Warm floors - an interesting solution to improve living conditions. They are compatible with the most popular coating in our time - laminate. Nevertheless, people have different impressions of the heating system under the floor. In finished houses with a built-in construction of a warm floor, everything looks quite neat, but the assembled options do not look so good. Not all pipes can be hidden. In addition, some owners doubt the ease of management, ease, justification of the decision and timing. Practice shows that only a small fraction of all are ready to abandon the built-in heating system. In winter, the benefits of a warm floor grows significantly. Structures are electric and water, and both categories are divided, in turn, into many subspecies. Manufacturers produce up to ten types of underfloor heating under the laminate, in particular, film, core, amorphous, carbon.
Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating
Key benefits include:
comfort;
energy efficiency
safety and environmental friendliness;
external aesthetics.
Firstly, the warm floor provides control over the temperature regime, and it is convenient for large areas. Energy efficiency is expressed in cost savings. The next positive point is that almost the entire system will be hidden - these are additional opportunities for aesthetics. Warm floors also showed high reliability in operation. Versatility also plays an important role: any coolant, energy source and various types of flooring will do. Among the minuses in the foreground is a high inertia. It will not be possible to drastically change the temperature, therefore, at times when sunlight ceases to enter the room, regulation will not give a quick result. This applies to water structures. A warm floor of average parameters does not heat the entire room in the cold season - the second among the main disadvantages. This applies to both water and electric options.
Under which laminate can you lay a warm floor - choose a laminate
Some manufacturers do not produce special versions of the laminate, since coatings, in principle, have heat-insulating qualities. And yet, ordinary material on top of a warm floor can simply crack, deform, or retain heat. Laminate for heating systems is manufactured using advanced technology. On the packaging then there is a special marking, and next to it are temperature restrictions. Some options are not suitable for electrical systems, but only for the water floor. In addition to these aspects, the choice focuses on the thickness and class of the product. For rooms with regular cleaning and high traffic, versions from 32 classes are useful. This is an adequate solution for corridors and kitchens. Large thickness, in turn, will protect the heating system from damage. AC4 is enough in technical rooms, and a little more in the kitchen, AC5.
Underfloor heating systems: varieties and features
The main varieties are electric and water systems. The first is also divided into cable, film and rod. They, in turn, are thermomats and other varieties. Water floor heating is in a sense considered a type of radiator system. The floor works like this: hot water moves through pipes in the direction of the room and back. Despite the outward simplicity of the process, temperature control in the water system is more complicated. The electric floor heats up faster, but is less reliable in terms of fire safety. It is cable, film and rod. Cable heating is also called convection. Film and core - subspecies of the infrared floor. The convection system consists of a single or double cable. Film underfloor heating is laid not only on flat, but also inclined surfaces. Rod systems work through flexible strips.
Water underfloor heating - pros and cons
Among the arguments for a water floor, a uniform distribution of thermal energy can be put in the first place. Then comes the fire safety parameter. The principle of operation minimizes fire hazard. Energy efficiency is the universal advantage of all underfloor heating, including water. Moreover, the latter option is on average cheaper than the rest. Warming up the room will turn out smooth. Among other things, the water system will not lower air humidity. The design has many disadvantages when compared with other types of underfloor heating. Compared to electric floors, water users have difficulty adjusting and adjusting the system. Water fills the circuit unevenly, so the heating process will take longer. The third minus is the installation features. Wet floor can not be disassembled. Together with the third minus, the fourth immediately follows: the probable destruction of the pipes. As a result, you will have to look for access to the system and break the pie. It will require expensive repairs, including due to the effects of flooding.
Mounting Features
The installation of the system begins with the preparation of the floor, the maximum height of the bumps is allowed at the level of 0.5 cm. Typically, the design is supplemented with a screed. A warm floor pipe is assembled from many fragments. At the same time, the pattern is made denser in remote places of the branch. During installation, they often use a damper tape around the entire perimeter - to level the thermal expansion of the cake. The system must be equipped with thermal insulation. It is theoretically possible to install without reinforcing mesh or even with two - on the top and bottom of the pipeline. The water floor is also “dry” and “wet”. The process of creating wet involves drying the consistency. A dry system is laid to preserve the height of the room, as well as with weak overlap. The design can be inferior to wet in weight up to 10 times. When installing, use polystyrene or wood.The system is installed so that in which case it can be easily disassembled. Wet systems do not touch after installation.
Electric (cable) floor heating - advantages and disadvantages
This type of underfloor heating is a simple cable. When laying, you can form any configuration. Cable flooring is suitable for irregularly shaped rooms. And of all the options for an electric floor, it is the cheapest. The cable model does not require the installation of a thick layer of screed. The connection, for example, of a wet type water floor is associated with a minimum amount of knowledge, and during operation no special maintenance is required. At the same time, heating operating at high power indicators consumes a lot of energy from the network, so that after installation the option will cease to be economical. Dismantling the cable floor is a costly process, and the system will fail with each damage in a separate place. Installation of the structure requires long-term formation of the entire circuit in two directions.
Styling technology
First level the floor and arrange waterproofing. After - put a heater. There is a marking on the foil substrate, which helps in the subsequent installation of the cable. The next step is to install a thermostat. An electric floor with a laminate is used only with a regulator and sensors. Then proceed to the placement of the cable according to the scheme. The latter is formed with an indication of the length of the cable, its cross section and pitch. The screed is installed dry or wet, depending on the priorities. Wet is more simple, but will cause inconvenience during repairs in the future. When laying the laminate, it is necessary to shorten the trims, but with a minimum permissible length of 20 cm. A compensation gap of 5-10 mm is left around the perimeter near the walls. Before laying the laminate, it must be kept in the room for a day.
Infrared underfloor heating - varieties, pros and cons
Infrared floor happens:
Pivotal;
Film;
Matte;
Amorphous.
The core floor is made of rigid transverse rails with a flexible connection. Film varieties are a continuous canvas with heating elements. Carbon is often used as the material of manufacture. Solid structures with carbon are more reliable and have excellent conductivity. Matte systems are made up of many separate segments. The most progressive option can be considered an amorphous metal floor, which incorporates the best qualities of metals. The main advantage of all IR floors is generally considered environmentally friendly and safe for the body. Moreover, the materials of manufacture have a lower fire hazard compared to the cable electric option. Energy efficiency and installation speed are positively noted by external and some internal systems against the background of varieties of water-heated floors. Among the minuses, it is worth emphasizing the deterioration of the coating, and in some structures - a decrease in air humidity.
Film - economical option
According to the installation method, the film floor is internal and external. The first type is placed under the finish coating, the second is installed directly on the surface in need of heating. The external version of the film infrared floor consists of 3 layers, among which a resistive core and dacron films - below and above it. The simplicity of installing an external system becomes a fundamental plus for people with a busy schedule, who also want to save money. The versatility lies in the capabilities of the external film model in terms of installation on walls and even on the ceiling. The system is also characterized by mobility and stability in work. Segments if necessary carry. A breakdown in one of the sections will not affect the entire structure as a whole. Internal systems have fewer advantages, but also provide quick access.In addition, the hidden film floor is compatible with many types of coating.
Carbon Rod - Usability
The system reduces energy consumption as the floor warms up. It does not create large loads on the floors. The core carbon floor is resistant to corrosion and flame, successfully applied in wet places. Convenience lies in the absence of electromagnetic radiation. The carbon core rod floor has a self-regulating control system with the function of preventing burnout and overheating. The infrared system produces "quality" thermal energy - safe and useful infrared radiation. An additional benefit is the parallel drawing of the connection rods - that is, the ease and versatility of installation. At the same time, the connection to the power grid is made according to a complex scheme. Due to the ability to cut the mat and adjust the laying vector, the carbon rod system is optimal for rooms with a complex layout.
If you want to simplify the installation process as much as possible, then the best option would be the rod structure in combination with the dry installation method.
Carbon solid - safety and environmental friendliness
The waves emitted by the solid carbon system are close to the human body. If a person emits his own radiation with a wavelength of 10 microns, then infrared is in the range of 7-14 microns. Thus, the body perceives it positively and benefits from it. A solid, warm carbon surface forms a pleasant indoor climate. The air becomes cleaner, filled with ions, and biochemical processes improve in the body. High efficiency saves energy, while preserving the environment. In practice, solid carbon systems have shown safety for adults and children, as well as pets. Carbon film is made by extrusion at high temperatures.The carbon layer is printed. On the canvas of a continuous floor does not occur overheating.
Mounting technology
Continuous floors cease when necessary, reused as many times as needed. For normal operation, 70% of the floor surface is enough. Additional sources will not be required then. Moreover, the warm floor can be trimmed. For the core variants, the primary floor is formed on which the isolon is laid. After installation of the heating system, a layer of glue is applied under the final coating and the floor is tiled. As for other types of electric floors, the rod is equipped with a thermostat. Before installation, the sensor must be turned on for heating, and after a few minutes, the temperature of the heating element is checked. Hand should be comfortable. In other words, heating to 40 ° C is a normal indicator, significantly higher / lower is bad. Installation of film options is carried out after the use of insulators for the free ends of the tires.
Matt heating system - versatility in use
This system combines the principle of operation of several electrical options. The thermomat usually consists of a multilayer sheath with heating cables. Heat is emitted from steel or copper wires. The shell has a complex structure, intended for absolute insulating characteristics. Production materials are fiberglass, polymer fibers, rubber. Cables are attached to a non-metallic wall. Matt floor heating is an excellent system for residential and industrial premises. It is used as additional heating, but in some cases - as the main, with corresponding costs. This type of heating is used on the porch and stairs. Sometimes directly to prevent icing. A system with a two-core shielded wire, 0.5-meter heating mats and a pitch of 7 cm is used for:
hallways;
glazed balconies;
winter gardens;
premises with pools.
How to mount by yourself
Installation is made by alternately stacking individual mats. At first, it does not hurt to draw up a small plan. Next, we begin the installation: we install distribution boxes and tubes for the thermostat. To form the screed we use something to choose from: a rigid plate 2-3 cm thick, polystyrene foam, rigid corks, polystyrene. After that, check the resistance of the mat and cutting. Under the planning parameters, we cut a fiberglass mesh. We do the manipulation carefully, carefully controlling the location of the cable. The process will be facilitated by the fact that the grid has no front and back sides. The mat is placed on a prepared screed. We place the grid with the thin-cable system so that at least 10, and ideally 15 cm, are left to the walls. The battery distance is needed at the level of 20 cm. Next, place the thermomat - with cold ends towards the power supply.
The following steps include:
Installation of floor sensors in the corrugation and then in the canvas.
Connection to a temperature regulator.
Glue application.
Surface formation.
Work should be in shoes with soft soles.
Amorphous metal floor heating
The basis of such a heating system is an amorphous metal alloy tape. The devices have received special superconducting, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties when compared with ordinary metals. Amorphous tape with a thickness of 20-25 microns provides high heat transfer. The small mass of the element increases energy efficiency: energy does not accumulate, but is immediately transferred. Heat transfer is carried out over a large area, so the heat distribution is balanced and uniform. The working temperature of an amorphous floor heating is 35–40 ° C and, thus, ensures a high level of safety. At the same time, the structure gives off strength. It is higher than that of hard metals. And the increased resistance to corrosion, in turn, guarantees the device durability.An amorphous metal floor is also characterized by a minimum level of electromagnetic losses.
Styling technology
Installation of a heating element often involves the use of a "sinusoid" path. And the longer the gaps, the worse the quality of the floor. Over time, the laminate may dry out. The way out of the situation involves arranging the screen - an amorphous metal system. They will cost a minimal amount if you compare all the alternatives for uniform heating. The heating element of the amorphous metal floor is placed over a large area, while maintaining approximately the same local temperature in different parts of the floor. Amorphous metal mats are placed under a laminate or any other coating without screed. The heating system is installed on a treated concrete base. The tape will cover only 30% of the mat, but this is enough to evenly distribute heat. At the same time, owners will have access to 40% energy savings. Theoretically, amorphous devices can be used as the only source of heating in small areas.
How to make a choice - expert advice
Experts have developed a system of twelve parameters, starting with ease of installation and ending with the cost. Electrical options are superior to others in the first criterion, as well as in terms of noiselessness, because if air gets into the water system, then it stops working quietly. Infrared floors have the lowest inertia, cable floors are in second place in this indicator, and water floors are in third. At the same time, the second and third varieties are completely suitable for the laminate flooring. But the first one has limitations - you can learn about them from the manufacturer or on the packaging. All types of electric floors without special permits are installed in apartments and private houses. All infrared options have high maintainability. But in terms of durability, IR floors, as well as cable ones, are significantly inferior to water floors.
Other parameters:
compatibility with furniture;
compatibility with wet rooms;
reliability level in percent.
Underfloor temperature - maximum and minimum
Elements in the electric floor can heat up to +85 ° C with a safety margin of insulation of +100 ° C. The optimum floor temperature is 26–28 ° C. An infrared floor can theoretically reach temperatures of +55 ° C, just like a cable electric one. The usual maximum for a water floor is +30 ° C, and a flow with +50 ° C at the moment of supply and +45 ° C during processing will provide such a level of heat. The universal indicator of the optimum floor temperature is +26 ° C, and the maximum - +29, +34, or +35 ° C. The first value is relevant for living rooms, kitchens and hallways, the second - for bathrooms, the third - for places with high heat loss. The minimum level corresponds to +20 ° C for residential premises and +24 ° C for places with high humidity. The values (maximum) for different target rooms were also determined: offices - +29 ° C, places with a limited or short residence time - +37 ° C, rooms for active sports - +17 ° C.
Much depends on the type of flooring - for fleecy carpets, it is better to lower the temperature standard by a few degrees!
Heating rate
To calculate the indicator, an approximate calculation of the heating rate of the structure and the heating period for individual types of systems is used. In some calculations, thermal insulation is excluded and it is assumed that below is also a heated room. Heat losses from surfaces are also not taken into account. So, the heating time of 1 m² is the quotient of the heat capacity of the corresponding area, divided by the power of the system, and multiplied by the difference between the initial and final temperature. Heat capacity is recognized by multiplying data on the specific gravity, heat capacity of the system materials and the volume of the heated structure. The temperature delta consists of estimated values.It is known that the floor of thermomats and the tiles installed on them are most quickly heated. Cable increases the temperature several times longer, and water, for example, for the first time, will reach the required conditions for 12 hours.
Floor heating temperature control
Management is carried out in four ways. Adjusting the temperature of the media is the first of them. The second option is implemented by stopping the supply of media to the circuit. There are several ways to influence the temperature in the room as a whole. One of these involves the use of pipes with an operating temperature of up to 95 ° C - in the case of a water system. An alternative for these same designs involves mounting a mixing valve or three-way valve. Mixing devices regulate the temperature according to a predefined indicator. The third method is to use a mixing module with the necessary components: valve, bypass, pump and maximum temperature switch. The most organized way is to use thermostats for rooms and a servo drive with mounting on a floor distributor. The electric heating system is controlled by electronic, mechanical, digital and programmable controllers with advanced functionality.
Conclusion
Before interior decoration of an apartment or house, it will not hurt to think about communications again. For example, about a warm field. Mount it in any convenient way, whether it is hidden or external, dry or wet. If you plan a mobile option, then heating will most likely not require complex repairs, dismantling, or a complete replacement. Warm floors have many absolute benefits, including comfort, energy efficiency and appearance. Additional are the features of a particular option. So, underfloor heating has different inertia, service life, compatibility with flooring, furniture, degree of reliability.No special permissions are needed for electric floors, but water floors are more compatible and durable. An ideal choice can be made after studying the 12 main parameters. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer. In general, floor heating systems are assembled easily and quickly.
