Warm floor under linoleum installation. Underfloor heating electric under linoleum

In addition, a warm floor will help you heat the house, which can be installed under linoleum. The “warm floor” system, which was recently available only to a few, is now gaining more and more popularity. By equipping your apartment with such a device, you can walk barefoot on the floor even on the coldest winter days. Many people think that not all finishing materials can be combined with underfloor heating; linoleum is considered especially unsuitable for such a tandem. However, if you take into account all the nuances of choosing and installing such a design, you can equip a warm floor under the linoleum with your own hands.

The choice of linoleum under the film floor heating

Linoleum is very cheap, and therefore a popular material. However, its low cost suggests that it lags far behind new materials in terms of its technological characteristics.

To determine if you can use this species linoleum in combination with underfloor heating, you can consult with a sales assistant, or look at the pictograms on the package.

Very often, unscrupulous manufacturers add harmful substances to the composition of linoleum. Because of this, when heated, compounds hazardous to health begin to be released from such a material. In order not to become a victim of fraud, always ask the seller for a quality certificate before buying linoleum, and also make sure that this type of material is suitable for use in combination with underfloor heating.

When choosing linoleum for underfloor heating film, you need to consider its quality and basic characteristics

Types of linoleum and their interaction with underfloor heating:

Rubber linoleum is perhaps one of the cheapest types. They are not very aesthetic appearance and low quality indicators, which is why it is rarely used for finishing houses and apartments. However, laying such material on a warm floor is quite possible.
PVC linoleum is also inexpensive and looks good in the interior of the apartment. When heated above 28 degrees Celsius, it begins to release harmful compounds, so it is absolutely unsuitable for installation together with a warm floor.
Single-layer linoleum is thin and short-lived material. It, of course, can be laid on a warm floor, but it requires frequent replacement.
Insulated linoleum is a high-quality thick material with low thermal conductivity. However, it can only be put in a room where there is no underfloor heating system.
Glyptal linoleum covered with a thick layer of varnish. It meets all modern technological requirements. This is ideal for laying underfloor heating.

In addition to the above qualities of linoleum, you need to pay attention to what it is made of. back side material. If its back layer consists of fabric, then such linoleum is not suitable for a warm floor.

Infrared heated floor under linoleum

More recently, the underfloor heating system required a long and laborious installation, during which it was necessary to deal with concrete work. However, now that the construction industry is developing rapidly, there are easier and more convenient options.

Infrared film underfloor heating is modern material, which in appearance resembles a black thick plate, it bends perfectly and is light in weight. In some respects, such a film is inferior to more traditional types of underfloor heating, but it also has enough advantages.

Quite popular today is the infrared warm floor under linoleum

Advantages of infrared floor heating:

The cost of all elements of such a design is lower than, for example, a water-heated floor.
Installing a film underfloor heating is so simple that you can handle it on your own.
Such a system is not afraid of frost and cannot crack and flood the premises under it.
When you turn on such a device, the floor heats up instantly. In this case, only objects in contact with the floor are heated, and the air does not lose moisture.
Underfloor heating film can be laid only in those places where heating is needed. Thus, you save material.

The list of advantages of the infrared floor is quite large. However, so far, unfortunately, such tape heating can hardly be called ideal. It has some significant drawbacks.

Disadvantages of a warm floor on a film basis:

The possibility of electric shock to people walking on it. And although such a probability is very small, because the device is well grounded, such cases still happened.
Great energy consumption. Maintenance of such a system is several times more expensive than floor heating with a water device.
Dependence on the availability of electricity. In the event of a power outage, floor heating stops immediately.

As you can see, infrared floor heating also has disadvantages. If they seem too big to you. Then you can choose another system for yourself, but each type has its drawbacks.

Electric underfloor heating under linoleum

The electrical cable floor may be cable-based. In the first case, the design is just a wire, and in the second, a heated mesh in the form of a wire.

You can quickly and easily make a room warm with an electric floor.

An electric floor on a base is easier to install, but the pros and cons of both options are the same. This type of underfloor heating has characteristics similar to the infrared system, but there are some differences.

You can make such a floor yourself, even without special equipment. You do not even need to implant it in the screed, if as finishing material tiles will be used, but under linoleum and laminate concrete base you have to install everything.

By choosing such a system for your home, you can safely move furniture, which is undoubted advantage. However, the amount of energy consumed by such a system is still very large, so you should not use it as the main source of heating.

Water floor heating under linoleum

A water heated floor is more suitable for heating private houses, since such a system requires an additional riser. However, new multi-story houses already have everything necessary equipment to install such a system.

If you install such a floor in an apartment without the consent of your neighbors and utilities, then you may have problems with the law.

For heating private houses, many experts recommend using a water-heated floor.

The disadvantages of such a system over electric underfloor heating are the following factors: mandatory filling with a screed, laborious installation, high cost of materials, and the possibility of installation not in all rooms. Another disadvantage of all warm floors is that you can’t constantly walk on them, otherwise you may develop diseases associated with blood vessels.

The advantages of underfloor heating include the fact that it saves energy, does not emit harmful electrical and electromagnetic waves, and is also able to cope with space heating without additional devices.

Laying underfloor heating under linoleum

After you have decided on the type of floor heating, you can proceed directly to its installation. We will look at how to properly lay the infrared floor on a film basis. Such a system is the easiest to do, and by that, you will definitely cope with it.

It is quite possible to lay a warm floor under linoleum on your own, the main thing is to familiarize yourself with all the nuances of this process in advance

Instructions on how to lay a film underfloor heating:

The preparatory stage includes leveling the floor with a screed or cement plaster(it depends on how uneven the base is).
A waterproofing protection is glued on top of the leveled floor. It can be a film, or bituminous glue (mastic).
The waterproofing film is sewn up with sheets of plywood or chipboard.
Now you can draw up a diagram according to which the thermal film will be placed. It does not need to be laid in a solid line. Places where sofas and cabinets will stand are best left unheated.
A heat-insulating material having a layer of reflective aluminum foil is laid over the plywood base. To fasten sheets of thermal insulation together, use adhesive tape and a construction stapler.
Now, according to the previously drawn up scheme, the infrared film is laid. At the same time, it should lie with the bottom side on the thermal film. The sheets of the warm floor are fastened together with adhesive tape.
Further, the place of the cut of the wide copper bus is pasted over with bituminous insulation. Where the film will be connected to the wires, copper clamps are installed. And the whole structure is connected according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Before assembling a warm floor, be sure to read the instructions on the package. You should also check with an electrician to determine if your wiring is capable of handling the stresses of such a system.

Installation of infrared floor heating under linoleum (video)

Underfloor heating is a great way to add extra heat to a room. It can even be used in tandem with linoleum. Use such a system in your home, and let you always be warm!

The modern building materials market offers a huge range of different linoleum floor coverings. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when choosing a particular material. A warm floor under linoleum should be chosen very carefully, as improperly selected material can cause certain problems.

Linoleum for underfloor heating

The thickness of the coating significantly affects the quality of thermal conductivity, but at the same time, a thin coating does not hide the imperfections of the floor on which it lies. Each existing unevenness will sooner or later make itself felt, therefore, before laying thin linoleum, it is recommended to withstand at room temperature during the day. If you use a warm floor under linoleum, then the exposure time should be increased. Linoleum is placed on the floor (without fixing), after which the heating system is turned on.

Fixing linoleum with mastic

We should also talk about fixing linoleum on the floor. In such cases, the use of double-sided tape or adhesive mastic is recommended. When using underfloor heating, mastic should be given, as it is able to provide a more uniform thermal field.

When choosing linoleum for a warm floor, you need to pay attention to some points that are an indispensable feature of any good quality flooring.

First of all, there must be a high thermal conductivity. In addition, there must be high resistance to discoloration and fading, as well as resistance to deformation resulting from exposure to high temperatures.

As such a coating, you can use multi-layer PVC linoleum, which goes well with almost all types of underfloor heating. It has a huge number of colors, can decorate the interior of any room. Of course, in addition to the advantages of this material, there are also disadvantages, the most important of which is the inability to use it at too high temperatures.

The most popular way of heating is a warm electric floor under linoleum, which is divided into cable and infrared types.

Cable and infrared underfloor heating under linoleum, reviews of which will allow you to more accurately determine the desired type of heating, cope with the task at the highest level. However, it is worth noting here that when combining them with linoleum, materials should be selected very carefully, since they must transfer heat well and be resistant to high temperatures.

Linoleum with a large thickness (with additional heat-insulating layer) can slightly reduce the level of return from the warm floor. For this reason, the use of such linoleum is not always effective. The ideal option will be the use of a warm floor under linoleum, which has a small thickness and high resistance to mechanical and chemical stress.

An ideal solution that suits almost any type of flooring is an infrared floor heating system.

Infrared warm floor under linoleum completely transfers heat through flooring and also provides high-quality ionization of the air in the room.

For information on how to choose a warm floor, read the link.

Underfloor heating under linoleum - installation and installation

First you need to determine the configuration and area of the floor area, which will be heated in the future. Measurements should be taken only in those areas where objects will not be located. household appliances or furniture. The IR film must be placed along the entire length of the room, which will avoid too many connection points for the installation wires. If there is electrical wiring inside the floor, then it should be at a distance of about 50mm from the IR film and insulated from the floor or wiring with heat-insulating material. There must be a distance of at least 200mm between heat sources (pipes, ovens, fireplaces, etc.) and the IR film.
Then you should start preparing the heating elements, for which the heating film is cut along the cut lines along the heating strips every 250 mm. It is forbidden to cut the film along any other lines. Contact clamps are installed on the finished heating elements. In those places where current-carrying copper strips and a two-layer film pass, the wire tip is installed in such a way that it is located on the contact strip inside the thermal film. Then an eyelet is inserted into the hole, which must be riveted with a special stapler or hammer.

The cut lines of the contact strip are insulated on both sides using a waterproofing strip. Protected copper wires with a cross section of 1.5 sq. mm. brought to the tip and clamped with pliers. After that, the junction of the copper bus and electric wire with a tip on both sides must be insulated with a waterproofing strip. Parts of the heating film must be connected in parallel to each other, and the highest total power of the heating elements that are connected to the thermostat must not exceed 3500W.
At the time of connection heating system must take into account the existence of other electrical appliances, which may also be connected to this network.
In the event that the total power of the heating system is more than 3500W, it is advisable to connect it using a separate electrical wiring, which is protected by a separate auto switch. In addition, the connection of heating devices should be carried out using a magnetic starter.

Then it is necessary to lay the thermal insulation with a reflective layer and fix it with adhesive tape.
Heating elements are laid on the thermal insulation with copper strips down. They should be laid in such a way as to avoid contact between adjacent strips. The heating elements are attached with adhesive tape, a stapler or furniture nails, which will minimize the likelihood of the bands moving during the laying of the coating.
Attach the heating elements only through the transparent rim located on the sides of the element. The heating element should be approximately 5mm away from any feed section of the element, which also includes the copper busbars. The wires should be arranged in such a way that the main ones are under the plinth. In those places where the contact strips are isolated and there is a thickening of the system, cuts are made in the thermal insulation in order to level the surface for the final coating.

Then you need to carefully inspect the system, as well as check the reliability of the insulation and fastening of the wires. After that, it is necessary to measure the resistance of the heating strips. If there are sources of a possible short circuit in the system, they should be eliminated, and then a second performance test should be carried out.
Using adhesive tape, a temperature sensor is attached under the cut line (where there is no heated section of the film). Heating elements and a sensor are attached to the thermostat.

Then you need to turn on the thermostat and leave it for a few minutes. Lean your hand against the heating element - the film underfloor heating under the linoleum should emit heat at a pleasant temperature.
After that, the infrared film is covered with a vapor barrier material, and the joints are fastened with adhesive tape.

The mounted warm floor is covered with Izospan thermal insulation

Fiberboard or plywood sheets are laid on the vapor barrier material, which are attached to the primary screed with screws and carefully aligned. Plywood sheets are attached only through a transparent rim located along the cut lines of the IR film and the sides of the element. The element should not be attached closer than 5mm from any feeding areas of the elements.
Further, on a warm floor under linoleum, the price of which will be lower than, for example, under a laminate coating, linoleum material is laid in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

To create a comfortable temperature in the room, various types of heating are used, among which a warm floor powered by electricity has gained particular popularity. Such a system is compatible with various floor coverings, including laminate, linoleum, ceramic tile and even carpet.

If your plans include making an electric underfloor heating under linoleum, then this is a completely feasible idea. And we will tell you how to put it into practice.

In the cold season, the issue of space heating becomes more relevant. Electrical floor system is able to heat the room evenly and create the most favorable conditions for life.

The temperature near the floor and under the ceiling with such heating has an insignificant difference, and the possibility of adjusting the temperature further expands the possibilities of using electric heating.

The advantages of an electric underfloor heating can be safely attributed to the fact that such a system does not dry out the air in the room. Moderate is important especially for people with respiratory diseases. During activity in the room, as well as during sleep, the airways will not dry out.

To adjust the temperature in the room, just set the timer for the period of time when you need to heat the room

From an aesthetic point of view, electric floor heating is the best solution. It is completely invisible and does not have to be masked to create a harmonious interior. The system is laid under the floor covering, so it does not take up usable space in the room.

Electric underfloor heating can act as the main source of heat during the winter months, or it can be auxiliary.

Often such a system is combined with the main central heating, which helps to warm up those rooms where a more stable air temperature is needed: in the bathroom or in the nursery

The advantages also include the fact that electric heating saves about 25-30% of standard costs on the main source of heating. And complete safety for a person makes such a system universal.

What do you need for optimal performance?

First of all, for your underfloor heating to work flawlessly, you will need uninterrupted electricity. If there are frequent power outages in your locality, then for electric heating additional hardware is required.

Installation and purchase of a backup power supply system will entail additional costs. The wiring also needs to be upgraded so that it can withstand constant loads.

Need to be given Special attention installation process.

You can use one of the options:

hire specialists who will install an electric floor heating system quickly and efficiently;
understand the topic and do it yourself.

In the second case, it is necessary to delve into the specifics of working with each type of floor covering, on which it depends how the floor heating system will be installed. In particular, work with the installation of an electric underfloor heating under linoleum must be carried out according to certain rules.

Features of installing an electric floor under linoleum

Infrared electric underfloor heating is the most the best way for linoleum from all types of floor heating. It doesn't require filling. cement screed, which is mandatory for laying an electric or water cable under the floor covering.

Ideal for linoleum, as it is quite thin and will not be felt under the main coating. In addition, linoleum requires special thermoregulation to maintain its structure, which successfully provides infrared floor heating.

One m3 of infrared floor generates power up to 150 watts. Such conditions will not affect the linoleum in any way, since it is able to withstand heating within such limits. A large load can result in damage to the appearance and functional properties of the coating

If linoleum is exposed to high temperatures, it can:

change color;
become more elastic, which will lead to breaks;
publish bad smell and harmful vapors;
deform.

It is better to leave work with electricity to specialists, since it will require the correct calculation of materials, and the work itself may not be within your power. The rest of the work requires less preparation, so you can handle it without problems.

Necessary Precautions

Before you start installing STP under linoleum, you need to remember the basic safety rules when working with electricity:

installation begins only after the power supply is turned off;
you cannot test the system if you have not checked the quality of the isolation of all channels;
infrared film cannot be superimposed on each other;
the temperature value should not exceed 30 degrees, so as not to overheat the coating.

By observing the listed norms, you can avoid accidents, as well as damage to the system and linoleum.

It is important to remember that for installation you will need a heat-reflecting coating, which is laid under the linoleum. If the material is made using aluminum foil, then its use is strictly prohibited!

Selection of the right materials

For installation you will need required amount infrared thermal films, insulation, temperature sensors, thermostats, wiring, heat-reflecting material, linoleum and others Construction Materials.

Linoleum, which will be laid on top of an electric underfloor heating, must have special technical specifications. The main indicator is the thickness of the material.

Too thin linoleum can change its structure due to constant exposure high temperature, also such material can be deformed due to irregularities in the base and take on an ugly appearance. A denser coating will demonstrate worse thermal conductivity, but its structure will not change.

Need to choose linoleum optimum thickness, which can withstand high temperature loads, while correcting floor irregularities

Before fixing the linoleum, you just need to spread it on the floor for a while and turn on the system electric heating gender. Then the material will warm up, take on a more natural shape, straighten out, after which it can be fixed.

Infrared floor installation instructions

An infrared heating system is the best option for flooring such as linoleum.

The first stage of installation is the establishment of boundaries where floor heating will be laid. Places under furniture and household appliances must be excluded immediately. In order to have fewer points where the wires will be connected, the film is laid out along the entire length of the room.

Electric cables can pass under the floor, which must be at a distance of less than 5 cm from the infrared film. If these are pipes or a fireplace, then at least 20 cm.

The next stage is cutting the film along the heating strips. They are designed so that the internal structure infrared system did not break. When the film is cut into pieces, contact clamps are attached to it (they should be located in the place of the two-layer film and the copper strips through which the current passes). Using a hammer or other improvised means, a grommet is inserted into the hole.

Next, the sections of infrared contact strips are isolated. Copper wires are led to the tip, clamped and insulated with a waterproofing strip. The film elements are attached parallel to each other so that they do not overlap in any way.

There are situations when the total power of the system exceeds the limit of 3500 watts. In this case, you will need to mount a separate wiring electrical cables with an independent switch to remove a large load from the main electrical wiring. It is important to use a magnetic starter here.

After work with the film, an insulating material with a heat-reflecting layer is laid. Such material is attached with adhesive tape. The heating elements are placed on top. They should be placed with copper strips down.

Touching two strips should be avoided, as this will lead to overheating of the system at the point of contact. For fixing heating elements, a stapler or adhesive tape is most often used, less often furniture nails. Such fastening methods will guarantee that in the future the strips will not move and will not fall on one another.

Rules for laying heating elements:

attached only to a transparent border;
the heating element must be located at a distance of at least 0.5 cm from the area through which the copper wiring passes;
the main wires must be routed under the plinth;
so that the insulation lies flush with the floor, it is necessary to make cuts for the thickened areas.

After the completed stages of work, the system needs to be checked in detail. First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the insulation of the wires and their fastening. Next, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of short circuits in the system, and if necessary, correct the problems.

