm floor.

Now you can buy a laminate under a warm floor and lay it as usual, right on top of the heating system.

Conclusion

Knowing how to choose a warm floor for a laminate and how to mount it, you can create more comfortable conditions in your bedroom or children's room on your own.

This can be done even if the repair has already been completed and the laminate is in its place: after all, it does not take long to disassemble it and assemble it again on top of the warm floor.

The choice of underfloor heating under the laminate is fraught with many "surprises" and subtleties. To correctly answer all the questions that arise, you need to know more about the types of underfloor heating, about its application in various conditions. And then you will not face any problems in principle.

Types and features of coverage

Warm floors are divided into three main groups: with circulating water, with a heating cable and with infrared heating. Regardless of the specific type, all these solutions are different:

Uniform heat supply.
High energy efficiency.
Aesthetic appeal (heating blocks do not need to be masked or beaten on purpose).
Elimination of dust movement (inevitable even when using the best radiators).

Laminate, placed on top of a warm floor, always contains formaldehyde, and as soon as the material warms up to 26 degrees, they begin to pollute the atmosphere in the house. Conclusion: always read the accompanying documentation and look for information about the admissibility of laying a warm floor under a specific batch of coating.

Is it possible to put: all the pros and cons

Installing laminate over underfloor heating is quite possible if waterproofing and optimal temperature regime. When in doubt, is it possible to lay such floor covering, or it is better to use something else, when you don’t know what exactly and how best to do it, seek the advice of specialists.

If you compare laminate with other floor coverings, it becomes clear that it is ideal in the sense that allows easy access to heating devices. Heating allows you to safely walk on the floor even in the most severe winter, without fear of hypothermia and discomfort. Underfloor heating should be installed whenever possible, they are quite practical. You will not be able to lay carpets, because they will block the circulation of air and can cause overheating.

Selection conditions

The maximum temperature of a warm floor mounted under a laminate is 25 degrees. It is worth increasing it by two degrees, and fiberboards will begin to deform, delaminate into individual fibers. But even earlier, at 26 degrees, hazardous compounds will be released into the air.

Laying over a warm floor can only be a laminate that is marked accordingly. Moreover, the tolerance applies to either electric or water heating methods, be careful! Not at all it is not necessary to use heaters on the entire surface of the floor, it is enough if they are located only in the recreation area and on the usual routes of movement around the house. For laying under a laminate, only heating blocks with a maximum power of 110 watts per square meter.

When insulating the floor, it is desirable to use high-strength substrates based on XPS polystyrene; their corrugated surfaces greatly improve convection. Be sure to provide an interval from the laminate to the wall so that it is less subject to thermal deformation.

A water heated floor should be placed on a substrate that provides both water absorption and heat conservation. Fiberboard almost does not let heat through, that is, it cannot dry out, but at the same time it is difficult to warm it up. The substrate placed above the heater should ideally have perforation for the passage of heated air to the floor covering.

If you need, above all, high power, developed by the thinnest warm floor, you should opt for infrared film. Specific power is most often 150 or 220 watts per square meter, occasionally you can find a film that gives 440 watts.

Water heating

Water heating systems are always multi-layered. The base is made waterproofing, then there is thermal insulation (it does not allow heat to go down). Then pipes of small diameter are already installed, covered with a carrier layer - a concrete screed, occasionally with gypsum fiber. And only then comes the turn of the actual flooring. The type of overlap determines the thickness of the entire structure, varying from 5 to 15 centimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of a water heated floor is its safety and stability of use, efficient operation in natural circulation mode even in the absence of current in the network. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the complexity of the installation, lowering the height of the room. If the pipe leaks, it will be quite difficult to fix the defect. Designers, however, take this circumstance into account, and pipes are now made from such reliable materials as polyethylene and metal-plastic. Additional protection with a cement-sand screed also reduces the risk of damage to a minimum.

