Warm floor for linoleum installation. Underfloor heating electric under linoleum

In addition, a warm floor will help you to heat the house, which can be easily installed under the linoleum. The "warm floor" system, which was recently available only to a few, is now gaining more and more popularity. 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 a warm floor, linoleum is considered an especially unsuitable coating for such a tandem. However, if you take into account all the nuances of choosing and installing such a structure, then you can equip a warm floor under the linoleum with your own hands.

The choice of linoleum under a film warm floor

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

To determine whether this type of linoleum can be used in combination with a warm floor, you can consult with a sales assistant, or look at the pictograms on the packaging.

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 deception, 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 a warm floor.

When choosing linoleum for a film warm floor, you need to take into account its quality and main characteristics

Types of linoleum and their interaction with the warm floor:

Rubber linoleum is perhaps one of the cheapest types. They have a not very aesthetic appearance and low quality indicators, which is why they are rarely used for decorating houses and apartments. However, laying such a material on a warm floor is quite possible.
PVC linoleum is also inexpensive and looks good in the interior of an apartment. When heated above 28 degrees Celsius, it begins to emit harmful compounds, so it is absolutely unsuitable for installation together with a warm floor.
Single-layer linoleum is a thin and short-lived material. Of course, it 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 placed in a room where there is no floor heating system.
Glyphthal linoleum is covered with a thick layer of varnish. It meets all modern technological requirements. It is ideal for underfloor heating.

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

Infrared underfloor heating under linoleum

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

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

Infrared underfloor heating under linoleum is quite popular today.

Advantages of infrared underfloor heating:

The cost of all elements of such a structure is lower than, for example, a water-heated floor.
Installation of a film warm floor is so simple that you can cope with it on your own.
Such a system is not afraid of frost and cannot crack and flood the rooms under it.
When you turn on such a device, the floor heats up instantly. In this case, only objects that come into contact with the floor are heated, and the air does not lose moisture.
The underfloor heating film can be installed only in those places where heating is needed. This way you save material.

The list of advantages of an infrared floor is quite long. However, so far, unfortunately, such tape heating can hardly be called ideal. It has quite significant disadvantages.

Disadvantages of underfloor heating on a film basis:

Possibility of electric shock to people walking on it. And although this probability is very small, because the device is well grounded, there have been such cases.
High 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, the infrared heated floor also has disadvantages. If they seem too significant to you. Then you can choose a different system for yourself, but each type has its drawbacks.

Electric warm floor under linoleum

The electrical cable floor can be cable-based. In the first case, the structure 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 is easier to install on the base, but the pros and cons are the same for both options. This type of underfloor heating has characteristics similar to an infrared system, but there are some differences.

You can make such a floor yourself without even having special equipment. You don't even need to implant it into the screed if tiles are used as a finishing material, but you still have to install a concrete base under the linoleum and laminate flooring.

Choosing such a system for your home, you can safely move furniture, which is an 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 underfloor heating is more suitable for heating private houses as an additional riser is needed for such a system. However, new multi-storey buildings already have all the necessary equipment to install such a system.

If you install such a floor in an apartment without the consent of 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, the ability to install not in all rooms. Another disadvantage of all warm floors is that you cannot constantly walk on them, otherwise you may develop vascular diseases.

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 heating a room without additional devices.

Laying underfloor heating under linoleum

After you have decided on the type of underfloor heating, you can go directly to its installation. We will look at how to properly lay an infrared floor on a film base. 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 in advance with all the nuances of this process

Instructions on how to lay a film warm floor:

The preparatory stage includes leveling the floor with a screed or cement plaster (this depends on how uneven the base is).
On top of the leveled floor, waterproofing protection is glued. It can be a film, or bituminous glue (mastic).
The waterproofing film is sewn up with plywood or chipboard sheets.
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. It is better to leave the places where sofas and cabinets will stand without heating.
On top of the plywood base, an insulating material is laid with a layer of reflective aluminum foil. Use adhesive tape and a construction stapler to hold the insulation sheets together.
Now, according to the previously drawn up scheme, the infrared film is laid. In this case, it should lie on the bottom side of the thermal film. The underfloor heating canvases are fastened together with tape.
Further, the place of the cut of the wide copper bus is pasted over with bitumen 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 underfloor heating, be sure to read the instructions on the package. You will also need to consult with an electrician about whether your wiring is able to withstand the loads of such a system.

Installation of infrared floor heating under linoleum (video)

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

The modern building materials market offers a huge range of various linoleum floor coverings. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when choosing a particular material. Underfloor heating under linoleum should be chosen very carefully, since an incorrectly selected material can cause certain problems.