It is necessary to test the system until the moment when possible failures or malfunctions of the floor heating elements are completely excluded

Next, you need to attach the temperature sensor to the thermostat. This procedure is carried out using adhesive tape, and fastening is performed in a place where there is no heat. Then the thermostat turns on and waits a short amount of time to see if it is functioning correctly. If everything is done correctly, then you can feel the emerging heat with your hand.

If the whole system is working properly, then it is covered with a special material that regulates the release of steam. The material is attached with adhesive tape. Sheet plywood or fiberboard is laid on top. They are attached to the base with screws and perform the function of leveling the floor.

The plywood should be placed in such a way that its fastenings fall on the transparent part of the infrared film and do not touch copper gasket. Fasteners should be located no closer than 0.5 cm from the insulated parts of the film through which electricity passes.

Depending on the base on which the warm floor is laid, the technology for its installation may differ slightly:

Spreading linoleum on the included heating system, it is worth waiting a few days for it to take on a natural shape. You don't need to fix it first.
Linoleum must have good thermal conductivity, while being very durable and resistant to fading. As good example a multi-layered linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride acts, which is not afraid of exposure to heat.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
More useful information about warm floors various kinds- in the videos below.

Useful materials optionally:

The nuances of mounting a film type:

It is possible to make an electric STP under linoleum with my own hands, most importantly, observe safety precautions and do the work in the right sequence. It is better to entrust electrical work to specialists, but installation upper layers systems can be performed without assistance. Be patient necessary materials, and you will spend the cold season in comfort, regardless of common system heating and other factors.
If you had to do it yourself under linoleum, please share your own experience with visitors to our site. Perhaps you know the intricacies of installation that we did not mention in this material? Leave your comments in the contact box below the article.

Linoleum is recognized as the most common final layer, its main and important advantage is the price and a wide choice. color solutions. But the democratic price has its reasons, and one of them is the use of raw materials, which cannot be called absolutely safe. Many owners may wonder if it is possible to implement underfloor heating electric under linoleum.

Choosing the right linoleum

First of all, during the selection of linoleum for electric coating, you need to pay special attention to the labeling of the product, it must have a mark on the possibility of using electric underfloor heating under linoleum, and the limit value of heating is also indicated.

Types of linoleum:

PVC. Most affordable option market, the maximum permissible level of heating is 28 degrees Celsius. In the scheme, the electric floor is applicable, continuous monitoring of the heated level is necessary;
Glyphthal. Endowed with all characteristics and meets all criteria best coverage, coated with insulating varnish. The best option for laying electrical flooring, weak side this coverage recognized indecently high cost;
Rubber. The cheapest layer with the lowest quality elements. Rarely used in living rooms, not recommended for underfloor heating systems;
Single layer. Thin and extremely cheap product, applicable in places with constantly polluted rooms, regular replacement is needed. Joints are welded using specialized equipment. Not allowed in the scheme under the electric floor for this topcoat.
Linoleums are special. A multilayer material having a very complex structure and high cost. It conducts heat very poorly, it is not allowed to use under the electrical layer.

Another important element, on which it is imperative to sharpen your eyes, this is the presence or absence of a special fabric layer. If this layer is present, then its own thermal conductivity is sharply reduced and linoleum with this design is not allowed for use under a warm floor.

Varieties of warm flooring under linoleum

What are electric underfloor heating under linoleum?

There are several types of electric underfloor heating under linoleum:

The heating wire is laid and poured directly into the cement screed;
Specialized heating mats are covered with a small layer of screed or a specialized mixture;
Film coating is also called infrared film. Laying takes place in a dry way. It is considered the best electric underfloor heating under linoleum installation is recognized as the easiest and most affordable.

All of the above varieties are allowed under the linoleum coating. But each of the varieties has its own subtleties and secrets. Next, we will explore all the options to choose the most optimal solution in the realities of your house or apartment.

We mount a warm floor using a heating wire

This type of product is sold in bays. Its laying takes place on a prepared and insulated base, on which it was originally mounted. After the wire is fixed in the grid, the screed is poured. The advantage of this method is that by changing the distance between the turns of the wire, the degree of heating is regulated. Also, the price of the wire is much less than the price of mats and infrared films. Of the minuses of this method, the implementation of a more time-consuming installation and a thick screed is considered.

Order of required work:

At the first stage, the base is prepared, the entire surface is cleaned of dirt, cracks are sealed and chipped, if necessary, the base is leveled.

We calculate the required power of a warm floor and purchase necessary inventory. A diagram of the future distribution of the wire is drawn, the distance between the turns should be at least 7.5 cm, 10 centimeters to the furniture installation sites, and at least 50 cm from the heating elements.