Mounting Features

The optimal installation scheme is a “snail”: its laboriousness, the need for careful adjustment is justified by completely uniform and uniform heating of the entire floor surface.

Electric heating

The essence of the device is already clear from its name - the cable element generates heat when current passes through it. The cable can be with two cores or with one. The first option is more appropriate in any residential building or apartment, because less electromagnetic field. Laying a two-core wire with your own hands is also easier.

But you will need to work carefully so as not to damage the cable contact - if it is broken, the floor will overheat. It is desirable to use a self-regulating heater that automatically stops the temperature rise after a certain value.

Recommended repeatedly (in the most difficult cases 5 times) warm up the screed, this will form a network of small thermal cracks. Such a "training" will avoid the appearance of deformations in the future that can damage the laminate. When all installation work finished, you will need to drill the baseboards and remove the cable from them. According to experts, it is best to put foil foam under electric heaters to isolate from subfloors.

What is the benefit?

Heating with electricity is much easier to use (the system is mounted and adjusted much easier than water), its service life exceeds 20 years. An undoubted advantage will be the ability to adjust the temperature in the room, set its value as accurately as possible. But electricity consumption is quite significant, and you will have to pay for it.

The cost-effectiveness of all three systems is hotly debated because heating cable is cheaper to run and water devices are more profitable to install. But if you take into account all the costs of using it, infrared film immediately turns out to be out of competition. Consider, however, not only financial indicators, but all the parameters at once - how large the room is, whether the warm floor will be a key means of heating or only auxiliary.

Laying technology

It is necessary to mount an electric warm floor only after careful preparation of surfaces. The base of the floor is cleaned, if necessary, then leveled and insulated. The choice of materials for leveling and thermal insulation depends on your personal preferences. A thin screed is made on top, into which a reinforcing mesh is inserted, the screed must dry minimum 48 hours. After that, attach the mounting tape.

The work will be greatly simplified if you use heating mats. First, determine where the thermostat will be located, and lay the cable in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. When the sensor is fixed, the thermostat is installed, a test run of the system is carried out. If everything is in order, you can pour a screed from 3 to 10 centimeters thick. After pouring, you need to wait a month, and only then the screed will become strong enough for laying the laminate.

Infrared film

Infrared film is the most advanced development in floor heating. You have to do very little: the heating block itself is placed on a heat-reflecting material and covered with polyethylene. Everything, after that it remains only to lay the front cover. Even a screed, which is mandatory for electric and water heated floors, turns out to be redundant. But grounding, since we are still talking about a current-consuming device, is an absolutely necessary thing.

Pros and cons

If you install infrared film, you will not experience a decrease in the height of the room, and at the same time such a heater draws less current than the most efficient cables. But on the other hand, infrared film is quite expensive, it cannot be used anywhere where there is high humidity. And be sure to need a flat base, otherwise there is a risk of breaking the device.

It is unacceptable to put films under furniture, only on the free part of the floor. Please note that the "phase" is in the infrared film itself, and you need to install the most reliable devices protective shutdown.

Tools and materials

thermostat;
temperature sensor;
protective films;
scissors and screwdrivers;
construction knife;
pliers;
adhesive tape to connect the parts of the canvas.

How to mount?

Be sure to check not only that the floor is even, but also that it is clean and dry. 100% of the surface is covered with a heat-reflecting material with a dense layer. It is unacceptable to use aluminum foil in any form. Using adhesive tape, fasten the parts of the substrate. Once it is ready, you can choose a place to connect the thermostat. The built-in regulator and the wires through which current flows to it must be laid in a strobe.

If the film strip is 50 centimeters wide, its length cannot exceed 13 meters. With a width of 80 cm, the allowable length is reduced to 10 meters, and meter strips should be made no more than 7 meters in length. To cut and connect less, lay the strips along. Between them should be left at least a centimeter, and the gap to the walls should be at least 5 centimeters.

