Electric infrared warm floors under laminate and tiles on concrete and wooden floors, pros and cons, how to choose, do-it-yourself installation

Until recently, when arranging a warm floor, the craftsmen had two options at their disposal – cable or water construction.

Today, another method has been added, which has become widespread abroad and is gaining popularity in Russia. We are talking about an infrared warm field, which is used for heating in private houses, apartments, country cottages and offices of various configurations and is a good alternative to infrared heaters and not only them.

Below is full information about this technology, its features, pros and cons, advice on selection and installation are considered. Now about everything in more detail.

Where can infrared floors be installed?

Infrared floor is one of the varieties of electric floor. Despite this fact, it is isolated in an individual group. The reason is simple.

IR devices have a number of characteristics that are not characteristic of classical electric floors. The main feature is that such products do not emit electromagnetic waves.

Infrared floors are suitable for installation in apartments, cottages, offices, greenhouses and warehouses.

In addition, they are used in the arrangement of industrial premises, while they can be used as the main or additional source of heating.

What are the benefits of infrared radiation?

The use of infrared radiation has a number of undeniable advantages.

First of all, it is better tolerated by the body, because part of the human heat is radiated in a similar range.

When using infrared waves to maintain the optimum temperature, you can set the indicator 2-3 degrees less, which provides additional savings.

The next plus is the ability to improve the body. Scientists have proven that the use of infrared radiation contributes to the ionization of air and the destruction of many dangerous microorganisms (viruses and bacteria). At the same time, they manage to overcome unpleasant odors in the room.

Today, infrared radiation is actively used in medicine, helps in the fight against many diseases, promotes relaxation and relieves overstrain.

Another advantage of infrared rays is the minimum parameter of electromagnetic radiation, which tends to zero.

In contrast to the advantages, it is worth highlighting the disadvantage – high price and installation requirements.

Unlike classical heating, it is not the air that is heated, but the objects in the room. The floor is the first to receive heat, which becomes pleasant to the touch even at a low temperature.

What material are infrared underfloor heating made of, and what types are there?

On sale you can find two types of infrared floors:

1. Rod;
2. Film.

In the first case, the function of the heating device is taken over by carbon rods, combined with a wire.

This is the most modern device that allows you to reduce the cost of space heating by an average of 60 percent. The main disadvantage that prevents more active sales of such coatings is the high cost.

During the installation of floors, a screed is poured from above. The rest of the installation process is very simple – just spread and connect the product. In this case, it is not necessary to level the tiles, as is the case with other types of IR floors.

The film infrared floor is different in that a special cloth acts as a heating device. The latter is laid between two layers of polymer film.

The advantage of the product is increased strength, flexibility and wear resistance. In addition, IR film floors are excellent dielectrics.

The principle of operation of the product is to heat individual strips. At the same time, film floors are of two types (depending on the heating device):

• Carbon.
• Bimetallic.

There are no visual differences between the considered types. But bimetallic films are almost never used today due to the low heating efficiency, the presence of copper and aluminum strips in the composition.

Carbon film first appeared in 2011 and was released in South Korea. Unlike the device discussed above, such floors are a one-piece structure.

The larger the area the product has, the higher the efficiency, and the faster the room warms up. Solid carbon contains polyethylene terephthalate between the layers.

The presence of such layers provides the product with increased strength. At the same time, practice has shown that the product is not afraid of cutting with a knife, and the guarantee is 50 years. Such IR floors are produced in the form of rolls of different widths.

Pros and cons of infrared underfloor heating

The advantages of IR underfloor heating include:

• No electromagnetic radiation.
• The possibility of dismantling the film in case of moving and its installation in another place without loss of functionality.
• The blocks are connected in parallel, which reduces the likelihood of failure of the entire device to a minimum.
• The floor warms up evenly, which is especially important when installing under a laminate.
• Installation of IR underfloor heating is possible under any surface – vertical, horizontal or inclined. Moreover, in all three cases, installation does not cause difficulties.
• The use of infrared floor is allowed in any premises, including those characterized by high humidity. In addition, such floors can be laid under various types of coatings.
• The product is characterized by increased heat transfer, reaching 97%. Compared to other systems, the efficiency of the device is 30% higher.
• Installation of film floors is allowed even in an open area – on a terrace, veranda, warehouse or outside the building.
• The floor height remains unchanged.
• Thanks to the use of infrared radiation, the humidity in the room remains at the same level, and unpleasant odors disappear. In addition, air ionization occurs, which is good for health.
• High reliability and long service life.

For an adequate assessment of warm infrared floors, it is worth highlighting their shortcomings:

• High current consumption, which is noticeable when heating large rooms. Do not confuse this parameter with the overall energy consumption, because the efficiency of infrared underfloor heating is higher. On average 1 sq. a meter of a film product consumes about 1 Ampere. Therefore, with an area of ​​20 sq. meters, the current consumption will be 20 amperes, which is equivalent to 4,4 kW of power (subject to the use of a 220 V household network).
• Difficulty in rearranging the room. For example, if you have arranged the furniture and laid the floors, and after a while you decide to change the layout, this will be problematic. The reason is that bulky furniture cannot be placed on infrared floors due to the risk of damage.
• heating furniture. This minus is typical for all types of underfloor heating. To avoid problems, it is advisable to make a gap of at least 5 cm between the IR floor and furniture. If the furniture and the product come into contact, this will lead to overheating of the infrared floor in a certain area and damage to the wooden interior elements (blocking the IR floor).
• Dependence on electricity. The infrared floor will only work when there is power. With frequent power outages, it is better to give preference to gas or kerosene heaters. The advantage in this case is central heating.
• High connection requirements. During the installation process, it is important to strictly follow the rules for installation and subsequent operation of the system.
• Instability to mechanical stress and surface damage.
• When installing under a laminate, the surface must be clean and even.

Infrared film floor

As noted above, there are two types of infrared film – bimetallic and carbon.

For the floor, it is made in the form of a roll and is a carbon paste, which is sealed in a polyester or polypropylene film.

Conductive bars made of copper and silver are laid from one and the other edge of the product.

An electric current flows through them to the carbon composition (most often carbon). At the moment the current passes through the carbon fiber, large amounts of heat are released, which warms the objects in the room.

The strips are assembled into several sections, each of which includes a group of such elements. There is a dividing strip along which it is allowed to cut the product during installation.

The design is good in that in case of mechanical damage to one or more strips, underfloor heating continues to work.

Due to the fact that the tapes are very close to each other, the failure of some elements does not affect the overall effectiveness of the product. The floor still warms up evenly and provides the expected comfort.

Rolls are available in widths from half a meter to a meter, and the thickness of the film is from 0,2 to 2,0 mm.

Infrared films are produced in two types – striped and solid.

In the first case, only graphite strips act as heat sources, and in the second case, the entire surface of the product.

The disadvantages of the striped film are that it warms up more slowly and has limitations on the maximum warm-up temperature.

A continuous film is characterized by faster heating and reaching the required temperature. In addition, the solid product is more durable and resistant to mechanical stress.

During installation, the striped film can only be cut in a straight line, while the solid film is cut in any desired configuration.

The disadvantages of a continuous film include a small roll width and a high price, which often scares off buyers and makes them prefer a simpler and more affordable striped counterpart.

If the room has a complex configuration and is characterized by high heat losses, it is better to lay a continuous IR film. In other cases, a striped floor will suffice.

Where is the film floor laid?

Manufacturers recommend using it as a material that lies on top of a film floor, laminate, linoleum or carpet.

The greatest efficiency can be achieved if a laminate is used as a floor material. If you use carpet or linoleum, the installation technology will vary.

Many argue that IR film can be used under tiles. This is an erroneous opinion, because a resistive cable is more suitable for laying under tiles, which has been used recently.

There are three reasons why this should not be done:

• The film has little adhesion. If you fix the product, immediately put a coupler, and on top of the tile, the latter will be floating. If something heavy later falls on the floor, the surface may even crack. Sometimes, to improve adhesion, a large number of notches are made on the solution. But there is one more problem – the need for high-quality insulation of the product.
• The composition of the film does not accept the effects of solutions and tile adhesives that differ in an alkaline environment. After some time, an expensive product corrodes. As a result, you can get a short circuit and failure of an expensive structure.
• Special cable and rod infrared floors have been developed for laying under tiles, so there is no need to invent anything. They are designed for wet mounting.

Advantages and disadvantages of film products

The advantages of IR underfloor heating film type include:

• Compatible with almost all types of flooring except tiles (not recommended).
• No need for additional layers when installing under parquet or laminate.
• Favorable effect on wood surfaces. Infrared radiation is evenly distributed over the surface, which eliminates the appearance of zones with different temperatures.
• Ease of installation. When laying soft coverings, for example, carpet or linoleum, it is enough to provide a rigid base on top of the film. During the installation process, a film is placed, plywood or OSB is placed on top. Next, the floor covering is rolled out, after which the work is completed.

Among the disadvantages of an infrared film floor, it is worth highlighting:

• Fear of overheating. Despite a significant margin of safety and the ability to withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius, the risk of product burnout remains. That is why the use of film is not recommended in places where heavy furniture is to be installed.
• High price. One square meter costs an average of $25. The costs are partially offset by the lack of a screed and lower installation costs. If you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, the product will last at least ten years.
• Strict requirements for joining film strips. Here, special contact clamps and a wiring kit are used, which are supplied with the film. During the installation process, it is important to seal the contact busbars (those that are not used) using special insulating plates.

Rod infrared warm floor

Carbon floor is a special design consisting of a group of rods and designed to heat a room using infrared radiation. Unlike other types of devices, as in the case of the film counterpart, it is not the air that is heated, but the objects in the room.

Device and feature of work

The rod infrared floor is called so because it consists of a group of carbon rods interconnected into flexible structures.

The width of the product does not exceed 80 cm. At the same time, there are heating elements inside the device, mounted in 10 cm increments. The maximum length of such a warm floor is 25 meters.

Externally, carbon floors have a lot in common with a rope ladder. The main elements used in the product are copper, carbon and silver.

The key role is played by carbon fiber, which is able to release heat when voltage is applied to it.

The product also has a temperature controller and a special sensor that provides temperature measurement.

One of the features of the product is the ability to self-regulate. After applying voltage, the rod floor emits IR rays, which heat the coating with a minimum consumption of electrical energy (80-160 W).

The main structural elements are connected in parallel, which ensures stable operation of the device even if one or more heating elements fail.

Where are these floors placed?

Rod infrared floor can be mounted under a variety of floor coverings – carpet, linoleum, laminate, ceramic tiles, parquet or porcelain stoneware. Due to this, rod infrared floors are actively used in residential or industrial premises.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of rod infrared carbon floors include:

• Possibility of installation under furniture.
• Versatility. Such structures are allowed to be laid under any surface.
• Fire resistance and fire safety.
• The minimum weight, which eliminates the large load on the floor slabs.
• Can be used in rooms with high humidity, complex and non-standard layout.
• The presence of the option of self-regulation. When the temperature rises, the power automatically decreases.
• Saving electricity and money.
• Ease of cutting and installation.
• Long service life. The manufacturer’s warranty is 10 years.

To complete the “picture”, it is worth highlighting a number of disadvantages that are typical for carbon fiber underfloor heating:

• The structure is intended for permanent installation. This means that the installation of the product is possible at the initial stage of repair. Otherwise, during installation, it is impossible to do without opening the floor covering.
• High price. In comparison with the film warm infrared floor, carbon products have a higher price, but they are more convenient to install.
• It is forbidden to use a substrate with foil to ensure better thermal insulation. It is allowed to use special materials with a metal-insulated layer on the surface.
• If the coating gets wet, the system does not work until it is completely dry.
• The service life is limited and ranges from three to ten years.

How to choose infrared film?

The choice of infrared film deserves special attention. The main market players at the moment are CALEO LINE, CALEO GRID, CALEO GOLD, CALEO PLATINUM, UNIMAT RAIL, UNIMAT CORD, UNIMAT BOOST, UNIMAT AQUA, xLayder, xLayder Street, xLayder Pipe, Tyoplyshko.

To buy a quality product, pay attention to the following aspects:

How to choose a rod infrared floor?

As already noted, rod infrared floors are distinguished by a long service life, reliability, ease of installation and operation. When choosing, pay attention to the following models.

Unimat Boost.

This device is self-regulating and low power consumption, which saves on electricity bills.

Any warm floor is afraid of locking its sections with furniture, because this can lead to overheating and failure of the device.

If furniture is placed on the IR rod floor, it will automatically turn off and will not overheat.

The heating temperature is controlled using the control panel, which can have a different look. The simplest is a mechanical version, and a more modern one with the necessary information displayed on the display.

The kit includes a warm floor (a group of carbon rods interconnected), a graphite tube with a plug, an installation cable for connecting a warm floor, a connecting kit (sleeve and heat shrink).

Underfloor heating Unimat is one of the most economical products. Imagine if you have to pay 1000 rubles when installing a conventional warm analogue, then when installing the model in question, this amount will decrease to 400 rubles.

Rod infrared floor Nanomat.

A modern device equipped with a self-regulating function and designed for floor heating in dry and damp rooms.

The design is a group of heating rods that are combined with each other.

The features of Nanomat IR floors include the possibility of using them in various rooms, protection against overheating (the product does not heat up more than 60 degrees Celsius), as well as ease of installation.

Installation of Nanomat is possible under linoleum, laminate, porcelain stoneware or tiles. The warranty is 10 years.

The width of the strip is 81,5 cm, and the length is 25 and 50 meters. If necessary, you can cut off any piece. Cut every 10 cm.

The power of the device is 150 W per linear meter, and the average consumption is 59 W per “square”. The rod has a thickness of 8 * 5 mm, and the distance between them is 10 cm.

The set includes a mat roll and installation instructions. As for wires and connection kits, they must be purchased separately.

Self-installing

In the process of self-installation of the infrared floor, you will have to go through several stages:

• Create (develop) project documentation (desirable);
• Perform the necessary calculations;
• Select materials and equipment required for installation.
• Check the performance of the mounted system (make a test run);
• Perform a clean finish.

The first stage is the development of the project

The main feature of the infrared floor is that it is not recommended to mount it under furniture. Therefore, before making calculations, decide in advance on the arrangement of the main elements of the interior in the room.

Subtract the area that will be under the furniture from the total area of ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe room (the film is not covered there).

Please note that for maximum efficiency, underfloor heating should cover at least 80% of the room. This figure is relevant if infrared film products are used as the main heating system at home.

Otherwise, when the apartment or house has another source of heating (for example, central heating), 40% of the surface is sufficient.

Perform the necessary calculations

The next step is to perform the basic calculations to create truly efficient heating.

Take the following steps:

1. Make the basic calculation;
2. Consumed electricity;
3. Power calculation;
4. Calculation of the number of thermostats.

Basic calculations

This will require two formulas:

• The first is to calculate the total area of ​​the room. Sp uXNUMXd a * b.
• The second is for calculating the heating area. Sob uXNUMXd Sp – (X, Y, Z).

If the room has non-standard dimensions, then use the formula shown below.

Consider the main notation:

• Sp is the area of ​​the room, sq. m.
• a and b are the parameters for the length and width of the room (in meters).
• Sb – heated area.
• X, Y, Z – dimensions of furniture or household appliances that are installed very close to the floor.

In the process of calculation, take into account that the infrared film must be laid at a distance of 10 cm or more from a vertical surface or other object.

Calculation of consumed electricity

The next step is to calculate the parameter of the consumed electrical energy, which will allow you to find out the costs and determine the relevance of the purchase of the product.

The formula for the calculation is simple – E uXNUMXd Sp * K * T, where:

• T is the thermal power of the floor.
• K is the conversion factor. This parameter depends on the set temperature. For example, the system turns on only at 40%, the coefficient value is 0,4.

Electricity costs are easy to calculate if you have the electricity tariffs for your area at hand.

Power calculation

The next step is to calculate the power of the infrared floor heating that is required for your case.

As in previous cases, the formula is simple. At the same time, please note that in the case of arranging a room with a large area, it is necessary to use several sets of IR films.

In such a situation, a prerequisite is the summation of the power of each product according to the formula Ptot = P1 + P2 + P3 + … + Pi.

If you make calculations for part of the kit, use this formula – P total u110d XNUMX * L.

Basic designations:

• R total. – the total power of the film IR floor, W.
• L is the length of the infrared film used in the installation process.
• P1-Pi – power parameters for each individual set of IR floor.
• 110 – coefficient used to recalculate the power of the product.

It should be noted that the required thermal film power depends on many factors:

• 150 W/sq. meter – the best option in the case of using linoleum, carpet or laminate as a floor covering. This parameter is sufficient when arranging the floor on the upper floors (except for the first floor and the balcony).
• 220 W/sq. meter is the best solution when carpet or parquet board is used as flooring. This power is enough to heat all rooms, including those located on the ground floor and on the balcony.

Calculation of the number of thermostats

The main task of thermostats is to change the level of heating. When determining the number of such devices, it is worth considering the number of film floor sets used.

It is important to understand that in the case of using several individual films, the power will be summed up.

The thermostat is mounted on the wall. The distance from the floor should be from 15-20 cm or more. For maximum comfort, it is desirable to install at the level of sockets (about 90-100 cm).

The thermostat can be mounted externally or hidden.

Choosing a substrate for an IR film floor

Special attention should be paid to the choice of substrate. There is a specialized product on sale, which consists of three layers:

• Laminated (non-conductive);
• foamed rubber;
• Waterproofing layer (bottom).

In order to save money, polyethylene foam can be used. When purchasing this material, it is important that the top layer is non-conductive.

The maximum thickness should be 3-4 mm. If you choose a thicker underlay, there will be a springy feeling when walking on the laminate. This negatively affects both underfloor heating and the surface.

Features of laying the infrared floor under the laminate

Practice has shown that various types of infrared floors can be laid under the laminate – rod and film.

In this case, the installation process itself is as follows.

Laying laminate flooring on underfloor heating

When choosing this option, the laminate is often placed on a substrate that plays the role of a soundproofing and heat-insulating layer. As a result, heat does not pass well to the outer coating, and the overall efficiency of IR floors is reduced.

If you refuse the substrate, there is additional noise, which is also bad.

To avoid such shortcomings, the heating cable (rods) are laid in a special screed of minimum thickness. In this case, the thinnest material with a thickness of 3 mm can be used as a substrate.

Under the weight of the laminate, the thickness will decrease to 2-2,5 mm, which will not affect the characteristics of the warm floor. After laying the substrate, the installation of the laminate is carried out according to the classical principle.

Film laying and heating mats

If the installation is carried out on a film or heating mats, there is no need to create a screed, and the execution time is significantly reduced. All manipulations can be done in one day, provided that the laminate is adapted to the room.

The advantage of the method is that the overall heating efficiency increases. But there are a number of features that need to be taken into account.

Firstly, mats and heating film are not allowed to be laid in places where furniture is to be installed.

Secondly, after mounting the mats or film, it is necessary to lay a polyethylene film 80 microns thick on top. Its task will be to protect electrical components from moisture.

Further, the installation of the laminate is carried out according to the usual algorithm. The advantage of this method is that there is no need for major repairs, and underfloor heating can be laid on an existing screed.

Moreover, if a laminate is already laid on the floor, it is enough to disassemble it, lay underfloor heating, and return everything to its place.

How are underfloor heating and laminate combined?

The main disadvantage of laminate is the fear of moisture and the presence of small gaps between the lamellae.

Consider how infrared film is combined with class 32 laminate:

• Laying is done on top of the IR film;
• The laminate heats up, after which it gives off heat to the room;
• For reliability, it is recommended to choose lock-type lamellas;
• The base when laying the laminate should be as even as possible.

Generally speaking, the laminate is perfectly combined with various IR heating systems.

Laminate for infrared floor heating – which one to choose?

When choosing a warm floor, take into account the parameters of the laminate used.

Please note that the product contains formaldehydes, which, when heated to a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and above, enter the surrounding air and can be harmful to health.

Pay attention to the accompanying documentation. It should indicate the possibility of installing a warm floor, as well as the recommended types of structures. A special icon is often placed on the box of the product.

In addition, when the laminate is heated to a temperature of more than 27 degrees Celsius, its destruction begins. Therefore, IR floors are the best solution.

Rules for laying infrared film on the floor

When placing infrared film on the floor, follow these simple rules:

• The first row of film should be no closer than 10 cm to a wall or other object in the room, but no further than 40 cm.
• The step of the film cut line is 25 cm. It is not recommended to cut the film underfloor heating in another place.
• Between adjacent strips, the distance should be from 1 cm or more.
• The length of the floor strip is up to 8 m and no more.

Safety Precautions

When doing the work yourself, be careful and follow the safety precautions during the installation process. In particular, minimize walking on bare flooring.

During installation, a special material is used that protects the product from mechanical influences. It is also prohibited to install and drop heavy objects on the film.

When installing infrared underfloor heating, consider the following safety measures:

• Do not connect underfloor heating that is rolled up to the power source.
• Conduct meals in accordance with the requirements of the PUE and SNP.
• Install the film with the power off.
• During installation, maintain distances, offsets and overlaps.
• Do not mount the film under heavy interior elements and furniture.
• Use only the recommended type of insulation.
• Do not lay infrared floors under low-standing interior elements if the gap between them and the floor surface is less than 5 cm.
• Do not mount the infrared film in rooms where there is a risk of water ingress. It is also forbidden to contact the product with fittings, communications and other obstacles.
• All contacts must be well insulated where the busbars are cut.
• Be sure to install an RCD or difavtomat, which will protect in a timely manner in the event of a leakage current.
• Do not kink, kink or cut the heating cable.
• Perform installation at a temperature of -5 degrees Celsius and above.

The installation process

Installation of infrared underfloor heating is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• Preparation of the necessary tool. To work, you will need an IR film, a substrate for a laminate, temperature sensors, a regulator, wires for connection, a set of fasteners and insulation, plastic film, adhesive tape (adhesive tape), scissors, a wallpaper knife, a tape measure, a metal ruler and a pencil.
• Preparing a place for installing a floor heating thermostat C At this stage, you need to make a strobe in the wall to the floor and drill a hole for mounting the regulator. It is better to lay the wires in the corrugation to facilitate the process of maintenance and repair.
• Foundation preparation. Laying the infrared film is carried out only on a leveled and clean surface. If the slope deviation is more than three millimeters, the installation of IR film floors is prohibited. For reliability, it is desirable to treat the surface with a primer. If you have an old wooden floor in good condition, you can not remove it.
• Take the necessary measurements and calculate the required material.
• Laying a waterproofing film to protect the infrared floor from moisture from below (not always used, read the instructions for your infrared floor model).
• Fastening thermal insulation (insulation). The use of this material allows you to increase the efficiency of infrared floors, due to the fact that heat is directed only upwards. If warm floors are made on the second floor, there is no need to use thermal insulation.
• Thermal insulation is fixed with adhesive tape.
• Heating film preparation. At this stage, film floors must be cut, taking into account the calculations made and the size of the room. Incisions are made only in areas of white.

Laying film underfloor heating is carried out in the following sequence:

Connection of an infrared heat-insulated floor

Once the basic installation work is completed, you can start connecting the device.

To do this, do the following:

• Align the film and attach it to the substrate from the side opposite to where the regulator is installed.
• Bend the film from the side of the controller mounting and fix it with mounting adhesive tape.
• Prepare equipment and tools. You will need solder, a 60 W soldering iron and a 2,5 “square” wire (in some cases, a soldering iron is not needed, you can use the contact clamps that come with the product).
• Use a soldering iron or a sharp knife to remove the insulation from the protective rails, then connect the film sections by soldering or a contact clamp. You don’t need to cut the wire.
• When combining different sections of the film, follow the rules of phase and zero. Use colored wires to avoid confusion. In addition, avoid crossing them, otherwise there is a high risk of a break.
• Insulate the places where the wires are soldered with electrical tape.
• Make cutouts in the thermal insulation for wires and terminals so that the surface of the finish coat is even.
• Install a floor temperature sensor (if included). Its installation is carried out under the film in a special hole made in the substrate. The sensor is laid in the central part of the film working area, in the warmest place. The wire from the sensor is laid along the substrate to the thermostat and fastened with adhesive tape.
• Strip the wires and tin their ends, then connect to the temperature controller according to the instructions and the wiring diagram. In the same way, connect the installation wire, which is directed to the strips of film. A similar algorithm is typical for the supply cable.
• Combine the ground straps of the film. The connection after trimming and stripping is made using a cable or a copper strip. At the output, the wires must be placed in a corrugation.

Pitfalls

In the process of work, please note that the sensor must be installed in a special recess, after which it is covered with reinforced tape (for fixing).

Next, the sensor head is turned on with the reverse side and glued to the IR film. This ensures a secure fixation of the product.

Features of operation

When operating an infrared film floor, consider the following:

• If water gets on the film, the latter must be quickly turned off and allowed to dry. To remove moisture, you can not use additional devices – the film warm floor should dry naturally.
• It is not allowed to fix any elements using hardware, because this can damage the film.
• It is not allowed to lay metallized films, carpets or blankets on top of the IR floors, as well as place furniture on top. Failure to comply with this rule leads to overheating of the system.
• It is forbidden to turn on the system in order to dry the carpet. Many “cunning” resort to this technique after wet cleaning.

Installation of infrared underfloor heating under linoleum

Experts note that film infrared floors are well combined with linoleum.

But here are a few things to keep in mind:

• A chipboard sheet is laid on the film itself, which provides rigidity, after which linoleum is placed.
• The material heats up, which may cause an unpleasant odor. To avoid this, it is important to carefully approach the choice of coverage.
• Linoleum sheets must be glued.
• Laying is possible even on curved surfaces, in contrast to the installation of infrared floors under the laminate.

How to choose linoleum for infrared floor heating?

Installation of a warm floor under linoleum has its own nuances, which primarily concern the flooring.

Here, keep in mind that there are several types of linoleum – natural, PVC, rubber and glyptal.

Most of the products sold in stores are made of PVC and come in three types:

• without base;
• With fabric core;
• With heat and sound insulating base.

The use of underfloor heating when laying under floor coverings with low thermal conductivity does not make sense. That is why infrared floors are not mounted under linoleums with a heat-insulating base.

On the other hand, the smaller the thickness of the material, the more requirements are imposed on the performance of installation work. It is worth remembering that such a coating is sensitive to uneven areas and can be damaged during prolonged use.

The use of synthetic materials is not recommended for the reason that, in case of heating, substances hazardous to health are released. So when laying an infrared floor under linoleum, it is important to comply with the requirements for thermal conditions.

