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Floor Finishes and Coverings
The Underfloor Heating1 system is suitable for almost any floor finish however it is important we understand the effect of different floor finishes.
Which ever floor covering you choose it will become part heating system.
Different floor coverings have different levels of thermal resistance or insulation.
These values are known as the R-value or TOG value.
You may have noted them when purchasing a continental quilt.
The most suitable coverings are those with low thermal resistance or TOG value.
The higher the TOG value the higher the resistance.
Generally speaking the harder and more dense the floor covering the lower the TOG.
Ceramic tiles, stone slabs, will all have a low TOG value and as such less of an insulating effect on the finished floor.
Carpets and timber floors will all have higher TOG values and as such more of an insulating effect on the finished floor.
To sum up the thicker the carpet and underlay and the result is a lower heating effect and a longer the warm up time.
Floating and timber suspended floor perform different to solid screed floors.
Underfloor Heating1 recommended the maximum R-value is 0.15m²K/W (1.5 TOG).
The table below gives some typical resistance values.
If you are unsure whether a certain floor covering is suitable then consult the retailer or manufacturer.
When using adhesives etc. always follow the manufacturers instructions make sure they are suitable for under floor heating systems.
|
Covering Type |
Carpet
Heavy
Parquet |
Deep pile
carpet
Wood Floor |
Vinyl |
Parquet
Blocks |
Ceramics,
stone, slate |
|
R Value m² K/W |
0.10 |
00.15 |
0.022 |
0.05 |
0.00 |
|
TOG Value |
1.0 |
0.15 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.00 |
Ceramic Floor Tiles
Ceramics work well with UFH.
They have a nil or very low TOG value and offer very little thermal resistance to heat transfer.
To avoid cracking of the tiles flexible adhesive and grout should be used.
Check that the adhesive and grout is suitable for use with UFH.
Carpets
Carpet and underlay have a higher TOG value.
The thicker the carpet and underlay the TOG value and the greater resistance to heat transfer.
Be careful when choosing underlay as their insulation properties reduce the heat output of the floor.
Make sure underlay it is suitable for under floor heating.
If carpet adhesive is to be used, make sure it is suitable for temperatures up to 40°C.
If gripper rails are used make sure you don’t nail to deep and puncture the pipes!
Plastic/Vinyl Tiles
Plastic floors tiles and coverings generally work well.
They have a low TOG value and offer very little thermal resistance to heat transfer.
It is important to check with the retailer or manufacturer that the covering and adhesives are suitable for use with UFH.
Timber/Wooden Floors
Timber floor coverings work well with UFH. However, as a natural material, it is important to follow the recommendation of the floor manufacturer regarding installation and initial start up.
Timber floors should generally not have a moisture content greater than 10%.
When installing with a screeded floor the screed must be fully cured before the covering is installed. Following curing the system should be run for approximately 2 weeks with the materials in the area before installation occurs. This reduces the moisture in the area and allows the material to acclimatise.
We advise that specific information should be obtained from the proposed covering supplier or manufacturer to assess the suitability of the covering for under floor heating.
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