Underfloor heating is becoming more common in our homes every year. But mounting technology is becoming more and more complex. The industry produces many different materials to facilitate the installation of such floors. And a necessary and one of the main materials, invisible, by the way, after installation, is a substrate for underfloor heating.
The main task of the substrate under the warm floor of the water system is thermal insulation and waterproofing. There are several substrates with such parameters.
The best substrates for installing a water system underfloor heating are:
- extruded polystyrene foam;
- Isoplast;
- Expanded polystyrene.
When used for installation of these substrates, the heat of the floor will be radiated upwards, while there will be no heat loss through the floors. The thermal floor of a water system is when hot water, passing through many tubes, heats the coating. At the same time, there is a real danger of pipe bursting and flooding of neighbors from below. Therefore, it is necessary to provide in this case, an additional substrate - waterproofing.
The best substrate for infrared underfloor heating
Infrared thermal floor is also called film. This view must be carefully mounted, following the manufacturer's instructions.
The best materials for installing infrared floor heating are:
- Sheet fiberboard;
- magnesite plate;
- Metallized polymer film (penofol);
- Foamed polyethylene;
- Lining in the form of sheets (Mylar film with foil coating).
What is a thermal infrared floor? As you can see from the name itself, the principle of operation is infrared radiation from carbon rods or plates. An electric current passes through the rods, heating them, they begin to radiate heat and thus heat the floor.
The substrate under the thermal infrared floor is a necessary material during the installation of this system.
Since it is she who saves, due to her thermal insulation properties, up to 97% of the generated heat, which means that it significantly reduces the consumption of electrical energy. But here it is necessary to note one nuance, if cheaper materials are used as the substrate - fiberboard sheets or magnesite boards, then directly on the screed, it is necessary to lay aluminum foil, and then the substrate. This is necessary for better thermal insulation of the thermal floor from the floor slabs.
The substrate, in the form of a film, must be laid on the floor, fastened together with strong aluminum adhesive tape. And along the perimeter of the room, the joints between the wall and the floor must be insulated with mounting foam, special insulating tapes or self-adhesive insulating expansion tape. On infrared thermal floors, various types of topcoat are laid on top. It is linoleum, laminate or parquet. Previously, after installing such a thermal floor, it is necessary to lay fiberboard sheets on top. And only on top of them - the finish coat. But there is one remark. Infrared floor heating should not be used in damp or very cold rooms - in bathrooms, saunas or basements.
Selection of a substrate for underfloor heating of an electrical system
The electric floor heating system consists of a two-wire cable, thermal sensors and a heat regulator. The principle of operation of the electric floor heating is that when the cable is heated, when an electric current passes through it, the heating element heats up and the floor is heated.
The best types of substrates for a warm electric floor:
- Styrofoam;
- Vacuum coated polyethylene film;
- Heat-reflecting foil backing;
- Backing made of sheets of lavsan film with foil coating.
Nowadays, the industry has decided to simplify the installation of warm electric floors and began to produce ready-to-install, electric heating mats, which include aluminum underlayment, the thickness of which will be optimal. In this case, it is not necessary to lay the substrate. The joints between the wall and the floor, as in the case of installing an infrared thermal floor, must be insulated with a special self-adhesive insulating expansion tape. It perfectly not only isolates from heat loss, but is also an excellent noise and sound insulator.
On top of the thermal electric floor, sheets of fiberboard or plywood are most often laid and the finish coating is laid - laminate, linoleum, parquet, parquet board. Fiberboard or plywood will perfectly protect the heating elements of a warm electric floor from damage. They perfectly cope with such a disadvantage of such floors as poor sound insulation.
Heat reflective underlay for underfloor heating
When installing a heat-reflecting floor substrate, you need to know some of the nuances. If the installation technology is not followed, the ability of the substrate as a heat insulator will be greatly reduced.
- The underlay must be laid on the floor screed with the reflective foil side facing up.
- The sheets of the substrate must be laid end-to-end, reinforcing each other with a special metallized adhesive tape.
- All heating elements - cables, pipes, etc. - are mounted only on top of the substrate, which reflects heat.
- The joints between the wall and the floor must be insulated with a special self-adhesive heat-insulating expansion tape. This will save the owners of the home, during the operation of the warm floor, from excessive noise, heat loss and electrical energy.
But there are some rules that must be followed. One of them is that it is necessary to install a warm floor even before installing doors, thresholds, steps. Since there is practically no way to accurately calculate to what height the level of the finished floor will rise after the installation of the heat-conducting structure. Most often, the height of the ceiling becomes from 3 to 10 centimeters lower. And therefore it will not be necessary to alter the height of the doors or the threshold in the bathroom.
Before starting the installation of a warm floor, you need to clearly know exactly where the furniture, gas stove, refrigerator or washing machine will stand. And in these places do not lay heating elements (pipes or cables). It is strictly forbidden to lay elements of a warm floor here.
The distance from the wall of the heating elements of the warm floor must be strictly observed. The gap should be from 50 to 100 millimeters.
But the connection of heating elements to the electrical network of an apartment or house is best left to a specialist. First of all, safety. In the house, on the first floor, underfloor heating is a necessity. But before laying the substrate, it is necessary to fill up a few centimeters of expanded clay bedding, as an excellent heat insulator.
Characteristics of the substrate under the warm floor (video)
It is almost impossible to foresee everything when installing a warm floor. But, definitely, a heat-insulating substrate is needed! Therefore, it is best to entrust the installation and electrical work on installing a warm floor in your home to specialists.
If we consider in section the structure of the classic version of the warm floor, we can see several separate layers. Each of them has its purpose, and the neglect of any of them will adversely affect the overall efficiency of the heating system. One of such structural elements is a substrate under a heat-insulated floor.
Where and why is the substrate located
The question of the place and purpose of the substrate under the warm floor depends on its design. To better understand the value of this element, it is necessary to consider in detail the very structure of various heating systems.
