We choose a laminate for a warm floor - we look at the marking and thermal resistance. Water heated floor under the laminate - will such a system work reliably? What laminate to put on a warm water floor

Laminate is one of the most popular floor coverings all over the world and the CIS countries in particular. The article will discuss which laminate is best for underfloor heating and what are the features of combining such a coating with a heating system.

Choice of laminate by marking

To date, more than one type of laminated coating is known. For laying on top of a warm floor system, not every one of these types is suitable. The simplest laminate will actually be good, because. the performance characteristics of this material are very high, but as far as heating is concerned, the flooring will be ineffective.

The reason is the low thermal conductivity of traditional laminated panels. Accordingly, the use of a simple laminate as a heated floor will have to be abandoned, otherwise the floors will always be cold or you will have to constantly use the heating system at full capacity.

Most of the world's manufacturers have taken care to get a high-quality laminate that is compatible with the room heating system. The result is a series of products that are marked with special markings.

Also on the packaging, the manufacturer indicates the maximum temperature to which the material can be heated, and the documentation includes information on heating systems compatible with the coating: electric, infrared or water heated floor.

If the laminate was purchased in compliance with the optimal parameters, then the performance of the heating system will be at high level, because the generated thermal energy will pass through the flooring, warming the air as much as possible.

Thermal resistance of floor coverings

In European countries, the optimal value of KTS when laying on top of a warm floor system is no more than 0.15 kW per square meter. The same value applies to the underlay under laminate flooring. The final CTS is a combination of the above indicators: for the coating and for the substrate.

The level of thermal resistance of the laminate is formed due to its main parameters: thickness and density. Naturally, the maximum heating will be provided by how the values of these parameters will decrease.

Using a coating with a high CTC value is fraught with overheating of the substrate and coating, and the heating circuit of the heating system can also be disabled. Accordingly, it is very important to calculate the CCC even before the purchase of materials. A high-quality underlayment for underfloor heating will provide more high efficiency heating systems.

Laminate classification for different types of underfloor heating system

It is important to take into account the class of laminate flooring purchased for the heating system. In any case, the flooring is subject to loads, but we are talking about regular heating of the material, which is comparable to extreme loads.

Temperature control can be done by adjusting the power of the heating system using a thermostat and a special regulator. Constantly exceeding the permissible operating temperature is fraught with deformation of the laminated boards and the release of substances harmful to the human body - formaldehydes.

Laminate under the film infrared heat-insulated floor

Infrared floor heating technology has a number of advantages. For example, heating occurs with not the greatest power, but excellent heat transfer. Because the film underfloor heating under the laminate is very well suited.

To determine which laminate is suitable for underfloor heating, it is necessary to make a choice according to the following criteria:

wear resistance of the 33rd or 34th class;

the thickness of the panels should be at least 0.85 centimeters;

in the same way as in the case of the previous type of underfloor heating, there should be a marking that laying can be carried out on top of an infrared warm floor (read also: "").

Laminate for electric floor heating

The efficiency of electric heating elements for floor heating is no worse than that of infrared films. Again, when choosing a laminate, it is worth paying attention to the marking of specific varieties to determine the possibility of laying them on top of an electrical floor heating system.

The following features are also very important:

increased thermal conductivity of a laminate for underfloor heating with an energy cable;

high resistance to abrasion during operation;

environmental friendliness of the material used in the production;

excellent strength characteristics against mechanical stress.

Laminate with built-in heating

Many owners are afraid to combine laminate flooring with a heating system, so manufacturers have developed a unique option for them - a laminate flooring modified with the ALLOC Heating System.

In the domestic construction market, such a coating appeared quite recently and has not yet gained such demand as in European countries. located heating elements in the thickness of the laminated panel, and therefore it is not the coating that heats up, but immediately air masses above it, which increases the efficiency of the system. Heat losses with this design are reduced by almost a third.

This type of laminate has the following characteristics:

the material is cheaper by more than a third compared to the cost of an electric underfloor heating and a suitable laminate in the aggregate;

the power of one laminated plank is from 60 watts per square meter;

laying can be done with alternating types of laminate, which will create separate areas in the room with and without heating;

after the system is turned off, the heating of the air continues for 10 minutes, which can significantly save electrical energy if the thermostat and regulators are set correctly to automatically control the operation of the warm floor.

Do not think that such a coating does not have a variety in terms of design. The intensity of production increases every day, and then it is not difficult to make ultra-modern floors that will look original in the photo and during visual inspection.

Choice of laminate flooring

The apartment, as expected, is divided into several zones:

sleeping rooms;

kitchen block;

cabinet;

corridor;

plumbing unit and balcony as rooms with the most difficult operating conditions floor covering.

