We select a laminate for laying on a warm floor: what types of planks can I use?
Even about 10 years ago, there was no question of using a laminate for a warm floor. The material of those times dried out and deformed at the slightest temperature fluctuations, cracks appeared on the surface, and the seams diverged. Today, everything is different. A modern laminate has become one of the most popular finishing coatings for underfloor heating. However, in order to avoid disappointment in the operation of the laminate in conjunction with heating systems, you need to know about the main selection criteria for this material.
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Marking - “permitting” mark from the manufacturer
Not every laminate is compatible with underfloor heating. In the traditional version, laminated dies have high thermal insulation properties. Even if they do not warp from temperature during operation, it is quite possible that they will not heat up well and allow heat to pass through. To minimize these unpleasant qualities, manufacturers have developed a special technology for the production of laminated coatings, which are perfectly operated in conjunction with underfloor heating systems. And noted advanced material labeling. It can be seen in the instructions or on the packaging of the laminate. Next to the “permitting” icon is the recommended temperature limit to which this type of material can be heated. Usually it is 27-28 ° C.
The accompanying documentation notes and recommended type of heating systems for coating. Laminate flooring for underfloor heating is not allowed to be used as a cover for electrical systems; the same rule applies in the opposite direction. Having picked up the laminate according to the rules, you can be sure that it will pass heat well and at the same time will not overheat.
Read more about how to choose a good laminate and what to look for when buying, read in our article:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/laminat/kak-vybrat-laminat.html.
We determine the thermal insulation properties
In the technical characteristics of the laminate, a very important figure is indicated - the coefficient of thermal resistance. Pay attention to her! The higher this figure, the higher the thermal insulation properties of the material. According to European EN standards, the total value of this coefficient for a final laminated coating over a warm floor should not exceed 0.15 m² * K / W. In this case, the resistance of both the laminate and the substrate used must be taken into account. Suppose you purchased a laminate with a coefficient value of 0.051 m² * K / W, and a substrate with a value of 0.049 m² * K / W. Summing up these two digits, you get the total calculated value - 0.1 m² * K / W, which fully complies with the accepted European standards.
The resistance coefficient is directly dependent on the thickness and density of the laminate. That is, for a warm floor, you need to choose a material with a lower density and a small thickness (8-10 mm recommended). Even with a slight excess of the coefficient of thermal resistance, the risk of overheating both the lower surface of the laminate and the underfloor heating system significantly increases.Accordingly, this is fraught with damage to the floor covering and the failure of the warm floor.
Laminate class depending on the room
The higher the class of the laminate, the better it is and less prone to abrasion. When used over a warm floor, it is subjected to thermal loads, respectively, it works in extreme conditions. Therefore, you need to select a material with high wear resistance, class 32 or 33. Usually, all grades of laminate with the corresponding marking "under the floor" have the desired strength class.
Any living space can be divided into several key zones.
- The sleeping area. This includes lounges, bedrooms.
- Working area: study, kitchen.
- The “transit” zone is an entrance hall, a corridor.
- Relaxation area: bathroom, loggias.
Equipping each of them, you should know which laminate for the warm floor you need to lay.
Zone # 1 - kitchen
The kitchen in the house is a place for several people to stay at the same time. A place of constant movement. The likelihood of liquid, debris, greasy deposits getting on the floor surface is very high. Given these features, you need to choose a moisture resistant laminate for a warm water floor in the kitchen, covered with a special water-repellent wax-based composition.
It includes a “wooden” component, which is very sensitive to moisture. In this case, the joints between the panels must be sealed with a special sealant. Laminate 32 or 33 classes - an option for the kitchen. Although the coefficient of thermal conductivity is not very high, the laying of heat-insulated floor pipes in a sand-cement screed will ensure maximum heat transfer.
Installation of a laminate is not a very difficult process if you know how to do it correctly. You can find out about this on our website:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/laminat/kak-pravilno-klast-i-lozhit-laminat.html.
Zone # 2 - bathroom (bath and toilet)
Very often underfloor heating is installed in the bathroom and toilet. Effective use of the coating should be consistent with a temperature not exceeding 29º C. A sensor is used to adjust it, taking readings between the floor and the floor. Water floor heating is very suitable for him. Smooth heating helps to eliminate thermal differences and deformation of the laminate panels.
Zone # 3 - nursery, bedroom, hallway
For the hallway, children's room and bedroom, you can use a material with a matte surface, characterized by an antistatic and sound-absorbing effect, having moisture resistance and a protective layer against fire. Different shades of wood, colors can decorate any interior.
A class 21 and 22 laminate is suitable for this type of room. Aluminum mats with a heating cable can be used as a “warm floor”. In this case, no additional cement screed is required, and the slabs are laid directly on the floor.
By the way. A thin film floor installed on the finished screed is also suitable. This will give the rooms a sense of comfort and prevent colds in children.
Connection type: glue or castle?
The method of joining laminate lamellas can be glue and castle. In the first case, they are connected to each other using special glue. In the second case - with the help of locks, which are located at the ends of the plates. When using a laminate in a warm floor system, only floating installation using locks is allowed. Glue cannot be used, since when heated from below, such a connection is most likely to “lead”, the surface is deformed.
Pay attention to the type of locks - Click or Lock.Lock locks are the usual “tongue-and-groove” connection, which is sometimes also referred to as driven. Click - the lock is more complex, clicks. Choosing a laminate under a warm water floor (or electric - it doesn’t matter), you can choose any type of locks. However, Click is preferred due to the higher bond strength. This will allow the floor covering, even with the drying effect of the warm floor, to avoid cracks and deformation. In addition, the laminate with snap locks to a lesser extent needs a perfectly even base.
Choose a suitable substrate
The choice of laminate for a warm floor should be inextricably linked with the choice of substrate. If it is too thick and dense, with high thermal insulation properties, then the effectiveness of the warm floor will be low. You will have to increase the temperature on the thermostat and suffer significant financial losses. To prevent this, choose a substrate with a thickness of 1.5-3 mm. Now, many manufacturers of laminate flooring for underfloor heating produce a specialized substrate for it. For example, from extruded polystyrene with perforation (small holes), which easily transmits heat and at the same time performs its main function - it compensates for uneven floors and “supports” the laminate.
In the process of laying the laminate can not do without trimming the panels. We will tell about how to do this and what tools you may need in the material:https://floor.expertexpro.com/en/pol-pokritiya/laminat/chem-rezat-laminat.html.
Laminate and underfloor heating - two in one
In addition to the scrupulous selection of laminate flooring, flooring and underfloor heating, there is an alternative for him - the purchase of two-in-one material. Excellent: you do not have to decide which laminate is better for a warm floor - the manufacturer will take care of this for you. The author of this innovation was Alloc, which released a laminate flooring combined with underfloor heating - the Alloc Heating System. This system is three-layer: the heating elements are located between the soundproofing soundproofing substrate and the laminated strips of 32 or 33 classes. Click aluminum locks guarantee excellent fixation and safety of joints during operation.
Installation of a heat-insulated floor and a laminate in this design occurs simultaneously. First, the wires of the heating elements are connected, then, immediately, the aluminum locks of the laminate are latched. Alloc Heating System also comes with a programmable thermostat. In other words, it is a completely ready-made system for creating a warm floor with a “turnkey” finish laminate flooring.
And finally, if you have already looked at a suitable laminate in the store, look for information about its manufacturer. A company with a good reputation, has established itself in the construction market, will not allow serial "drive" the marriage. Pay close attention to this, because a quality laminate over a warm floor should last you at least 15-20 years. For this we choose it!
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