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.

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.

 

 

Remenber

The choice of the flooring type is done at the very beginning when planning an investment. The thermal resistance is the factor that should be takeninto consideraton.

Correctly selected underlay will reduce resistance for warm air to pass into the area.

The thermal resistance of a flooring system (floor covering + underlay) should not exceed 0.15 m²/W in accordance with DIN EN1264.

The lower the thermal resistance of the flooring, the higher the efficiency of the underfloor heatng. To determine the thermal resistance of a flooring system, simply add the thermal resistance values of the floor covering and the underlay.

For example, laminate flooring of 8 mm thickness has a thermal resistance of ~0.08 m²K/W. With this type of flooring, you should use an underlay with minimal thermal resistance. Arbiton offers such solutons.

 

 

 

Multiprotec 1000>> is the best underlay for underfloor heatng, with a thermal resistance of only 0.006 m²K/W. This parameter is a result of its density and mineral structure, which conducts heat very well. It drastcally reduces energy consumpton compared to other products. Better solution is XPS underlay Secura Thermo Aquastop Smart>> with a thermal resistance 0,05 m²K / W.

The new generation of LVT & Rigid floor>> coverings have a very low coefficient of heat resistance (EN12664 to 0.033 m²K / W) and more efficient use of underfloor heating. Thanks to HD mineral core less fuel is needed for foor heatng and over 60% less carbon is released into the atmosphere from one household in Europe, each year.

Arbiton experts have developed specialized underlay for this type of flooring, which are suitable for rooms with high traffic (very high resistance to heavy loads - static load (CS > 400 kPa).

 

 

 

The best underfloor heating pad for LVT & Rigid flooring is Multiprotec LVT>> with a thermal resistance of only 0.008 m²K / W. A good option is the Secura LVT Click Smart XPS>> underlay with a thermal resistance of only 0.04 m²K / W.

Efficient underfloor heatng guarantees enormous savings.