Warm floor under linoleum on a wooden floor

Previously, the arrangement of the heated floor was not a cheap pleasure, and only in the bathhouse could it pay for itself. As for our days, now the situation is quite different. This technology has spread so widely that now many can afford it. Distribution of the heating circuit over the floor will allow to maintain a uniform and stable temperature throughout the living space. However, it is not always easy to implement. For example, what can be done in a wooden floor? Complicating the problem may be that the finishing floor material is linoleum. Is it possible to combine all this? A careful study of this issue, you can not only make sure that it is real, but also to test your strength and independently make a warm floor under the linoleum on the wooden floor. We suggest you to study this topic in depth.

Features a warm wooden floor

The main principle of the warm floor is the transfer of thermal energy through the surface of the floor in the room. This development is successfully used in the case of a concrete floor. The material has a high thermal conductivity. Moreover, it accumulates heat and creates a comfortable feeling in the legs.

In this case, the question arises: if this system is so effective, then why not take and replace wooden floors with concrete ones, or at least pour concrete screed on top of a wooden floor? It may seem that this is the right decision, however, there are some nuances here, although an effective system has been developed for filling the wooden floor with a tie. Even with a minimal layer of the screed, a minimum of 70 mm thickness is required for a water-heated floor, per 1 m² wooden base will have a constant pressure of mass of about 300 kg. And given that the floors are not always smooth, you may need a larger layer to align them.

Proceeding from this, it is reasonable to assume that hiding wooden floors under concrete is risky and unreliable. The tree collapses with time. And even if this system of 30–40 years will not fail, your children can reap the bitter fruit, it is at best. Taking into account these factors, we completely exclude this process, all the more so since a technology has been developed that allows laying the heating circuit on a wooden floor. Plus, it has a number of positive aspects:

• the minimum weight of the heating "cake";
• thermal energy goes a little way before users feel it;
• the ability to combine with linoleum and other carpet materials;
• significantly reduces installation time;
• after installation, you can immediately put into operation;
• wet work is completely excluded;
• load per 1 m² up to 30 kg, it is 10 times lighter than the concrete system;
• It also eliminates the additional load on the construction of wooden floors, especially in cases where such are wooden beams;
• in addition to weight, the size of the cake also decreases, which excludes the possibility of a strong decrease in the height of the room.

However, for the sake of objectivity, it is worth noting that the wooden floor heating will not be able to act as the main heating. This material has a low thermal conductivity. Therefore, to a greater extent, such a system is an excellent addition to the main heating radiator system, which will help to maintain a pleasant microclimate.

Among other things, it is worth considering the flooring, in this case linoleum. It is important to approach the implementation of this issue with a cool head, as there are some important points that will be discussed further.

The choice of linoleum for underfloor heating

In the matter of choosing linoleum for underfloor heating should be approached slowly. Now we look at the types of linoleum and find out how they react to the warm floor, or rather, whether they can be combined with heating.

Types of linoleum

Linoleum is divided into five large groups, which differ in the binder:

1. rubber, also known as relin;
2. colloxyline (nitrocellulose);
3. glyphthalic (alkyd);
4. polyvinyl chloride (abbreviated name PVC);
5. natural.

Сравним между собой PVC и натуральный линолеум:

Why should we go into it? Knowledge of the composition of the material will make the right conclusion as to whether linoleum can be laid on the warm floor. So, according to the research, it is multi-layered PVC linoleum that is most adapted to floor heating. Why?

The basis is glass fiber, which is treated with a special PVC paste (impregnation) from the front side. Next, apply a second layer of PVC. It contains other components. When printing and engraving can be used up to six colors. The final layer is a fixing transparent PVC layer with a thickness of up to 0.15 mm. As for the basis of fiberglass, it is protected by a substrate (it can be polyester, fabric, jute or foamed PVC). Just foam PVC substrate is considered the most adapted to the temperature expansion. Such a multi-layer structure completely eliminates the possibility of deformation of the material when it is heated. However, with regard to environmental friendliness, then by this indicator it is significantly inferior to natural.

Consider the features of other types of linoleum:

It can be said that all this information is presented for those who wish to understand everything on their own. Those who do not attach importance to this, the manufacturer simplifies the selection process. How? On the label to the packaging put a special sign / marking, the presence of which indicates the possibility to lay linoleum on the warm floor.