A vapor barrier film is laid with the necessary excess along the edges of the walls. It is also attached to the walls, which levels the thermal expansion.

The next step is the installation of thermal insulation material. If major insulation is required, then a 5 cm thick foam is applicable, and if the insulation was carried out earlier, then it will be enough to lay foam-foil material having a thickness of half a centimeter.

Next, the wire is laid in accordance with the previously prepared layout. The wire should not be closer than 7.5 centimeters to each other. The bends are executed smoothly and fastened using a mounting tape.

The thermostat is mounted at a height of at least one meter above the floor height, the wiring for the underfloor heating circuit is made in specially made strobes, and the temperature sensor is hidden in the strobe and a special box.

The connection of supply and heating cables is carried out by special couplings. Thus, a single network is formed, which must have grounding.

At the final stage, do-it-yourself installation of the floor of the connections and couplings made is checked. Then the total resistance of the network is checked using a multimeter or megger, the resistance must be at least 10 MΩ.

After the entire check, the screed is poured in such a layer that the wire is covered with at least a three-centimeter layer of screed. Next, the screed is checked for a difference, it is 2 millimeters per 2 meters of the floor, then after the final drying of the screed, you can start laying linoleum, and if the difference is more than two millimeters, then you need to level the floor using specialized mixtures, and only then lay linoleum.

Heating mats

Heating mats are a laid heating cable on a polymer network half a meter wide, while the pitch of the laid wire is 7.5 centimeters.

The algorithm of the necessary actions almost completely coincides with the heating wire described above, with the exception of some points.

Due to its small dimensions, the screed for mats can be made using self-leveling compounds, the thickness of this screed will not exceed one centimeter. After checking the integrity of the system and waiting for the final drying of the base, it is possible to proceed with the installation on the floor with your own hands of the final coating in the form of linoleum.

infrared floor

The presented type of electric floor is endowed with the smallest thickness, and the main advantage is the admissibility of laying it by a quick method, without performing a screed. This greatly reduces material costs and reduces repair time by an order of magnitude. This is the most easy method for personal work.

The disadvantages of this coating include the overpriced price of this type of electric floor and extreme sensitivity to moisture.

The stages of preparation for the installation of the electric infrared layer differ from those described above in that the stage of pouring the screed is excluded. It is necessary to prepare the base and connect the infrared base to a common network, as well as monitor its operation. After making sure that the scheme works, it is allowed to proceed with the installation of the finishing floor layer in the form of linoleum.

In this article, the answer to the question about electric warm floors, how to choose under linoleum was voiced and three main types of electric floors and their positive and negative points were studied.

And we also considered which linoleum can be laid on a warm floor. The most accessible and fastest method is the installation of an infrared floor, and linoleum, whichever one is chosen, cannot be heated above 30 degrees Celsius. Having studied this material, you will easily find the right choice for your particular case.

Heating individual sections of the floor or even its entire area is becoming a popular solution in modern apartments and private houses. Budget option the implementation of such a system is considered an electric underfloor heating under linoleum.

Installation can be done independently, but first you need to decide on the type of underfloor heating, as well as choose the right floor covering.

Underfloor heating is an extremely convenient system. It can be used as the main method of heating a home, which has significant advantages over traditional water heating. But more often they put a warm floor as additional source heat, designed to solve local problems.

For example, it is very good if the floor in the bathroom, on the insulated loggia or in the hallway has a comfortable temperature. Such a project costs much less than laying the system throughout the apartment, and it will take much less time for installation. First you need to decide on the type of underfloor heating system.

You will have to choose between a water and an electrical system. In the first case, heating is carried out hot water circulating through pipes that are laid in a screed under the floor covering. A water heated floor is considered cheaper to operate, since it is, as it were, a branch of the heating system at home.

Alas, such systems are prohibited for installation in multi-apartment high-rise buildings. building codes, they can only be installed in private homes. Electric underfloor heating is more diverse. A heating cable or a special infrared film can be used as a heating element.

This diagram shows the device of a film warm floor: a heater is laid on the subfloor, then a film is mounted, it is covered with a layer of vapor-permeable material on top

Such a floor is more expensive, but it is easier to lay, and the adjustment of the operation of electrical systems is carried out more accurately and quickly than when heated with water. Therefore, in apartments, and even in private houses, preference is given to electric warm floor. But choosing a system is only half the battle. You need to choose the right flooring.

Ceramic tiles are combined with any underfloor heating just perfect, but not everywhere and not always this type of coating is acceptable. Linoleum is distinguished by its availability, low price, the ability to quickly and easy installation, but not as well combined with a warm floor as we would like.

