Installation of electric underfloor heating: types, stages of work and self-installation, installation in a hollow corrugation

The problem of heating residential, office and utility rooms not connected to the central heating system has always been acute in regions with a cold climate. They began to use as a heat source became popular electric warm floor. It is installed both in apartment buildings and in private houses. It is used as an additional source of heat or as the main one.

Electric floor heating system

Unlike underfloor heating on a water coolant, electrical systems are distinguished by safety, ease of self-installation and the absence of additional equipment.

Considering heating option with electric underfloor heating, the first step is to weigh the pros and cons of this system. The pluses include:

• laying in residential and office premises, loggias;
• heating of the system occurs evenly over the entire area;
• heat source, both main and additional;
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• installation for all floor coveringsexcept for the floorboard;
• separate temperature control in each room;
• simplicity of the installation work performed;
• aesthetics of the floor covering;
• long working time.

Among the disadvantages are:

• high price;
• increased power consumption;
• the possibility of electric shock;
• separate power line with weak internal wiring;
• exact calculation of the quantity heating element for each room;
• the operation of electrical appliances creates electromagnetic fields;
• the floorboard on the floor dries up, cracks, and creaks occur under the influence of heat;
• the height of the room decreases.

Manufacturers offer three types of floor heating systems:

1. Cable. When electrical voltage is applied, heating occurs. Laying is carried out using additional fasteners. The cables are distinguished by an internal heating element. A resistive cable is based on an increased resistance conductor that generates heat. In a self-regulating cable, heat is generated by a polymer matrix, which does not overheat at increased voltage.
2. Thermal mats. The heating cable is laid in high heat dissipation mat. The mats are rolled out for easy installation.
3. Film. The heating core in film models is made in the form of a thin plate in a polymer shell. Heating is done by infrared radiation.

Installation of the coating system

The installation of underfloor heating systems is carried out in several stages:

At the design stage, the following is carried out:

• calculation of the working surface of the room;
• diagnostics of internal wiring;
• selection of the type of system;
• calculation of the required amount of consumables and components.

During the preparatory stage, the following occurs:

• removal of old flooring;
• preparation for styling.

Then carry out the installation of an electric underfloor heating and diagnostics. At the final stage, the system is poured and the flooring is laid.

Project creation

All work begins from project creation. At the initial stage, it is necessary to determine the type of system and calculate how many elements must be purchased for each room separately.

The underfloor heating system does not fit around the entire perimeter of the room. To avoid damage to the heating cable, it does not fit under heavy furniture - cabinets, TV stands, walls and household appliances (washing or dishwasher). And also near central heating radiators.

Approximately the heat source will be located at a distance of 1.5 m from each wall, which significantly reduces the area and the number of heating elements. The power consuming electricity is calculated for each room separately according to the formula:

P = p / S (W / m2), where:

• р - power according to the heating element passport;
• S is the area of ​​the installed system.

Manufacturers supply their products with tables showing the method of installation, heat losses by type of structure, and, consequently, the need to use insulation.

It is necessary to calculate the load on the old electrical network. If its power is not enough, then you will have to lead from the dashboard separate cabledirectly feeding the floor heating.

When calculating the amount of required materials, it should be borne in mind that the cable models are poured with a concrete screed. Decorative flooring is laid on a leveled surface.

To control the heating system, you need temperature sensor and a regulator that changes the intensity of heating, connecting cable and the presence of grounding.

Preparatory work

In the process of preparatory work, the old flooring is dismantled to obtain a rough screed. Before laying, it is necessary to level the floor and eliminate its defects in the form of cracks and holes. Waterproofing is laid on the floor. A damper tape is attached to the walls to compensate for thermal expansion.

A fine screed is poured in a thin layer. To reduce the drying time, you can use Self-leveling floors. Within a day, you can start installing the warm floor.

The thermal regulator is installed no higher than 1 m above the floor. To install it, you need to drill a hole in the wall with a socket crown, and then grind the channel for laying the wires.

Installation of underfloor heating

Laying electric underfloor heating with your own hands will not be special labor. A little skill in working with the tool and practice in electrical work are required.

Insulation is pre-laid on the finishing screed. Metallized foil insulation is widely used. It is polyethylene foam with a reflective metal layer. The thickness of the insulation must be at least 10 mm. He fits reflective surface inside the room.

The roll material is laid end-to-end. The edges are glued with metallized tape to reduce heat loss. A mesh is rolled out on the insulation to exclude contact of the cable with the metal coating.

If the heating system is installed on loggias or in unheated rooms, then as a heater foam and mineral wool 100 mm thick or polystyrene foam 30-50 mm thick are used.

A heating cable or mats are spread and fixed on the constructed structure. The cable rests on special tapes. It is necessary to observe the spacing between the elements recommended by the manufacturer.

The supply cables and the temperature sensor are laid in a plastic corrugation. This is necessary so as not to spoil the screed in the event of an emergency repair or breakdown.

Checking if the connection is correct

It is necessary to check the correctness of the connection and the operability of the heating elements in all modes. A megohmmeter measures the electrical resistance of the mounted structure for insulation breakdown. Ideally, the measurement result cannot be less than 10MΩ.

Cement coating

After making sure of correct operation, the structure is poured from above with a cement mixture to protect it from damage and smooth distribution of the heat flow. To do this, use tile glue, DSP, concrete mortar M200 in a ratio of 1: 2. Its height must be at least 30 mm.

In order to save and increase the volume of the poured mixture, small crushed stone is added. But in no case should you add expanded clay. It acts as a heat insulator, which can cause the cable to overheat and fail.

The finishing is done by laying the floor covering. Laminate, porcelain stoneware, tiled floor tiles and even linoleum are used.

The electric heating method is quite unpretentious in operation. By purchasing products from well-known manufacturers, you will be sure of its reliability and long service life.

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