Is it possible to install heated floors under laminate?

Among the materials used for floor finishing, laminate enjoys well-deserved popularity. It has the appearance and texture of wood, but is much cheaper, suitable for finishing any room and conducts heat quite well. It is this characteristic that makes it ideal for installing underfloor heating systems.

Is it possible to install a warm one under laminate?

The laminate contains formaldehyde. At temperatures above 26 degrees, it begins to actively release into the environment. This chemical is very dangerous for humans. When inhaling formaldehyde vapors, the following may appear: headache, increased fatigue, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and other symptoms. Therefore, all laminate flooring is labeled to indicate whether it contains this chemical.

ATTENTION! The presence of E2 or E3 markings indicates that the floor covering contains formaldehyde.

Therefore, when choosing a product, you need to be interested in what marking it has. The certificate must indicate that the coating is approved for installation of a heated floor system.

ATTENTION! If the product is marked E0 or E1, the system can be installed.

Also, this flooring is very sensitive to air humidity. If there is excess or insufficient moisture, the boards may become deformed.Therefore, manufacturers indicate on products that they are suitable for underfloor heating systems, since all these points are taken into account when producing laminate flooring.

IMPORTANT! If the humidity in the room is less than 50%, it is advisable to use air fresheners. With their help, you can significantly extend the life of the laminate and prevent its possible deformation.

It is worth considering the thickness of the product. It must be at least 8 mm. Boards of less thickness will become deformed during use.

Thus, installation of a heated floor system is allowed under a laminate that has the appropriate safety class and is made taking into account elevated temperatures. As a rule, information that the coating is suitable for a given purpose is indicated on the packaging with special markings.

Which warm floor is best suited for laminate?

There are three underfloor heating systems. This:

1. Water. Quite an expensive option. It is especially expensive in the event of a malfunction. If a serious leak occurs, then not only the system, but also the entire floor covering will need to be replaced.
2. Film or infrared. It is a film with strips of material embedded in it that conducts current. It is very economical, easy to install, maintains the same temperature and is absolutely safe.
3. Electric. Is the most popular option. However, it is not suitable for flooring with poor thermal conductivity, since the heating element is placed under the screed. That is, first the cable heats this screed, and only then the coating. Therefore, you will have to wait quite a long time for the laminate to heat up, which is quite energy-consuming.

The best option for installation under laminate is infrared film.

REFERENCE! There are laminate models with an already built-in heating system, but only a few European companies produce them and their price is quite high.

Which substrate is suitable for laminate flooring?

Before installing a heated floor and subsequent laying of the floor covering, it is necessary to choose the right substrate.

The underlay is required to perform the following functions:

1. Leveling the surface. If the underlay is chosen correctly, it can eliminate any unevenness on the floor. To ensure quality installation and long service life, it is very important that the floor surface is level.
2. Waterproofing. Laminate flooring is made from compressed sawdust, which is impregnated with resin and coated with plastic. Meanwhile, it is quite difficult to guarantee the absence of even the slightest contact with water. Some moisture even penetrates through concrete. Gradually, contact with water leads to deformation of the floor covering. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure good waterproofing.
3. Noise insulation. Laminate itself does not provide good sound insulation. However, this function is performed by a good substrate.
4. Environmental friendliness. Since the laminate contains phenols, when heated they can be released into the air. A high-quality substrate promotes uniform heating of the entire coating area, which prevents the plastic from heating up.

REFERENCE! Some types of flooring have built-in soundproofing layers. However, not all of them are suitable for use with underfloor heating systems.

The most suitable options are:

1. Izolon. The best option for installing electric heated floors.
2. Polyethylene foam. It has good waterproofing and perfectly levels out unevenness.
3. Cork.Natural material with excellent heat retention ability. An ideal option for a children's room, as it is not susceptible to the development of fungus and is absolutely environmentally friendly.
4. Expanded polystyrene. An easy-to-install material that has excellent waterproofing properties. A good option for the bathroom.
5. Perforated backing. This type is made specifically for underfloor heating systems. Especially recommended when using the water version. Very wear-resistant.

Before installing the system, do not forget that all materials used must be appropriately marked as compatible with the system.