We make a warm floor on the balcony and loggia on the example of infrared and cable systems
A growing number of owners of apartments with a balcony, decide on year-round use of free space. Using modern technologies for glazing and warming a balcony building, it is possible to equip a cozy room. The problem of heating the additional area is solved very simply. It is only necessary to mount a warm floor on the balcony. The goals of using the insulated area can be very different. Some arrange a secluded workplace, others - a winter garden, perfectly decorating the interior of the entire apartment. As they say, there would be a place, and you can always find application for it. What is the preferred technology for installing a warm floor on the balcony? Consider this issue in more detail.
Option # 1 - installation of a cable heating system
Installation work is complicated by the limited space of the balcony, as well as its structural features. One of the acceptable solutions for installing a warm floor on the balcony is laying a cable that acts as a heating element. They mount the cable under the final floor covering, while only the thermostat remains visible in an accessible place. The value of this device is very large, because with the help of it the intensity of heating is regulated. The permissible level is set manually, based on weather conditions and temperature preferences of the apartment owners.
Important! Both single-core and two-core cable sections must be mounted during the installation of cement-concrete screed. At the same time, do not forget about laying a layer of waterproofing and insulation. This will minimize the loss of most of the heat that can go down.
Stages of the work:
- Level the base floor.
- Lay the heat-insulating layer, which serves as the basis for mounting the mounting tape.
- Fasten the mounting tape and pull the heating cable over it.
- Install the temperature controller in an accessible place for use.
- Fill the floor area with the prepared cement-sand mortar.
- Lay ceramic tiles.
Important! The installation of even a thin concrete screed leads to an increase in the load on the lower slab of the balcony. This fact must be taken into account.
Option # 2 - installation of film underfloor heating
To get around the problem of laying concrete screed, you must choose an alternative installation option. The role of such an alternative is played by infrared film floor systems that do not accumulate heat, but only warm the wall-mounted floor covering. In this case, a laminate or linoleum is used as the finishing floor. When choosing a laminate, do not forget about laying the substrate. Installation of an infrared system of underfloor heating requires high-quality waterproofing and vapor barrier.
The floor is lined with penoplex, on top of which is a special thermal film that emits infrared heat. Under its influence, both the flooring and furniture are heated. Therefore, this system is not stacked under furniture. Installation of the film system is much easier and faster than cable.
Advantages of these heating systems:
- the implementation of universal heating of the floor surface;
- the invisibility of heating appliances improves the overall appearance of the interior of the room;
- low cost of installation work;
- heating large areas at low energy costs;
- balcony windows do not freeze;
- the room is protected from dampness and the negative effects that it can cause.
With the help of the instructions included in the delivery package, proper installation is facilitated. When choosing a suitable set of film underfloor heating, the total area of the heated floor is taken into account. It is also necessary to calculate the power of the system at a rate of 200 watts per square meter of area.
In addition to the kit, a temperature regulator is purchased separately, the power of which should exceed the power of the future warm floor system by 15-20%. Also, heat-reflecting material, which has a mylar or polypropylene film, is purchased for the entire area of the balcony. To enhance waterproofing, you can purchase a regular plastic film.
Important! When choosing an infrared thermal film, it is necessary to take into account the strip limitations along the length depending on the film width. In other words, the wider the film, the shorter the length of the working strip.
Infrared heating film is used not only for underfloor heating. You can install thermal film on ceilings and walls. This allows you to provide additional comfort in any weather. An ideal microclimate will not be disturbed even by severe frosts.
You see, everyone can make a warm floor on a loggia or balcony. There are plenty of materials for mounting the selected system on the market. There is a choice between manufacturers' offers, while, of course, you should not save on quality. Famous brands should be preferred. If you feel that you can’t cope with the installation, then attract specialists who are installing floor heating on a professional level.