Direct the strips with the contacts in the direction where the thermostat will stand, and in no case overlap one thermal film with others! Since it is required to connect the wires in parallel, it is possible to collect them in one direction and mask them with a plinth. During installation, the film is glued to the substrate with adhesive tape, otherwise it can be torn.

One end of the contact clamp is inserted into the cavity that separates the films from the silver stripes, the other is fixed on a copper base and pressed with pliers. Sequentially moving, all contacts are processed in this way. Don't forget to isolate the connection points! The temperature sensor should be attached to the underside of the black strip, held in place by bituminous insulation. remember, that thermal strips should be at least 10-50 centimeters from any heating devices, depending on the heating power.

The outer surface on which the laminate will lie should be as even as possible. To meet this condition, the wires, sensor and clamps will have to be cut in the substrate. The wires are held with tape so that they do not budge. Please note that if the total power of the heating unit is 2 kW or more, it must be connected to the mains only through a separate residual current device!

Which is better to choose?

A warm floor of any kind can be successfully combined with a laminate. It is only necessary to select it as carefully as possible, otherwise, at the slightest violation of the temperature regime, the coating will be deformed. Or the result of the work will not satisfy you.

Putting an infrared warm floor is the easiest, but that's not the only reason you should choose it. Thanks to design features the rays will not penetrate inside the base, and you will not heat the concrete or other base in vain; this circumstance is especially important for balconies.

If the dwelling is connected to a central heating system, then you will have to refuse to use water floor heating in any case. In any case, the laminate above the warm floor must be of high strength, its thickness is at least 8 millimeters. Evaluate the thermal resistance of the floor covering.

Whether or not to use cable underfloor heating on the balcony is up to you. The fact that the screed is heated first, and then the floor, can be considered both a disadvantage and an advantage. You will have to wait about half an hour until the effect is achieved, but the heated layer of cement gives off heat even for some time after it is turned off. But the fact that it will be necessary to do the screed itself is a very serious minus.

It's not even about the complexity and additional costs. The design of the balcony is significantly heavier, sometimes the load-bearing parts may not be able to withstand it. You will also have to forget about installing bulky furniture (wherever it stands, overheating spots will appear, which by no means decorate appearance laminate).

An alternative solution is electric mats, and on the loggias, the simplicity of their installation is very relevant. But be prepared for the fact that the cost of a structure that heats the same area will rise by 50%.

Making a warm floor in the country is a very reasonable idea. Such a technical tool will definitely help to increase the comfort of staying in a home, if you take into account all the nuances.

With all the strength of wooden subfloors, it is undesirable to overload them, and if this consideration is important to you, it is appropriate to prefer the infrared option. When there is an equipped, well-functioning autonomous heating system, you can also use it to supply hot water in a water heated floor. Film constructions are good when it is required to insulate a country wooden house:

it is easy to mount them;
there is no need to connect to heating means;
can always be removed and moved to another place;
current consumption is minimal.

When evaluating the energy efficiency of the system, one should not attach too much importance to the indicators declared by manufacturers. In reality, one should take into account how the laying was done, and the thermal insulation device, and the quality of the reflector, and climatic conditions, and many other points.

Both in a country house and in an ordinary private house, laying a warm floor under a laminate helps to make life more comfortable and ennoble the space at the same time. In terms of visual appeal, reliability and ease of use, laminate flooring far bypasses old, cracked floors. A wide variety of its textures allows you to reproduce the look of natural wood.

Installing such a “layer cake” will only work if if the general condition of the original floor is satisfactory or can be fixed cosmetic repairs. In very old buildings, it is often necessary to change the foundation. When using a water heated floor, the former wooden base you will definitely need to dismantle and put a screed in its place. The work is quite complex and time-consuming, because, for example, you will have to prepare a concrete solution.

