Before starting repairs in an apartment, it is logical to think about how to insulate the floor on the balcony. This solution will make you feel comfortable in winter. Underfloor heating is especially important for families with small children. Today there are different techniques and materials that allow you to achieve the desired result. The ideal warm floor on the balcony can be obtained through the use of various technologies.
Arrangement of a warm floor on the balcony will make you feel more comfortable in the cold season
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Options for floor insulation on the balcony
In order to make a warm floor on a loggia or balcony, there are currently several proven options. Each of them requires a professional approach and the use of special materials.
There are several technologies for creating a warm floor.
Common options for underfloor heating:
- water;
- electrical.
The first option is based on a water circuit. Electrical systems use mats, cables and even foil to provide sufficient infrared radiation.
Water heated floor on the balcony: advantages and disadvantages
Among the positive qualities of this system, it is necessary to note the even distribution of heat over the entire floor area on the balcony. As for the financial costs, they are one-off. You will have to pay for the heated floor only at the stage of its installation. In the course of further operation, the owners of the presented system will significantly save on heating. Another plus is the availability of maximum free space. This is due to the fact that underfloor heating eliminates the need for additional heating radiators and other devices.
Sectional water floor heating
The first drawback that deserves attention is the difficulty of regulating the temperature on the floor surface. And the process of installing the system is very laborious. It is not very convenient that the pressure in the riser can decrease under certain conditions.To stabilize it, it is periodically necessary to use a water pump. Heating the balcony like this is beneficial until a leak occurs.
Considering the above factors, it can be noted that a water-heated floor is not quite suitable for an apartment in a multi-storey building. In this case, the owners will have to face all the above problems. A completely different matter is a private house equipped with a separate heating circuit. If you professionally approach the solution of the task, then you can easily achieve a positive result.
Useful advice! The water version of the underfloor heating can be chosen only due to the fact that it allows you to provide large areas with heat with minimal costs.
Electric underfloor heating on the loggia: pros and cons
The electric floor heats the surface evenly. Users can easily configure the most optimal temperature regime for themselves. The cost of the presented system is affordable for modern citizens. In the event of any malfunction, it can be repaired quite easily.
Electric floor is perfect for installation in multi-apartment residential buildings
It is important for apartment owners in typical buildings to know that they can easily afford such a system. To carry out installation work, you do not have to use advanced technical equipment. The usual tools found in every home will suffice.
There are also disadvantages to the electric option of a warm floor. However, they are not very significant. The problem may be too high electricity tariffs. Such a system will still consume a considerable amount of it. For some citizens, the disadvantage is the presence of electromagnetic radiation.
As a rule, consumers tend to prefer the electronic version. Despite the possible overpayment of bills, it attracts the ease of installation and the possibility, if necessary, of repair work. It is not at all necessary to invite specialized specialists to solve such a problem.
Wiring diagram for connecting floor heating mats
How to make a warm floor on a balcony using different methods
Among the available options for heating the balcony and loggia, which are available for independent work, there are three main types:
- heating mats;
- infrared floor;
- cable system.
The first option, which uses highly efficient heating mats, will suit many citizens. This system includes heating cables that are progressively attached in a snake-like fashion to a strong mesh.
Useful advice! The pitch of a single or two-core cable is approximately 5 cm. Heating conductors can be made of various durable materials. Better to choose those that are characterized by a significant degree of resistance.
Heating mats, safe for human health, are installed under the tiles on the balcony in compliance with a certain technology. In this case, the floor thickness will not increase significantly. Its maximum level will rise by only 1.7 cm (including tiles). Often a room is characterized by a complicated shape. In this case, the mats can be easily cut into suitable pieces. The integrity of the cable will not be affected by these actions.
To install an electric underfloor heating, it is not necessary to seek help from specialists, you can cope with this task yourself
How to make a warm balcony with heating mats
In this case, it is not necessary to resort to the services of hired workers from outside. When installing the heating mats system yourself, special attention should be paid to the preliminary steps.
