Underfloor heating under laminate. Laying with your own hands: video installation
Underfloor heating under laminate. Laying with your own hands: video installation instructions
You always want to come back to a house where it’s warm and cozy. You can provide your home with comfort and significantly save on heating by arranging a warm laminate floor. Laying with your own hands, the video guide to which you will find in this article, is not very difficult. The main thing is to figure out which type of laminate floor heating is optimal for such a coating, and objectively evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of each of the heating systems.
Water warm for laying under laminate
Advantages of underfloor heating
During its development, underfloor heating systems have become very popular and every year there are more and more people who want to install them. And there are no problems with the assortment that manufacturers offer. You can choose a heating system based on your preferences and financial capabilities. The main advantages of underfloor heating include:
- the possibility of using it as the main heating or additional heating of some rooms;
- uniform heating helps to eliminate drafts that are harmful to health;
- warming up the air to a height of up to 2.5 m provides comfortable conditions for residents. In addition, providing the feet with warmth is an excellent prevention of colds;
Floor heating with infrared elements
- heating speed – rooms warm up much faster, unlike other heating systems. This property allows you to turn off the heating when there is no one in the house, and on return you will not have to wait long for the room to warm up;
- the use of modern technologies makes it possible to use energy efficiently, as a result of which funds are significantly saved;
- environmental friendliness of the system – its use in residential premises does not lead to air drying;
- the installation of the system does not take up much space, the absence of radiators allows optimal use of living space;
- the possibility of using not only for residential premises, but also for heating greenhouses, greenhouses, farms and other facilities;
- versatility of use – the possibility of laying underfloor heating under laminate, linoleum, carpet, as well as parquet, wood, tile and concrete;
- quick and easy installation, long service life;
- simple operation, high accuracy of climate maintenance, the ability to independently choose the temperature regime.
Underfloor heating has proven itself well in small apartments and country cottages with central heating and power supply. The choice of heating system depends on the conditions of installation and operation, as well as the type of finishing coating. Given the simplicity of installation, anyone can arrange a warm floor independently.
Underfloor heating will help make the house or apartment more cozy and warm
The main types of floor heating systems
Floor heating systems are divided into two main types:
Electric heating systems are distinguished by the type of heating element. Their main types are: heating cable, heating mat and infrared heating (special thermal film). Taking into account the relevance of the laminate coating, it will be advisable to figure out which underfloor heating is better for laminate.
Related article:
How to choose warm electric floors: an overview of heating systems. The choice of underfloor heating for a house, apartment. What are the best electric underfloor heating under the tile. The right choice of an energy-efficient system.
Heating cable. Underfloor heating with such a heating element is very simple. A special cable with a high resistance value is placed in the floor screed, which is arranged on top of the base. The heat generated by the passage of electricity through the cable heats the screed, which in turn warms the finish coating, and from it the heat is distributed throughout the room.
Heating mat for underfloor heating device
Heating mats. They are a thin cable distributed over a fiberglass mesh. There are two types of heating mats: single-core and double-core. Single-core mats are not recommended for residential use, as they emit a magnetic field. The heating mats system does not require additional screed. It is usually placed in the adhesive layer of the floor cladding made of tiles or porcelain stoneware.
Infrared heating (film floor). The heat-conducting elements, which are a carbon nanostructure, are placed between two layers of a dense polymer. When a current passes through them, infrared radiation occurs. This type of heating is the most advanced and progressive underfloor heating system. IR radiation is absolutely harmless to humans. Installation is carried out directly under the floor covering without the device of an additional screed layer.
Pay attention! Infrared heating has no restrictions on the choice of finishing flooring, so it can be used for laying underfloor heating under laminate.
Warm water floor. Plastic pipes are used as heating elements in this system. The essence of water heating is reduced to laying between the floor and the floor covering of the contours of the underfloor heating, through which the coolant (water) circulates, heated to 45 ° C. As a result, the water floor is called a low-temperature heating system, ideally combined with light floor coverings.
Water underfloor heating system
For the effective functioning of water underfloor heating, it is necessary to make correct calculations and installation of the system. When laying laminate flooring on a warm floor from water heating, the sensitivity of the material to high temperatures should be taken into account. To do this, the system should be equipped with temperature-controlling devices, such as a mixing unit, a thermostat, a collector, and others.
Is it possible to put underfloor heating under laminate
Determining which warm floor is better for laminate, it should be borne in mind that this material is vulnerable to moisture and sudden temperature spikes. Then the question arises whether it is possible to make underfloor heating under laminate? After all, not all laminate manufacturers produce panels that can be combined with heating elements. Having dealt with the basic parameters of laminated coatings and the operating conditions of underfloor heating, it is possible to determine the heating system that is most suitable for laying this material.