Warm floors - an interesting solution to improve living conditions. They are compatible with the most popular coating in our time - laminate. Nevertheless, people have different impressions of the heating system under the floor. In finished houses with a built-in construction of a warm floor, everything looks quite neat, but the assembled options do not look so good. Not all pipes can be hidden. In addition, some owners doubt the ease of management, ease, justification of the decision and timing. Practice shows that only a small fraction of all are ready to abandon the built-in heating system. In winter, the benefits of a warm floor grows significantly. Structures are electric and water, and both categories are divided, in turn, into many subspecies. Manufacturers produce up to ten types of underfloor heating under the laminate, in particular, film, core, amorphous, carbon.
Content
Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating
Key benefits include:
Firstly, the warm floor provides control over the temperature regime, and it is convenient for large areas. Energy efficiency is expressed in cost savings. The next positive point is that almost the entire system will be hidden - these are additional opportunities for aesthetics. Warm floors also showed high reliability in operation. Versatility also plays an important role: any coolant, energy source and various types of flooring will do. Among the minuses in the foreground is a high inertia. It will not be possible to drastically change the temperature, therefore, at times when sunlight ceases to enter the room, regulation will not give a quick result. This applies to water structures. A warm floor of average parameters does not heat the entire room in the cold season - the second among the main disadvantages. This applies to both water and electric options.
Under which laminate can you lay a warm floor - choose a laminate
Some manufacturers do not produce special versions of the laminate, since coatings, in principle, have heat-insulating qualities. And yet, ordinary material on top of a warm floor can simply crack, deform, or retain heat. Laminate for heating systems is manufactured using advanced technology. On the packaging then there is a special marking, and next to it are temperature restrictions. Some options are not suitable for electrical systems, but only for the water floor. In addition to these aspects, the choice focuses on the thickness and class of the product. For rooms with regular cleaning and high traffic, versions from 32 classes are useful. This is an adequate solution for corridors and kitchens. Large thickness, in turn, will protect the heating system from damage. AC4 is enough in technical rooms, and a little more in the kitchen, AC5.
Underfloor heating systems: varieties and features
The main varieties are electric and water systems. The first is also divided into cable, film and rod. They, in turn, are thermomats and other varieties. Water floor heating is in a sense considered a type of radiator system. The floor works like this: hot water moves through pipes in the direction of the room and back. Despite the outward simplicity of the process, temperature control in the water system is more complicated. The electric floor heats up faster, but is less reliable in terms of fire safety. It is cable, film and rod. Cable heating is also called convection. Film and core - subspecies of the infrared floor. The convection system consists of a single or double cable. Film underfloor heating is laid not only on flat, but also inclined surfaces. Rod systems work through flexible strips.
Water underfloor heating - pros and cons
Among the arguments for a water floor, a uniform distribution of thermal energy can be put in the first place. Then comes the fire safety parameter. The principle of operation minimizes fire hazard. Energy efficiency is the universal advantage of all underfloor heating, including water. Moreover, the latter option is on average cheaper than the rest. Warming up the room will turn out smooth. Among other things, the water system will not lower air humidity. The design has many disadvantages when compared with other types of underfloor heating. Compared to electric floors, water users have difficulty adjusting and adjusting the system. Water fills the circuit unevenly, so the heating process will take longer. The third minus is the installation features. Wet floor can not be disassembled. Together with the third minus, the fourth immediately follows: the probable destruction of the pipes. As a result, you will have to look for access to the system and break the pie. It will require expensive repairs, including due to the effects of flooding.
Mounting Features
The installation of the system begins with the preparation of the floor, the maximum height of the bumps is allowed at the level of 0.5 cm. Typically, the design is supplemented with a screed. A warm floor pipe is assembled from many fragments. At the same time, the pattern is made denser in remote places of the branch. During installation, they often use a damper tape around the entire perimeter - to level the thermal expansion of the cake. The system must be equipped with thermal insulation. It is theoretically possible to install without reinforcing mesh or even with two - on the top and bottom of the pipeline. The water floor is also “dry” and “wet”. The process of creating wet involves drying the consistency. A dry system is laid to preserve the height of the room, as well as with weak overlap. The design can be inferior to wet in weight up to 10 times. When installing, use polystyrene or wood.The system is installed so that in which case it can be easily disassembled. Wet systems do not touch after installation.
Electric (cable) floor heating - advantages and disadvantages
This type of underfloor heating is a simple cable. When laying, you can form any configuration. Cable flooring is suitable for irregularly shaped rooms. And of all the options for an electric floor, it is the cheapest. The cable model does not require the installation of a thick layer of screed. The connection, for example, of a wet type water floor is associated with a minimum amount of knowledge, and during operation no special maintenance is required. At the same time, heating operating at high power indicators consumes a lot of energy from the network, so that after installation the option will cease to be economical. Dismantling the cable floor is a costly process, and the system will fail with each damage in a separate place. Installation of the structure requires long-term formation of the entire circuit in two directions.
Styling technology
First level the floor and arrange waterproofing. After - put a heater. There is a marking on the foil substrate, which helps in the subsequent installation of the cable. The next step is to install a thermostat. An electric floor with a laminate is used only with a regulator and sensors. Then proceed to the placement of the cable according to the scheme. The latter is formed with an indication of the length of the cable, its cross section and pitch. The screed is installed dry or wet, depending on the priorities. Wet is more simple, but will cause inconvenience during repairs in the future. When laying the laminate, it is necessary to shorten the trims, but with a minimum permissible length of 20 cm. A compensation gap of 5-10 mm is left around the perimeter near the walls. Before laying the laminate, it must be kept in the room for a day.
Infrared underfloor heating - varieties, pros and cons
Infrared floor happens:
The core floor is made of rigid transverse rails with a flexible connection. Film varieties are a continuous canvas with heating elements. Carbon is often used as the material of manufacture. Solid structures with carbon are more reliable and have excellent conductivity. Matte systems are made up of many separate segments. The most progressive option can be considered an amorphous metal floor, which incorporates the best qualities of metals. The main advantage of all IR floors is generally considered environmentally friendly and safe for the body. Moreover, the materials of manufacture have a lower fire hazard compared to the cable electric option. Energy efficiency and installation speed are positively noted by external and some internal systems against the background of varieties of water-heated floors. Among the minuses, it is worth emphasizing the deterioration of the coating, and in some structures - a decrease in air humidity.
Film - economical option
According to the installation method, the film floor is internal and external. The first type is placed under the finish coating, the second is installed directly on the surface in need of heating. The external version of the film infrared floor consists of 3 layers, among which a resistive core and dacron films - below and above it. The simplicity of installing an external system becomes a fundamental plus for people with a busy schedule, who also want to save money. The versatility lies in the capabilities of the external film model in terms of installation on walls and even on the ceiling. The system is also characterized by mobility and stability in work. Segments if necessary carry. A breakdown in one of the sections will not affect the entire structure as a whole. Internal systems have fewer advantages, but also provide quick access.In addition, the hidden film floor is compatible with many types of coating.
Carbon Rod - Usability
The system reduces energy consumption as the floor warms up. It does not create large loads on the floors. The core carbon floor is resistant to corrosion and flame, successfully applied in wet places. Convenience lies in the absence of electromagnetic radiation. The carbon core rod floor has a self-regulating control system with the function of preventing burnout and overheating. The infrared system produces "quality" thermal energy - safe and useful infrared radiation. An additional benefit is the parallel drawing of the connection rods - that is, the ease and versatility of installation. At the same time, the connection to the power grid is made according to a complex scheme. Due to the ability to cut the mat and adjust the laying vector, the carbon rod system is optimal for rooms with a complex layout.
Carbon solid - safety and environmental friendliness
The waves emitted by the solid carbon system are close to the human body. If a person emits his own radiation with a wavelength of 10 microns, then infrared is in the range of 7-14 microns. Thus, the body perceives it positively and benefits from it. A solid, warm carbon surface forms a pleasant indoor climate. The air becomes cleaner, filled with ions, and biochemical processes improve in the body. High efficiency saves energy, while preserving the environment. In practice, solid carbon systems have shown safety for adults and children, as well as pets. Carbon film is made by extrusion at high temperatures.The carbon layer is printed. On the canvas of a continuous floor does not occur overheating.
Mounting technology
Continuous floors cease when necessary, reused as many times as needed. For normal operation, 70% of the floor surface is enough. Additional sources will not be required then. Moreover, the warm floor can be trimmed. For the core variants, the primary floor is formed on which the isolon is laid. After installation of the heating system, a layer of glue is applied under the final coating and the floor is tiled. As for other types of electric floors, the rod is equipped with a thermostat. Before installation, the sensor must be turned on for heating, and after a few minutes, the temperature of the heating element is checked. Hand should be comfortable. In other words, heating to 40 ° C is a normal indicator, significantly higher / lower is bad. Installation of film options is carried out after the use of insulators for the free ends of the tires.
Matt heating system - versatility in use
This system combines the principle of operation of several electrical options. The thermomat usually consists of a multilayer sheath with heating cables. Heat is emitted from steel or copper wires. The shell has a complex structure, intended for absolute insulating characteristics. Production materials are fiberglass, polymer fibers, rubber. Cables are attached to a non-metallic wall. Matt floor heating is an excellent system for residential and industrial premises. It is used as additional heating, but in some cases - as the main, with corresponding costs. This type of heating is used on the porch and stairs. Sometimes directly to prevent icing. A system with a two-core shielded wire, 0.5-meter heating mats and a pitch of 7 cm is used for:
How to mount by yourself
Installation is made by alternately stacking individual mats. At first, it does not hurt to draw up a small plan. Next, we begin the installation: we install distribution boxes and tubes for the thermostat. To form the screed we use something to choose from: a rigid plate 2-3 cm thick, polystyrene foam, rigid corks, polystyrene. After that, check the resistance of the mat and cutting. Under the planning parameters, we cut a fiberglass mesh. We do the manipulation carefully, carefully controlling the location of the cable. The process will be facilitated by the fact that the grid has no front and back sides. The mat is placed on a prepared screed. We place the grid with the thin-cable system so that at least 10, and ideally 15 cm, are left to the walls. The battery distance is needed at the level of 20 cm. Next, place the thermomat - with cold ends towards the power supply.
The following steps include:
Amorphous metal floor heating
The basis of such a heating system is an amorphous metal alloy tape. The devices have received special superconducting, mechanical, electrical and magnetic properties when compared with ordinary metals. Amorphous tape with a thickness of 20-25 microns provides high heat transfer. The small mass of the element increases energy efficiency: energy does not accumulate, but is immediately transferred. Heat transfer is carried out over a large area, so the heat distribution is balanced and uniform. The working temperature of an amorphous floor heating is 35–40 ° C and, thus, ensures a high level of safety. At the same time, the structure gives off strength. It is higher than that of hard metals. And the increased resistance to corrosion, in turn, guarantees the device durability.An amorphous metal floor is also characterized by a minimum level of electromagnetic losses.
Styling technology
Installation of a heating element often involves the use of a "sinusoid" path. And the longer the gaps, the worse the quality of the floor. Over time, the laminate may dry out. The way out of the situation involves arranging the screen - an amorphous metal system. They will cost a minimal amount if you compare all the alternatives for uniform heating. The heating element of the amorphous metal floor is placed over a large area, while maintaining approximately the same local temperature in different parts of the floor. Amorphous metal mats are placed under a laminate or any other coating without screed. The heating system is installed on a treated concrete base. The tape will cover only 30% of the mat, but this is enough to evenly distribute heat. At the same time, owners will have access to 40% energy savings. Theoretically, amorphous devices can be used as the only source of heating in small areas.
How to make a choice - expert advice
Experts have developed a system of twelve parameters, starting with ease of installation and ending with the cost. Electrical options are superior to others in the first criterion, as well as in terms of noiselessness, because if air gets into the water system, then it stops working quietly. Infrared floors have the lowest inertia, cable floors are in second place in this indicator, and water floors are in third. At the same time, the second and third varieties are completely suitable for the laminate flooring. But the first one has limitations - you can learn about them from the manufacturer or on the packaging. All types of electric floors without special permits are installed in apartments and private houses. All infrared options have high maintainability. But in terms of durability, IR floors, as well as cable ones, are significantly inferior to water floors.
Other parameters:
Underfloor temperature - maximum and minimum
Elements in the electric floor can heat up to +85 ° C with a safety margin of insulation of +100 ° C. The optimum floor temperature is 26–28 ° C. An infrared floor can theoretically reach temperatures of +55 ° C, just like a cable electric one. The usual maximum for a water floor is +30 ° C, and a flow with +50 ° C at the moment of supply and +45 ° C during processing will provide such a level of heat. The universal indicator of the optimum floor temperature is +26 ° C, and the maximum - +29, +34, or +35 ° C. The first value is relevant for living rooms, kitchens and hallways, the second - for bathrooms, the third - for places with high heat loss. The minimum level corresponds to +20 ° C for residential premises and +24 ° C for places with high humidity. The values (maximum) for different target rooms were also determined: offices - +29 ° C, places with a limited or short residence time - +37 ° C, rooms for active sports - +17 ° C.
Heating rate
To calculate the indicator, an approximate calculation of the heating rate of the structure and the heating period for individual types of systems is used. In some calculations, thermal insulation is excluded and it is assumed that below is also a heated room. Heat losses from surfaces are also not taken into account. So, the heating time of 1 m² is the quotient of the heat capacity of the corresponding area, divided by the power of the system, and multiplied by the difference between the initial and final temperature. Heat capacity is recognized by multiplying data on the specific gravity, heat capacity of the system materials and the volume of the heated structure. The temperature delta consists of estimated values.It is known that the floor of thermomats and the tiles installed on them are most quickly heated. Cable increases the temperature several times longer, and water, for example, for the first time, will reach the required conditions for 12 hours.
Floor heating temperature control
Management is carried out in four ways. Adjusting the temperature of the media is the first of them. The second option is implemented by stopping the supply of media to the circuit. There are several ways to influence the temperature in the room as a whole. One of these involves the use of pipes with an operating temperature of up to 95 ° C - in the case of a water system. An alternative for these same designs involves mounting a mixing valve or three-way valve. Mixing devices regulate the temperature according to a predefined indicator. The third method is to use a mixing module with the necessary components: valve, bypass, pump and maximum temperature switch. The most organized way is to use thermostats for rooms and a servo drive with mounting on a floor distributor. The electric heating system is controlled by electronic, mechanical, digital and programmable controllers with advanced functionality.
Conclusion
Before interior decoration of an apartment or house, it will not hurt to think about communications again. For example, about a warm field. Mount it in any convenient way, whether it is hidden or external, dry or wet. If you plan a mobile option, then heating will most likely not require complex repairs, dismantling, or a complete replacement. Warm floors have many absolute benefits, including comfort, energy efficiency and appearance. Additional are the features of a particular option. So, underfloor heating has different inertia, service life, compatibility with flooring, furniture, degree of reliability.No special permissions are needed for electric floors, but water floors are more compatible and durable. An ideal choice can be made after studying the 12 main parameters. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer. In general, floor heating systems are assembled easily and quickly.