For each particular room, it is necessary to choose a laminate according to a number of criteria, which may coincide with those that were determined for the heating system, or may complement it.

kitchen block

The loads on the floors in the kitchen are extreme, since in the average family this part of the house is constantly occupied by one or big amount tenants. The peculiarities of their activity are such that something constantly falls on the floor, drips, it is smeared and saturated with various substances.

Plumbing and balcony

These rooms are perhaps the most popular in terms of laying heated flooring. The reason is that the temperature in them drops sharply due to increased humidity in both cases and open air access in the case of a balcony.

In fact, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of at least 28 degrees Celsius for the normal use of these parts of the house. You can regulate the temperature using a thermostat and regulators, which will also become additional protection against excessive heating of the laminate.

Directly to the laminate, when choosing it for laying in these parts of the house, the following requirements must be established:

mandatory water-repellent layer;

high quality surface protective layer;

joints treated with sealant.

Usually all this corresponds to a laminate of the 32nd-33rd class.

Bedrooms and corridor

The most suitable laminate for these rooms is one that has a matte surface.

It must also meet a number of requirements:

high degree of sound absorption;

antistatic effect;

moisture resistance;

increased fire protection.

Usually a 21-22 class coverage is suitable. Electric mats or infrared film are used as a heating system. Installation of the system can not even be laid on a high-strength screed, because. a thin finish layer will be enough to eliminate any irregularities.

Choice by type of fasteners

A very important part of the laminated coating is the method of fixing the panels to each other. To date, two methods are known: locking and glue. For underfloor heating, only a system with locks is suitable, since the adhesive cannot be heated.

There are two main types of locks:

Click- complex connection with additional elements that improve the fixation of the panels.

lock- the simplest lock of the thorn-groove system.

More reliable is the Click connection. Its increased strength helps protect panel joints from deformation during temperature changes and increased mechanical stress. Moreover, it is possible to lay a laminate with such a connection not on the most even surface.

Outcome
The article describes in detail the process of choosing a laminate that is compatible with an underfloor heating system. Do not forget that not only the coating determines the effectiveness of underfloor heating, but also other elements: the heating system itself, the substrate, etc. If there are difficulties when laying the selected laminate and heating system, then you can always turn to specialists who will save time, effort and money for the customer by doing the job efficiently.

There is an opinion that a laminate for a warm floor is a waste of money: the coating will deform and dry out. Even 10 years ago it had a basis. Modern technologies production has stepped far forward, and products have appeared that are perfectly combined with any type of underfloor heating. Each type of flooring has its own characteristics. If you want to know how to choose the right underfloor heating laminate, read on!

Characteristics of laminate flooring

Each manufacturer strives to fully meet all the requirements of the market. Therefore, today popular laminate brands have models that can be used with underfloor heating. Properly selected material will allow the coating to last a long time and delight the household with warmth and comfort. First of all, it should be noted that special requirements are imposed on this type of laminate:

resistance to elevated temperatures;
low formaldehyde emission;
high thermal conductivity;
laminate thickness no more than 9 mm;
connecting the lamellas to each other by means of locks.

The first requirement is to what temperature the product can be heated without harming it. Manufacturers usually indicate in the instructions or on the pack the maximum temperature to which the material can be heated (from +27 to +30 degrees). As a rule, the most durable and wear-resistant laminate is able to withstand even critical temperatures.

During heating, formaldehyde may be released from the compressed carrier layer, which is harmful to humans. Therefore, it is worth choosing a material with an emission class of E1 or E0.

By the way, according to GOST 32304-2013 in Russia, the production and sale of laminate flooring corresponding to the E1 emission class is allowed.

The thermal conductivity of a laminate characterizes the ability of the material to transfer heat. If the coating has low level thermal conductivity, it is better to use it over the room in which there is no heating. Thus, the material will serve as an additional insulating layer. If you put it on a heated floor, then the system will overheat, and the heating of the room will take a very long time. In the end, the warm floor will simply fail.

It is worth mentioning that today all manufacturers offer customers products in which the nominal thermal resistance is less than 0.10 m2 * K / W, which makes its use very effective. In this case, you can choose the most suitable thickness and color scheme.

Also an important aspect when choosing is the thickness of the laminate for underfloor heating. For high-quality coverage, this figure starts from 7 mm. But you should not follow the path “the thicker the better”, since with increasing thickness the thermal conductivity of the coating decreases. 9 mm is the maximum thickness of the material suitable for floor heating.

The adhesive method of laying laminate over a warm floor is highly undesirable. When heated and cooled, the dimensions of the panels change. Glued panels cannot move relative to the floor. As a result, a curvature of the surface of the coating or the appearance of gaps between the panels may occur. It is better to choose a coating designed for a floating laying principle. This will allow it not to deform when heated and cooled. Therefore, a material with a lock connection will be the most optimal.

Do not use carpet flooring over laminate on underfloor heating. They hinder heat dissipation and contribute to overheating of the system. As a result, underfloor heating may fail.

