Which floor will be best with an underfloor heating system? We know a lot about this today. The European Producers of Laminate Flooring – EPLF – is constantly researching this problem and identifying the best solutions.
The performance of floor heating systems will always increase if the heat resistance of the panel-floor system is at its lowest possible. This parameter is now clearly displayed on the packaging of panels and underlays; it often has its own FLOOR HEATING icon and a corresponding star rating to indicate to the consumer which product is best suited to floor heating system.
What is the actual heat resistance?
The floor and the underlay feature a defined value of heat resistance, i.e. “R”. EPLF experts specify the optimum “R” value to ensure the highest performance of floor heating. In the case of the entire system, the value should not exceed 0,15 m²K/W.
What does it mean?
If you select a floor whose R = 0.07 m2K/W, the R value of the underlay should not exceed 0.08 m2K/W. Basically, the lower the system’s heat resistance, the better the performance of the floor heating. Hence, before you select the underlay, check the value of your floor’s heat resistance.
Alternatively, you can choose the lowest possible R value for your underlay and be sure that it will match any floor type. Underlays dedicated to floor heating will ensure the best performance of the heating system with no heat loss whatsoever if the R value is the lowest possible!
Do not worry about the underlay or floor thickness. Heat resistance depends not only on the thickness but also the density and type of material.
Products which feature low heat resistance allow for a noticeable reduction in the cost of heating.
Want to calculate it?
For instance, use our calculator: https://www.arbiton.com/en/savings-calculator
What else to keep in mind?
Prior to the installation of flooring, a floor with a heating system should be well dried substrate moisture content must not exceed 1,8% CM.
What does it mean?
House-building teams use thousands of litres of water, which remain bound inside the ceilings and walls. Air moisture can also increase the water concentration in the floor. That is why it is necessary to dry the floor prior to floor installation. Professional constructors measure floor moisture content by means of chemical gauges, i.e. using carbide-based CM meters. An electrical gauge may also be used, provided that measuring error is not critical (it is often high with this type of instrument). Accurate measurement is extremely important when project implementation time has been significantly reduced and there is increased pressure for prompt completion. Yet the floor must dry.
An appropriate floor moisture level and use of a vapour barrier are the necessary conditions for the floor manufacturer’s warranty obligations.
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