Before buying laminate flooring for underfloor heating, pay attention to the instructions for the material, which must necessarily indicate the possibility of such use. The marking with the recommended temperature limit can be seen on the laminate packaging. If it is difficult for you to determine exactly where the necessary information is indicated, contact a consultant for help.
Underfloor heating under laminate flooring today is no longer something out of the ordinary, but quite commonplace
Many modern manufacturers produce laminated panels adapted to the underfloor heating device for them. In this case, the manufacturer indicates which type of floor heating is recommended for this product. Installation of underfloor heating under laminate, which is not designed for the use of one or another heating, can lead to both system failure and damage to the laminate coating itself.
An innovation in the market of floor coverings has become a laminate with built-in heating elements, thanks to which it is possible to mount a new beautiful floor immediately with heating. To install such a laminated coating, it is necessary to additionally purchase a transformer and component parts.
Laying laminate lamellas with a built-in heating system greatly facilitates the installation of underfloor heating. The flooring of the coating is carried out by means of special aluminum locks that securely and easily fix the boards together. In addition, the locks guarantee the safety of the connections during operation. Such flooring can be laid on any surface, including balconies and loggias.
The most modern and popular electric heating system today is underfloor heating
Features of installation of film underfloor heating under laminate
The mounted infrared floor heating is part of a construction of several layers, which includes a laminate finish, a chipboard or plywood gasket, heat and vapor barrier layers. Such filling contributes to the maximum efficiency of the entire system. Reflecting from the lower heat-reflecting layer, infrared radiation tends upwards, heating the entire room.
Surface preparation for installation of infrared underfloor heating under laminate
How to put underfloor heating under laminate? If infrared heating is planned to be used as the only heating element, the laying of a film underfloor heating under laminate is carried out on an area of at least 70% of the total floor surface. If the film is used as additional heating, it is quite enough to cover up to 40% of the floor with it. It is worth noting that electric film heating is much more efficient when heating the entire room.
Pay attention! Having laid a warm floor in the children’s room, you do not have to worry about the fact that the baby is sitting on the floor while playing, no matter what time of year it happens.
Infrared warm film floor is a practical solution for warmth in the house
Taking into account that any coating is placed on a flat surface, the laying of infrared underfloor heating under laminate begins with the preparation and alignment of the base. After that, the area for covering the floor with a film is calculated, excluding places where heavy furniture will be located. At this stage, the location for the placement of the thermostat is determined. For convenience, it is recommended to make a preliminary diagram of the future film floor.
Next, they begin laying the heat-reflecting roll film (isolon). It is cut into strips of the appropriate size and laid on the floor surface. To ensure that the strips of insulation do not shift during installation, they are fastened together with adhesive tape. After that, the IR film is laid. It is also cut into strips corresponding to the length and have the copper side down. The film strips are also connected to each other with adhesive tape.
Insulation and connection of electric underfloor heating under laminate
The next step is to connect the contact terminals. They are installed on a copper strip so that one of the sides is inside and the other is outside the thermal film. After that, the terminals are tightly clamped with pliers. All connections of contacts and places of sections of the copper bus must be insulated with bitumen insulation included in the kit, using two segments per one processed place.
Thermostat for underfloor heating
Next, a thermostat is installed. The temperature sensor is located on the black strip of thermal film. So that it does not protrude on the surface of the film, a cutout is made for it in the reflective material. The same cutouts are made for wires and contact clips. This will make the laminated coating as smooth as possible. The places where the wires pass from above are sealed with tape.
A thermostat panel is installed on a pre-prepared place, wires are connected to it according to the attached diagram. The thermostat is connected to the power grid via a separate automatic machine. Next, the system is tested, setting the temperature no higher than 30 ° C. Having made sure of the functioning of underfloor heating, you can start laying laminate flooring.
The sequence of laying the underfloor heating is clearly demonstrated on numerous videos of the installation of infrared underfloor heating under laminate.
Infrared underfloor heating under laminate: price
You can buy a warm laminate floor by ordering products on the websites of manufacturing companies and on the Internet. Systems of any brands are available for sale. The price of infrared underfloor heating for laminate depends on the manufacturer, the size of the film coating and configuration. The underfloor heating presented in Russia by the company “Kaleo”, certified by the Association of IR Radiation, is popular.
A film floor is a modern version of an electric floor
The electric floor developed by the Korean company Heat Plus has proven itself well. This manufacturer specializes in the production of infrared film flooring, is constantly improving and updating equipment. For the last few years, production has been carried out on unique machines. RexVa underfloor heating systems, presented by Techno Profi, are focused on the production of individual orders of a film floor, taking into account an acceptable price for the consumer.