Firstly, because this flooring does not conduct heat very well, and this somewhat reduces the efficiency of the heating system. Secondly, because linoleum itself does not tolerate heat very well. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the following unpleasant phenomena:

changing the color of the flooring;
deformation of its surface and swelling;
the release of phenol fumes into the air, a substance hazardous to health.

And yet, linoleum is quite successfully mounted on top of a warm floor. You just need to choose the right flooring. For example, there are types of linoleum on a thick base, which protects against the effects of cold.

Such a material with reduced thermal conductivity will not work. But too thin linoleum is not acceptable - it will repeat all the irregularities of the subfloor, and the wear resistance of such a material is usually low.

Marmoleum is the so-called natural linoleum, which tolerates heat well and does not emit any hazardous substances

On modern linoleum there is a marking indicating whether this material is suitable for underfloor heating or not. Good feedback sound about marmoleum, which is also called natural linoleum.

Marking linoleum for use under underfloor heating

This coating is made from natural ingredients that do not emit anything harmful. At the same time, marmoleum demonstrates good resistance to heat and wear.

“Unnatural” types of linoleum are also quite acceptable. So that the coating does not deteriorate, you just need to follow the correct temperature regime. Working temperature warm floor usually varies between 25-28 degrees. If this limit is not exceeded, linoleum will perfectly endure even prolonged heating.

Cable or infrared film?

Underfloor heating systems that run on electricity are clearly divided into electric and infrared. Electrical systems are a heating cable, which is laid on a special mesh, and then poured with a screed. A similar system in which the cable is already laid on special mats can become more convenient for installation. They are stacked in strips and connected to each other.

Infrared or film floor is arranged fundamentally differently. This is a complex system that looks like a thin, less than one millimeter, dark film. It's actually a graphite heating element sandwiched between two strips of thin polyester. To connect to the mains, special copper-silver conductors are used. The degree of heating can be controlled using a thermostat, usually supplied with the system. The undoubted “plus” of the infrared floor heating is the low cost of electricity for heating.

Such a warm floor heats the room with the help of infrared rays and does not need a screed. It is placed on a prepared base, a floor covering is mounted on top. For laying under linoleum, film systems are best suited. They do not heat up too much, so dangerous overheating of the coating in this case is practically excluded. The film is very thin, it can be laid almost without problems, even if the repair in the room has been completed long ago.

To do this, the floor covering is removed, the base is leveled, the film is installed, and then the floor covering is laid again. The floor level will rise by only a few millimeters. But it should be remembered that such systems are quite expensive, and also that they require very High Quality installation work. For example, the base for infrared floor heating should be almost perfectly flat. Even a small difference in height can damage the film.

Does this mean that a cable electric floor cannot be used with linoleum? Not at all. This solution also has every right to exist. But installation in this case will be more difficult, and the thickness of the so-called floor pie will be greater.

Cable underfloor heating is laid on a base of thermal insulation material and fixed on a reinforcing mesh, after which it is poured concrete screed

Due to the screed, thermal insulation, vapor barrier and other components, the floor level can increase significantly. Important point- the correct temperature regime. A heating level in the range of 22-25 degrees is usually enough to feel comfortable, and such a temperature will not damage the floor covering.

Installation of infrared floor heating

Start laying the infrared film with a layout plan. This recommendation is especially relevant for spacious rooms, but it should not be ignored in small areas. The film floor is laid only on open areas, under furniture, heating is not needed, it will only create an unnecessary load on the system and may cause it to break.

Distribute strips of film usually along the length of the room to minimize splicing separate parts. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 50 mm from the electrical wiring laid in the floor and 200 mm from any heat sources: oven, fireplace, radiator, etc.

Strips of infrared film are connected to the power supply in parallel, so you need to lay them out along the long wall of the room to reduce the number of contacts

The next step is preparing the foundation. It should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, irregularities repaired and leveled with a concrete screed. Continue installation work can be done only after the screed has dried. After that, heat-insulating material is laid on the base to increase the efficiency of the system. The joints are glued with special adhesive tape. Then you can start laying the infrared film.

A layer of heat-insulating material is laid on the base for infrared floor heating to prevent heat loss. Insulation at the joints is glued with reflective tape

The film must be properly laid out. Almost certainly for this it will have to be cut into separate parts. The lines along which this material can be cut are clearly marked on the surface with a dotted line. It is impossible to cut the film in some other places, so as not to spoil it. After the film is laid in accordance with the plan drawn up earlier, it must be fixed to the base.

You can cut the infrared film for floor heating only along special dotted lines so as not to damage the graphite heater inserts

To do this, use adhesive tape, staples or even ordinary furniture nails. But fasteners can only be used on special transparent strips along the edges of the film, so as not to accidentally damage the heating element. Power is supplied to the spread out strips of the infrared film by means of terminal clamps.