Near the special marking should be an indication regarding the temperature regime. For example, for marmoleum or natural linoleum there are limitations up to + 27 ° С. For PVC linoleum limit is up to + 29 ° C. Considering this, when installing a heated floor, a mandatory requirement is the installation of a thermostat.

Temperature conditions

Special attention should be paid precisely to the temperature regime during the operation of a heated floor under linoleum. This material requires uniform and smooth heating, unlike laminate. Accordingly, the power of the heating circuit should not exceed 150 W / m². With such power, the surface will warm up to a maximum of + 28 ° C.

If you ignore this requirement and put a heating circuit of greater power, then with intensive heating there is a risk of the following phenomena:

• color change;
• the base may expand and peel off;
• in large quantities phenol will begin to be released - a harmful and dangerous substance;
• the material will become vulnerable to tearing due to softness.

If this requirement is met, it may seem that the floor is not warm enough. It is important to realize that the surface of the linoleum should not be too cold or hot. If there is not enough heat, then radiator heating should be carried out, and floor heating should be used as an auxiliary one. For example, in the period when there is no severe frost. Using floor heating, you can save money on energy, which will positively affect the payments for electricity / gas.

Choice of the heating circuit: water or electric

There are several types of underfloor heating:

1. water;
2. electric (cable);
3. electric infrared.

Water heating

This refers to a system of pipes laid in a specific sequence. Thanks to the pump, the coolant circulates throughout the entire system. The combination of such heating with linoleum is complicated if you use a centralized system. Why? Although there are working diagrams for connecting a heated floor to a central heating system, there is always a risk of a temperature sensor failure. Much easier if you have an individual heating system that will allow you to provide the necessary temperature control.

In addition, if there is poor installation, there is a risk of leakage, which adversely affects the concrete base, and the more so on the wooden floor. However, despite this, a system for installing water heating on a wooden floor was developed. Special metal plates or flooring systems are used that are made on the basis of expanded polystyrene and have corresponding grooves for laying pipes.

Ready-made modular chipboard with channels can also be used. Known and rack system, where the channels for the installation of pipes are formed independently. In this case, the channels are formed not by the milling method, but by packing the rails. As the rails can be used edged board or moisture-resistant plywood. The thickness of the slats may be in the range of 21-28 mm.

As for the width of the channel, it should be sufficient so that the pipe does not deform in the process of wood movement. At the same time, the distance should not be too free in order to avoid the heating contour bending with increasing temperature.

Video: installation of a water floor on a wooden floor

In this video you can see the principle of laying pipes in a wooden base. However, in this case laminate is mounted on top:

Electric heating

As for electric heating, there is more freedom of action. Today, there are several technologies that are successfully used in combination with linoleum and wooden flooring:

• infrared film with carbon fiber heating elements;
• rod mats Unimat;
• resist heating mats;
• self-regulating heating cable;
• resist heating cable.

Video: which electric floor heating is better

When using electric heating, it is important to adhere to several rules:

• the heating circuit should not have direct contact with the wood and the insulating layer;
• if it is necessary to cross a wooden log, then it is surely cut and the cable is insulated with foil or aluminum tape.

There is an opinion that film infrared heating is the best when organizing floor heating. This is true, but with a few nuances:

• the heated area of ​​the room should not exceed 30 m²;
• A prerequisite is the use of a temperature sensor and thermostat to maintain an acceptable temperature under linoleum up to + 27 ° C.

Wooden floor preparation

Regardless of the selected floor heating system, the key stage of the installation work is the evaluation and preparation of the base floor. The first is a visual assessment of the sex. For example, are there any gaps between the boards, are there any rotten boards. To determine the quality of the beams, it is necessary to raise a small portion of the floor. Considering that you plan to do a warm floor, the effort expended at this stage fully justifies itself.

If the floor has a gap, then they should be filled. Otherwise, there will be large heat losses and increased power consumption. You should also replace those areas that are prone to rot or mold.

If rotten beams are found, they must be replaced. If part of the beam is in good condition, it is possible to make a partial cutting out with its subsequent replacement.

If the floor is relatively uneven, then it is necessary to lay special pads under the supports, reinforce them with metal corners, and also provide additional fixation. If rotten boards / beams have been replaced, then to prevent such a phenomenon, floors should be treated with a deep penetration antiseptic.

Be sure to place a vapor barrier film between the support beams and the finished floor. The heat insulator is placed on top. It can be mineral wool, foam plastic, polystyrene foam, etc. The thickness of the insulation should be about 200 mm.