Underlay for electric floors with cable heating
Although this version of the heating system requires the greatest effort to implement, it can be considered a classic version of a warm floor. Before starting its installation, you must perform the following work:
- applying a rough screed to level the surface (if necessary);
- creating a layer of thermal insulation;
- applying a screed covering the thermal insulation and serving as the basis for a warm floor.
After that, the creation of the heating system begins directly. Initially, a substrate is placed under the electric floor heating, on top of which mounting tapes are fastened with self-tapping screws. The heating cable will be fixed in these tapes. After its placement and connection to the network, the location of the sensor, everything is poured with cement.
In this design of the heating system, the underfloor heating substrate is made of aluminum foil. Its purpose is to evenly distribute heat from the cable throughout the floor. This is necessary for at least two reasons:
- Ensuring the same temperature throughout the room.
- Exclusion of local overheating of the cable and removal of excess heat from it.
As can be seen from the above description, underfloor heating with such a heating system allows you to increase the life of the heating cable. This happens due to maintaining its optimal operating mode, and also improves the temperature distribution in the room due to the heating of its entire volume. Do not forget about the implicit positive consequences that such a lining under a warm floor provides.
With a heating system based on a heating cable, the air in the room receives heat from the floor. The larger the volume of the floor is warmed up, the longer it will cool down, the less energy it will consume. Such an elevated temperature is provided, among other things, by a substrate under a warm floor; it is simply necessary to buy and install it when installing a heating system.
Floor underlay with infrared heating
When using infrared film, the design of the heating system differs significantly from the classical one described. Although in this case, a substrate is used for infrared floor heating, its purpose is different.
In the case of using IR film and cable, their work as heat sources is different. If the latter directly affects the floor, which heats the air throughout the room, then IR radiation increases the temperature of the floor covering and the environment (walls, furniture), and from them heat is transferred to the air in the room.
When installing such heating, the surface of the existing floor itself acts as the base of the warm floor. Waterproofing is laid on it (not always, only if necessary), and on top - a layer of heat-insulating reflective material. This is exactly what will be the substrate under the film underfloor heating. An IR film is laid on this substrate, individual sheets of which are interconnected with respect to polarity, and then connected to the network.
There is one prerequisite for the material used - a foil underfloor heating underlay is unacceptable, in any case, the use of aluminum foil as a reflective material is strictly prohibited. This is due to safety requirements, in case of any defects in the contacts, a short circuit to the substrate may occur.
The function of such material in the construction of the film floor is twofold. On the one hand, it acts as a heat-insulating material, on the other hand, as a reflective IR radiation directed not into the room, but into the floor. Such a substrate for a warm floor, the price of which, by the way, is quite affordable, helps to avoid up to 30% heat loss.
Such heat-insulating reflective pads for the heater are usually made of foamed polystyrenes or polymers; metallized lavsan is used as a reflective material. In the design of the IR film heating system, such a substrate for underfloor heating is mandatory for use; you can buy it in the same stores where underfloor heating itself is sold.
There is nothing surprising in such a requirement, it is it, insignificant at first glance, that ensures high efficiency and safety of heating. In this case, whether or not such a substrate for underfloor heating is laid, its price is 30% savings from heat loss. And this is a lot for any system. So you just need to follow the technology.
For all its, at first glance, insignificance, the substrate, placed under the warm floor, plays an important role in ensuring the efficiency of the entire heating. Moreover, its tasks differ in various implementations of heating. However, it is essential to the efficiency, safety and economy of any system.
Underfloor heating is a special heating system that heats the air flows at the bottom of the room. In order for this system to work correctly, it is necessary to properly install it, in particular, select and install the substrate.
The main function of this structural element is simple - to provide thermal insulation. But besides this, a high-quality heat-reflecting substrate for a warm floor can be a waterproofing agent - to prevent the accumulation of condensate and the penetration of steam into the system.
Depending on the method of heat supply, the following types of “warm floor” construction can be designated:
- Water;
- Electric;
- Liquid electric, which in turn happens:
- Film (sometimes called infrared);
- Cable.
Each of the above types corresponds to a specific substrate. Let's figure out how to choose and properly install a heat insulator with your own hands.
Varieties and characteristics of the substrate
So, when buying a heat-insulating flooring, you, first of all, should be oriented in its variety of types:
- Lavsan– film-based coating (foamed polyethylene) with a metallized reflective top layer. It is characterized by resistance to hostile environment. Lavsan substrate under the film floor heating fits perfectly.
Note! This type of insulation is characterized by a certain power density. Therefore, the choice must be made taking into account the finish coating.
So, when installed under a tile, the UM of lavsan is 220W per m²; under laminate / parquet - 150W per m²; under carpet / linoleum - 220W per m². If you install a film with a UM higher than indicated, the flooring may be damaged by overheating.
- Styrofoam- cellular insulation. It has a high temperature threshold: from -180° to +180°, crease resistance. It is an excellent sound insulator, has increased resistance to bacteriological effects. It has a foil or polypropylene coating. It is considered an excellent option for underfloor heating.
A distinctive feature of this heat insulator is that it is produced in slabs with ready-made markings (50 to 50), which greatly simplifies the subsequent floor installation process. Plates with various thicknesses are available for sale: from 20 to 50 mm.
- Technical cork, cork backing. Differs in environmental friendliness, and therefore hypoallergenicity. Its composition is compressed cork oak bark + astringent - suberin. Not eaten by rodents. As a rule, cork is used as a substrate for a laminate on a warm floor.
Despite this composition, the insulation is not combustible, and shows excellent resistance to mechanical stress. It is optimal for arranging a water floor.
- Polypropylene (penofol). The combined heater, consists of the made foam polyethylene. One side is covered with foil. Due to this structure, polypropylene has a high rate of heat retention. Somewhat inferior to the cork analogue in its qualities. Such a foil underfloor heating underlay is practical and durable.
