Correct laying of infrared underfloor heating under the laminate

Laminate flooring has become incredibly popular as a material for flooring. This is primarily due to its unique technical characteristics, variety of collections, ease of installation and maintenance. The only drawback is that it is not recommended to lay laminate flooring without preliminary preparation and insulation of the floor, as it will always be cold. The best option and a way out of this situation would be infrared film, which you can easily lay on your own. In order to do everything right, it is enough to know just a few subtleties.

Benefits of an infrared floor

Considering the thermal conductivity of the laminate, we can conclude that without a third-party heater, it will not be warm. Everything is due to the fact that the material of manufacture is synthetic components, not wood. Therefore, at the preliminary stage, you need to think about heating. Of course there are water circuits, heating mats and cables, but they have a number of disadvantages.

1. It is possible to use the water circuit under the laminate only with private heating. Synthetic materials, which are part of the laminate, at high temperatures begin to deform the surface, and the floor loses its decorative features. With private heating, you will have the option of adjusting the temperature.
2. The use of electric heaters such as cables and mats is also not recommended. This is primarily due to the fact that a preliminary floor screed is required. Also, the presented designs heat up unevenly.

Film infrared material is devoid of all of the above disadvantages. Its thickness is no more than 1 millimeter, so no preliminary surface preparation and screed are required. Heating of the laminate occurs due to special radiation, which emits the surface of the material. The main advantages of infrared underfloor heating:

• uniform heating of the laminate;
• efficient and economical power consumption;
• the film is heated up to 40 degrees Celsius;
• ease of installation of the system;
• long service life;
• there is no negative impact on the human body.

Thus, the choice is completely obvious. Of course, it is worth highlighting one and only minus - this is a rather high cost of materials, but the costs are repaid as quickly as possible.

IR material device

Film heaters are the main element of the system. The design of the presented elements is quite simple. Emitters are soldered between two polyester films. Brazed parts emit infrared radiation when an electric current is applied to them. The connection to the common web and the connection of the emitters occurs through the conductor-bus. Thus, even if one element fails, it will not affect the efficiency of the entire system in any way.

The infrared film floor is supplied in rolls from 0.5 to 1 meter wide, it all depends on the manufacturer. The film itself can be cut, as there are specially marked places. When using materials, it is important to know the specific power of the infrared floor, as this creates certain loads on the home network. Today on the market you can find a variant with indicators of 150, 220, 440 W / m². IR floor kit includes several components.

1. Thermostatic sensor with cables. Used for temperature control.
2. A set of connecting wires.
3. Clip-on terminals.
4. Insulation components.

On the basis of the presented materials, an infrared warm floor is laid under the laminate of the house. It is worth noting that it is important at the initial stage to develop the project itself for the future underfloor heating and calculate the performance indicators.

Installation tips

Nowadays, it is customary to entrust the installation of the presented flooring to qualified specialists. You can, based on the recommendations in this article, independently cope with all the tasks. The complex of the upcoming works includes:

• drawing up an installation diagram;
• preparation of the foundation;
• installation of film infrared elements;
• electrical connection and test run.

Initially, the location of the thermostat is chosen, since wires will be supplied to it. The cable system must fit into a pre-made groove in the wall. Further you should proceed with the following tasks:

1. Draw a graphical diagram of the arrangement of film elements in the room.
2. Open the films, carry out only according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
3. It is better to spread the material along the room, which will reduce costs.
4. The distance from the walls should be 30 centimeters.
5. Do not overlap the film, there should be a distance of 5 centimeters between parallel canvases.

The temperature sensor is installed in the coolest place in the room, but you need to take into account the fact that there should be enough cables that come with the kit. The presented conditions must be implemented on a graphical diagram. After everything is prepared, you can proceed with the installation.

Preparation and installation of the IR floor

The main task at the first stage is to prepare the foundation. Currently, you will need to purchase thermal insulation material. This is done to increase the efficiency of the warmest floor and eliminate heating of the concrete surface. In this way, the infrared radiation is completely directed upwards towards the laminate. It is recommended to clean the concrete floor from debris, dust and other contaminants.

The foil-lined heat-reflecting material fits completely over the entire floor surface. The joints must be glued with tape to exclude extraneous shifts.

Next, you should start laying the infrared film sheet. After connecting all the elements, it is recommended to check the system performance. Don't forget about safety! If everything works without any failures, the temperature is sufficient, then you should start laying the laminate. Thus, you can enjoy a warm floor in your apartment.