The table shows the approximate prices at which you can buy infrared underfloor heating under laminate:
Company | Series | The cost of the kit, rub. | |
from | before | ||
CALEO | Line | 1690 | 7050 |
Grid | 1250 | 27800 | |
Gold | 1480 | 29500 | |
Platinum | 1750 | 30500 | |
Q-TERM | 450 | 11900 | |
Heat Plus | 650 | 17900 | |
NanoThermal | 990 | 19900 |
The minimum price of laminate underfloor heating per m2 produced by RexVa and Heat Plus companies is from 850 rubles, the Caleo infrared floor will cost a little more – from 1500 rubles per 1 m2.
Useful advice! When purchasing products from a particular manufacturer, require a certificate of infrared underfloor heating for laminate flooring. Consumer reviews will also give an idea of the appropriateness of using the selected option.
Installation of water underfloor heating under laminate
The classic types of underfloor heating include water heating. Its device includes pipes with hot water, which enters the system from the collector using a pump. The use of water underfloor heating is most justified in private homes, since its installation in apartments with connection to a centralized heating system is prohibited.
Pay attention! It should be borne in mind that the use of a warm water floor involves the purchase and installation of a circulation pump, through which the temperature in the system is regulated. This should be taken into account when calculating the costs of the arrangement.
Compared with electric, water underfloor heating is lower-cost, as it allows you to save up to 60% of energy. This advantage makes it logical to use just such a system for private homes, where rooms often have a large area. In addition, the materials from which the pipes for water heating are made have proven themselves to be reliable and durable.
Water underfloor heating in the bedroom
The main feature of the installation of a water floor is that after preparing the base and laying the heating pipes, a cement-sand screed device is necessary. It is recommended to fill it when the heating is not turned on, but the underfloor heating system is filled with water. If cracks appear on the screed during operation, they must be repaired.
Installation of a water floor requires compliance with the following standards:
- the system should be warmed up for several days before installation. After that, two days before laying the coating, the heating is turned off. In this way, the microclimate in the room is formed, in which the water floor will function;
- before laying on a warm water floor, the laminate is left indoors for several days to adapt to the microclimate. This will guarantee that the floor covering will not deform during operation;
- for a good warming up of the surface, it is recommended to use a thin laminate substrate for a warm water floor.
To find out which laminate to choose for a warm water floor, you should pay attention to the thermal resistance parameter specified in the material passport. If the laminate is allowed to be used in conjunction with heating, it will have the designation “Warm Wasser” on it. Water heating is combined with a large number of light coatings, so it will not be difficult to choose a laminate for warm water floors.
Installation of water underfloor heating
Installation of underfloor heating under laminate flooring on the balcony
An increasing number of owners of apartments in multi-storey buildings use the space of a balcony or loggia as a useful area. Most often, an office, a winter garden or a small place to relax is arranged there. In order to use such a room comfortably throughout the year, it would be quite logical to equip it with underfloor heating.
The complexity of the heating arrangement lies in the limited space and the design features of the balcony. One of the options for the organization of underfloor heating, you can choose the use of a cable. Considering that such a warm floor requires a screed device, any floor covering, including laminate, can be laid on top of it on the balcony.
Pay attention! When installing even a small screed layer on the balcony, the load on the balcony plate should be taken into account.
In order not to weigh down the weight of the balcony structure, it is possible to use film heating as a underfloor heating. To do this, a pair of strips of infrared underfloor heating without a screed under the laminate will be enough. If furniture is planned to be installed on the balcony or loggia, thermal film is not available under it. All work is carried out in accordance with the instructions for laying underfloor heating. The temperature controller is manually adjusted taking into account weather conditions.
Heating mat for underfloor heating system on the balcony
Installation of heating on loggias is subject to the sequence of work in the room. Before laying the underfloor heating under the laminate on the balcony, the surface of the slab is leveled, a heat-reflecting material is placed on it, and a thermal film is placed on it. Next, a high-quality hydro and vapor barrier is carried out. The installation of an infrared floor is much faster and easier than a cable heating device.
Installation of underfloor heating in a wooden house under laminate
In wooden cottages, where there is a possibility of autonomous heating, water underfloor heating is most often used. Pipes with hot water are placed immediately under the floor covering, while making sure that the water temperature does not exceed 30 degrees, since at a higher mark the wooden structures of the house will dry out strongly.
If, in addition to heating with radiators, it is planned to use underfloor heating in the house, it is recommended to use two independent circuits for both types of heating. The scheme of water underfloor heating in a wooden house should provide for the location of pipes below the boiler level. Plastic or waterproofing pipes should be used, which, even in the event of a rupture, are able to hold water in themselves.