Note! The substrate should not contain aluminum as it conducts electricity very well. Therefore, in the event of a marriage of contacts, a short circuit is possible.
Functions of thermal insulation flooring
If you are wondering if you need a substrate for infrared floor heating, then you should pay attention to the following flooring features:
- The main task is to reduce heat loss. The substrate directs IR rays into the room, preventing them from spreading to the lower floors or the basement of the building. Due to this reflection, heat is not wasted, and the efficiency of the system corresponds to 95-100%. The use of such insulation can reduce heat loss by an average of 20-30%.
- As mentioned above, the underlay is a waterproofing layer, protecting the floor covering from steam and moisture.
- It is able to even out minor surface flaws, which is very important when using film-type floors.
- High-quality insulation, such as Valtec underfloor heating, can significantly reduce the amount of noise. It is made of expanded polystyrene and has a foil side.
Note! MDF boards can be used as underlayment for pavements that require a solid base (support for tiled pavement, for example).
How to choose a quality product
The main criterion for choosing this material is not the price, but the technical characteristics, which should be based on two criteria:
- Finish coat. For example, if you plan to lay a laminate, then you should choose a soft substrate, as it perfectly levels the base. For linoleum, it is recommended to choose solid thermal insulation, since this coating is a soft material, therefore, together with soft insulation, it can be easily pressed through by furniture legs.
- Floor evenness. If you are dealing with a coating that is characterized by significant level differences, then you should choose soft thermal insulation, since it is more ductile. If the irregularities are small, then it is better to choose a more rigid flooring.
We carry out installation
For example, we will analyze the installation of a film underfloor heating.
There is this instruction:
- We lay the heat-insulating substrate on the cement base.
The substrate under the laminate for underfloor heating is laid end-to-end. In this case, the sheets are connected to each other by means of adhesive tape.
- Lay a heating film on top of the substrate. The strips must not intersect or overlap.
Advice! It is possible to cut a film electric floor heating only in those places indicated by the manufacturer (dotted line). Otherwise, you risk violating the integrity of the wiring.
Underfloor heating elements must be laid at a distance of at least 100 mm from the walls. In this case, the area covered by the film must be at least 70% of the area of the room.
Laying foil under furniture is prohibited! Marks on which the film can be cut are present on the canvas every 20-30 cm.
- The electric underfloor heating made of films uses a parallel connection scheme. For this, special clamps-contacts are made. By crimping, they are connected to copper bars. In this case, the contact point on both sides is insulated using bituminous insulation (supplied in the kit).
In order to carry out the installation of strips, a stranded copper wire is used, having a cross section of at least 2 square meters. (provided that the current strength is 16-20 A).
- The temperature sensor is being installed. We do it this way: cut off a strip of bituminous insulation and glue the temperature sensor under the heating film near the thermostat.
- Check the functionality of the heating elements. To do this, the system turns on for 15 minutes.
- A layer of vapor barrier must be laid over the heating surface. It is represented by an ordinary polyethylene film.
Recently, for the arrangement of heating systems, warm heating floors are increasingly used. These systems are used both in private buildings and in urban apartment buildings. Designs may differ in principles of operation, characteristics. The most important element of a warm floor is the substrate. This article will tell you about which warm floor to choose and what substrates are.
Today, there are various models of underfloor heating. Not only foreign options, but also high-tech domestic models are very popular among consumers. For example, the design "National Comfort". The system can be installed in any room of the apartment. But, this product is especially valuable in the kitchen and in the bathroom.
Among the advantages of the underfloor heating of this company can be noted:
On the warm floor, national comfort - only positive reviews. Most users note such advantages of using this system: long service life, ease of installation, high-quality heating. Among the shortcomings, perhaps only the high cost is called. But, in principle, the purchase is justified. After all, high quality cannot have a low price.
The underfloor heating equation has also proven itself, which is distinguished by high performance, reliability and safety. This design is waterproof and durable. Regardless of which brand of underfloor heating is used, it is advisable to make sure that the system has a high-quality, heat-reflecting substrate. Without it, heating is unlikely to be effective.
The purpose of the substrate for the underfloor heating system
The substrate can significantly increase the efficiency of the heating circuit. And this is regardless of whether it is an infrared film, an electric heating cable or pipes with water. So a heat-reflecting substrate for a warm floor reflects heat radiation, preventing it from leaving the apartment. In addition, this element allows you to remove defects in the base of the floor, serves as a sound insulator, and has heat and waterproofing characteristics. The latter property is extremely important for systems with a water coolant: if the pipe breaks, the substrate will prevent the flow of liquid into the premises of the lower floor.
Substrate varieties
There are various substrates: cork, extruded polypropylene, polyethylene foam, polystyrene. The most common and budget option is polyethylene foam. It is produced with a foil coating to give reflective properties. It is desirable that the purchased substrate already has a foil layer. Otherwise, you will have to additionally lay the foil. This material allows you to retain up to 98% of heat, perfectly helps to eliminate heat loss in the apartment. Of course, the price of underfloor heating foil is low and you can buy it at any store, but still this is an additional chore.
The use of a certain type of substrate depends on the floor covering, type of heating floor.
So in a water heating system, molded foam with grooves for loops should be used. Of course, the price of installing a warm water floor with such an additional insulator will be higher. But, according to reviews, such a reflective substrate provides reliable thermal insulation, and also gives more uniform heating.
If laminate flooring is used, it is preferable to choose polyethylene foam, which has a thin layer. Cork sheets, which are a natural material, are also suitable. This option perfectly tolerates temperature fluctuations and vapor emissions. It also perfectly absorbs noise, does not crack or rot.
In wooden houses and other premises where it is impossible to install, special plates are used to distribute heat and make heating more uniform. The average price of plates for a dry-type warm floor is about 200 rubles.
For floors with electric heating, experts recommend a foamed foil polymer. This material is thin and reflects heat well. Foil is also used under a warm floor of a water type. Perhaps this is the most popular and versatile material. Therefore, it is worth considering this type of substrate in more detail.
The foil substrate is an aluminum or metallized propylene film, which is made on the basis of foamed polyethylene. Penolon, Alufom and other materials are considered an economical option for the substrate. On average, the price of a foil substrate for underfloor heating ranges from 45 to 150 rubles per square meter. Of course, the price depends on a number of factors: quality, thickness of the material, manufacturer.
A cork underlay under a warm electric floor can also be successfully used. But, preferably with a metallized or foil coating. For infrared film underfloor heating, it is forbidden to use foil substrates. This is associated with a high risk of short circuit. Metallized coating is quite suitable.
The only kind of underfloor heating that are installed without a substrate are mats, which consist of a heating cable fixed on a flexible base. In such a base, a substrate with a reflective layer should already be integrated.
heating floor underlay cost
I must say that the price of a substrate for a warm water floor or a floor with electric heating is only 3-4% of the total cost of the system. The cost largely depends on the set of specific characteristics, the material of manufacture and its thickness, the type and manufacturer. The average price of this structural element is about 70 rubles per square meter. Many people are afraid of this cost. But it is important to remember that the purchase is fully justified.
A good and high-quality substrate has the following characteristics:
It is desirable that the substrate for a warm water floor or an electrical analogue have as many positive features as possible. When choosing, pay attention to the quality and thickness of the material. Saving on such an important element of the heating system is not worth it. After all, the efficiency of the entire structure depends on this.
Features of the choice of substrate
Manufacturers offer a wide range of substrates for underfloor heating. And sometimes consumers have difficulty choosing a particular brand. After all, the product is bought not for one year. And I want the design to work efficiently and properly for as long as possible.
So that the purchase does not disappoint, you need to pay attention to such initial factors:
conclusions
Thus, the substrate under allows the system to work more efficiently. This element has heat, hydro and noise insulating properties. Provides even heating. The most commonly used substrate for underfloor heating is foil, which is the most budgetary and at the same time high-quality option. Its cost is quite acceptable for most consumers.
The substrate is an important element of the heating floor.
Therefore, saving and buying the cheapest products from unknown manufacturers is not worth it. The material must be of high quality. Moreover, the substrate allows you to save electricity. And the microclimate with this element will be as comfortable as possible.
Varieties of the underfloor heating system
Criteria for choosing substrates for underfloor heating
Substrate for electric underfloor heating
Substrates for underfloor heating
Other nuances of choosing a substrate
Warm floors are the most common way to improve the temperature in the room, and their effectiveness is determined by the quality of installation and selection of related materials. The article will focus on what should be the substrate for a warm floor and how to properly install it.
There are two main types of underfloor heating systems: water and electric.
Water - consists of a heating circuit, through which the coolant moves in the form of ordinary water or antifreeze (in some cases, when the system is not used all year round, but only in winter). It is used most often in private buildings, since in apartment buildings such a system can only be installed with the permission of the regulatory authorities.
The main reasons for such difficulties are:
- the impossibility of clear control over the consumption of energy consumed by individual payers, and as we understand, no one will allow the use of resources for free;
- increased energy consumption with the risk of overloading the heating equipment (boiler).
Electrical heating systems generate heat energy by supplying electrical current to heating elements.
Heating occurs due to the increased resistance of such elements, and the power is calculated by the formula Q \u003d IR, where:
- Q is the amount of released energy;
- I is the strength of the current supplied to the heating element;
- R is the resistance of the heating element.
Such floors differ in the heating elements used: infrared film or a conventional cable with improved insulation. Their installation is simple, but the laying of each layer must be thought out. It is important to make preliminary calculations of the power of such a system in order not to get a real "beast" that no electrical network can withstand.
High-quality space heating can be produced if there is approximately 250 kW of power per square meter, which together gives a very large value, almost unbearable for many owners.
Thus, the systems installed in many homes are significantly weaker than required. The difference in power (required and actual) will help to compensate for the lining under the warm floor, which has such parameters that the efficiency of the entire heating system increases. Consider the main parameters of such substrates in order to understand which substrate is better for underfloor heating and how to install it.
Criteria for choosing substrates for underfloor heating
It is worth making a warning right away that we will consider the main parameters for choosing a substrate further, but you should not respond to advertising, albeit high-quality, such materials, since very often it is created to increase sales of not the highest quality goods. A beautiful photo does not yet speak about the effectiveness of the substrate.
The set of criteria for choosing a substrate is as follows:
- Thermal conductivity of the material. The efficiency of the substrate increases in proportion to how its thermal conductivity decreases. This value is influenced by two parameters: the material from which the bedding under the warm floor is made and its thickness.
Manufacturers recently cover one of the surfaces of the substrate with a foil layer, which allows you to reflect the radiated energy (used in combination with infrared warm floors) and save up to 20-30% of heat.
The norms for carrying out construction work do not prohibit the use of any of the modern materials presented as a substrate for a floor heating system. Therefore, the owner can only choose among materials that differ in physical characteristics: strength, resistance to various types of impact, etc. Naturally, the correct laying of the substrate and the distribution of the load also plays an important role in shaping the effectiveness of the future underfloor heating system. - Manufacturability. The cost of installation is formed not only because of the characteristics of the substrate material, but also because of the complexity of its installation. There are various variations on this indicator. The easiest way to work with expanded polystyrene foam, the layer of which is almost never more than 5 millimeters and is cut with ordinary scissors. The high elasticity of the material allows it to be easily laid without adjustment in case of small discrepancies between the size of the cut piece and the area of the treated surface. Much more complex options are plywood sheets, OSB or chipboard, etc.