PVC is commercially available that cannot be heated above 26 degrees Celsius. To avoid health problems, a temperature equal to 28-30 degrees Celsius, no more, should be set under artificial and natural linoleum. In this case, natural linoleum is more preferable.

In the process of purchasing a product, study the documentation that comes with the coating. Manufacturers often indicate whether it is possible to use underfloor heating under a particular model of linoleum.

In particular, a marking is indicated on the product, and next to it is the temperature, if it is exceeded, softening and deformation of the product occur.

In addition, when the temperature limit is reached, dangerous gases are likely to be released into the air. To avoid this, it is necessary to have a high-quality thermostat that maintains a constant temperature regime.

Mounting Features

The principle of laying IR film floors is almost identical to what we have considered in the case of laminate. The only difference is the surface preparation. If there are irregularities on the floor, make a screed, then lay on top of chipboard, plywood or GVL.

After that, lay the heat-reflecting material (the reflective part should “look” down). Next, fasten the material together with adhesive tape and proceed with the installation. The algorithm of actions here is the same as discussed above.

Laying under tiles

The first question to be solved is which infrared floor is better to lay under the tiles. Above we considered two options (film and rod IR floors).

Practice has shown that rod structures are better suited, so they should be used when arranging floor heating under tiles.

If you decide to lay tiles on a film floor, use one of the installation methods:

1. First, a rigid loadable thermal insulation is laid on the floor;
2. Then the heat-reflecting material lays down;
3. Next, a film floor is laid, which is fastened with mounting tape in sections (so that there is ventilation);
4. The next layer is a polyethylene film;
5. Next comes the non-metal mesh;
6. From above, everything is poured with a screed, into which a temperature sensor will subsequently be mounted;
7. Then comes the glue on which the tiles are laid.

Installation using the example of Caleo Unimal

The Kaleo Unimal underfloor heating kit includes a carbon mat in a roll, wires for connection, connecting kits YuKS and end YuKK, a corrugated tube with a metal probe and a plug, a product passport with installation instructions.

Mounting recommendations are given separately on the DCD disk, which is also supplied with the kit.

Installation sequence:

• Prepare the necessary tools, a thermostat, infrared underfloor heating, Izolon heat-reflecting material. You will also need an SF4 floor sensor with corrugated tube or SF 7*30. From the tool you need pliers, crimping pliers, an insulation stripper, scissors, a knife, a screwdriver, an industrial hair dryer and adhesive tape.
• Prepare for installation. Determine the place on the floor where you will lay the carbon infrared heater. Unlike film floors, carbon infrared floors are not afraid of locking, so furniture and other interior elements can be installed on them.

Make sure the floor surface is clean and level. Determine in advance the place where the thermostat will be installed. It is better to install the device in the most convenient and easily accessible place. The best option is to mount the device near the switch.

connection

The last step is to connect the mounted carbon floor.

It uses the wires that come with the kit.

Proceed like this:

Now connect the connecting wires to the thermostat (“OUT” terminal), then tighten the fasteners with a screwdriver. Please note that the connection principle depends on the type of thermostat. To avoid mistakes, carefully read the instructions that come with the equipment.

The first strip of the IR floor is connected (using the example of a thermostat UTH – 200). Other lanes were already connected to the first one.

The next step is to make cutouts in the thermal insulation film to secure the underfloor heating to the base. Next, proceed to install the floor temperature sensor.

To do this:

Next, it remains to make a screed or apply tile adhesive. In the first case, the casting is done directly on the rods. In this case, the thickness of the screed should be about 2 cm, which will ensure uniform heating.

To create a screed, use only special compounds that can be used with underfloor heating. Please note that the inclusion of a warm floor is allowed only after 28 days, when the screed is completely dry.

If a screed is not required, the tiles are laid directly on the mounted carbon mats using a special tile adhesive. In this case, the total thickness of the adhesive and tiles must be at least 2 cm.

Turning on the heating is possible only after the glue has completely dried.

Installation on a wooden floor under a laminate

Manufacturers of infrared floors assure that the installation of such a design in houses with wooden floors is safe and does not require the use of additional measures.

But unlike tiles and other types of surfaces, where rod infrared warm floors are often used, film analogues are more suitable here, the installation technology of which we will consider below.

At the same time, we will pay attention to laying under two types of flooring – linoleum and laminate. Immediately, we note that the installation technology is almost the same as the one discussed above.

Three options for preparing a wooden floor

Before starting the installation of infrared heaters on a wooden floor, the latter must be prepared.

