What substrate to use under floor heating

Underfloor heating systems are becoming increasingly popular. This is not surprising, because only this type of heating allows you to create the most favorable microclimate in the house. It should be noted that for the device of heat-insulated floors different types of heating elements are used. This allows you to use any floor covering. In order for the heating system to be efficient and of high quality, heat insulation must be carried out correctly. The substrate under the warm floor allows not to spend heat in vain. From this article you will learn which substrate to use under the warm floor.

Types of substrates

Substrates for underfloor heating can be made of different materials, for example, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, etc. These materials have a metallized layer and a layer of a dacron film. Due to the metallized layer, the heat is evenly distributed on the floor, and the foamed polyethylene prevents heat loss.

The foam substrate can withstand high temperatures up to 90 ° C, and this makes it possible to mount the heat exchanger pipes or cable directly onto the metallized polyester film. Among the positive properties of the reflector is worth noting the high sound insulation.

Note! On the substrate there is a markup that looks like a grid. Due to this, you will be able to lay the heating cable according to the calculated step.

It is worth noting that when using a reflector to organize a heated floor, you will save 90% of the thermal radiation. Energy costs will be reduced, so you can save on heating!

Pad under laminate

Today, very often laminate is used as a floor covering, not only in offices, but also in private houses and apartments. This is due to the fact that the material is easy to lay and it is relatively inexpensive. If you decide to make a warm floor, and use laminate as a topcoat, then you should consider using a substrate to shield the laminate from the heating elements on the one hand and screeds on the other. Otherwise, when walking, the laminate flooring will eventually make sounds and knocks. It can be concluded that the substrate for laminate flooring is required.

The thickness of the layer should be from 2 to 5 mm. In our time, a special substrate is being marketed, thanks to which you can solve several problems:

1. Depreciation between base and coating.
2. Additional insulation.
3. Align small ground drops.
4. Prevent damage to laminated panels.
5. Prevent squeak.

The substrate should be installed between the laminate and the floor heating system. Most manufacturers of laminated panels recommend using rolled polyethylene as a reflector. This material is resistant to bacteria and mold, chemicals.

At the device of a water heat-insulated floor

The most popular are water heated floors, because they have many advantages. Chief among them - cost, as well as ease of installation. What materials can be used as a reflector for arranging underfloor heating? This may be polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, roll cork, isoplat. Thus, the flow of warm air will be directed upwards, which increases the work of the finished system.

Among the positive characteristics of the foam polystyrene reflector should be noted:

• Sound and heat insulation.
• Огнеупорность.
• Low moisture absorption.
• Easy installation.
• Efficiency.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Ease.
• Long service life exceeding 100 years!

Note! If there are self-centering locks on the substrate, the installation of foam pipes will pass without much effort. The shape of the locks will give you the opportunity to place the pipes in special channels. At the same time you do not have to use additional fasteners.

Substrate under the warm floor with infrared coolant

If you decide to install a film floor with an infrared coolant, then you should especially carefully connect its elements. Otherwise, its functionality will be incomplete. This also applies to the installation of the substrate under the warm floor.

When arranging a heated floor with an infrared heat carrier, it is imperative to install a substrate, which can be made of magnesite plate or sheets of hardboard. This implies mounting the substrate on a screed on which aluminum foil is pre-laid. Another option for arranging an infrared heat-insulated floor is a substrate from a polymer metallized film. It should be laid with the reflective side up under the infrared coolant. This material is characterized by elasticity, subtlety, environmental friendliness and flexibility.

The insulation layer must be laid over the entire area of ​​the floor in a solid array. The connection of the substrate must be carried out end-to-end, and the seams must be glued with adhesive tape or tape. As a result, you will create an additional hydro and vapor barrier.

So, the use of a reflector when creating a heating system "warm floor" in a house or apartment is mandatory. Holding this event will save you, because this way you will reduce heat loss. Proper insulation helps you to spend the minimum amount of funds for heating the house. If you have questions on the topic, how to choose the substrate when installing a floor heating system, then ask them to the experts of our site.

See also:

Laminate flooring

Video

Substrate under the heated floor of polyethylene foam: