Warm floor under the laminate. DIY installation: video installation instructions

Hot water for laying under laminate flooring

Benefits of underfloor heating

During their development, floor heating systems have become very popular and every year there are more and more people wishing to install them. And there are no problems with the assortment offered by manufacturers. You can choose a heating system based on your preferences and financial capabilities. The main advantages of underfloor heating include:

• the ability to use as the main heating or additional heating of some rooms;
• uniform heating helps to eliminate drafts that are harmful to health;
• heating the air to a height of 2.5 m provides comfortable conditions for residents. In addition, keeping the feet warm is an excellent prevention of colds;

Underfloor heating with infrared elements

• heating speed - the rooms warm up much faster, unlike other heating systems. This property allows you to turn off the heating when there is no one in the house, and on your return you will not have to wait long for the room to warm up;
• the use of modern technologies allows you to efficiently use energy, as a result of which money is significantly saved;
• environmental friendliness of the system - its use in residential premises does not lead to drying out of the air;
• the installation of the system does not take up much space, the absence of heating radiators allows optimal use of the living space;
• the possibility of using not only for residential premises, but also for heating greenhouses, greenhouses, farms and other objects;
• versatility of use - the ability to lay underfloor heating under laminate, linoleum, carpet, as well as parquet, wood, tiles and concrete;
• quick and easy installation, long service life;
• simple control, high accuracy of maintaining the climate, the ability to independently choose the temperature regime.

Underfloor heating works well in small apartments and country cottages with central heating and power supply. The choice of the heating system depends on the installation and operating conditions, as well as the type of finishing coating. Given the ease of installation, everyone can arrange a warm floor on their own.

Warm floor will help make the house or apartment more comfortable and warm

The main types of floor heating systems

Underfloor heating systems are divided into two main types:

1. Electrical. Heating is carried out using special electrical cables.
2. Aquatic. Heating takes place using hot water polyethylene pipes.

Electric warm systems are distinguished by the type of heating element. Their main types are: heating cable, heating mat and infrared heating (special thermal film). Taking into account the relevance of the laminate flooring, it will be advisable to figure out which warm floor is better for the laminate.

Related article:

How to choose warm electric floors: an overview of heating systems. Choosing a warm floor for a house, apartment. What is the best electric heated floors for tiles. Choosing the right energy efficient system.

Heating cable. Warm floors with such a heating element are very simple. A special cable with a high resistance value is placed in the floor screed, which is arranged over the base. The heat generated by the passage of electricity through the cable heats up the screed, which in turn heats the topcoat, and from it the heat is distributed throughout the room.

Heating mat for underfloor heating

Heating mats. They are a thin cable distributed over a fiberglass mesh. There are two types of heating mats: single-core and double-core. Single-core mats are not recommended for residential use as they emit a magnetic field. The heating mat system does not require additional screed. It is usually located in the adhesive layer of a floor covering made of tiles or porcelain stoneware.

Infrared heating (film floor). Heat-conducting elements, which are carbon nanostructures, are placed between two layers of dense polymer. When current passes through them, infrared radiation occurs. This type of heating is the most advanced and progressive floor heating system. IR radiation is absolutely harmless to humans. Installation is carried out directly under the floor covering without an additional screed layer.

Note! Infrared heating has no restrictions on the choice of the finishing floor covering, so it can be used to install a warm floor under the laminate.

Warm water floor. Plastic pipes are used as heating elements in this system. The essence of water heating comes down to laying between the floor and the floor covering the contours of the warm floor, along which it circulates coolant (water) heated to 45 ° C. Consequently, the water floor is called a low temperature heating system, ideally combined with lightweight floor coverings.

Underfloor heating system

For the efficient functioning of underfloor heating, it is necessary to make correct calculations and installation of the system. When laying laminate on underfloor heating from hot water heating, the sensitivity of the material to high temperatures should be taken into account. For this, the system should be equipped with temperature control devices, such as a mixing unit, thermostat, manifold, and others.

Is it possible to put warm floors under a laminate

When deciding which warm floor is better for laminate, it should be borne in mind that this material is vulnerable to moisture and sudden temperature changes. Then the question arises as to whether it is possible to make warm floors under the laminate? After all, not all manufacturers laminate produce panels that can be combined with heating elements. Having dealt with the main parameters of laminated coverings and the operating conditions of warm floors, you can determine the heating system that is most suitable for laying this material.