A concrete base is quite suitable for the role of a substrate.It should be properly cleaned of dirt and dust. The primer will provide good adhesion. Using an ohmmeter, it is recommended to check the exact resistance of the mats. This action should be performed before starting the main work. It is important to choose the right place for placing the thermostat. A mandatory step is the equipment of special grooves to the wall and floor.
The inner part of the duct is perfect for mounting the sensor. Experts prohibit placing this element in the immediate vicinity of the heating element. Only after completing all the steps described can you proceed with the installation. This process is a set of measures aimed at laying heating mats. They are placed in glue paste, which allows the tiles to be fixed in the best way.
Useful advice! After the main work has come to completion, be sure to check the system for functionality. We are talking about indicators of working resistance. The check should be completed by a thorough visual inspection of the surface. This will allow you to identify and eliminate even the smallest kinks.
When installing heating mats, special attention should be paid to the preparatory stage
Warm turnkey balcony with infrared film floor
The main advantage of a suitable solution is its compatibility with a wide variety of floor coverings. Even woolen carpet is no exception. The principle of operation of an infrared floor is based on long-wave radiation, which is provided by reliable heating elements. This technology allows heating not only the floor itself, but also the surrounding objects. Thanks to the efficient transfer of secondary heat to the loggia, a comfortable temperature regime is provided.
Film infrared floor possesses a number of positive qualities. First of all, it does not lead to too significant energy costs. Installation and commissioning of such a system can be done in the shortest possible time. After turning on the equipment, the floor warms up qualitatively within only 10-30 minutes. The electromagnetic field in the case of using this technology is still formed, however, it is not too significant. Safety and reliability can also be attributed to the pluses of this system.
Installation of a film infrared floor
Before placing the laminate on a warm floor on a balcony or any other floor covering, it is necessary to install infrared heating. The initial action is to level the base. Then you can lay the material with heat reflecting properties. The film should be carefully cut into uniform lines. After that, it will be enough to simply install them on the previously prepared thermal insulation.
Before installing a warm floor, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions
The above steps allow you to proceed with the installation of the main thermostat and electrical contacts. Do not forget about insulation in the places where electrical elements are connected. For these purposes, a widespread and affordable bituminous insulation is suitable.
Useful advice! It is best to use masking tape to secure the film lines directly to the reflective material. During the subsequent installation of the finished floor, these strips will be stable and motionless.
Infrared underfloor heating on the balcony for laminate and other coatings necessarily contains detailed instructions in the kit. It is better to read this information from manufacturers carefully. Also, at the stage of choosing the optimal floor, it is necessary to focus on the area of the balcony. In this case, the chances of creating an ideal microclimate are significantly increased. This film can easily be installed on walls and ceilings.Thanks to this solution, even the most severe weather will not be afraid of the balcony.
DIY cable floor heating on the balcony
This technology for heating balconies and loggias is considered the most common. The main difficulty when working in such premises is the limited space. Because of this, the cabling system is the most expedient solution. It provides for cable installation under the finished floor. Only the thermostat remains in sight. The presented device is responsible for regulating the intensity of heating.
Wiring diagram for cable floor heating
Positive aspects of the cable system:
- durability;
- reliability;
- strength;
- ease of maintenance;
- profitability.
After the insulation of the balcony with a warm floor, consisting of cables, is completed, the consumption of electrical energy will not increase much. The durability of the system is ensured by the reliable and insulated heating conductor. This prevents it from oxidizing. It is recommended to use a cement-sand screed to protect the cable. Additional protection is also provided by the floor covering, which is installed later.
If the loggia is combined with a living room, then this system will provide additional heating in the winter season.
If a cable without a base mesh is used for arranging a warm floor, it must first be fixed
Self-installation of a warm floor on the balcony
When working with electrical cables, it is very important to carefully approach the waterproofing layer. Insulation must also be of high quality. This stage of work is very important for keeping warm. If we refuse insulation and waterproofing, then a significant amount of the generated heat will go down. As a result, the ceiling of the balcony of the lower floor will actually be heated.