How to choose laminate for underfloor heating?

The choice of underfloor heating laminate is the most common problem to be solved when planning the installation of underfloor heating in your home. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to several aspects: rely on the characteristics described above and choose the material regarding the purpose of the room and the features of heating.

As already described above, when choosing a laminate for underfloor heating, you should pay attention to the characteristics: temperature resistance, thermal conductivity, emission classes and interlock.

When answering the question of which laminate is better to choose, it is worth saying that you will surely come across a huge variety of all kinds. Installation of underfloor heating systems will significantly increase the area that will heat the entire room. Thus, the system can quickly warm up the room to the required temperature, even despite the resistance of the laminate. The main difference between a warm floor and a conventional radiator is that the second one heats the room much longer. Warming up the space starts from one point - as a rule, from a window or wall and gradually goes deeper into the room. Underfloor heating heats evenly.

Almost any type of laminate is suitable for underfloor heating. This type of heating system is most often used in kitchens. It is here that the whole family meets several times a day, eat and clean a lot. And since women have to stay here for a long time, it would be fair to take care of their health and install underfloor heating with laminate.

The most suitable for the kitchen is only class 33 laminate and above. It has all the necessary wear resistance characteristics for maximum efficient operation among all other types. A high-quality cement-sand screed and this type of laminate will achieve maximum heat transfer. If you choose a model with increased moisture-resistant properties here, then this will be an ideal option.

Insulation of bathrooms is considered one of the trends modern construction and holding overhaul. In this case, choosing a suitable laminate for a warm floor system is not so difficult. Here, the main selection criterion will be the characteristics that are indicated on the product. They will show information on the use of the coating in rooms where high humidity is constantly present. The manufacturer is also obliged to indicate all data on thermal conductivity, resistance of products to damage and compatibility with various systems warm floors.

An important criterion for choosing a material is taking into account the characteristics of heating. This means that the product model you choose must match the floor heating system of your room, which, in turn, is calculated taking into account the number and efficiency of conventional heating radiators used so as not to overheat the space around.

Common types of underfloor heating:

Electrical;
infrared;
Water.

Let's consider each type separately.

Laminate for electric floor heating

Electric underfloor heating is characterized by high heating intensity. Therefore, the material that will be used for coating must be as resistant to heat as possible, and also comply with safety requirements. Carefully check the label on the pack, which allows the use of laminate on a warm floor of an electric type. It is advisable to choose a material that can withstand heating up to 30 degrees or more.

Before installation, be sure to check the laminate to avoid "surprises".

Laminate for infrared film underfloor heating

Infrared film heating (IPO) of the floor is based on electricity. Therefore, the requirements for this species laminated coatings are almost identical to that in the previous case. However, IPO has a more uniform surface heating than other types of underfloor heating. In addition, it does not require covering the heating elements with a screed, which increases its efficiency. Laminate suitable for use with infrared underfloor heating has a pointer icon on the pack or in the instructions for use.

Laminate for underfloor heating

The most common type of underfloor heating is water. This option is simple and quick to install. There are many models on the market from different manufacturers. The popularity is so high also because this sample is much more affordable financially than other types of warm floors.

Laminate boards for this type of flooring must contain a special protective coating. High Quality, which will lie down on warm floors. Any system allows for temperature fluctuations. This factor is detrimental, since condensation occurs as a result of such drops. As a result, products will begin to change their dimensional characteristics. Therefore, the quality of the entire structure of a warm water floor will be directly affected by the selected laminate. So which one to choose? The answer is simple: you should take a thinner and more moisture-resistant coating.

The fact is that water-based systems are not only prone to condensation, but can also lose their tightness over time. As a result, the entire floor structure or part of it will be flooded with water. If you use the wrong material, then you just have to throw it away. High-quality laminated panels will return to their original shape and characteristics after drying.

Unfortunately, in underfloor heating systems there is always the possibility of leakage or complete depressurization of the circuit. Therefore, many owners opt for ceramic tiles.

Tip: Put a thermostat on the underfloor heating system. This will help prevent overheating of the water circuit and allow better control of the indoor climate. And also it will have a positive effect on the laminate covering the warm floor.

Some manufacturers offer innovative laminate with built-in heating on the market. The floor covering contains heating elements. The effectiveness of this development has not yet been evaluated by all customers, since many are simply afraid to buy a new product.

Each laminate board with built-in heating has its own capacity per square meter. The range of values of this parameter is from 40 to 70 W/m2. This information is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging, so there will be no problems with the calculation of heat output and electricity consumption.

Laminate with built-in underfloor heating has a number of advantages over conventional electric underfloor heating covered with laminate:

Since the heating elements are not in the screed, but in the thickness of the material, the efficiency of the system is increased. When turned on, heating comes from the inside, quickly heating the air masses in the room.
Due to its design, the heat loss of the material is one third lower than standard.
When laying, you can use ordinary laminate boards. Thus, it will be possible to create zones without heating, if necessary.
Installing a thermostat and regulator will significantly save energy.