Before buying a laminate for warm floors, pay attention to the instructions for the material, which must indicate the possibility of such use. Recommended temperature limit markings can be seen on the packaging of the laminate. If you find it difficult to determine exactly where the necessary information is indicated, contact a consultant for help.

Warm floors for laminate today are no longer something out of the ordinary, but quite commonplace.

Many modern manufacturers produce laminated panels adapted to the device for underfloor heating. In this case, the manufacturer indicates which type of floor heating is recommended for this product. Installing a warm floor under a laminate that is not designed for the use of one or another heating can lead to both system failure and damage to the laminate itself.

An innovation in the flooring market is a laminate with built-in heating elements, thanks to which you can install a new beautiful floor immediately with underfloor heating. For the installation of such a laminated coating, you must additionally purchase a transformer and accessories.

Laying laminate lamellas with a built-in heating system greatly facilitates the installation of a warm floor. The flooring is carried out by means of special aluminum locks, which securely and easily fix the boards to each other. In addition, the locks guarantee the safety of the connections during operation. This floor covering can be installed on any surface, including balconies and loggias.

The most modern and popular electrical heating system today is a warm floor

Features of installing a film underfloor heating under a laminate

Mounted infrared floor heating is part of a multi-layer structure, which includes a laminate topcoat, chipboard or plywood gasket, heat and vapor barrier layers. This filling contributes to the maximum efficiency of the entire system. Reflecting from the lower heat-reflecting layer, infrared radiation tends upward, heating the entire room.

Surface preparation for the installation of an infrared heated floor under the laminate

How to put underfloor heating under a laminate? If infrared heating is planned to be used as the only heating element, the film underfloor heating under the laminate is laid on an area of ​​at least 70% of the total floor surface. If the film is used as additional heating, it is quite sufficient to cover up to 40% of the floor with it. It should be noted that electric film heating is much more effective when heating the entire room.

Note! Having laid the warm floor in the children's room, you do not have to worry about the baby sitting on the floor while playing, no matter what time of the year it happens.

Infrared underfloor heating - a practical solution for warmth in the house

Taking into account that any coating is placed on a flat surface, the installation of an infrared heated floor under the laminate begins with the preparation and leveling of the base. After that, the area for covering the floor with a film is calculated, excluding the places where heavy furniture will be located. At this stage, determine the place for the placement of the thermostat. For convenience, it is recommended to first make a diagram of the future film floor.

Next, they start laying the heat-reflecting roll film (isolon). It is cut into strips of the appropriate size and laid on the floor surface. So that during installation the isolon strips do not move, they are fastened together with adhesive tape. After that, the IR-film is laid. It is also cut into strips corresponding to the length and placed with the copper side down. The strips of the film are also connected between themselves with tape.

Insulation and connection of electric underfloor heating under laminate

The next step is to connect the contact terminals. They are installed on a copper strip so that one of the sides is inside and the other outside of the thermal film. After that, the terminals are tightly clamped with pliers. All connections of contacts and places of cuts of the copper bus must be insulated with the supplied bitumen insulation, using two pieces for one processed place.

Thermostat for underfloor heating

Next, install the thermostat. The temperature sensor is placed on the black strip of thermal film. So that it does not protrude on the surface of the film, a cutout is made for it in the reflective material. The same cutouts are made for wires and terminals. This will make the laminate flooring as smooth as possible. Places of passage of wires from above are sealed with tape.

A thermostat panel is installed on a previously prepared place, wires are connected to it according to the attached diagram. The thermostat is connected to the mains through a separate machine. Next, the system is tested, setting the temperature to no higher than 30 ° C. After making sure that the underfloor heating is functioning, you can proceed to laying laminate.

The sequence of laying a heated floor is clearly demonstrated in numerous videos of installing an infrared heated floor under a laminate.

Infrared underfloor heating under the laminate: price

You can buy a warm floor under a laminate by ordering products on the websites of manufacturing companies and on the Internet. Systems of any brand are available for sale. The price of an infrared underfloor heating under a laminate depends on the manufacturer, the size of the film coating and the configuration. Warm floors presented in Russia by the Kaleo company, certified by the Association of IR Radiation, are popular.

Film floor is a modern version of electric floor

The electric floor developed by the Korean company Heat Plus has proven itself well. This manufacturer specializes in the production of infrared film flooring, constantly improving and updating equipment. Over the past few years, production has been carried out on unique machines. Underfloor heating systems from RexVa, presented by Techno Profi, are focused on the production of individual orders for film floors, taking into account a reasonable price for the consumer.

The table shows the approximate prices at which you can buy infrared warm floors for laminate:

The minimum price of underfloor heating for laminate per m2 produced by RexVa and Heat Plus companies is from 850 rubles, Caleo infrared floor will cost a little more - from 1500 rubles per 1 m².

Useful advice! When purchasing products from this or that manufacturer, ask for a certificate of infrared underfloor heating under the laminate. Customer feedback will also give an idea of ​​the appropriateness of using the selected option.

Water underfloor heating device for laminate

The classic types of warm floors include water heating. His device includes pipes with hot water, which enters the system from the collector using a pump. The use of a water underfloor heating is most justified in private houses, since its installation in apartments connected to a centralized heating system is prohibited.

Note! It should be borne in mind that the use of a warm water floor involves the purchase and installation of a circulation pump, through which the temperature in the system is regulated. This should be taken into account when calculating the cost of the arrangement.

Compared to electric, a water heat-insulated floor is cheaper, as it saves up to 60% of energy. This advantage makes it logical to use just such a system for private houses, where rooms are often large. In addition, the materials from which the pipes for water heating are made have proven to be reliable and durable.

Water heat-insulated floor in the bedroom

The main feature of the installation of a water floor is that after preparing the base and laying heating pipes, a cement-sand screed is required. It is recommended to fill it when the heating is not turned on, but the underfloor heating system is filled with water. If cracks appear on the screed during operation, they must be repaired.

Installation of a water floor requires compliance with the following standards:

• the system should be warmed up for several days prior to installation. After that, two days before laying the coating, the heating is turned off. In this way, a microclimate is formed in the room, in which the water floor will function;
• before laying on a warm water floor, the laminate is left indoors for several days to adapt to the microclimate. This will ensure that the flooring will not deform during operation;
• for good surface heating, it is recommended to use a thin underlay under the laminate for a warm water floor.

To find out which laminate to choose for a warm water floor, you should pay attention to the thermal resistance parameter specified in the material passport. If the laminate is approved for use with heating, it will be labeled "Warm Wasser". Water heating is combined with a large number of light coatings, so choosing a laminate for warm water floors is not difficult.

Installation of water floor heating

Underfloor heating device under the laminate on the balcony

An increasing number of apartment owners in multi-storey buildings use the space of a balcony or loggia as a usable area. Most often, an office, a winter garden or a small place to relax is arranged there. To use such a room comfortably throughout the year, it would be quite logical to equip it with underfloor heating.

The difficulty of arranging heating lies in the limited space and design features of the balcony. One of the options for organizing a warm floor, you can choose the use of a cable. Considering that such a warm floor requires a screed device, any floor covering, including laminate, can be laid on top of it on the balcony.

Note! When installing even a small layer of screed on the balcony, the load on the balcony slab should be taken into account.

In order not to make the weight of the balcony structure heavier, film heating can be used as a warm floor. For this, a couple of bands of infrared floor heating without screed under the laminate will be enough. If furniture is planned to be installed on the balcony or loggia, there is no thermal film under it. All work is carried out in accordance with the instructions for installing a warm floor. The temperature controller is manually adjusted according to weather conditions.

Heating mat for underfloor heating system on the balcony

Installation of heating on loggias is subject to the sequence of work in the room. Before laying the warm floor under the laminate on the balcony, the surface of the slab is leveled, a heat-reflecting material is placed on it, and a thermal film is placed on it. Further, high-quality hydro and vapor barrier is carried out. Installation of an infrared floor is much faster and easier than a cable heating device.

Installation of underfloor heating in a wooden house under a laminate

In wooden cottages, where there is the possibility of autonomous heating, water underfloor heating is most often used. Pipes with hot water are placed immediately under the floor covering, while making sure that the water temperature does not exceed 30 degrees, since at a higher mark, the wooden structures of the house will dry out greatly.

If, in addition to heating with radiators, it is planned to use a warm floor in the house, it is recommended to use two independent circuits for both types of heating. The scheme of a water-heated floor in a wooden house should provide for the location of pipes below the level of the boiler. Plastic or waterproofing pipes should be used, which, even in the event of a rupture, are able to retain water in themselves.