The scheme of operation of the water underfloor heating
Is it possible to put laminate flooring on a heated floor with water heating? To install the coating on such a floor, the system with pipes is placed in a special drywall box. Then, in case of condensation due to the start of the system, moisture will first appear on the pipes, and then on the box, after which it will evaporate during the heating process without affecting the floor covering.
Pay attention! Do not forget that you need to buy a laminate for warm water floors with a label that takes into account the required temperature limit.
The use of a water circuit as a floor heating significantly saves the cost of general heating. The only disadvantage of such a system is that in case of its failure, the entire floor will have to be disassembled. Only in this way it will be possible to determine the location of the leak.
The sequence of laying the water floor is as follows:
- installation begins with the room in which the boiler is located;
- a burner is used for smooth bending of pipes;
- for strong bending of the contour, a knee joint is used, which is subsequently sealed with a sealing tape;
Installation of a water underfloor heating system in a wooden house
- the pipes are laid in the form of a snake in the floor frame so that from 3 to 8 cm remain to the finishing surface. It is this distance that will contribute to optimal heating of the floor covering;
- if, when checking the system, it is found that water is oozing through the connection, it should be replaced.
In the warm season, when there is no need for floor heating, you should drain the water from the system. This will reduce the likelihood of deposits forming on the walls of the pipes.
Underfloor heating under laminate. Laying with your own hands: videos, consumer reviews
For those who are faced with the installation of underfloor heating for the first time, there are a lot of instructional video instructions on the web. Here are the secrets of laying various types of heating: film, cable, water and others. As soon as you decide on the type of underfloor heating, choose a suitable plot with instructions.
Important! The information in the training videos is informational in nature and is an addition to the mandatory installation instructions for a particular underfloor heating system.
Videos of installation of underfloor heating under laminate contain a lot of useful information about the nuances and principles of laying, both heating systems and installation of laminate flooring. In addition, by viewing them, you can learn about the features of connecting wires to the infrared floor system, methods of insulation, starting and checking the system.
Underfloor heating is the key to coziness and comfort in the house
Watching video lessons will help you choose the best heating option for the floor covering of your room. In addition, useful recommendations will contribute to the correct choice of the thickness of the screed layer (if provided), the necessary heat-reflecting material, as well as the substrate used.
It would be useful to ask for reviews before choosing the necessary system. Underfloor heating under laminate flooring for many cause contradictory judgments. Only after thoroughly studying them and weighing all the pros and cons, you can make a choice in favor of one or another type of floor heating for your room.
The infrared film has received many positive reviews. A warm laminate floor with such heating, judging by the responses, is installed easily, does not reduce the height of the ceilings, functions properly and can be used for rooms with a heavy load on the finish coating (offices, gyms). In addition, such a system can be installed during the dismantling of the old floor in Khrushchev.
3D visualization of the underfloor heating system under laminate
Reviews of the heating cable indicate that this type of underfloor heating is used both in new buildings and in apartments of the old housing stock. Equipping the system with a thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature and, if necessary, save energy consumption by reducing power.
When installing underfloor heating, it is necessary to responsibly approach the use of a particular floor covering. When choosing a material, it is necessary to check with consultants how compatible this coating is with the underfloor heating system, and what is the maximum temperature maintained by the material.
Installation of a coating on a warm floor: video of laying laminate with your own hands
The technology of laying laminate on a film, cable or water underfloor heating does not differ from the usual installation, although some nuances should be taken into account:
- in order for the laminated coating to hold firmly, before making a warm floor under the laminate, the base is thoroughly cleaned and leveled;
- before installing the laminate, a polyethylene film is placed on top of the film heating, which prevents liquid from entering the heating elements. As a protective membrane, a heat-conducting substrate for laminate flooring can be used;
- the strips of the substrate should not be overlapped, they should be laid butt-to-butt with further fixation with adhesive tape.;
- if the laminate is mounted on a cable or water underfloor heating, a layer of cement-sand screed is arranged before laying it, which has the ability to evenly distribute heat;
- laminate panels should not be laid close to the walls, the gap between the edge of the coating and the wall should be at least 10 mm. This will ensure ventilation of the inner surface and allow the material to expand freely under the influence of heat;
- the lamellas of the laminated coating should be laid on the warm floor very carefully so as not to damage the polymer layer with the heating element.
You can visually familiarize yourself with the installation instructions for the coating by viewing the video of underfloor heating under laminate with your own hands. There are a sufficient number of videos on the Internet on the installation of various underfloor heating systems, which provide practical recommendations and a step-by-step installation.