Substrate selection

Laminate for a warm floor, like a regular one, is laid on a substrate that performs four main functions:

protection of the coating against wear during friction on the screed;
elimination of creaks when the material touches the screed;
correction of small irregularities on the prepared surface;
additional soundproofing.

The use of a substrate over a warm floor should not violate temperature regime. In addition, the substrate material must be environmentally friendly, since a lot of heat will be released during the floor heating process. Poor quality products may emit an unpleasant odor.

As a result of heating and cooling, condensation can collect under the laminate. To prevent the development of mold and damage to the coating, the substrate should not interfere with the evaporation of moisture. Therefore, it is important to choose a material that has good vapor permeability. The cork substrate is best suited for such purposes. It has a porous structure and therefore "breathes" perfectly. However, this is a very expensive material. You can save money by using synthetic substrates made of foamed polyethylene or polystyrene with perforation.

Remember that the substrate has its own thermal resistance, which depends on its thickness. This information can be found on the packaging of the material. To prevent overheating of the floor heating system, the total thermal resistance of the substrate and laminate should not exceed 0.15 m2*K/W.

Underfloor heating laminate marking

Before buying material, let's take a look at the labeling of products that can be used for underfloor heating. The manufacturer puts icons indicating certain characteristics of the laminate on the packaging or gives them in the instructions for use.

We are interested in flooring marking icons, which you should pay attention to:

	the possibility of using laminate with underfloor heating systems;
	the coating withstands high temperatures;
	the coating is suitable for a water-heated floor (H2O);
	high vapor permeability of the material (applicable mainly to the substrate);
	increased moisture-resistant properties of the coating;
	laminate class (read more in the article "What is a laminate class?")
	emission class harmful substances E1 (possibly E0).

Features of installing laminate on underfloor heating

Laying the laminate is done only after the base is perfectly leveled. If this step is completed, you can proceed with the installation process.

In the process of laying on a warm floor, you must follow some rules:

The poured screed must dry completely. If you are not sure whether it has dried up or not, it is better to wait a little more. This usually takes 1 to 4 weeks. Believe me, too many mistakes were made at this stage to not mention it.
Laying the laminate is carried out only on a proven floor heating system. It must be started and warmed up to operating temperature. Just making sure that everything is in order, you need to turn off the warm floor and wait until it cools down completely. room temperature. Only after a thorough testing of the heating system configuration can laying begin.
Packs of material must lie down for at least 3 days (preferably a week) in the room where they will be mounted. This is necessary for the laminate boards to accept temperature and humidity. environment and after installation did not change their geometric dimensions.
Installation of the laminated coating is carried out at a temperature of at least 16 and not more than 32 degrees Celsius on a cold base.
After laying the laminate, you should turn on the warm floor and gradually increase the temperature to the desired value, increasing by 5 degrees per day.

It is quite easy to lay the material on your own. Laying is done according to the same rules as for a conventional laminate.

Conclusion

There is nothing difficult in choosing a laminate for a warm floor. Look for the appropriate marking on the packs of material and in the instructions for use.

Laying laminated flooring on a warm floor can be done even by a non-professional.

Remember that the laminate can not be heated above 27 degrees. Therefore, a warm floor is only an auxiliary source of heat, but not the main one.

Strict adherence to all the tips described in the article guarantees a high-quality, durable and comfortable floor on which you want to lie down, and not just walk around!

Today, the "warm floor" system has ceased to be a luxury for the elite. It is so popular that it is sometimes used as the main source of space heating. At the same time, many people think: is it possible to lay a laminate on a water floor? Will this damage the flooring? The question, as they say, is not idle, because the laminated coating is quite sensitive to changes in the microclimate in the room.

According to experts, the arrangement of a “warm floor” under floor coverings made of parquet or massive board undesirable. Practice shows that wooden floors in such cases do not behave the most in the best way. But with laminate, the story is completely different. The use of this coating in combination with a warm floor has proven itself very well. Let's deal with all the nuances.

Material selection

Those who used this coating in the apartment know that no additional insulation saves from the fact that the laminate remains cool at any time of the year. Alas, this is not wood, but its surface is just a high-strength organic resin that prevents boards from abrasion. This resin remains cool both in the summer heat and in the winter cold. And if you equip a warm floor under the lamellas, it will be pleasant to walk on it even barefoot.

Important! Not all laminate brands are compatible with insulated floors. Cheap varieties of this coating will behave in the same way as a tree - they simply deform.

Before answering the question of whether it is possible to make a warm floor under a laminate, you need to choose the right material. Here are the criteria for choosing flooring:

The presence of a special marking indicating the compatibility of the lamellas with underfloor heating.
Thickness of boards from 8 mm. Lamellas of smaller thickness are deformed by temperature differences.