The scheme of work of a water-heated floor

Can laminate flooring be laid on a warm floor with water heating? To install the coating on such a floor, the system with pipes is placed in a special plasterboard box. Then, in the case of condensation due to the start-up of the system, moisture will first appear on the pipes, and then on the box, after which it will evaporate during heating without affecting the floor covering.

Note! Do not forget that you need to buy a laminate for warm water floors with markings that take into account the required temperature limit.

Using a water circuit as floor heating significantly saves the costs of general heating. The only drawback of such a system is that if it fails, you will have to disassemble the entire floor. Only in this way will it be possible to determine the place of the leak.

The sequence of laying the water floor is as follows:

• installation starts from the room in which the boiler is located;
• a burner is used to smoothly bend the pipes;
• for a strong bending of the contour, a knee joint is used, which is subsequently sealed with a sealing tape;

Installation of a water underfloor heating system in a wooden house

• pipes are laid in the form of a snake in the floor frame so that from 3 to 8 cm remains to the finishing surface. It is this distance that will contribute to optimal heating of the floor covering;
• If, when checking the system, it is found that water is oozing through the connection, it should be replaced.

In a warm season, when there is no need for floor heating, the water should be drained from the system. This will reduce the likelihood of deposits forming on the pipe walls.

Warm floor under the laminate. DIY styling: video, consumer reviews

For those who are faced with the installation of a warm floor for the first time, there are many training video instructions on the network. Here are the secrets of laying various types of heating: film, cable, water and others. Once you decide on the type of underfloor heating, choose a suitable plot with instructions.

Important! The information in the training videos is for informational purposes and is in addition to the mandatory instructions for installing a system of one or another warm floor.

The video of installing a warm floor under a laminate contains a lot of useful information about the nuances and principles of laying, both heating systems and the installation of laminated flooring. In addition, by looking through them, you can learn about the features of connecting wires to the infrared floor system, methods of insulation, starting and testing the system.

Warm floor - a guarantee of coziness and comfort in the house

Watching video tutorials will help you choose the best heating option for the flooring of your room. In addition, useful recommendations will help you choose the right screed layer thickness (if applicable), the required heat-reflecting material, and the applied substrates.

It will be useful to ask for reviews before choosing the necessary system. Warm floors under laminate flooring cause conflicting judgments for many. Only after thoroughly studying them and weighing all the pros and cons, you can make a choice in favor of one or another type of floor heating just for your room.

Infrared film has received many positive reviews. Underfloor heating under a laminate with such heating, judging by the responses, is easy to install, does not reduce the height of the ceilings, functions properly and can be used for rooms with a heavy load on the finish coating (offices, gyms). In addition, such a system can be installed when dismantling the old floor in Khrushchev.

3D visualization of the underfloor heating system under the laminate

Reviews of the heating cable indicate that this type of underfloor heating is used both in new buildings and in apartments of the old housing stock. Equipping the system with a thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature and, if necessary, save energy consumption by reducing power.

When installing a warm floor, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the use of one or another floor covering. When choosing a material, it is necessary to check with consultants how this coating is compatible with the underfloor heating system, and what is the maximum temperature that the material can withstand.

Installation of flooring on a warm floor: DIY laminate installation video

The technology of laying laminate on a film, cable or water-heated floor does not differ from ordinary laying, although some nuances should be taken into account:

• so that the laminated covering is held firmly, before making a warm floor under the laminate, the base is thoroughly cleaned and leveled;
• Before installing the laminate, a polyethylene film is laid over the heating film, which prevents liquid from entering the heating elements. As a protective membrane, you can use a heat-conducting substrate under a laminate for a warm floor;
• do not overlap the strips of the substrate, they should be laid end-to-end with further fixation with tape;
• if laminate it is mounted on a cable or water heated floor, before laying it, a layer of cement-sand screed is arranged, which has the ability to evenly distribute heat;
• do not lay laminate panels close to the walls, the gap between the edge of the covering and the wall must be at least 10 mm. This will provide ventilation of the inner surface and allow the material to expand freely under the influence of heat;
• Laying laminated flooring lamellas on a warm floor should be extremely careful not to damage the polymer layer with the heating element.

You can visually familiarize yourself with the instructions for installing the coating by watching the video of warm floors under the laminate with your own hands. On the Internet there is a sufficient number of videos on the installation of various floor heating systems, which provide practical recommendations and a step-by-step installation.