Underfloor heating can be used with a wide range of floor types – even carpet.
Underfloor heating is often associated with tile, stone or wooden flooring. Whilst these are some of the most popular floor types to be used, underfloor heating is actually really versatile and can be used underneath a wide range of floor types.
We have all the latest technical advice for you – read on to find out more.
Underfloor heating with stone or ceramic flooring
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best types of flooring to use with underfloor heating. Not only is it naturally cold underfoot, making a real difference from a luxury point of view but its high thermal conductivity means that the heat makes its way to the surface really quickly. Tiles with lower thickness work best and are the most compatible floor covering for underfloor heating. It is essential to use a flexible tile adhesive such as BAL Fastflex to avoid cracking of tiles as the floor expands at different rates.
Stone and heavier flooring is also compatible, however due to it being thicker it does make a difference to how long it takes to heat up and cool down. Tile and stone flooring work particularly well in rooms with cold spots and that suffer more with heat loss, such as conservatories.
Underfloor heating with wooden flooring
Despite common misconceptions, underfloor heating does work well with wooden floors. The underfloor heating system gently heats the surface and does not usually exceed 27°C. Due to the surface not being dried out in the way a radiator or convector system would, underfloor heating can actually prevent wood floors cupping. However, you just need to be sure that you choose a floor that would be compatible and can cope with the changing floor temperatures without having an effect on the appearance of the wood. With this in mind, we always advise you liaise with the flooring manufacturer before installation. The various types of wooden flooring have different thermal properties and so this can also affect the suitability.
Underfloor heating with carpet
It comes as a surprise to some people that underfloor heating can be used with carpet. It’s most definitely a growing trend however, there are some things to consider in order to ensure the compatibility. You need to ensure that the carpet you use doesn’t act as an insulator which then blocks the heat. If the carpet is too thick, it will not be able to let the heat out into the room. We recommend that the combined tog rating of both carpet and underlay shouldn’t exceed 2.5 and that the underlay on its own is no thicker than 1 tog.
Carpet and underlay manufacturers are responding to the popularity of using underfloor heating with carpets with some fantastic and compatible products. Retailers are very knowledgeable and they will very easily be able to advise you on the tog ratings if you are unsure.
Underfloor heating with laminate flooring
Most laminate flooring is suitable to use with underfloor heating and is most popularly used in kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate works well as it isn’t thermally resistive and transfers heat around the room well. Similarly to carpets, it’s important to ensure that the underlay used has low thermal resistance and again, we do recommend checking with the flooring manufacturer to ensure suitability.
Underfloor heating with vinyl flooring
It is completely safe to use underfloor heating with vinyl flooring. The heat can easily pass through the thin layer of vinyl. However, it is important to consider that vinyl can have a low tolerance to heat and because of this, we don’t recommend using it in hard to heat rooms and areas. Most manufacturers advise not heating the flooring above 26°c. You can ensure a safe temperature by using a floor thermostat – there are a range of controls available which allow you to get the most from your installation.
Underfloor heating with engineered boards
Compatible with underfloor heating, engineered boards have naturally progressed from laminate and solid wood flooring. Engineered wood is made using a top layer of real wood combined with a cross-ply laminate base to make it stable. Unless they are installed over a screed slab, engineered boards less than 20mm thick needs to be supported and fixed to additional decking. This will give it suitable structural strength.
Always consult with a professional installer
As you can see, the good news is that most flooring types are compatible with underfloor heating. You just need to remember to check the compatibility with the manufacturer and allow consideration for heat transfer, durability and expansion. We thoroughly recommend using a professional and qualified company to install your underfloor heating system. The worst possible scenario would be for the system to be installed incorrectly which could result in the flooring having to be taken up. Ensuring you use a professional underfloor heating installation company who are experienced and trained, will save money and time in the long run.
Professional installers can also train you to use and manage your underfloor heating system to ensure that you can manage and control the heat temperature required to ensure safe use with your flooring cover of choice.
A full information booklet with information on the compatibility of floor types can be downloaded here, or please contact us and one of our team members will be happy to talk you through your options.