Laying heated floors under linoleum

Warm floors are deservedly very popular. They create additional heating of the room, primarily the floor, which allows you to always keep your feet warm. When choosing, the question arises not only about the type of heating, but also about the correct selection of flooring. One of the most common options is linoleum. This combination will help create the necessary comfortable temperature and maintain warmth.

Features of the combination of linoleum and heated floors

The combination of linoleum and warm floor coverings has some characteristic features that distinguish these materials from others used for additional heating. First of all, economic benefits should be highlighted. Linoleum has a fairly reasonable price compared to similar floor coverings. This will help significantly save money during repair work.

Quick installation and commissioning takes a few days with the correct sequence of actions. After the work has been completed, the heating can be put into operation. In addition, the installation of heated floors and linoleum coating itself is not characterized by a high level of complexity, which allows you to carry out the work yourself.

When choosing, you should take into account the characteristics and quality of the linoleum itself. For example, alkyd has high thermal insulation, but with regular heating it will deform. Within a short period of time, such a coating will lose its attractive appearance and correct internal structure.Nitrocellulose is a fairly durable material and is characterized by water-repellent properties, but with regular heating it has a tendency to catch fire. The presence of a lining on the wrong side in the form of several layers of fabric is also undesirable. Linoleum with such a bedding significantly reduces thermal conductivity, which means the necessary heat will not flow to the floor.

The best choice is marmoleum or vinyl-based coating. The first is distinguished by its composition on a natural basis, withstands heat, does not deform and retains its positive qualities for a long period.

ATTENTION! Marmoleum is suitable for installation in homes where people prone to allergic reactions live.

Vinyl fabric is a resistant, durable and elastic material. It also stands out for its favorable price. In production workshops or public places, this type is the most common installation.

Types of floor heating systems

Among the variety presented on the modern market, there are three main categories of underfloor heating. They differ in functionality, installation method, and have their own characteristics and advantages.

Varieties:

1. Infrared is considered the most profitable and easiest to install. It is a thin elastic film that effectively heats the entire room. Savings also stand out among the advantages: the finishing coating consumes much less energy. The temperature is set using a special regulator.
2. Electric allows autonomous use. A big advantage for apartments connected to central heating. It is a heating cable that is laid between the base and the sand-cement screed.
3. Water is suitable for installation in private homes. Consists of tubes for the movement of hot water. When installing a gas boiler, you can install heated floors along with the entire heating system. This allows you to save electricity that was previously spent on heating. During installation, special attention should be paid to insulation: if a pipe breaks, the risk of flooding increases significantly.

REFERENCE! If you decide to lay linoleum over an electric-type heated floor, then you should choose a high-quality coating. Incorrect selection will cause an unpleasant odor; the linoleum itself will deform in a short time.

Installation steps

The sequence of actions when installing heated floors depends on which type is chosen. Some actions are similar. Let's look at how to put a film covering under linoleum.

First of all, you need to prepare the base. To do this, the concrete plane should be leveled. It is recommended to use a screed based on sand-cement mortar. The surface must be smooth, without protrusions.

IMPORTANT! The size of permissible protrusions should not exceed 3 millimeters.

After the surface has completely dried, you can begin laying waterproofing. An ordinary film on which sheets of plywood are laid is suitable here. For fixation, dowels are used, arranged in a checkerboard pattern.

ATTENTION! Instead of film, modified bitumen mastic is useful.

The next stage is taking measurements and making calculations for the location of the film coating. Here you should take into account all the features of the layout, the placement of sockets and cables. You can immediately select the location of the thermostat for adjustment. It is recommended to select a point located near sockets or switches.

It is recommended to lay a thermal insulator under the thermal film, which is equipped with aluminum foil. This will help avoid heat loss and improve the performance of thermal insulation. The joints of the thermal insulator can be fixed with tape or staplers.

On the surface of the film there are special contours along which cuts should be made. The incision sites are isolated according to the instructions provided in the instructions. The clamps should be held tightly together with pliers. To eliminate possible shifts, the strips are fixed with tape. Then the power wires are connected. To provide additional safety, the clamps are insulated with bitumen film.

IMPORTANT! This point cannot be ignored. This will not only provide additional safety, but will also prevent the risk of possible fire and oxidation.

Finally, a thermostat is installed. The wires are connected in accordance with the instructions. You can start testing. The linoleum itself is fixed with nails. When driving in, the location of the conductive elements should be taken into account.

Warm floors help maintain a comfortable temperature and create additional heating in the room. One of the best flooring options when installing heated floors is linoleum. With the correct sequence of actions and proper installation, both components will complement each other and create the necessary comfortable atmosphere.