Under floor heating is a great way to keep your home warm and cozy during the colder months. It’s also an excellent way to add value to your property. When it comes to under floor heating for laminate, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about under floor heating for laminate.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners, as it’s affordable and easy to maintain. However, when it comes to under floor heating, laminate flooring can pose some challenges. Unlike other types of flooring, such as tile or stone, laminate flooring is not a good conductor of heat. This means that it can take longer for the heat to transfer from the under floor heating system to the surface of the laminate flooring.
Is Under Floor Heating Suitable for Laminate Flooring?
Yes, under floor heating can be used with laminate flooring, but there are a few things you need to consider before installing it. Here are some of the factors you need to take into account:
- The type of under floor heating system you want to install
- The thickness of your laminate flooring
- The subfloor type
- The insulation
Types of Under Floor Heating Systems
There are two main types of under floor heating systems: electric and water-based. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Electric Under Floor Heating
Electric under floor heating is the most popular type of under floor heating for laminate flooring. It’s easy to install, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. Electric under floor heating mats or cables are installed directly onto the subfloor, and the laminate flooring is then laid on top.
Water-Based Under Floor Heating
Water-based under floor heating uses hot water to heat the flooring. This system is more expensive to install than electric under floor heating, as it requires a boiler and pipes to circulate the hot water. It’s also more difficult to install, as the pipes need to be laid underneath the subfloor.
Thickness of Laminate Flooring
The thickness of your laminate flooring can affect the efficiency of your under floor heating system. Thicker laminate flooring will be slower to heat up, and may not be as efficient as thinner laminate flooring.
It’s recommended that you use laminate flooring that is no thicker than 12mm if you plan on installing under floor heating. Thinner laminate flooring will heat up more quickly, and will be more efficient.
Subfloor Type
The type of subfloor you have will also affect the efficiency of your under floor heating system. Here are some of the most common subfloor types:
- Concrete slab
- Plywood
- Cement board
Concrete is the most common type of subfloor, and is ideal for under floor heating. Plywood and cement board are also good options, but it’s important to ensure that they are properly insulated.
Insulation
Insulation is key when it comes to under floor heating for laminate flooring. Without proper insulation, the heat may escape through the subfloor, rather than warming up the laminate flooring.
It’s recommended that you use a high-quality insulation board between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. This will help to prevent heat loss, and ensure that your under floor heating system is as efficient as possible.
Conclusion
Under floor heating for laminate flooring is a great way to keep your home warm and cozy during the colder months. It’s important to choose the right type of under floor heating system, and to ensure that your laminate flooring is no thicker than 12mm. It’s also important to have proper insulation in place, to prevent heat loss. With the right system in place, you can enjoy the benefits of under floor heating, while still maintaining your laminate flooring.