It is undesirable to use the "dry" technology of installing a water-heated floor on heat exchange plates. Yes, the wooden base will remain. But the efficiency of using the heater becomes less, in addition, you will have to mill or fit parts to make channels for pipe installation. In addition to laying the circuits, connecting them to the direct and return heating pipes, you will have to install equipment that maintains the necessary heating and circulation. There's not much you can do with your hands. inevitably need the help of specialists.

Cable electric floors and even mats require the mandatory use of a screed - again, it will not be possible to save a wooden base. As in the case of tubular structures, alternatives can be found, but they are all just as simple and less effective. The conclusion is quite obvious: there is nothing better than infrared floor heating for a private house (not just for an apartment). This solution eliminates any "wet" installation work and can be put into operation in a few days.

Thanks to modern materials popular for a long time, wooden floors are successfully replaced by laminated coatings. They have the appearance of wood, but are much cheaper. However, no matter how high-quality they are, they will not heat without a heating system. Underfloor heating is one of the options for creating a comfortable indoor temperature. Moreover, this method of heating is much more efficient than radiator heating. A person feels cozier when the floor temperature is slightly warmer than the air temperature at head level. It remains to choose under the laminate is better to put.

What system is better to lay down under a laminate?

There are three types of underfloor heating:

water;
electric cable;
electric infrared.

All of them have common advantages:

uniform distribution of heat;
system efficiency;
aesthetics, since the heating elements are hidden from view and do not spoil the interior of the rooms;
there is no dust circulation as in radiator heating.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Water heated floor

Such a floor heating device consists of several layers. The first of them - a waterproofing coating, is laid on the base. At this stage, a damper tape is laid around the perimeter of the room.

The second layer is thermal insulation. A heating pipe of small cross section is laid out on it. Then comes the carrier layer, which is most often used as a concrete screed, less often - materials based on gypsum fiber. On top of these layers lay the floor covering. Heating occurs due to warm water circulating through pipes. Depending on the type of flooring, the thickness of water-heated floors is 5-15 cm.

Due to the thickness of the water-heated floor, the ceiling height decreases

Advantages:

safety;
reliability;
independence from power supply (subject to natural circulation of the coolant).

Flaws:

complexity of installation;
the need to fill pipes with concrete screed;
reduces the height of the room;
complexity of repair (in case of coolant leakage).

An article on which pipes to choose for installing a warm water floor may be useful to you:.

Electrical cable

The main element of an electric floor heating is a cable. Heating of the room occurs due to the fact that it converts electrical energy into heat. For electric underfloor heating, two-core and single-core cables are used. In the first variant, there are two cores: supply and heating. For residential premises, it is better to use a two-core cable, as it has less electromagnetic radiation. Plus, it's easier to install. However, due to the possibility of breaking the contact of the cable, there is a possibility of its overheating.

Mounting tape is used to evenly lay out the heating cable.

To avoid this situation, a self-regulating cable is used for underfloor heating. If overheating occurs in some area, then the resistance of the cable increases in this place, which prevents the temperature from rising. Installation of such a system begins with surface preparation. Before laying the cable, clean the floor surface, if necessary, level and cover heat-insulating material. From above, a thin screed (0.2-0.3 cm) is made using a reinforcing mesh and allowed to dry for at least two days. Then attach the mounting tape.

The use of electric mats facilitates the laying of a warm floor based on a heating cable

Having determined the location of the thermostat, the heating cable is laid, taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations. After fixing the sensor and the thermostat, the system is tested. After making sure that it is working, the screed is poured (3-10 cm). It will be possible to lay laminate on a warm floor in 30 days, when the screed will acquire the necessary strength. Also, laying a warm floor can be done using heating mats. Their installation is a little easier, since the cable is fixed with a mesh.

Advantages:

reliability;
durability, service life more than 20 years;
ease of installation and maintenance;
possibility of control optimum temperature in room.

Flaws:

weak electromagnetic radiation;
high cost of energy.

