Heated Floor
What is underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is a modern heating system installed directly under the floor covering. It heats the floor from below and evenly distributes heat throughout the room. Electric underfloor heating consists of heating elements and a thermostat. The thermostat sets the temperature, and a sensor monitors that the covering does not heat above the set value. It is most often installed during renovation, similar to the installation of a security system.
What is underfloor heating used for?
Underfloor heating is most often installed in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and children's rooms. It is most frequently combined with cold tiles or laminate. Electric underfloor heating can supplement radiators or heat a well-insulated room without them, although such cases are less common due to the cost of such heating. During renovation, the system is planned along with wiring, lighting, and basic household appliances, because it will be more difficult to change the scheme after the flooring is laid.
Types of underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is divided into several types:
- Electric underfloor heating: current passes through a high-resistance core, the cable heats up and transfers heat to the screed or tile.
- Water-based: the boiler heats water, a pump circulates it through pipes in the floor, the water cools and returns for reheating.
- Infrared film: current passes through carbon strips that emit IR waves, which directly heat the floor covering and objects on it.
Characteristics of underfloor heating
The following characteristics are important for underfloor heating:
- Power. 130–150 W/m² is standard for a bedroom or kitchen. 160–200 W/m² is for bathrooms or cold balconies. 175–220 W/m² is if the floor is the sole source of heat.
- Floor thickness. 0.4 mm — infrared films. 3.5–5 mm — heating mats. 10–30 mm — electric cable. 70–120 mm — water-based systems.
- Temperature limits. +24...+26°C — ideal surface temperature for foot comfort. Up to +27...+28°C — technical maximum for most systems; higher temperatures can damage laminate or cause discomfort.
Recommendations for choosing underfloor heating
If you plan to buy underfloor heating, consider the area, power, thickness, and temperature limits of the flooring materials. For tiles, a heating mat is often chosen, cable is suitable for renovations with a screed, and film is for dry installation under laminate. Before buying underfloor heating, calculate the free area without stationary furniture. Installing cable in a screed may require construction equipment, so the installation method is determined before finishing begins.
Where to buy underfloor heating?
You can buy underfloor heating at Flash Army, choosing a kit according to the room area, covering, and required power. The catalog includes cable sections, heating mats, film systems, and thermostats. You can also purchase all necessary spare parts and tools for renovation in one order. With delivery by postal carriers, everything you need will arrive quickly anywhere in Ukraine.