Linoleum for underfloor heating

The thickness of the coating noticeably affects the quality of thermal conductivity, but, at the same time, a thin coating poorly hides the imperfections of the floor on which it lies. Each existing unevenness will sooner or later make itself felt, therefore, before laying, thin linoleum is recommended to be kept at room temperature for 24 hours. If you are using underfloor heating 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.

Securing linoleum with mastic

Separately, it is worth talking about fixing linoleum on the floor. In such cases, it is recommended to use double-sided tape or adhesive mastic. When using underfloor heating, you should give mastic, 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 obligatory feature of any good quality flooring.

First of all, a high thermal conductivity must be present. In addition, there should 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 multilayer polyvinyl chloride linoleum, which goes well with almost all types of warm floors. It has a huge number of colors, it can decorate the interior of any room. Of course, in addition to the advantages, this material also has disadvantages, the most important of which is the inability to use it at too high temperatures.

The most popular heating method is electric underfloor heating 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 combined 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 an additional thermal insulation 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 would be to use a warm floor under linoleum, which has a small thickness and high resistance to mechanical and chemical stress.

The ideal solution for almost any type of flooring is an infrared underfloor heating system.

Infrared underfloor heating under linoleum completely transfers heat through the floor covering, and also provides high-quality ionization of the air in the room.

Read about how to choose a warm floor at the link.

Warm floor under linoleum - assembly and installation

First, you need to determine the configuration and area of \u200b\u200bthe floor area, which will be heated in the future. Measurements should be taken only in those areas where household appliances or furniture will not be located. The infrared film must be placed along the entire length of the room to avoid too many connection points for installation wires. If electrical wiring runs inside the floor, then it should be at a distance of about 50 mm from the infrared 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 infrared 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 prohibited 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 two-layer film pass, the wire tip is installed so that it is located on the contact strip inside the thermal film. Then a grommet is inserted into the hole, which must be riveted with a special stapler or hammer.

The cut-off 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. are brought to the tip and clamped with pliers. After that, the junction of the copper bus and the electrical wire with the ferrule 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 should not exceed 3500W.
At the time of connecting the heating system, it is imperative to take into account the presence of other electrical devices that can also be connected to this network.
In the event that the total power of the heating system is more than 3500 W, it is advisable to connect using a separate electrical wiring, which is protected by a separate automatic switch. In addition, the connection of heating devices should be carried out using a magnetic starter.

Then you need to lay the insulation with a reflective layer and fix it with tape.
Heating elements are placed on the thermal insulation with copper strips downward. They should be laid in such a way as to avoid touching the contact of adjacent strips. The heating elements are fixed with tape, stapler or furniture nails, which will minimize the possibility of strips shifting during installation.
Attach heating elements only through the transparent rim located on the sides of the element. The heating element should be located approximately 5mm from any supply section of the element, which also includes copper busbars. The wires should be positioned so that the main ones are under the skirting board. In those places where the contact strips are insulated and thickening of the system is observed, cutouts 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. Then the resistance of the heating strips must be measured. If there are sources of possible short circuit in the system, they should be eliminated, and then re-test for performance.
Using adhesive tape, a temperature sensor is attached under the cutting 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 - a film warm floor under the linoleum should emit warmth at a pleasant temperature.
After that, the infrared film is covered with a vapor barrier material, and the joints are fixed with tape.

The assembled 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 leveled. 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.
Next, linoleum material is laid on a warm floor under linoleum, the price of which will be lower than, for example, under a laminate covering, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

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

If your plans include making an electric warm floor for linoleum, then this is a completely feasible idea. And we will tell you how to implement it in practice.

In the cold season, the issue of heating the room becomes more relevant. The electric floor system is able to heat the room evenly and create the most favorable living conditions.

The temperature at the floor and under the ceiling with such heating has a slight difference, and the ability to adjust the temperature further expands the possibilities of using electric heating.

The advantages of an electric floor 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 problems. During activity in the room, as well as during sleep, the airways will not dry out.

To adjust the temperature in the room, it is enough to set the timer for the period of time when you need to warm up the room.

From an aesthetic point of view, electric underfloor heating is the optimal 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 useful space in the room.

Electric underfloor heating can act as the main heat source during the winter months, or it can be a secondary one.

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 heating source. And complete safety for humans makes such a system universal.

What do you need for optimal performance?

First of all, for your floor heating to work flawlessly, you need uninterrupted electricity. If there are frequent power outages in your community, then additional equipment will be needed for electrical heating.

Installation and purchase of a backup power supply system will entail additional costs. It is also necessary to update the wiring so that it can withstand constant loads.

You need to pay special attention to the 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, which determines how the installation of the floor heating system will take place. In particular, work with the installation of an electric underfloor heating under linoleum must follow certain rules.

Features of installing an electric floor under linoleum

Infrared electric underfloor heating is the best option for linoleum from all types of floor heating. It does not require the grouting of the cement screed, which is required for the installation of electrical or water cables under the floor.

Ideal for linoleum as it is thin enough to not feel under the base coat. In addition, linoleum requires special thermoregulation to maintain its structure, which is successfully provided by an infrared warm floor.

One m3 of infrared floor generates power up to 150 W. 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 tears;
emit an unpleasant odor and harmful vapors;
deform.

It is better to leave work with electricity to specialists, since here you will need a correct calculation of materials, and the work itself may be beyond your strength. The rest of the work requires less preparation, so you can handle it without any 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 cut off;
you cannot test the system if you have not checked the isolation quality of all channels;
infrared films 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 standards, 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 the required amount of infrared thermal film, insulation, temperature sensors, thermostats, wiring, heat-reflecting material, linoleum and other building materials.

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

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

It is necessary to choose linoleum of optimal thickness, which can withstand loads from high temperatures, while adjusting the unevenness of the floor

Before fixing the linoleum, you just need to spread it on the floor for a while and turn on the electric floor heating system. Then the material will warm up, take on a more natural shape, straighten, 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 to establish the boundaries where the floor heating will be laid. Places under furniture and household appliances must be excluded immediately. To have fewer points where the wires will be connected, the film is laid out along the entire length of the room.

Electrical cables can run under the floor and must be less than 5 cm from the infrared film. If it is pipes or a fireplace, then at least 20 cm.

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

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

There are situations when the total system power exceeds the 3500W limit. In this case, you will need to install separate wiring of electrical cables with a stand-alone switch to remove the heavy load from the main wiring. It is important to use a magnetic starter here.

After working with the film, an insulating material with a heat-reflecting layer is laid. This material is attached to tape. The heating elements are laid on top. They should be located with copper stripes down.

Avoid touching the two strips, as this will lead to overheating of the system at the point of contact. For fastening heating elements, a stapler or adhesive tape is most often used, less often furniture nails. Such fastening methods will ensure that in the future the bands will not shift and do not fall on top of one another.

Rules for laying heating elements:

attached only to a transparent border;
the heating element should be located at a distance of at least 0.5 cm from the area along which the copper wiring runs;
the main wires must be run under the plinth;
to ensure that the insulation is flush with the floor, cutouts must be made for the thickened areas.

After the stages of work done, 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, you need to exclude the possibility of short circuits in the system, and, if necessary, fix the problems.

It is necessary to test the system until the possible malfunctions 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 tape, and the fastening is performed in a place where there is no heating. Then the thermostat turns on and waits for a short amount of time to understand if it is functioning correctly. If everything is done correctly, then with your hand you can feel the emerging warmth.

If the entire system is working properly, then it is covered with a special material that regulates the release of steam. The material is attached to the 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 positioned in such a way that its fasteners fall on the transparent part of the infrared film and do not touch the copper gasket. Mounts 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 of its installation may differ slightly:

Having spread the linoleum on the included heating system, you should wait a few days for it to take its natural form. It does not need to be fixed initially
Linoleum must necessarily have good thermal conductivity, while being very durable and resistant to fading. A good example is polyvinyl chloride multi-layer linoleum, which is not afraid of exposure to heat.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
For even more useful information about various types of warm floors, see the videos below.

Useful materials of choice:

The nuances of mounting a film type:

It is possible to make an electric STP for linoleum with your own hands, the main thing is to observe precautions and perform the work in the desired sequence. It is better to entrust the electrical work to specialists, but the laying of the upper layers of the system can be done without outside help. Have patience, the necessary materials, and you will comfortably spend the cold season, regardless of the general heating system 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 editing that we did not mention in this material? Leave your comments in the link below the article.

Linoleum is recognized as the most common final layer, its main and important advantage is the price and a wide selection of colors. 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.

We correctly select linoleum

In the main turn, during the selection of linoleum for an electric coating, you need to pay special attention to the product labeling, it must have a mark on the possibility of using electric warm floors under linoleum, and the maximum heating value is also indicated.