How to choose the right underfloor heating system?

There are 3 types of systems used for underfloor heating:

Water.
Electrical.
Infrared film.

Each of these systems has its own advantages and disadvantages. All of them are about equally popular. Let's consider them in more detail.

Water

This is a system of hidden pipes of small cross section, which are connected to the central heating system. Can laminate flooring be installed on underfloor heating? Basically, water system floor insulation and laminated flooring are compatible, but only in private homes. IN apartment buildings such systems are prohibited.

This method of underfloor heating has many disadvantages:

The complexity and high cost of installation, repair and maintenance.
When a leak occurs in the pipes, it is necessary to change not only the entire pipeline, but also the floor covering. Hot water will make it unusable.
Difficulty in temperature control and laminate does not tolerate well high temperatures.

Cable (electric)

This is the most common option, but, unfortunately, it is not suitable for coatings with low thermal conductivity, including laminate. The reason is that before installing the finishing coating, the cable is poured with a screed. Before heating the laminate, the cable must first warm up the screed itself. The efficiency of such a system, of course, is small.

Important! The matter is further complicated by the fact that a substrate made of a material with low thermal conductivity is laid between the lamellas and the screed. Thus, the floor will heat up slowly with significant energy consumption.

Film

The principle of operation of such a system is based on the phenomenon of infrared radiation. The name "film" system received from the thinnest film with embedded conductor strips.

The advantages of film floors include:

No need for glue and screed.
Profitability.
Efficient for floors made of materials with low thermal conductivity, including laminate.
Environmental Safety.

Important! Heating the laminate to a temperature exceeding 30 degrees is unacceptable, as the material may deform. In addition, heating to high temperatures can provoke the release of formaldehyde.

Conclusion

Thus, the film infrared system is the best option.

Important! Some Western companies produce laminate with a built-in heating system, but it is very expensive.

How to lay a warm floor under a laminate - installation procedure

It's not difficult at all. It is enough to have knowledge of electrical engineering and the desire to make something with your own hands. Underfloor heating film type sold as a set:

Film.
Contact clamps with insulation.
Wiring.

In addition, for arranging a film underfloor heating you will need:

A heat reflector on a soft base, which will also serve as a substrate for the laminate. Do not use materials with aluminum foil.
Polyethylene (protects the thermal film from moisture).
Scotch.
Thermostat with temperature sensor to regulate the heating temperature.

How to put a warm floor under a laminate?

Prepare the surface first.
Lay the heat reflector, fastening the joints together with adhesive tape.
Cut the thermal film into strips, lay over the heat reflector and secure with tape.
Mount the thermostat.
Connect the strips of thermal film in parallel using the wires provided.
Using bituminous insulation, secure with reverse side thermal film sensor.
Connect the thermostat to the network and test how the system works.
Spread a protective film of polyethylene over the mounted system.

When starting a renovation, you always want to foresee all the stages. finishing works. As the design ideas come to life, questions arise that have to be addressed on the go. Sometimes it changes color solution or added decorative elements. But if in the project there is a laminate on a warm floor from water heating, then you will have to carefully prepare and calculate everything. The desire to have a warm and durable floor is justified. It is necessary to carry out engineering water treatment, correctly select the laminate and lay it skillfully. This will ensure the planned result and bring aesthetic pleasure.

Types of water heating

The concept of underfloor heating appeared relatively recently. It has become firmly established in practice. repair work. They are used in apartments, cottages, private houses and various institutions. Laminate is a fairly popular flooring material. When combined with a warm floor, it not only decorates the interior, but also carries energy-saving functions.

By laying the laminate on the warm floor, you can forget about the problem of drafts and colds. This is especially important for families with small children. Heat, spreading throughout the floor, heats its surface. Warm air, according to the laws of physics, rises, slightly heating the room. But you need to understand that the laminate cannot replace the heating system. There is a certain temperature regime that cannot be exceeded. Otherwise, the laminated panels will become unusable and will have to be replaced.

The method of space heating with water has been used for a long time and everywhere. Heat enters the apartments thanks to radiators, convectors and pipe registers. Two types of underfloor heating from water heating are used:

Electric water, containing a heating electric cable inside the pipe.
Classic, consisting of pipes and a boiler.

The electric water method does not require connection to a heating boiler. The heating element is already in the pipe throughout its entire length. A circulation pump is not required, since the liquid in the pipe is evenly heated. Such floors are sold ready-made, equipped with heating elements and a special liquid inside. They are connected to the mains using a thermostat that controls the heating temperature.

In the room, the area is calculated and a suitable system is selected. Such floors have the properties of uniform heating along the entire length, local heating individual rooms without using the whole house. Also, such a liquid floor will solve the question of how to make a warm floor under a laminate for warming a loggia and a private house.