Infrared film

The latest development in the field of underfloor heating is infrared film. It is laid on a heat-reflecting material, and covered with polyethylene on top. After that, you can immediately lay the finish coat.

Advantages:

reliability and durability;
ease of installation;
no need to fill the screed;
after installing underfloor heating, you can immediately start laying the laminate;
due to the small thickness of the film and the absence of a screed, the reduction in the height of the ceilings is insignificant;
more economical use of electricity in comparison with a heating cable;

Flaws:

high price;
impossibility of application in damp rooms;
in order not to damage the film during installation, a flat base is required.

What is the best choice?

When choosing a warm floor, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the laminate. It contains formaldehydes, which, when the laminate is heated to more than 26 ° C, are released into the atmosphere. They can cause irreparable harm to health. Therefore, when choosing a laminate for laying on a warm floor, pay attention to the accompanying documentation. It should indicate whether it is allowed to install a warm floor, and which one, under this floor covering. In addition, heating the laminate above 27°C leads to its destruction. Analyzing all these data, it can be noted that infrared floor heating is the most successful solution for laminate flooring.

Stages of installation of infrared floor heating

Necessary equipment

Before purchasing the required equipment, you should calculate the amount of reflective material and thermal film. The reflective substrate is taken over the entire area of the room. The amount of infrared film is calculated taking into account the fact that it cannot be laid under furniture. Therefore, only free space is taken into account. What materials and tools you may need:

floor heating kit;
thermostat;
temperature sensor;
thermal reflective substrate;
protective film;
tools: scissors, screwdriver, pliers, knife, adhesive tape.

Preparing the base for laying the film

Please note that the installation of a warm floor under the laminate is carried out only on a flat surface. The base must be clean and dry before installation of the underfloor heating. A thermally reflective material with a dense layer is laid on the entire surface of the floor.

Do not use materials based on aluminum foil as a heat reflector for infrared floors.

It is secured with adhesive tape. After laying the substrate determine the location of the thermostat. If a built-in device is used, a strobe is made for it and the supply wires.

Heat-reflecting material is laid on the entire area of the room

Installation of thermal strips and connection to the network

To lay the film underfloor heating, you need to cut it into strips. With a film width of 0.5 m, the length of the strip should not exceed 13 m, with 0.8 m - 10 m and with 1 m - 7 m.

To minimize the number of cuts and connection points, it is better to lay thermal strips along the length of the room.

Thermal strips should be laid at a distance of at least 1 cm from each other and 5 cm from the walls. In this case, the copper strip should be at the bottom.

To reduce the length of the connected wires, place the strips with the contacts to the wall on which the thermostat will be placed. Thermal films cannot be stacked on top of each other!

All unused tire cuts must be covered with bituminous insulation. The strips are connected in parallel. Therefore, by placing the wires on one side, they can be hidden under the plinth.

To prevent the film from slipping during installation, it must be attached with adhesive tape to the substrate

To attach a contact clamp, one end is inserted into the cavity between the silver strip and the film, and the other end is fixed over the copper strip and clamped with pliers. This is the case with all contacts.

One end of the contact clip is inserted into the space between the film and the silver strip, the other end is inserted over the copper strip

To prevent the film from sticking during installation, it must be attached to the substrate using construction tape.

Bare wires are inserted into the terminals and fixed with pliers. Connection points are isolated.

The wires are inserted into the terminals and securely fixed with pliers.

The temperature sensor is fixed on the black strip of the heating film from below, using bituminous insulation.

The temperature sensor is applied to the black strip at the bottom of the film and fixed with bituminous insulation.

To make the surface for laying the laminate as flat as possible, cutouts are made in the heat-reflecting substrate under the wires, sensor and contact clamps. To prevent the wires from moving, they are fixed with tape.

For wires and terminals, cutouts are made in the heat-reflecting substrate. This will help to make the surface for laying the laminate as even as possible.

Then mount the thermostat and connect the wires to it. Having laid the system, it is checked. After that, the protective material and the finishing floor covering are laid on top.