Useful advice! The cement-sand screed should not contain even the smallest air gaps. The optimum thickness for it is 4.5 cm. The heating cable should be laid in a zigzag pattern.
In the step-by-step instructions for a warm balcony with your own hands, it is indicated that the cable must additionally be protected with a screed. It shouldn't be too thick, though. It is important to correctly determine the location for the thermostat. First of all, it should be accessible. Do not start using the system immediately after the installation is complete. Underfloor heating operation can only start after 3 weeks. This period of time is needed for the screed to dry completely.
Related article:
Infrared film warm floor: an overview of models and installation subtleties
Pros and cons of IR film floors. Varieties, specifications. Review of manufacturers. Installation of infrared floors.
Highly efficient electric underfloor heating on the balcony is primarily necessary for those people who want to provide an ideal microclimate in their home. This technology also allows you to fully use the potential of the room itself. If you wish, you can study each of the options presented above and decide on the most suitable one.
When installing a warm floor, special attention should be paid to waterproofing
Warm floor on the balcony: assembly layers of the structure
The very first step is to calculate the area that must collide with the heating. If at this stage at least minimal errors are allowed, then in the future it will be necessary to reduce the step of the cable being installed. After completing all the calculations, you can start preparing the surface. It is on it that the selected layer of thermal insulation is subsequently laid. The optimum layer thickness is 50 mm.
The next layer after thermal insulation is a metal mounting tape. Above it, the heating cable is installed.When carrying out all processes, it is imperative to observe the safe distance prescribed in the instructions.
According to reviews, a warm floor on the balcony is not complete without a clear control over the operation of the device. The thermostat is responsible for this function. It should be located on one of the walls. A thermal sensor and cable should be connected to it.
An example of a diagram of the installation layers of a warm floor structure
Useful advice! The thickness of the screed should be between 30-40 mm. For the ideal implementation of the work, the base with the already installed structure must be poured with concrete. It is possible to mount the selected floor covering on the screed only after it is completely dry.
Additionally, you can install batteries on the loggias, thanks to which it will be much easier to ensure the ideal temperature regime.
Useful advice! It is important to know that the installed cable heating system must ultimately occupy at least 70 percent of the total area intended for heating.
Choosing a floor covering for underfloor heating systems
After purchasing an underfloor heating system for a balcony, you can start choosing a suitable floor covering. You should be aware that not every option available today can be combined with a cable system.
The next step after choosing the type of underfloor heating is the choice of a finishing floor covering
Electric underfloor heating on the balcony: optimal flooring
The most suitable option for underfloor heating is ceramic tiles, which can withstand high temperatures without problems. An alternative option is porcelain stoneware, characterized by increased strength and durability. Even serious temperature changes will not lead to deformation of the presented materials. Ceramic tiles are able to withstand a long heating process. Its durability provides additional protection for the heating system.
Do not discard the option with linoleum. The corresponding floor covering may well be used simultaneously with a warm floor on a loggia or balcony. True, it is better to choose a model without an insulating base. It is better to refuse to use carpet. It can perform the functions of thermal insulation, due to which the room will not warm up sufficiently. The same can be said for carpets.
Infrared floor heating
In this case, there are fewer problems with the choice of the optimal floor covering. Such a warm floor on the balcony under the tiles can be safely mounted due to the absence of difficulties. Experts assure that the topcoat in this case can be very diverse. Carpet, linoleum and parquet are no exception.
Using infrared technology for floor heating, you can use as a topcoat: tiles, laminate, linoleum.
The laminate for the balcony is very popular, because it has a very attractive appearance and excellent technical characteristics.
Useful advice! In the case of using laminate or parquet flooring on the balcony, the infrared film should be mounted on a smaller area. In this case, the floor will not be able to dry out.
One more secret you need to know when using carpet or linoleum. After installing the main heating elements, it is necessary to use sheets of plywood or fiberboard. Their thickness should not be less than 5 mm.