Classical water floors are built into the floor structure using pipes in which liquid constantly circulates. Typically, water is heated by gas boiler or central heating. Pipes are made of special metal-plastic or modern polyethylene. They are protected against corrosion and deposits due to the stable cross-sectional diameter.

Underfloor heating systems are very popular. They are used in multi-storey housing construction, shopping centers, cultural facilities, shops. They heat up sports and playgrounds and football fields, industrial hangars, runways and access roads. Their versatility lies in the fact that installation can be carried out both at the construction stage, and during reconstruction, and with minor repairs. Therefore, laying laminate on a warm water floor is not difficult. It is possible to connect water floors to a heating plant or to autonomous system object. For apartments, the connection option through a heat exchange unit is suitable. It is important to calculate the load so as not to disturb the hydraulics of the entire system.

How to choose a screed for a warm floor under a laminate

Before laying a warm floor under a laminate, you need to decide which installation system is acceptable for the room. There are two types:

Concrete. The most versatile and popular. The base contains a mixture of cement and sand. Various additives are added to it. The cement screed is a heat-distributing layer. Pipes are laid out around the room and poured with a concrete solution. This is enough to evenly heat the floor. The main requirement for a screed is sufficient thermal conductivity. It is precisely for uniformity that it is required. Otherwise, the pipe can only heat small plot, and the whole structure as a whole will be cold. Concrete screed compensates for the heat loss of the entire room. This property is useful to know and use before choosing and laying a warm floor under the laminate in spacious rooms. In addition to good heat distribution, the concrete base is even and suitable for maintaining panel locks, safe for health and does not create static electricity.

Dry. This screed method is used by adding high quality additives and sand of different fractions to Portland cement. Such a mixture increases plasticity and reduces the composition of water in the composition. The screed becomes even more homogeneous if it contains a defoamer. Air bubbles are forced out. In this case, the thermal conductivity is improved. Dry building mixes specially designed for dry screed are more effective. They contain useful additives - expansion compensators, hardening regulators, reinforcing particles, plasticizers. These compositions are well adapted to warm floor bases and calmly tolerate changes in temperature and humidity.

Before laying, it is required to think over and draw a diagram of the location of all pipes in the room. It is safer to use a separate circuit in each room. And choose a pipe of sufficient size so that it is solid. Standard contours - spiral, snake, double snake. The snake is considered the easiest to install and economical. However, with this layout, uneven cooling of the pipe and, accordingly, the floor occurs. Therefore, this method is most in demand in small rooms.

After developing a plan, mark the optimal step between the pipes. It depends on the features of the base on which the underfloor heating system is mounted. Pipes can be attached to fittings with a gap of one meter. The length of the entire circuit must be less than 90 m. You can use a variety of clips or fastening tape. With such fasteners, the step is up to 30 cm. The pipeline begins and ends with a connection to the manifold. After strengthening, it is poured with a concrete or dry screed. After complete drying, you can start laying the laminate.

How to put a warm floor under a laminate without a screed

This option is required when grouting is not possible due to design features building, or delivery of mortar is difficult. Such laying is characterized by ease, minimum thickness, reduction of installation time, minimum requirements to the base of the floor. If the relevant installation requirements are met, the water heating floor is compatible with all floor coverings. To install heating without screed, two laying systems are used:

Flat. Another name is polystyrene. Plates of polystyrene (polystyrene) are laid out on the base. They have grooves in which special aluminum plates and pipes are attached. Polystyrene usually has a thickness of 12-30 mm. For small areas, thinner floorings with a thickness of 8 mm are also used. Such a system is used when the height of the room is limited or the calculated load on the floors, if it is impossible to install a concrete screed or work on the reconstruction of the old heating system.

Pipes choose copper, polyethylene or polypropylene. The cheapest, resistant to various chemical attack, easy to use and the most durable option - polyethylene. Instead of water, such pipes can easily withstand various antifreezes. The polystyrene system allows you to control the heat flow and reduce the dispersion of warm air masses.

Specially provided grooves make laying a water-heated floor under a laminate without a screed convenient. You can make any step in the location of the pipe without additional markings and fixtures. Two plates are connected thanks to a system of locks. The usual size of one plate is 500 x 100 mm. From above, it is covered with a substrate with moisture-proofing properties and a laminate.

Wooden. It is divided into rack and modular. This fastening system is often used in wooden houses. Slatted laying is the use of slats or boards right size. They are attached to the subfloor. The distance between the rails must correspond to the diameter of the pipes. Arrange them in accordance with the selected contour.

Modules can be laid directly on the joists. Thermal insulation is laid between the joists, and the modular system is attached to the joists themselves. They are formed from chipboard or OSB. The channels for placing the pipe are located at the same distance. A metal plate is placed in the channel, and a pipe is placed on top of it. Aluminum plates have a groove of the desired diameter and are equipped with stiffeners. The upper flat part of the plate after laying will fit snugly against the substrate. This will allow her to evenly apply heat to the bottom of the finish coat and heat it.