Systems with a power of more than 2 kW must be connected via a separate machine!

After considering three options for underfloor heating, you can choose the most suitable one. Please note that the surface of the laminate should not be heated above 25°C. But even this is enough to make the room cozy and warm.

Installing a floor heating system, whether electric or water, requires significant material costs from the consumer, so that he often cannot afford such costs. At the same time, laminated panels are becoming more affordable for buyers at a cost, moreover, they have a number of advantages.

But if you combine the laying of flooring and heating, in general, everything seems not so overwhelming or impossible. Further in the material, we will talk about whether it is possible to lay a warm floor under a laminate on your own, and how to carry out these works without the involvement of specialists.

The optimal solution for combining the coating with heating

Although the laminate itself is durable, however, in combination with a water-heated floor, there are a number of limitations for it:

Laminated panels are very sensitive to high humidity, although they are quite durable. However, water-resistant laminate types are now on the market that are not prone to warping due to moisture.
Laying laminate on a warm water floor is possible only with a special substrate. Some types of substrates are unacceptable for use in such conditions, for example, cork material. However, there are a number of synthetic underlays that do an excellent job of protecting the laminate from moisture when laying it on a warm water floor.

Some buyers doubt whether it is possible to make a warm floor under a laminate, because:

installation of such a heating system is quite expensive;
in order for the warm floor to function correctly, it is advisable to take the help of professionals;
the need for autonomous installation of a warm floor with its subsequent integration into a common heating system, which includes a whole set of radiators, a pipeline with fittings and bypasses, a filter, a pump and a boiler.

The benefits of this combination

As for the cost of installing such a heating system, it is safe to say that all the costs incurred during the repair process will pay off already during the next heating season. And if you lay a water-heated floor under the laminate with your own hands, you can save even more on the cost of professional work.

How to lay a water heated floor

Most often, warm floors with water heating circuits are installed in one of four ways:

According to the wooden rack system. In this case, the water circuit is laid between the lags, having previously made grooves for the pipes in them. A layer of thin plywood is laid over the contours, on which the underlay for the laminate will be laid. Alternatively, instead of plywood, a rigid substrate can be used (more details: ""). Heat exchangers are not required in this situation.
Modular wooden structure . In this version, they are already on sale ready systems pipes with lags. With such a floor heating system, an additional layer is required for laying the substrate for the laminate, but you can also use a rigid substrate without a layer (read: ""). This design requires the installation of heat exchangers, which can be wide metal plates.
Underfloor heating from polystyrene- in this case, not metal, but polystyrene pipes are used.
Laying in concrete screed. This method of installing a water-heated floor is the most common, since the screed in this case serves as both a heat exchanger and waterproofing. With this technology, water heating elements are recessed into the thickness of the screed.

It is necessary to have:

a collector that distributes heat flows in cases where there are several circuits in the system;
main collector, thanks to which the underfloor heating is connected to a common heating system;
integrated collector;
pump for warm water floorproviding the proper level of pressure in the circuit.

Detailed description of the laying process

As with any repair work, before starting the laying of a warm floor with water elements, a preliminary preparatory stage is required.

Choosing a styling technology

To determine whether it is possible to put a warm floor under the laminate, it is necessary to clarify the individual parameters of the room and take into account the following nuances:

The maximum length of the circuit should not exceed 100 meters, otherwise the pump will not have enough power to pump water in such a volume.
If it is necessary to split the water heating system into several circuits, it must be ensured that no more than 40 m 2 of area per circuit. The shorter each of the contours, the better.

Often, several schemes for laying heating elements are used:

snail;
snake;
corner snake;
double snake.

Note that the heating efficiency with a similar length of the circuit is practically independent of the scheme of its laying. Nevertheless, each of the professional masters chooses one or another scheme based on their preferences and the convenience of its implementation.