Types of linoleum:

PVC. The most affordable option on the market, the maximum permissible heating level is 28 degrees Celsius. In the scheme, an electric floor is applicable, you need continuous monitoring of the heated level;
Glyphtal. Endowed with all the characteristics and meets all the criteria for the best coating, covered with an insulating varnish. The best option for the implementation of laying an electrical covering, the weak side of this covering is recognized as an 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. A thin and extremely cheap product, applicable in places with constantly polluted rooms, regular replacement is required. The joints are welded using specialized equipment. Not allowed in electric flooring for this topcoat.
Linoleums are special. A multilayer material with a very complex structure and high cost. It conducts heat very poorly, not allowed to be used under an electrical layer.

Another important element, which must be sharpened without fail, is the presence or absence of a special fabric layer. If this layer is present, then its own thermal conductivity rate drops sharply and linoleum with this design is not allowed for use under a warm floor.

Varieties of warm flooring for linoleum

What are the electric underfloor heating under linoleum?

There are several types of electric underfloor heating under linoleum:

Heating wire, placed and poured directly into the cement screed;
Specialized heating mats, covered with a small layer of screed or a specialized mixture;
The film coating is also called infrared film. Laying is done dry. It is considered the best electric underfloor heating for linoleum installation is recognized as the simplest 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 for choosing the most optimal solution in the realities of your house or apartment.

We install a warm floor using a heating wire

This type of product is sold in coils. Its laying takes place on a prepared and insulated base on which it was originally mounted. After the wire is fixed in the mesh, 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 a wire is much less than the price of mats and infrared films. Among the disadvantages of this method is the implementation of a more laborious installation and a thick screed.

The order of the required work:

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

We calculate the required power of the underfloor heating and purchase the 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, to the places where the furniture is installed 10 centimeters, and from the heating elements at least 50 cm.

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 stage is the installation of thermal insulation material. If capital insulation is required, then a 5 cm thick penoplex is used, and if the insulation was carried out earlier, then it will be enough to lay the foamed material with 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. Bends are made smoothly and are fixed using mounting tape.

The thermostat is mounted 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 the supply and heating cables is carried out with special couplings. Thus, a single network is formed, which must be grounded.

At the final stage, the installation of the floor with your own hands of the connections and couplings made is checked. Then the total resistance of the network is checked using a multimeter or megohmmeter, the resistance must be at least 10 megohms.

After the entire check, the screed is poured with such a layer that the wire is covered with at least three centimeter layer of the screed. Next, the screed is checked for a difference, it is 2 millimeters per 2 meters of the floor, then after the screed has completely dried, 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 represent a heating cable laid on a polymer network half a meter wide, while the pitch of the laid wire is 7.5 centimeters.

The algorithm of the required 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 carried out using self-leveling mixtures, the thickness of this screed will not exceed one centimeter. After checking the integrity of the system and waiting for the base to dry completely, 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 also 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 easiest 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 electrical infrared layer differs 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 control 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 was voiced about how to choose electric underfloor heating for linoleum and three main types of electric floors and their positive and negative aspects were studied.

And we also considered what kind of linoleum can be laid on a warm floor. The most affordable and fastest method is the installation of an infrared floor, and linoleum, whatever is chosen, cannot be heated above 30 degrees Celsius. After studying this material, you can easily identify with a choice that is right 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. An electric underfloor heating under linoleum is considered a budget option for the implementation of such a system.

Installation can be done by yourself, but first you need to decide on the type of underfloor heating, and also choose the right floor covering.

Warm floor is an extremely comfortable system. It can be used as the main heating method for housing, which has significant advantages over traditional water heating. But more often, a warm floor is installed as an additional source of 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 floor heating system.

You will have to choose between water and electrical systems. In the first case, heating is carried out with 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 of the house.

Alas, for installation in multi-apartment high-rise buildings, such systems are prohibited by building codes, they can only be installed in private dwellings. 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: insulation is laid on the rough floor, then the 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 install, 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 underfloor heating. But choosing a system is only half the battle. You need to choose the right flooring.

Ceramic tiles can be combined with any warm floor just perfectly, but this type of coating is not always acceptable. Linoleum is notable for its affordability, low price, the possibility of quick and easy installation, but it does not combine with a warm floor as well 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 heating very well. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the following unpleasant phenomena:

discoloration of the floor covering;
deformation of its surface and swelling;
release of phenol vapors 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 that protects against the effects of cold.

Such 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 resistance to wear of such material is usually low.

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

Modern linoleum has markings indicating whether this material is suitable for a warm floor or not. There are good reviews about marmoleum, which is also called natural linoleum.

Linoleum marking for use under a warm floor

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. To prevent the coating from deteriorating, you just need to observe the correct temperature regime. The operating temperature of a warm floor usually varies between 25-28 degrees. If this limit is not exceeded, linoleum will perfectly tolerate even prolonged heating.