If you lay a water-heated floor under a laminate on polystyrene or wooden modules, you can also use it as sound insulation. At quality materials This design will last for many years.

Which laminate is suitable for underfloor heating

Laminate floors, like any other wooden floors, can be classified as warm. They are quite comfortable even in the cold season. But due to various circumstances, additional insulation is often required. The reason may be in the lower floors of the house, cold climate, high humidity, uneven heating of the room, etc. The water floor in this case will be an intermediate layer, and the laminate will be the finishing one. When choosing laminated panels, you need to understand that they will be affected by heat from below, and cool air or moisture from above. Some models will not be able to withstand the temperature difference and warp.

To decide which laminate to choose for a warm water floor, you need to decide what class of strength it has, thickness and whether it is suitable for use in conjunction with a floor heating system.

It is necessary to choose laminate floors that meet certain requirements:

wear resistance class not lower than 33;
density from 900 kg/m3;
thickness from 8 mm;
moisture resistance;
has a marking of compatibility with heating systems;
high degree of load (for industrial enterprises up to 500 kg / sq. m.);
the board should be elastic, not loose;
reliable fastening of locks;
durability corresponds to the service life of the cement base - about 50 years.

On the package you need to find the designation H2O, which indicates which laminate can be laid on a warm floor from water heating. Temperature capabilities are limited to 27 * C. Heating must occur smoothly to avoid deformation of the panels. Higher temperatures encourage evaporation chemical substances used for gluing laminated board layers and separating harmful formaldehyde. You can determine its presence by marking E4-E0. For insulated floors, it is safer to purchase an E1-E0 class laminated board. Also getting worse appearance laminate. By the way, it is compliance with the recommendations on temperature indicators that guarantees the safety of this flooring.

The choice of substrate should also be given increased attention. If it is too dense, it will not be able to conduct enough heat. The maximum thickness is up to 3 mm. Most right choice— a substrate from extruded polystyrene. It levels the floor well and has a high thermal conductivity.

A variety of options for underfloor heating devices makes it possible to choose best option for each room. A variety of textures, colors, materials allow you to combine the decorative properties and functional qualities of laminated floors. A serious approach in choosing a reliable manufacturer, branded packaging with detailed specifications, the performance properties of the top layer and the composition of the base can guarantee an excellent appearance and durability of the laminate.

In the house - this is a guarantee that coziness and comfort will be provided for all the inhabitants of the home. Stability will be ensured by laying the laminate on a warm water floor. It has many advantages, has its own subtleties in installation and operation. Let's consider them in more detail.

What does the term "water floor" mean?

The first association that arises with the phrase "water floor" is a floor that is laid on some kind of water base. But this is a misleading notion. The main thing here is not functionality, but technology, thanks to which flooring always remains warm, serves as a reliable source of comfort and coziness in the house under any weather conditions.

A warm water floor is a system of metal-plastic pipes connected to any source with hot water (gas heating boiler, central hot water supply, heating riser), which are hidden under the flooring. Due to pipes and their device hot water heats the floor covering, thereby providing constant heat. The source is determined by the individual characteristics of the dwelling and conditions. Most often, such floors are installed in the kitchen or in the bathroom, toilet rooms. If this is the first floor of a house, a cottage, then such floors can be installed throughout the house. Due to its properties, when the air is heated, the overall humidity is significantly reduced, the climate in the house is normalized, ensuring a constant temperature, especially in winter.

Laminate on the floor

What are the advantages of such a floor?

Comparing with other devices for floors, we can highlight the most characteristic advantages that distinguish from others:

during operation, the temperature of the water floors remains constant at an average of about 50 ° C, which ensures savings on the overall heating of the room;
it is environmentally friendly, it can be installed in any room without fear of an allergic reaction to the components of its system;
completely safe to ensure sanitary and hygienic standards;
installation equipment is the most common;
there is no phenomenon of the generated electromagnetic flow, as, for example, with electric fields;
compatible with all types of floor coverings: ceramic tile, linoleum, batten, a natural stone, laminate.

Why is laminate the best flooring?

For arranging warm water floors, one of the most common materials is laminate. It is made of fiberboard and paper with a texture of various colors and wood imitations. The outer surface is laminated with melamine resin or acrylate resin. For additional protection uses a film. This structure makes this material resistant to abrasion, dirt and damage. On the opposite side of the laminate, a special film is applied that protects against moisture, distortion and damage.

The advantages of this material are that it is durable, does not require special care, is installed independently at no additional cost, is widely used, and is safe for the environment. One of the leading factors is the fact that the laminate has a wide range of design possibilities and can suit any interior design solution.

