Best Flooring Options: Underfloor Heating & Electric Systems
If you have, or you’re thinking about getting, underfloor heating, you need to know what type of flooring is best for underfloor heating. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the best options.
Underfloor Heating Systems: Electric vs. Other
Types of Underfloor Heating Systems
There are three types of underfloor heating systems: electric, hydronic and radiant. Electric systems use electric heating cables, hydronic systems use pipes heated with water, and radiant systems use panels to heat the floor, either with water or electricity.
Benefits of Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating has a number of benefits. It can be energy efficient, and it makes the floor more comfortable to walk on. It’s also more aesthetically appealing than other types of heating – such as radiators – as it’s hidden under the floor.
Considerations for Choosing Underfloor Heating
When choosing underfloor heating, you should consider what type of system you want, as well as the size of the floor and what type of flooring would be compatible with the new heating system.
Electric Underfloor Heating: A Closer Look
How Electric Underfloor Heating Works
Electric underfloor heating involves placing a wire under the floor, which heats up and warms the surface of the floor.
Pros and Cons of Electric Underfloor Heating
Electric underfloor heating is energy efficient, compatible with a range of flooring materials and requires little maintenance. However, installation can be expensive and time-consuming.
Installation Process for Electric Underfloor Heating
First, the area of the floor is measured, leaving approximately 50mm around the room’s perimeter. Then the floor is insulated. After this, a power source is selected for the heating system.
After a resistance test has been conducted, the system’s matting is set in place. The sensor is then positioned, and the whole system is tested to ensure the underfloor heating works as intended.
Suitable Flooring Types for Electric Underfloor Heating
It’s important to choose flooring that will not overheat or be damaged by the underfloor heating system. Stone is a good option, as is engineered wood. Vinyl and laminate are also compatible with underfloor heating.
Choosing the Best Flooring for Underfloor Heating
Factors to Consider When Selecting Flooring
An important factor to consider is how efficiently heat is transferred from the heating system to the floor – your best option is hard flooring, such as engineered wood or tiles. Be careful to ensure the material does not insulate the floor and prevent heat from coming through.
Suitable Flooring Materials for Underfloor Heating
- Vinyl: Heats and cools quickly. It is less effective in rooms that lose heat quickly, but it’s a good option for smaller rooms.
- Engineered wood: This material is highly adaptable to changes in temperature.
- Stone: Stone floors are highly effective at transferring heat.
Flooring Options for Different Rooms
The right flooring for underfloor heating depends on the room. For bathrooms, tiles work best, while in the kitchen and living room, you have more options, such as vinyl and linoleum.
Installation and Maintenance
Professional Installation vs. DIY
While DIY underfloor heating installation is technically possible, it’s not recommended. For best results, hire a professional to manage the installation and its complexities.
Maintenance Tips for Underfloor Heating Systems
In order to maintain your underfloor heating system, it’s important to keep the floor clean, regularly check the settings on your thermostat, and keep an eye on energy usage so that any irregularities can be dealt with promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What flooring is best with electric underfloor heating?
A. Hard floors such as tiles are best for electric underfloor heating.
Q. What is the best flooring to put over in-floor heating?
A. Stone, concrete and tiles are the best flooring to put over in-floor heating.
Q. Is LVT better than laminate underfloor heating?
A. Laminate is better, as it has higher heat resistance and is therefore less likely to be damaged by the heat.
Q. What is the most energy-efficient way to use underfloor heating?
A. The most energy efficient way to use underfloor heating is to use the thermostat for temperature maintenance while running the heating continuously during colder months.
Looking for flooring suitable for underfloor heating? Contact us today.