Regardless of the chosen flooring, only an infrared film floor can provide the most comfortable conditions for a person. This system is able to automatically maintain the ideal room temperature. As for the price of a turnkey warm balcony, in this case it is unlikely to be more than alternative options. The main costs are related to the installation phase of the system.During operation, you can easily adjust the temperature at your discretion.
Infrared underfloor heating is able to automatically maintain the ideal room temperature.
Warm floor under the laminate on the balcony
Unlike ceramic tiles on the floor to the balcony, in the case of laminate flooring, additional nuances will have to be taken into account. First of all, they relate to the reaction of the coating to temperature and mechanical stress. It is best to rely on electric floor heating options. When choosing, be sure to consider the power level of each system. If a laminate is laid on the loggia, then the optimal cable power will be 190 W / m2.
The maximum power of the infrared film that can be used to organize a warm floor on a balcony is 160 W / m2. Moreover, this system may well be used on the balcony. The same goes for the cable option. Moreover, it has a power of 190 W / m2.
Taking into account the characteristics of all existing options, we can safely note that the best option for a balcony with a laminate is precisely the electric type of warm floor.
For a balcony with a laminate, both electric and water type of floor heating are suitable
Organization of underfloor heating screed for tiles
It is the tile that is considered the most durable type of flooring. We can safely say that this option can be combined with any kind of warm floor. The water system is no exception. To organize this option, it is necessary to lay two types of screed at once.
The concrete version is a structure on which the thermal elements are pre-installed. These are cables, pipes and heating mats.
There is also a floor screed. In this case, it is necessary to use materials characterized by light and simple technology. Such a screed may well be modular, wooden, polystyrene or slatted. Everything in this case depends on the personal preferences of the consumer and the technical requirements of the premises. In this case, the pipes should be laid from the wall to the center.
After the installation of the warm floor is completed, the stage of pressing its main elements begins. This action is performed in order to see possible damage and leaks. The pressure inside the system during this work should be at around 4 bar. The crimping process takes 24 hours. Then, if necessary, you can produce warm glazing of balconies and loggias in order to consolidate the result and guarantee an excellent temperature regime inside the room.
In some cases, when installing a floor heating system, it is necessary to lay two types of screed at once
As in the case of laminate, the best option for a warm floor on the balcony under the tiles is an electrician. In this case, consumers do not even need to use the services of outside specialists to carry out installation work. If you prefer heating mats, you don't even have to spend time and energy calculating the exact number of cables for heating. This covering, consisting of fiberglass mesh, is perfect for tiles.
Useful advice! Care must be taken when cutting the heating mats. The most important thing is that in this case the cables are not damaged.
Advantages of tiles when installing a warm floor
This floor covering is characterized by its durability. When heated, the tile is able to warm up the room with high quality. You don't even need to use batteries on the balcony, because the temperature regime will be optimal even without them. Even the most significant temperature drops are not terrible for this material. With all these positive aspects, installing tiles on a warm floor is a fairly simple undertaking.
There are several options for laying tiles in underfloor heating systems.Standard assembly is in high demand. It is best to give preference to it in the case of using plain tiles. The staggered editing method will be more attractive. Experts also note the diagonal version and herringbone installation as an alternative.
It is recommended to start laying tiles on the balcony from the center of the room.
The process of laying tiles on the balcony is characterized by its technical nuances. For the correct achievement of this goal, it is better to start installation from the center of the room. First, you need to calculate the exact number of tile fragments that will be needed for a specific area. As a result, the design of a warm balcony, the photos confirm this, will look as attractive as possible.
Summing up, it should definitely be noted that it is quite possible to organize a warm floor on the balcony on your own, given that there are plenty of ways to arrange it. For apartments in multi-storey buildings, it is better to choose an electric option, a water-heated floor is suitable for houses with an individual heating system, and the existing variety of floor coverings will make a warm balcony also aesthetically attractive.
