How to choose a laminate under the warm floor
Heated floor makes living in the house particularly comfortable. It can be a primary or secondary source of room heating. The combination of a warm floor and laminate seemed unrealistic due to the deformation of the glued floor panels and the release of toxic formaldehyde. New models of laminate are made according to the technology that eliminates the violation of the form as a result of drying, and the special composition of the coating of class E1 and E0, has a low content of hazardous components. To get a beautiful interior and a high level of convenience, it is important to know how to choose a laminate under the warm floor.
Manufacturer labeling
The basis of the manufacture of laminated panels is wood, so their thermal conductivity is low. To ensure the normal transfer of heat through the flooring manufacturers use a special technology. The material created on its basis is marked “Warm Wasser” and the icon with the image of a heated floor. A special designation has a flooring model for a water floor, it is not recommended to use it with electric heating.
Features of laminated panels for underfloor heating
In addition to the pictogram on the package that permits heating of the panels, it is necessary to focus on the class of material. Laminate 32 and 33 class will be the optimal coating, it has a thickness of 8-10 mm.
Note! High-quality slats are designed for a long service life and intensive use, they have an increased density, providing resistance to abrasion.
As a binder in the manufacture of laminate used formaldehyde resins that are safe at ordinary temperature. Heating the panels to 30 ° C causes the release of a toxic substance. To avoid danger, you need to monitor the temperature of the heated floor, not allowing the heating surface of the coating to exceed more than 28 °. It is better to lay the material labeled E1 and E0, which is characterized by a reduced content of formaldehyde.
An important factor is the type of connection - glue or castle (floating). The panels joined by the Click system are simple and convenient to install, they provide a reliable connection that does not deform when heated.
Note! Laminate versions with metal locks are offered on the construction market, guaranteeing reinforced fastening.
Reading the technical characteristics of the laminate, pay attention to the coefficient of thermal resistance. Its value determines the ability of the material to heat up. High performance negatively characterize the panel, to increase their temperature requires a large consumption of resources. The coefficient of resistance of lamellas for a warm floor is recommended about 0.15–0.1 m2 K / W This indicator is calculated for the entire coating, taking into account the substrate under the laminated panel.
Water floor
A room heating device using a hot water pipe system is only possible in a private house, the floor structure in the apartments is not designed for a significant additional screed weight needed to create a warm floor. In addition, the system requires independent heating and heating control. Prior to laying laminate base must gain strength within a month. The dried floor is gradually warmed up to half of the rated capacity, and after 2 days - to full. Before laying the coating, the heating is turned off and allowed to cool to 15 ° C. After laying the substrate, the laminate of class 32–33 is installed with H marking2O recommending this model for a water floor.
Note! The heating system is started up in stages, the installed thermostat must control the surface temperature within 25 degrees. At the end of the heating season, the disconnection of coolants also passes gradually so as not to damage the laminate by a sudden change in temperature.
Electric heating
The use of an electric cable to create a warm floor also requires laying a tie without level drops. If heating mats are used, then no additional work is carried out, but the heating is uneven - the temperature is higher at the locations of the wire and lower between turns. Such a system eventually causes deformation of the laminated coating.
Film floor
Infrared film floors are the best option for laminate flooring. They evenly heat the coating to an acceptable temperature. There is no need to perform a coupler, just lay a special substrate under the thin film. Direct contact allows you to quickly warm up and save electricity.
Note! The high cost of an electric film floor will result in savings in heating costs, and infrared radiation is beneficial for the body.
Laminate, laid on the film floor, will serve the same period as a good screed.
Laminate with built-in heating
An organic combination of a warm floor and a beautiful coating is offered by the Alloc Heating System. It is a laminate with built-in heating elements; when it is laid, it is necessary not only to snap the locks, but also to connect the terminals.
Note! The arrangement of heating elements inside the panels reduces heat loss, the operation of the system becomes more economical than the laying of electrical cables.
The correct choice and installation of laminate flooring on the floor will make the house beautiful and comfortable. If you have a question on the topic, then ask them to the expert of our site.
Maybe you will be interested in answers to such questions:
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Video
This video is about how to install a film floor under the laminate. A phased review of the video will help you install an infrared heated floor yourself: