Warm floor is a good replacement or addition to the central heating system. The heating is powered by electricity, does not require the purchase of additional fuel, regular repairs and maintenance. It heats up evenly, heats the rooms to the figure set on the regulators. Gas boilers are becoming more expensive every year, stoves – you can not install in an apartment. Heated flooring brings coziness and comfort to apartment buildings, private cottages. Why is the device installed? What types are there, read in the article.
Do you need underfloor heating in your apartment?
The main idea is to heat the home. Mats with wire coils inside increase the temperature in the bedroom several times better and faster than cast iron state batteries. The heating season begins at the end of October, in rare cases – from the middle of the month. The coating allows you to enjoy comfort on September nights – at the owner’s discretion. Additional reasons “why”:
- saving on fuel for the boiler – you will need an outlet and no firewood, gasoline, or coal;
- there is no need to install an exhaust hood, pipelines, or a special place for installing the main generator-heater;
- more free space – there will be no bulky iron radiators in the bedroom, the wallpaper will not damage the pipes;
- improving the quality of life – the material warms the feet, prevents them from freezing, therefore, the owners have the least number of colds;
- a common opinion is that it is an expensive pleasure. Buying and installing are not cheap, but the costs pay for themselves within one or two seasons, and are less expensive than paying for utilities.
The advantage for housewives is that the cleaning process is simplified, since there is no need to wipe sectional radiators, units, etc. It is recommended to plan at the design project stage , so as not to start renovating the apartment all over again.
Infrared floor
The infrared electric system is installed without reworking the screed, under the existing decor. The operating principle is that graphite rods are fixed to the film, generating radiation under the influence of current. Infrared rays heat dense objects, in particular linoleum, parquet. A thermostat is connected to the system, which is responsible for proper and economical operation, keeps the temperature at the set mark. Sensors are installed that will turn off the current if the wire overheats. Advantages:
- easy installation – laying the flooring, connecting to the power supply, installing and connecting the sensors. No need to fill the screed;
- suitable for any floor materials, but for linoleum and carpet a fiberboard backing will be required;
- reliability – on average, the warranty period for materials is ten years;
- economy;
- safety.
As a disadvantage, it is not recommended to lay it over living spaces in apartment buildings.
Electric heated floor
Electric is conventionally divided into two subtypes:
- heating cable – wires with current-carrying cores made of high-resistance compounds that convert electricity into heat. It is installed in a screed, the thickness of which is from three to five centimeters. It heats up stone, agglomerate, decorative cladding;
- mats – easier to secure, as the insulated rolls are initially laid in specific positions on a mesh base. Lay in a concrete layer no higher than 10 millimetres or directly under the tile adhesive.
The heating method is suitable for any living space, but it is preferable to lay it in small rooms that will warm up in a matter of minutes, in case of breakage the damage zone is smaller. The negative point is that before laying, think over the furniture layout, since you cannot put weights on the mats with cables. Under pressure, the wire can bend, causing a short circuit.