Underfloor heating systems are designed to heat a room through convection, are generally silent and are relatively energy-efficient. In-floor heating can be used with a wide variety of floor coverings, but their suitability depends on the material's thermal conductivity. Aside from thermal conductivity, the thickness of the covering is paramount in determining the appropriateness of a floor covering. Good conductors of heat offer the best flooring options as they relatively heat up faster, give more heat output, and are therefore more efficient. This is not to say, however, that underfloor heating is not usable with less conductive materials. Whether you are installing a new floor or renovating, this piece will help you understand what flooring options are available for your underfloor heating.
Tile and Stone Flooring
Tile and stone are essentially made for underfloor heating due to their excellent thermal conductivity and respectable heat retention, making them the best options for in-floor heating. Tile is thin and mineral-based, meaning that heat from the heating pipe transfers to the surface quickly.
Unlike other materials, tile and stone contain no organic material insinuating no decay or rot even when using a hydronic heating system. Due to their thermal properties, tile and stone are ideal for sunrooms.
Wood Flooring
Wood's suitability with underfloor heating systems is dependent on the different types available. Dense boards are preferred as they conduct heat better compared to thinner ones. Engineered wood flooring is the better candidate for underfloor systems because it employs high-quality plywood that makes it perform better.
Overall, wood is a poor conductor of heat, and attention should be paid to its thickness not to hamper heat transfer.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are a synthetic material that mimics wood flooring's thermal properties with a scratch-resistant floor finish. The material's depth is shallow, allowing for easy heat penetration and dissipation.
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective and easy to lay solution, but care should be taken to keep the temperatures below most manufacturer's threshold of 84°F. While most are suitable for underfloor heating, it is prudent to check with your manufacturer before purchase.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is safe to use with in-floor heating as the material heats up and cools down rapidly. Ensure that you check the manufacturer's maximum temperatures prior to installation.
In sum, a material's thermal mass and conductivity dictate its heat-up and cool-down times. Low thermal mass translates to high conductivity and quicker heat transfer from the heat pipes to the surface. These also cool faster than high thermal mass materials. Your floor choice will determine the heat output as different materials have a top temperature restriction. Aside from the materials, the heated air and floor temperatures also affect the heat output so changing any of these three factors should regulate your room temperature effectively.
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