Cable or infrared film?

Underfloor heating systems that run on electricity are clearly divided into electrical and infrared. Electrical systems are a heating cable that 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, may become more convenient for installation. They are laid in strips and connected together.

An infrared or film floor has a fundamentally different structure. It is a complex system that looks like a thin, less than one millimeter thick, dark film. It is actually a graphite heating element sandwiched between two strips of thin polyester. For connection to the mains, special copper-silver conductors are used. The degree of heating can be controlled with a thermostat, which is usually supplied with the system. The undoubted "plus" of the infrared heated floor is the low cost of electricity for heating.

This warm floor heats the room with infrared rays and does not need a screed. It is placed on a prepared base, and the floor covering is mounted on top. Film systems are best suited for laying under linoleum. They do not heat up too much, therefore, 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 renovation in the room has been completed long ago.

For 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 just a few millimeters. But it should be remembered that such systems are quite expensive and also require very high quality installation work. For example, the base for an infrared warm floor should be almost perfectly flat. Even a slight difference in height can damage the film.

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

Cable floor heating is laid on a base made of heat-insulating material and fixed on a reinforcing mesh, after which it is poured with a concrete screed

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

Installation of infrared underfloor heating

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

Spread strips of film, usually along the length of the room, to minimize the number of splices of individual parts. In this case, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 50 mm from the electrical wiring laid in the floor and 200 mm from any heating sources: oven, fireplace, radiator, etc.

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

The next stage is the preparation of the base. It should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, irregularities should be repaired and leveled with a concrete screed. Installation work can be continued only after the screed is dry. After that, insulating material is placed on the base to increase the efficiency of the system. The joints are glued with special tape. Then you can start installing the infrared film.

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

The film must be properly laid out. It will almost certainly have to be cut into separate pieces to do this. 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 previously drawn up plan, it must be fixed to the base.

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

To do this, use scotch 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. The unfolded strips of infrared film are supplied with power by means of terminals.

Each such clip 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 a grommet, which is riveted using a special device. Some craftsmen do this with a regular hammer, but care must be taken not to damage the graphite inserts.

All places where the film underfloor heating is connected 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, a copper wire with a cross-section of 1.5 mm in a protective sheath is connected to the contact clamps using pliers. After that, the cut lines should be protected with a special waterproofing coating. The individual sections of the infrared floor are connected in parallel, not in series. The wires are led out under the plinth and fed 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 installing an IR film does not look too complicated, but in practice there are several nuances that must be taken into account during the work:

it is necessary to maintain a certain distance between the individual strips of the film, the overlap of the material is unacceptable, this error will certainly cause overheating of the system and its early breakdown, as well as damage to the floor covering.
it is not recommended to install the thermostat at 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, work on installation and connection of the device should be performed, and only after that 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 contact points to make sure that the protective insulation is present and intact.

When installing in large areas, the total system capacity should be monitored. If this figure exceeds 3.5 kW, it is better to allocate a separate power 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 layer of thermal insulation in such places has to be cut off a little in order to level the height of the film above the base.

The thermal sensor is installed under the film in an area where there are no heating elements, and secured with tape. After that, the system is connected to the thermostat. Now you can start testing the system. The warm floor is turned on, the wire connection points are checked, the identified flaws are eliminated, etc.

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

A detailed video instruction for laying a film warm floor 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 heating cable layout plan.
Clean the base from dirt, level it.
Install thermal insulation material.
Lay and fix the mounting grid.
Lay the cable according to the plan.
Install the thermal sensor.
Connect the system to the thermostat and power supply.
Pour the floor with a concrete screed, level it.
Wait for the working surface to dry.
Install the flooring.

As a heater, you can use expanded polystyrene plates or a special material designed specifically for cable floor heating. It looks like a rubber mat with ridges on the surface. These tabs are specially designed for fixing the heating cable. Then there is no need to lay the mounting grid.

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

The thermal sensor must be laid at an equal distance from the cable, its close contact with the heating element or with the concrete screed is not allowed. 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 too difficult a task. Since the flooring is supplied in rolls, it must first be leveled. To do this, linoleum is spread on the surface without fixing and left for several days so that it evens out. In case of underfloor heating, it is recommended to turn on the heating

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

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

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

Work on installing a warm floor and laying linoleum is not particularly difficult. It is important to make a good plan, take into account all the requirements of the technology and do the job as best as possible. Following these simple rules will allow you to get a comfortable and reliable warm floor.