- Additional properties. Even at the production stage, the manufacturer marks many substrates for laying the underfloor heating system and adds special protrusions to their design, guided by which the heating circuit can be fixed. Such a substrate under a warm water floor greatly simplifies the installation process, and also increases the efficiency and long-term operation of the system. The marking does not allow making mistakes when laying in the issue of maintaining equal intervals between the heating elements or tubes, which ensures uniform heating of the surface.
- Price. This factor, of course, is very important, but the owner himself can reduce the cost of the substrate only if he has certain technical skills and an understanding of all the features of the considered varieties of material.
- Environmental Safety. It is important to know that most plastic materials and resins form various chemical emissions during use. Therefore, the intensity of such emissions should be determined in advance in order to understand whether the use of the substrate will be optimal in a particular room. The high temperature of the warm floor requires the establishment of increased requirements for the substrate.
There are also a number of parameters that sellers like to operate with, but in fact they should not be taken into account:
- High-quality sound insulation. Any substrate that acts as a heat insulator well protects the floors from the penetration of sound waves. The reason is that they block air currents, which in turn are sound distributors.
- Good waterproofing. This parameter is useless, because in the case of electric floors, water does not form, and if the liquid was spilled by accident, then it is better for it to pass through the ceiling faster, because. otherwise there is a risk of a short circuit. The liquid coolant accumulating in the floor on the substrate layer will create more problems for the apartment owner. It is better to detect such a leak earlier so that the cost of repair work is minimal.
- High resistance to UV rays. The question immediately arises: where is the source of ultraviolet rays under the floor covering, from which the reflective substrate under the warm floor will be actively protected, and how the seller came up with the idea of advertising his product in this way.
- Price. Very often, the high cost of a material does not characterize its quality from the best side, but is only explained by the fact that the manufacturer is a global brand. Many owners, thinking about which substrate to choose for underfloor heating, do not even realize the existence of cheap high-quality materials and spend money on the name and logo. But it’s also not worth rushing for a low cost, because very often materials with terrible quality are released on the market and set a minimum price for them in order to sell faster.
So, when the main criteria for choosing a substrate have been determined, let's consider some features of its use for two types of underfloor heating systems.
Substrate for electric underfloor heating
The electrical heating system involves the use of various substrates made of pressed cork, foil materials with reflective properties, and most of the foamed polymers (TMpro, Thermodom). The latter are most advantageous because they are able to withstand high loads.
Extruded polystyrene foam types have a large thickness. You can use these for any kind of electric floor. It is not recommended to use aluminum-coated substrates, since this layer conducts electricity, and this can be critical if there is a leak in one of the sections of the power cable.
When choosing a substrate for a warm electric floor, it is recommended to be based on the following factors:
- The material used for the floor covering. The strength of the substrate should increase in proportion to the growth of the mass of the layers laid on top of it (except for the heating system itself). For example, any foamed polymer can be laid under a laminated parquet, and extruded varieties of materials with increased strength should be used under a tile or stone coating.
- Terms of work: a new house under construction or renovation of an old building. Based on the technology of laying the electrical heating system and the characteristics of the floors, the total thickness of the "pie" of the floor can vary from 3-4 to 10-15 centimeters. The importance of this parameter lies in the fact that, due to the increased height, it will be necessary to cut the doorways and, of course, to reduce the door itself. It is best when the installed floor does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door, but sometimes it does not work out and you have to make adjustments.
Remember that you should always follow the instructions given by the manufacturer or specialists regarding the procedure for laying purchased materials.
Substrates for underfloor heating
The floor heating water circuit is represented by a more complex design, therefore, when using it, more serious requirements must be put forward to the floor structure.
Thus, the substrate for underfloor heating pipes should have the following properties:
- High mechanical strength. To comply with this parameter, it is best to use extruded polystyrene foam substrates, plywood sheets, pressed wood boards, etc. In addition to high strength, these materials also have no permanent deformation.
- Resistant to high humidity. Such materials can be laid repeatedly if they had to be dismantled for repair work on the heating circuit.
- Maximum stable fixation of the heating circuit. As mentioned earlier, on many finished substrates, special fasteners are created - bosses. This simplifies the process of laying pipes for the underfloor heating system. Since all measurements are made by the manufacturer himself, it will be very difficult for the owner to make a mistake when laying. Their advantage is that the pipes during installation are placed at the same distance, allowing the surface to warm up evenly. Also, maintaining the distance increases the service life of the equipment and minimizes the need for repair work with the dismantling of the system and substrate.
Other nuances of choosing a substrate
When choosing the thickness of the substrate, it is necessary to focus not only on those layers that are located above it, but also consider the heat-insulating materials located below. For example, the use of mineral wool eliminates the need for a thick layer of lining under a warm floor. If the lining is positioned as the main heat insulator, then, on the contrary, the value of its thermal conductivity should be reduced to a minimum.
Do not forget that the lining under the warm water floor with an aluminum reflective film will increase the efficiency of the system at times. There is no need to choose beautiful materials, since no one will see the substrate in the photo and during a visual inspection, but they will feel its effectiveness immediately after the floor heating is put into operation. See also: "Which substrate for a warm floor is best suited."
Outcome
Only properly selected elements for underfloor heating equipment will allow the system to function at maximum performance. But, it is always worth remembering the amount of money spent and increasing efficiency through a reasonable distribution of capacities. A high-quality substrate with optimal parameters is the most important structural element. Using this article, anyone can easily choose the material that will make the house warm, comfortable and cozy for many years.
Choosing a substrate for underfloor heating
When installing a film underfloor heating, it is better to use a foam polymer substrate laminated with a lavsan metallized film. The material reflects up to 30% of the heat that goes down from the structure and is wasted.
FUNCTIONS
The main task that the substrate performs is to reduce heat loss. It reflects the heat that goes down from the floor and is thus wasted. The use of insulation allows you to reduce up to 30% of heat loss. In addition, the substrate performs a waterproofing function, protecting the floor from the penetration of moisture and steam into it. The substrate is also able to level the surface, which is especially important when using film floors. In some cases, thermal insulation performs an acoustic function, reducing the amount of noise from neighbors living below.