Carrying out work

The sequence of installation of a water-heated floor is as follows:

Prepare a rough concrete floor. They remove debris, close up all cracks and potholes, if necessary, plaster and grind the base under a water-heated floor.
The rough floor is dried to obtain the optimum level of humidity.
Lay a waterproofing layer. It is advisable to use a solid canvas for this purpose. insulating material. If this is not feasible, the joints on both sides are glued with construction tape.
The water circuit is distributed over the floor surface, not forgetting about laying the water temperature sensor in the system.
After laying, the entire system is checked for operability by performing a test run.
A thin layer of finishing screed is poured over the pipes, after which it is well leveled.
As soon as the finishing screed is completely dry, another waterproofing layer can be laid on it.
Then lay the substrate under the laminated panels.
When everything is ready, you can start assembling the flooring.

Results

So, answering the question of whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, we can say with confidence that such a tandem is currently becoming more and more popular and in demand, since it combines economic and practical benefits for the buyer.

The advantage of this system is that such a coating as a laminate can be easily disassembled completely or partially if the heating system fails and urgent repairs are required.

At the same time, we note that laying a laminate does not necessarily imply the simultaneous installation of a floor heating system. However, if you decide to equip your apartment with such additional heating, laminate will be the best option as a finishing floor covering.

The choice of underfloor heating system with laminate flooring has several features and subtleties. It is worth noting that this finishing material it is made of wood, which is why it needs special care during operation. Many are interested in whether it is possible to put a laminate on a warm floor, especially those families with small children.

It is quite possible to use a laminated coating for arranging a floor heating system, however, the laying procedure requires certain conditions to be met.

Underfloor heating features

Underfloor heating is considered one of the most effective means of heating for houses and apartments. The peculiarity of his work is that the warm air, heated from below, gradually rises, and the cold one descends. Thanks to this, warm air is constantly at the bottom, and it will be cool in the ceiling area, so you breathe much more freely and your airways do not dry out.

There are many various kinds floors, in particular such as:

infrared;
electric;
water.

Each of these types has certain features, but they are united by general principles, in particular such as:

there is a uniform distribution of heat;
heating elements can be hidden under the floor covering;
high system efficiency;
no dust circulation.

Whether it is possible to put a laminate on a warm floor depends largely on the type of laminated flooring, since not all of its types tolerate contact with the heating system well.

Benefits of using laminate

It is very important to deal with the question of whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, since the laminate flooring requires special care and compliance with certain rules. Its laying above the floor heating system is quite possible, but it is very important to ensure optimal temperature conditions and waterproofing.

If we compare the laminated coating with other types, it becomes clear that it is simply ideal, since, if necessary, it is very easy to get to the heating devices. Heating allows you to walk calmly 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 lay carpets, as they will impede air circulation.

What are the types of laminate

Before you decide whether it is possible to lay a laminate on a warm floor, you need to understand what exactly characterizes each of the available heating systems. The water system is good because it does not depend on electricity, which is why it has a greater degree of safety. With strict observance of the laying technology, it serves for a long time, without causing absolutely no 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 technologically advanced, as it makes it possible to evenly heat 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 flooring is best to choose. If you purchase ordinary panels, they will warp from temperature changes. That is why this option is not suitable for underfloor heating.

With all these factors in mind, some manufacturers have developed a new laminate flooring formula that is just perfect for underfloor heating. When choosing a laminate, you need to pay attention to the permissible heating temperature level indicated on the package. In addition, the documentation indicates the type of product compatibility with underfloor heating.

These indicators are indicated with a special pictogram or inscription. If it has a water formula on it, then this means that the material is suitable for a water floor heating system. The panel thickness must be at least 8 mm. The best option class 33 laminate (12 mm panel thickness) is considered. A thinner product may not withstand temperature changes.

Laminated panels can be laid on the floor with a maximum heating value that does not exceed 27 degrees. The packaging must also indicate the resistance and the 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 up a laminate with a specific 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 will simply need to add the CTS of the substrate and laminate. The resistance level is affected by the thickness and density of the product.