Each such clamp must be inserted between the layers of the shell so that its end touches the copper strip located inside. After that, the clamp is fixed with an eyelet, which is riveted using a special device. Some craftsmen do this with an ordinary hammer, but care must be taken not to damage the graphite inserts.

All points of connection of the film underfloor heating to electrical wires must be carefully insulated with special tape. Before turning on the system, you need to make sure that the insulation is intact.

Then, with the help of pliers, attach to the contact clamps copper wire with a cross section of 1.5 mm in a protective sheath. After that, the cut lines should be protected with a special waterproofing coating. Connecting individual segments of the infrared floor is performed in parallel, not in series. The wires are led out under the plinth and lead to a power source.

The wires of the infrared warm floor are slightly deepened into the layer of heat-insulating material so that they do not protrude and the surface remains flat

In the form of a description, the process of mounting an IR film does not look too complicated, but in practice there are several nuances that must be taken into account during the work:

a certain distance must be maintained between the individual strips of the film, overlapping of the material is unacceptable, this error will certainly cause the system to overheat and quickly break down, as well as damage the flooring.
it is not recommended to set the thermostat to a temperature above 30 degrees, in the case of laying an infrared floor under linoleum, you can limit yourself to 25 degrees;
before installing the temperature sensor, the electricity in the house should be turned off, the installation and connection of the device should be carried out, and only after that the voltage should be applied to the device and the entire system;
before checking the operation of the IR film, you need to carefully inspect all the places where the contacts are connected to make sure that the protective insulation is present and intact.

When mounted on large areas the total power of the system should be monitored. If this figure exceeds 3.5 kW, it is better to allocate a separate power supply line for it to avoid overloads. Since the film is very thin, the contact points will protrude slightly above the surface. So that this moment does not affect the condition of the floor covering, the thermal insulation layer in such places has to be cut off a little in order to even out the height of the film above the base.

The temperature sensor is installed under the film in the area where there are no heating elements, and fixed with adhesive tape. After that, the system is connected to a thermostat. Now you can start testing the system. They turn on the warm floor, check the wire connection points, eliminate the identified flaws, etc.

Assess the degree of heating of the floor, the heat should be distributed evenly over the area. Now the film needs to be covered with a layer vapor barrier film, which is also fixed with tape. After that, you can start laying the flooring.

A detailed video instruction on laying a film underfloor heating is presented here:

Features of laying the cable system

If preference is still given not to the film, but to the heating cable, the following work will have to be done:

Draw up a layout plan for the heating cable.
Clean the base from dirt, level it.
Lay insulating material.
Lay and fix the mounting grid.
Lay the cable according to the plan.
Install the temperature sensor.
Connect the system to the thermostat and power supply.
Fill the floor with concrete screed, level it.
Wait for the surface to dry.
Perform flooring installation.

As a heater, you can use expanded polystyrene plates or a special material designed specifically for cable underfloor heating. It looks like a rubber mat with ridges on the surface. These tabs are specially designed to fix the heating cable. Then the need to lay the mounting grid is eliminated.

Cable underfloor heating, which is already fixed on a reinforcing mesh, is much easier to lay than a conventional heating cable, but this is a more expensive option.

The temperature sensor must be laid at an equal distance from the cable, its close contact with heating element or with concrete screed. Therefore, to protect the temperature sensor, a piece of corrugated pipe is used as a kind of case.

An interesting video on laying an electric underfloor heating can be viewed here:

How to lay linoleum on a warm floor?

Laying linoleum is not a difficult task. Since the flooring comes in rolls, it must first be leveled. To do this, linoleum is spread on the surface without fixing and left for several days to level it. In the case of underfloor heating, it is recommended to turn on the heating.

The floor covering will become warm and the leveling process will go faster. It is recommended to use plywood or fiberboard as a base for linoleum. When fixing the base, make sure that the fasteners do not damage the IR film located below. When using a cable floor, the risk of such damage is much less.

To fix the linoleum, which is laid over the warm floor, it is better to use a special mastic, this will make the heating of the coating more uniform.

After that, the linoleum must be laid on the base and secured using a special double-sided tape or glue. It is better to lay a laminate on a warm floor with glue. Then the coating will fit tighter, which contributes to uniform heating. After that, it remains to install the skirting boards, under which the underfloor heating wires will be hidden, and test the system again to set the appropriate temperature.

Work on the installation of underfloor heating and laying linoleum is not particularly difficult. It is important to compose good plan, take into account all the requirements of technology and perform the work as best as possible. These simple rules will allow you to get a comfortable and reliable underfloor heating.