MATERIALS
In no case should the substrate under the film floor include aluminum, since it conducts electricity well and in the event of a marriage of contacts, a short circuit may occur. Therefore, the use of foil as a heat-reflecting material with film underfloor heating is strictly prohibited.
More often for thermal insulation when laying a film underfloor heating, a substrate made of foamed polymers, polypropylene, laminated materials coated with a lavsan metallized film is used. If additional sound insulation is required, then fiberboard is used as a substrate. In addition, it can be used to level the subfloor. Another type of material is technical roll cork 2 mm thick.
STAMPS
Manufacturers and sellers of Korean underfloor heating recommend Korean-made DH-HiLon underlay. You can buy it in the same stores that sell underfloor heating. It is made of polyester coated polypropylene. The coating is marked with a step of 10 cm to facilitate cutting. Price: 160 rubles / m2.
"Ekofol" is made from foamed polyethylene and is duplicated with lavsan or polypropylene metallized film. It has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, good elasticity and does not absorb moisture. When using "Ekofol" type C (with a self-adhesive surface), heat loss is reduced by 2-3 times. Price: about 100 rubles/m2.
Rolled technical stopper Sedacor is made from cork oak. As a substrate for underfloor heating, dimensions of 15,000x1,000 and a thickness of 4 mm are used. It has excellent soundproofing properties. Price: 83 rubles/m2.
"Polyfom" is a universal insulation, it is a chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam with a closed cell structure. Due to its structure, it has good heat-insulating properties (thermal conductivity coefficient 0.037 W/m3 at 10°C and density 30 kg/m3). The material is durable (service life of more than 50 years) and effective for sound insulation. Price: 80 rubles/m2.
The substrate "Thermodom" consists of polyethylene foam with lavsan coating. This material is ideal for electric underfloor heating as it is non-conductive. It is also suitable for laying water heated floors under the screed, as it does not interact with aggressive alkaline solutions contained in concrete. The substrate retains its properties throughout the entire service life. The recommended material thickness is 2-5 mm. The reflective layer must face the heat source. To create a complete vapor and waterproofing, the butt joints of the canvases are glued with adhesive tape. The cost of the Termodom substrate is orders of magnitude lower than its analogues - 45 rubles / m2.
HOW TO CHOOSE
In order to choose a substrate for a warm floor, it is necessary to be guided by two main initial data: what kind of finish coating is planned and how flat is the floor. If you plan to lay a laminate, then it is better to choose a soft substrate, because.
to. it levels the floor. Some types of Penotherma are soft.
Under linoleum, it is recommended to choose solid thermal insulation. Linoleum itself is a soft material, and together with a soft substrate, it forms a structure that is easily squeezed by heavy furniture. For large level differences, a soft underlay is also recommended.
Do I need underfloor heating?
to. it is more plastic. For small irregularities, it is worth choosing rigid types of thermal insulation.
FEATURES OF INSTALLATION
The substrate is laid with the reflecting side up, as a solid massive carpet and has the same thickness over the entire area. Separate canvases are joined end-to-end, and the seam must be glued with adhesive tape to create additional vapor barrier and waterproofing. If necessary, the substrate can be glued.
More on the topic:
Infrared heating film under the screed
Underfloor heating film installation
Film underfloor heating - an option for heating a summer house
Types of insulation
General floor insulation technology
Expanded polystyrene for laminate
Substrates for laminate
Laminate flooring is in great demand due to its installation and operational advantages. Proper floor insulation is important when laying laminate flooring.
In the case of poor-quality insulation, condensed moisture may appear, which will lead to damage to the floor covering.
Types of substrates for underfloor heating and criteria for their selection
In addition, energy costs for heating a house or apartment increase by 20%.
Types of insulation
The basis for laying the laminate can be wood or concrete. Depending on this, a heater for the floor under the laminate is selected. Expanded clay is used as a heater for a wooden floor. For better insulation, its layer should be at least 10 cm.
Other types of insulation are also produced that can be laid on wooden and concrete floors:
- Styrofoam- a heater having a granular texture, which is filled with air. It is very light, practical, has excellent thermal and sound insulation qualities.
- Styrofoam- levels the base for laying the finish coat.
- polyurethane foam. There are two types: jellied and sprayed. Slightly absorbs moisture, retains heat. Work on insulation with such material requires special equipment, in this case it is better to hire craftsmen.
- Mineral wool It is an inexpensive material with a long service life. After laying, this insulation must be covered with foil or metallized film.
- Ecowool in its structure and qualities it is similar to mineral wool, but it is made from cellulose fibers, therefore it does not harm human health.
- Foil Available in two forms: in slabs and rolls. Lay with reflective side down.
- Cork- the most expensive insulation, but environmentally friendly, reliable and wear-resistant.
- Plywood underlay, oriented strand board (OSB), gypsum-fiber sheet (GVL - for more details: “How GVL is laid on the floor - examples from practice”), fibreboard (Fibreboard), chipboard (Particleboard) - will allow in a short time and with this qualitatively make the floor even and warm.
General floor insulation technology
First, the base is prepared. All existing irregularities on the floor should be eliminated: comb off the protrusions, pits and cracks, seal with mortar and putty. The next step is waterproofing. The surface is covered with plastic wrap so that the edges overlap. Tape is glued to the seams. The waterproofing layer is very important: it protects the wooden elements from moisture.
If a wooden floor is insulated, then logs are laid, and heat-insulating material (expanded clay, mineral wool, polystyrene) is placed in the space between them. Then, boards and substrates made of materials produced in sheets, such as plywood, are used to level the surface.
If the floor is uneven, then it can be leveled with a concrete screed or self-levelling mixture. Such a mixture for the floor is prepared in accordance with the instructions in a container of suitable size. Then it must be distributed over the surface with a spatula.
Also, insulation under the laminate on a concrete floor can be laid between the beams, and a dry screed can be made on top and a substrate can be laid. So that the floor level does not rise very high, you can lay a thin heat-insulating film with a foil layer. This material is glued to even floors with a special compound.
Expanded polystyrene for laminate
Expanded polystyrene is a heat-insulating material that is very easy to install and is inexpensive. This insulation under the laminate is produced as follows: polystyrene granules are filled with an inert gas, a viscous liquid is foamed under high pressure. See also: "How to lay polystyrene foam under the screed - installation options."
Expanded polystyrene has many advantages:
- has a small weight, easy to transport;
- the original size and shape do not change over time;
- moisture resistant;
- not exposed to fungus and mold;
- you can make a sheet of any size;
- easy to cut with a regular knife or saw;
- when working with it, dust and odor are not formed;
- fixed easily and securely, while not crumbling;
- tolerates temperature fluctuations.
Extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is a safe and environmentally friendly material. There are various modifications that differ in thickness and performance properties. The edges of the EPS can be flat or with milled grooves, with the help of which the EPS boards are tightly connected.
Extruded polystyrene foam can be used to insulate the floors of the first floors and no matter how far the aquifer is, since the material has a low degree of water absorption.
Most often, expanded polystyrene is used on the floor under the PSB-S-35 brand laminate, but if significant loads on the floor are planned, then it is recommended to use the PSB-S-50 brand.
The service life of expanded polystyrene is about 15 years, after this period the material may be deformed and its integrity broken. It is for this reason that in some cases this insulation is not used.
Now consider how to insulate the floor under the laminate using polystyrene foam:
- First, the old floor covering is removed, the surface must be clean: free of debris and dirt.
- A waterproofing layer is laid, for this you can use roofing material or polyethylene.
- If logs are used, then they should be installed at a distance of 50-60 cm from each other. Expanded polystyrene plates are placed in the space between them, the existing voids are sealed with mounting foam.
- When laying by the joint method, insulation sheets can be laid relative to the walls in parallel or diagonally.
- A vapor barrier film is laid on the insulation.
- Then a flat flooring is constructed from boards or materials in sheets. The distance between them and the thermal insulation should be 8-10 cm.
- Final step: laying the laminate.
If it is planned to pour a concrete screed on the insulation, then a reinforcing mesh is first installed, then a layer of the primary screed equal to 3-5 cm is poured, and then the final layer. The solution should be mixed with the addition of expanded polystyrene granules. They can be purchased in the required quantity.
Substrates for laminate
Laminate flooring should not be laid directly on concrete, even if it is perfectly leveled and insulated. Otherwise, the laminate will make unpleasant squeaky sounds when walking.
Where the base is uneven, the laminate will sag, as a result of which the locks will loosen and break, gaps will appear between the panels. All instructions for laying laminate flooring indicate that it should be laid on a substrate with a minimum thickness of 3 mm, otherwise claims regarding the quality of the coating will not be accepted.
The substrate under the laminate helps prevent condensation and constant evaporation of moisture under the coating due to temperature changes. Regardless of the fact that the substrate is thin, only a few millimeters, it has high heat-shielding performance, weakens the resonance with sound and impact noise, there is no need to perform additional waterproofing, as it provides natural ventilation.
In a single room, different types of substrates are not used, but in various rooms of a house or apartment it is possible. For example, in the bedroom and living room, substrates made from natural materials are used, in the kitchen and bathroom - from artificial ones. You should not lay the substrate immediately on the entire surface of the floor, it is enough to put one strip, which is enough for laying 2-3 rows of laminate, then the material will remain even and clean (read also: “How to lay the substrate under the laminate correctly - do it yourself”).
The following types of substrates are used:
- Substrates from technical cork– from an environmental point of view, they are safe and have a long service life.
- Bitumen-cork substrates- perfect for rooms with a high rate of humidity, as they provide high-quality waterproofing.
- Composite materials- have the qualities of two materials: granulated polystyrene foam and polyethylene.
- Izolon- is a foamed polyethylene, is one of the most used substrates for laminate flooring.
- Plates and rolls of expanded polystyrene- provide excellent thermal and waterproofing.
A type of extruded polystyrene foam is produced, which can be used not only as a base floor insulation, but also as a substrate for a laminate. Expanded polystyrene in rolls or sheets is a durable material up to 5 mm thick, used for laying under a laminate.
Styrofoam plates should rest at room temperature for about a day. This is necessary so that they spin their actual sizes. Plates to the base can not be fixed. For floors with significant differences in height, this underlay is not suitable, as it is not able to smooth out a difference of more than 5 mm.
Metallized adhesive tape should be glued to the seams of the substrate, this is necessary to prevent the penetration of water vapor to the laminate.
The seams of the substrate and the laminate should not match, so the expanded polystyrene is laid perpendicular to the direction of the laminate planks with the sheets offset in adjacent rows. On one side of the polystyrene boards there are longitudinal grooves for air circulation, it is this side of the substrate that should look down.
The need for floor insulation
The choice of thermal insulation
Thermal insulation materials for underfloor heating
Conclusion
Video
When designing a heating system, you need to make every effort to create a uniform distribution of heat throughout the entire volume of the room. With traditional types of heating, heat energy is directed upwards to the ceiling, while cold air remains on the floor - and this distribution of heat is uncomfortable for the human body.
To get rid of such a problem, when choosing a heating system, you can pay attention to underfloor heating, which provides just such a distribution of thermal energy, which allows you to create the most comfortable atmosphere for living. In addition, to reduce heat loss at the lower level, good thermal insulation of the floor is needed. This article will consider thermal insulation for underfloor heating, the materials used for it and their features.