Among other things, there must be a space of up to 100 mm between the clean floor and the thermal insulation. This will allow to organize the ventilation system in the sub floor. Considering this, small gaps should be left around the perimeter of the wall.

Installation of heated floor

In this section, we will discuss with you a few step-by-step instructions on how to install a warm electric / water floor on a wooden floor. As an electrical, we consider the technology of laying infrared film.

Installation of a warm water floor

The principle of operation and installation of such a system on a wooden floor can be viewed in the section “Water heating” in the prepared video. Although it shows the technology of installation under the laminate, the principle of installation work is identical.

In general, the technology is as follows. A special plate unfolds over the surface of the wooden floor. If you decide to use printed rails, then you should form the pipe laying step yourself. In the formed channels fit the heating circuit, which is connected to the distribution manifold. The pipe in the channels is placed in the foil.

After completion of the installation work plywood is laid on top. After that, foamed polyethylene and linoleum itself creeps.

Installation of electric infrared floor

We offer you in all details to get acquainted with the technology of installation of infrared heating under linoleum on a wooden floor. Following all instructions, you can figure everything out, as well as complete the work yourself. Plus, it will be useful to get acquainted with the prepared video.

Precautions when installing electrical heating

It is important to remember that wood and electricity must be isolated from each other. Therefore, conducting work, be sure to take the following measures:

• exclude direct contact of the heating cable with flammable materials;
• when installing observe safety precautions;
• do not place heating elements under furniture and other large objects;
• when installing, be careful with cable insulation;
• the power of the heating elements for a wooden floor should not exceed 80 W / m²;
• Be sure to install an automatic thermostat.

Thermal insulation under infrared heating

There are various opinions concerning the question of whether a heater is needed for an electric underfloor heating. However, regardless of the quality of the base, the lack of insulation leads to 30% heat loss. Moreover, if you use a heat insulator, the heat loss is reduced to 9%. So, the conclusion is obvious - it is better to use a heat-insulating layer for electric heating.

When choosing insulation should pay attention to such criteria:

1. Thickness.
2. Heat resistance.
3. The ability to reflect heat.

Check electrical wiring

Before introducing a warm electric floor, determine the quality of the existing wiring. Considering future high loads, it must be in good condition. Please note that it is not allowed to connect electrical heating to the outlet.

If during the analysis of the existing wiring you came to the conclusion that it is not able to cope with the expected load, then it should be completely replaced. Alternatively, you can draw a separate line from the panel, which will be used exclusively for floor heating. In this case, an RCD is mounted on the control panel.

Required material for work

So, for the work necessary to prepare the following materials and tools:

• temperature sensor;
• thermostat;
• foil insulation;
• film infrared film;
• all components for IR film (usually provided in one package);
• plain and foil tape;
• plastic film 200 microns for the entire area of ​​the room;
• plywood or other sheet material;
• linoleum;
• sharp construction / office knife;
• pliers;
• set of screwdrivers;
• roulette;
• marker or pencil.

Installation location of the thermostat and temperature sensor

Before starting work, it is necessary to determine the place where the thermostat will be installed. The ideal place is the wall. The recommended height from the floor is 500 mm. The selected location should be available for visual inspection and possible adjustment.

The location of the temperature sensor installation is also determined. It should be laid at a distance of about 500 mm from the edge of the film and in the center of its width. Some experts practice its installation in the coldest point of the room, however, this is not always possible. You can get acquainted with the working diagrams of the infrared floor heating.

Schemes: IR film connection

Assembly work

The whole process of work consists of the following stages, which are presented in the table:

Linoleum flooring

The final step is laying linoleum. In order not to damage the electrical part of the heated floor, plywood or similar sheet material is pre-laid. Previously, plywood is packed with plastic film, which must be glued together with tape. When installing plywood, all fasteners should fall on the sections of the IR film, where there are no heating elements and connection cables.

After that, you need to spread the linoleum and leave it for one day. The material will settle, and it can be cut to size. Will you glue it or leave it to dry, you decide. Everyone chooses the technology of installation of linoleum, which he knows. However, it is important to consider one technological nuance: if you decide to glue it, then note that when heated, the glue may begin to peel off. Therefore, it is important to choose the right glue, but in this case the substrate does not creep between the linoleum and plywood. In most cases, linoleum is not glued.

So, we have considered with you how to make a warm heating on a wooden floor and under linoleum. We invite you to leave comments on this article, what do you think about this.

Video: infrared floor mounting features