There are three ways here:

Option number 1.

Suitable for cases where the wooden coating is completely outdated, and the boards are fastened when walking and squeezed under weight.

Here the algorithm of actions is as follows:

• Remove the top cover and subfloor.
• Make sure the log is intact. If required, replace damaged items.
• Install the lags and check them for level, then securely fasten them.
• Pour expanded clay “pillow” to help avoid heat loss (other material can be used). Leave it to stand for two to three days until completely dry.
• Lay the subfloor. It is allowed that there are gaps of 15-20 mm between the boards.
• Apply an antiseptic to the subfloor and lay glassine.
• Lay the cover, seal the existing gaps between the walls and the floor with foam.
• Cover with plywood having 10-12 layers. It is desirable that the material is waterproof. Plywood is fastened with screws or self-tapping screws, having a length of 4-5 cm (fixation is made around the perimeter). There should be a distance of 15-20 cm between each screws. If the “vibration” of the plywood appears somewhere, it must be finally fixed.
• Fill the gaps between the plywood sheets with putty.
• Apply hot drying oil to the underside before laying, and then treat the outer surface of the floor (use the same drying oil for this).

Option number 2.

If the condition of the floor is satisfactory and only some boards sway when moving on it, and the heads of the nails rise above the surface, take the following steps:

• Nail all nails to the same level as the boards.
• In places of creaking, screw in 80 mm self-tapping screws.
• Remove the plinth.
• Lay plywood on the floor according to the principle described above.

Option number 3.

If the wooden floor in the room is in perfect condition, remove the baseboards and lay the plywood according to the principle discussed above.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that plywood sheets must be connected according to the tenon-groove principle, which makes it possible to achieve a seamless surface.

Stages of work

If you plan to install underfloor heating on wooden floors under a laminate, follow a simple algorithm:

• Remove the old laminate (if it was installed before).
• Lay a Mylar underlay “Comfort” or another similar one.
• Mount the thermal sheet and secure it with masking tape.
• Connect various elements of underfloor heating with wires.
• Install the thermostat.
• Lay floor covering.
• Connect and check the floors.

Installation on wooden under linoleum

Prepare everything you need to install an IR underfloor heating under linoleum. You will need an infrared film slightly smaller than the size of the room.

In places where heavy furniture is installed, it is impossible to lay a film. You also need adhesive tape (foil and construction), foil insulation, plywood for two layers, plastic wrap and pieces of bituminous insulation.

From the tool, prepare scissors, pliers, a construction knife and screwdrivers.

The following algorithm of actions is very similar to the previous ones:

• Prepare the floor surface. It is important here to cover the boards with plywood sheets, which must have a tenon-groove connection. Fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws, the heads of which must be recessed to a depth of 1-2 mm.
• Lay insulation (the foil should “look” up).
• Fasten the insulation with a stapler to the plywood.
• Seal the seams with tape.
• Determine the location of the thermostat. It is better to put it near the switch. It is also recommended to install a separate circuit breaker.
• Make a diagram of the film floor, which will indicate the cabling. The connection must be made in parallel.
• Prepare strips of the required length. At the same time, cut the strips in a certain place.
• Lay the film with the copper strip down, do not overlap.
• Isolate the cut points with a bituminous type insulator, taking into account the wiring diagram.
• Make sure that the insulation securely closes the contacts that combine the copper bus and carbon heaters.
• Place special clamps at the connection points of the circuit. Secure them with pliers. Connect to the IR film buses in the same way.
• Glue the stacked sheets with adhesive tape.
• Insert the stripped wires into the clamp terminal and clamp them with pliers.
• Insulate the connection area with bituminous insulation. In the process of fixing the insulation, make sure that all contacts are closed.
• Install the temperature sensor with bituminous insulating tape.
• Deepen the temperature sensor and wire into the insulation. To do this, first make a rectangular hole for the sensor and a strip for the wire.
• Secure the wires with tape.
• Install and connect the thermostat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Turn on underfloor heating, set the regulator to 30 degrees Celsius, and then make sure there are no sparks or overheating.
• Lay a plastic film on the surface of the warm floors, and then linoleum.

In a wooden house, tiles can also be laid on a film floor, but this method is rarely used in this case. The peculiarity is that here you have to make a screed.

On this, the work can be considered completed. At the same time, you can do it yourself without the involvement of craftsmen.

From the material of the article, you can understand that the installation of an infrared warm floor can be done with your own hands, but there are many features and nuances that only professionals know, especially when installing a temperature sensor, connecting and configuring regulators. Therefore, it is better to entrust the installation process to professionals.