The need for floor insulation
The presence of high-quality thermal insulation provides a number of advantages:
- Heat loss through the floor is significantly reduced. The thing is that the greatest amount of heat goes through the floor covering - losses can reach 20%. Good thermal insulation for electric underfloor heating will protect the room and keep heat energy within it.
- Heat is distributed throughout the room more evenly. In a well-insulated building, heat energy is dissipated in such a way that every part of the room is properly heated.
Substrate options for underfloor heating
This is largely ensured by the fact that the heat is spent on heating the floors and other structural elements of the building.
- Since energy is not wasted on non-functional heating, the heating system becomes more economical and heating costs become lower.
- Good insulation for a warm floor also provides good protection against sound penetrating from outside.
- When using moisture-proof materials, reliable protection is created from water that can enter living quarters from the ground or basement levels.
The choice of thermal insulation
There are water, infrared and electric varieties of underfloor heating. Each type of system requires its own thermal insulation material, since the efficiency and reliability of heating depends on the final combination. In addition, when choosing a thermal insulation material, it is necessary to take into account the degree of stress that the floor covering will experience.
Insulation for electric underfloor heating should have the following characteristics:
- High strength characteristics, flexibility and good compression resistance;
- Ability to withstand external loads without deformation;
- High resistance to aggressive substances and environments;
- Low thermal conductivity;
- High density (at least 25 kg / m 3 in the case of materials used for underfloor heating);
- Minimum degree of moisture absorption.
Thermal insulation materials for underfloor heating
There are several materials that can be used as thermal insulation under a warm floor:
- Cork backing. This material differs in ecological safety and high density. The thickness of cork insulation is usually about 3-4 cm, which must be taken into account when designing the room so that its height does not decrease too much. Cork is expensive and requires the installation of a reflective layer, so it must be used very carefully as a thermal insulation.
- Polypropylene. Polypropylene thermal insulation is produced in the format of extruded plates. This material, in addition to good insulating qualities, is distinguished by the ability to delay sound waves. In addition, the plates do not absorb moisture. It is very easy to work with such material, and it is safe to use - polypropylene plates can withstand temperatures up to 130 degrees.
- Styrofoam. Extruded polystyrene foam is a material with high strength, low weight, resistance to temperature changes and low cost. In addition, it should be noted the excellent resistance to aggressive substances and the ability not to absorb moisture. All these qualities are preserved throughout the entire period of operation of the material, which is largely due to the air filling of the cells. Expanded polystyrene is the best thermal insulation for tiles under a water-type warm floor.
- Metallized lavsan film. This material is not used by itself, but in combination with expanded polystyrene foam, it provides reliable protection of the floor covering from the aggressive environment that is created by the concrete screed. The aluminum layer is necessarily covered with a PVC film, since the metal cannot normally withstand corrosion.
Regardless of the material chosen, the laying of insulation under a warm floor should be carried out in such a way that a monolithic layer is obtained that has sufficient strength and performs its functions well.
Conclusion
Thermal insulation for a warm floor is an indispensable element, without which it will not be possible to create a high-quality heating system. The choice of the most suitable material and the method of its installation is carried out individually, depending on the characteristics of a particular building and heating project.
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Installation of underfloor heating is carried out according to the same recipe. First of all, edge insulation is laid and foam is laid. This is necessary so that the heat goes up, i.e. so that pipes or cable heat your floor, and not heat up the ceiling of your neighbors. On top of the foam, some installation organizations advise laying the so-called foil foam, i.e. polyethylene insulation covered with aluminum foil. This is argued by the fact that, firstly, a few millimeters thick foam provides additional insulation, and secondly, the foil is needed to reflect heat rays upwards from its surface. Is this really true and how feasible is the use of such a foil? Let's consider the first consideration: additional insulation with foam under the foil. The thickness of the main insulation - foam or polystyrene, which is laid on the floor covering, must be at least 3 cm for interfloor ceilings, and 5-8 cm for floors on the ground or above basements. An additional 1-2 mm of foam under the foil will give an increase in heat transfer resistance of the order of 1-5%. Does it make sense to buy such insulation and pay for its flooring if the thermal insulation improves so little? No. If there is such a need, then it will be cheaper to lay a thicker foam. The second argument: the foil in the screed acts as a mirror for "heat rays", reflecting heat up and not letting it go down. Thermoses are sometimes cited as an example, where a flask with hot water is lowered into another flask, which has a mirror coating on the inside. Let's consider this idea. We'll have to remember a little physics, but we can handle it.
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The key point required for the transfer of heat by radiation is this. The medium in which such heat transfer takes place must be transparent.
What is the underlayment for underfloor heating and how is it used
The sun will not warm you underground (sorry for the gloomy analogy). Beams of any spectrum, incl. infrared do not pass through concrete. There is no heat transfer by radiation inside the concrete screed. The foil cannot reflect anything inside the underfloor heating structure. Therefore, by itself, the foil inside the floor screed does not make sense.
In addition, concrete corrodes zinc, foil, and metal in general very quickly. Do an experiment. Take a piece of such insulation and smear it with a thin layer of concrete, which in a couple of days will be easy to wipe off with a rag. Look at what will be under the concrete in a couple of days. You will see that the foil is no longer there. The cement will eat away all the reflective coating in a few days.
Therefore, none of the above arguments in favor of using foil penofol or its analogues stand up to criticism.
If our arguments seem insufficient to you, then look at another way of laying underfloor heating pipes, which is offered by almost all manufacturers of underfloor heating components.
These are polystyrene profiled boards with “stumps”, between which a pipe is laid. Concrete is immediately poured over such mats, there are no reflectors there, and this is considered a better and more professional solution than just foam.
Thus, you should not overpay for foil insulation when installing underfloor heating. Against the general background, its cost is not very significant, but since it is completely meaningless there, you should not do this. And the wide-open jaw of the installers when you tell them all this will give you a lot of pleasure.
Voila. You are gorgeous!