Despite the advantages, there are several disadvantages that are compensated with the right approach to choosing it:

taking into account the load on the floor, while preference should be given to a high margin of safety;
increased moisture permeability is possible, therefore it is undesirable to use where it is known in advance that there may be leaks (for example, a bathroom);
special requirements for the surface on which it will be laid;
violations in the technology of laying laminate on the floor can lead to creaking, swelling, destruction of integrity;
high-end laminate is expensive, and you won't be able to save money.

How to install laminate on water floors?

If you decide to install a laminate on warm water floors with your own hands, then the rules for preparing building materials must be followed without fail:

Step-by-step technique for arranging flooring

By following all the steps, you can equip floors that will last a long time and will not deteriorate after a season.

Initially held preparatory work, and follow the general installation instructions:

dismantling of the old flooring, cleaning up to the concrete base;
the level of the floor will rise significantly, which must be taken into account during further repairs;
carry out the filling with a screed, and best material expanded clay is considered to retain heat for a long time;
in order to avoid the corrosion process, the hot water riser is changed to a safer one made of polypropylene;
after that soldered Ball Valves with which you can regulate the supply of hot water;
the place of soldering should be optimal, which will allow you to connect the heating radiator at any time in case of disconnection of pipes;
if a warm water floor is connected to a central hot water supply system, then an adapter tee is installed without fail, to which they are connected: a hose made of reinforced material, a floor outlet pipe and a mixer.

The structure of the warm floor under the laminate board

Features of laying waterproofing materials

The arrangement of this type of flooring requires special approaches to solving waterproofing issues. This will avoid emergency leaks, protect the floor from moisture, the development of fungi and pathogenic microorganisms. The best way out would be laying the film material.

For these purposes, they usually follow the following algorithm:

The base is cleaned of debris, the maximum is processed from dust particles with a vacuum cleaner.
The waterproofing film is laid with an overlap of at least 5 cm.
Using a building hair dryer and a blowtorch, all joints are soldered, achieving maximum insulation.
Additionally, you can use construction tape, which will ensure the integrity of the coating.

How to make a rough screed?

In order to maintain the maximum properties of a warm floor prepared for laying a laminate, a high-quality rough screed is made. This type of screed will act as a foundation. If the floor is laid on concrete slabs, then it is not needed. With its device, the floor level always rises to the height that is needed.

The screed is poured using a laser level, and the height will depend on the size of the pipes, their diameter and the area of \u200b\u200bthe room that is planned to be heated. It is important to decide on the installation of beacons, because it depends on how even the floor will be. Any distortion will result in new montage. The easiest way to install beacons is through mortar slides. Metal profiles for drywall, plywood slats will help. Even easier if the thickness is large. The basis for lighthouses can be bricks, which are pre-fixed with mortar.

Advice from builders: do not install beacons only if the room is small. In all other cases, they serve as a reliable guide.

It is carried out due to the welded mesh. It will provide reliable mechanical strength of the base of the floor covering. Sheets of mesh are tied and fixed with wire on the plates. You can use the mesh in rolls, which will facilitate the laying process, reduce the cost of installing the floor.

Then the solution is poured, which is distributed over the entire area, leveled if beacons are installed. The smoother the surface, the better. Be sure to take time to completely dry the rough screed.

Laying pipes and laminate

First you need to calculate the amount of materials that will be needed for the installation of pipes. It all depends on the functional load on the room and the required heat capacity. The scheme can be varied. The more complex it is, the more materials will be needed, which should be calculated with a large margin.

The distance of the pipes from the walls must be at least 25 cm. The pipe that will depart from the riser is drawn along the window and only then brought out to the square. Where furniture will stand, these places should remain empty. This means that a preliminary design project is important, providing for all the nuances of the interior. Otherwise, the heat may damage the furniture. You will save a lot if you pay in advance.

At the beginning, a heat shield is made, it will reflect heat. As a rule, this is a foil insulation, the joints of which are connected with metallized tape. The use of a seamless metal-plastic pipe ensures maximum reliability of the floor. The diameter of the pipe directly depends on the functions of the room. There are several determining factors to consider when choosing a pipe diameter. Trying to save money, many put polypropylene pipes, but they do not have sufficient thermal conductivity, do not have solder strength properties. Therefore, leakage will easily occur.

All pipes are securely attached to the screed using plastic fasteners, connected to risers and sealed. After 24 hours, the first test run is carried out, checking for possible leaks. Before laying the laminate, the system must be allowed to work under pressure. If everything is successful, then install the finish coat, but only after everything has cooled down. It is advisable to use special rails through which the heating system will be passed.

When there is confidence that everything is installed correctly, then fill the floor with a sealing solution. It dries, and a laminate is installed on the substrate.

Laying laminate on a warm water floor is a laborious and long process. You can do everything yourself, but keep in mind that the room where the repair will be carried out will be uninhabitable for about a week!