If the value of the coefficient is quite large, then there is a risk of overheating of the substrate. In addition, the heating circuit can quickly break down.

Coating for water heating

Water heating systems are multi-layered. Their base is made waterproofing, 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 covered with a concrete screed or gypsum fiber. Only after that the floor covering is laid.

In this case, it is very important to know which laminate is suitable for underfloor heating so that you can make the most of it. right choice. Laminated panels for such purposes should be:

made of high quality material;
have high density;
protective covering.

If the laminate meets all these requirements, then it can be ideal for arranging a water floor system. Heating on a similar basis is characterized by high 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 not be higher than +27 degrees, otherwise the panels may be deformed and lose their appearance.

Coating for electrical heating

The electrical system is characterized by the fact that the cable element generates heat when current flows through it. The cable can be with one or two cores. In this case, it is imperative to determine exactly which laminate is suitable for underfloor heating, and which ones technical specifications he must have.

When choosing panels, it must be taken into account that the coating must 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;
safety.

In order for a floor coated with laminated panels to work as efficiently as possible, you need to properly make a screed. Only in this case can you count on maximum thermal conductivity.

Infrared heating cover

Infrared floor is considered the most expensive and convenient option, and laminate - the most suitable coating for it. It is worth noting that they were created specifically for the laminated coating. The infrared system consists of a thin film coated with special stripes. A substrate under a laminate for a warm floor is necessarily laid on it, so additional heating of the screed is not required.

When choosing a laminate flooring, you need to focus on such characteristics of the laminate as:

thickness - more than 8 mm;
wear resistance class 33;
presence of marking.

by the most modern version considered heated laminate. It is worth noting that when arranging an infrared floor system, it is necessary to provide grounding.

Heated laminate

The ideal solution would be heated laminate. By purchasing a similar product, you can combine flooring with a heating system. heating elements located not under the floor, but directly in the laminate. As a result, 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 the floors, making heated and unheated areas.

Choice of laminate flooring

Be sure to choose the right laminated panels for their intended purpose. The apartment or house is divided into several zones, namely:

bedroom, living room;
kitchen, study;
corridor;
bath, bathroom, loggia.

In each case, the choice of laminate should be purely individual. Perfect for the kitchen waterproof laminate for underfloor heating. At the same time, laminated panels must have special water-repellent compositions containing wax.

Panel joints must be carefully treated with sealant. The most suitable laminate class is 32-33.

For a bathroom, a bathroom and a loggia, when choosing a laminate, you need to take into account the fact that in these rooms the temperature should be no more than 28 degrees. Be sure to install a thermostat and a temperature sensor. This will prevent overheating of the flooring and deformation of the panels. Among the main requirements, it is necessary to highlight such as:

the presence of a water-repellent layer;
quality coverage.

The joints of the connection must be treated with a sealant.

The choice of laminate by installation method

Great importance has a method of connecting panels, in particular adhesive and locking. It is advisable to purchase laminated panels with a locking joint, since they will not deform when heated.

There are several types of interlocks that are just perfect for laying laminate on underfloor heating.

How to choose a substrate

Laminate, intended for finishing underfloor heating, must have a certain marking. Underfloor heating laminate underlay must also have the appropriate decals, which are printed on the packaging. The maximum allowable temperature is indicated next to them. When choosing a substrate, you need to consider such characteristics as:

thermal insulation;
soundproofing;
depreciation.

Be sure to choose the right one for the laminate. In this case, it must be taken into account 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 expanded polystyrene, cork, polyethylene foam.

What products are better to buy

Many users are interested in which company to choose a laminate so that such a product will last for a long time. A fairly good product is the Haro 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 well made and the panels can easily be confused with a natural board. A floor made of such material will serve for a long time, and its aesthetic appearance will delight both guests and home owners.