What materials are required for underfloor heating. Choosing the type and installation of underfloor heating

Usually, the accumulation of thermal energy in a room is carried out due to a whole range of works: installation or insulation of window and door blocks, installation of high-quality heating system, insulation of floors, etc. Recently, special interest has been shown in laying the floor with electric heating with your own hands, which will be discussed in the article.

Warmth in the house

An electrically heated floor heating system consists of several pieces of equipment connected to an energy cable that is installed in the floor structure. It is best to install with the help of specialists, but with careful and accurate work, you can do everything yourself.

Of course, electric floor heating is not a panacea, because in order for the room to be always heated, it is impossible to do without insulated window and door blocks. As for the operation of such heating equipment, it can be used to heat rooms throughout the cold season. No matter how beautiful the house is, the owner will not look at the photos of the existing rooms, but he will have to be in them every day, which is the reason for creating comfortable conditions residence.

The very laying of a warm floor can be a creative process, since the high flexibility of the base on which the heating element is fixed allows it to be used in a variety of ways. The laying procedure is not simplified and requires careful selection of materials used, measurements, preparatory phase etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of underfloor heating

TO positive aspects Underfloor heating includes the following features:

• heating a room with a similar warm system evenly and over the entire area;
• the ability to control the degree of heating and turn on / off the system at any time;
• the possibility of installation in any room.

Naturally, this method of heating has certain disadvantages:

• it is necessary to constantly monitor the operation of the system;
• floors can be deformed in case of excessive heating during uncontrolled operation;
• installation, maintenance and operation require excessive consumption of electrical energy;
• do not install furniture on top of electrically heated floors. Taking into account the fact that a mat or an energy cable can have different sizes, it is possible to preliminarily schematize the room and designate areas for furniture installation;
• it is important to understand what function this heating system performs so as not to worry about every kilowatt of electrical energy spent and not to be afraid to step on the floor once again with its subsequent damage.

The easiest installation method

The floor with electric heating is only part of the floor, which consists of several layers various materials with certain functionality.

Typically, a connected electric floor heating for tiles or any other floor covering consists of the following components:

• thermal insulation layer laid on top of the previously installed waterproofing layer;
• end sleeve;
• special insulating tape for mounting, used without any strict instructions, but in such a way that the fastening is reliable and durable;
• connecting tube for connecting sensors that control the operation of the system;
• coupling. See also: "".

• determine a place for installing a thermostat or a special box for equipment that ensures the operation of the system;
• carry out a clear marking of the room for the installation of furniture in such a way that there is no heating system under it;
• connect the system to a 220 volt network.

The highest quality space heating can only be produced when the system covers more than two-thirds of the area.

Varieties of electric heating

When it comes to electric underfloor heating for laminate or any other coating, there are two main options for creating such a system. Note that laying a film underfloor heating under a laminate is more popular.

Each option involves the use of different heating materials:

• the thinnest heating mats;
• heating cable.

In the case of mats, technology involves laying them when it is impossible to raise the floor level. The thickness of the mat is 3 mm, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The disadvantage is that the heating efficiency is much lower than that of an energy cable. Such a system can be used as an addition to standard heating. In this case, the room will not change its visual outlines; no changes will be noticeable in the photo or during inspection.

An energy cable is a heating element that requires a floor level rise of at least 3 centimeters. It can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Of particular interest are small systems that can be installed under a roof or facade to prevent icing.

In this case, the cable selection is carried out according to the formula: P=SxPp, where:

• P - cable power, which the buyer will have to find out;
• S is the area of ​​the room subjected to heating;
• Pp is the power required to heat a specific material.

Power for various materials is selected based on how the floor with electric heating is to be used. If the system is supposed to be additional, then the cable power relative to different materials will have the same values: tiles (130-150), porcelain stoneware (150-170), laminate (120-150), parquet (120-150), etc. When equipping the main heating system with an area coverage of more than 70 percent: tiles (180-120), porcelain stoneware (200-220), etc.

Implementation of the installation

If installation is carried out using mats, then laying is carried out as follows:

• to begin with, a high-quality base is prepared and primed if there are minor defects that can be eliminated in this way;
• the mat is laid;
• connect temperature sensors;
• electrical cables are fixed;
• a leveling layer is poured. When laying tiles, it is possible to lay the mat even in the adhesive layer used for the installation of tiles or the substrate under the laminate;
• a waterproofing coating is laid;
• finally, the floor is covered with the selected facing material;
• installs a thermostat.

In the case of an energy cable, there is a certain difference, caused by the need to increase the thickness of the coating by 3 centimeters or more. It consists in the fact that a substrate is applied over the thermal insulation, reflecting thermal energy. Be sure to carry out a screed of the desired thickness. The cable itself is mounted under the screed, fixed on the reinforced mesh with plastic fasteners.

There is another way to lay the cable, which involves gluing the cable to the mounting tape. In this case, a reinforced mesh is not required.

Performing electric heating installation

The maximum efficiency of the system can only be achieved if the work is carried out without deviations from the technology. It is very important to observe safety precautions when working with the electrical part, and then the execution of actions will not cause difficulties. It is worth remembering that you can always ask for help from specialists who will take responsibility for all stages of installation, starting with the purchase of the necessary materials.

Actually, the floor itself with electric heating is laid in 4 stages. When performing each of them, it is worth remembering the rules for working with electrical appliances, wiring, etc.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

• to begin with, a heat-insulating layer and foil are laid;
• mounting tape is laid on top. In this case, you can use a hammer and do the work manually or use a special mounting gun;
• the cable is laid out taking into account the fact that cold ends should start from electrical wiring thermostat;
• further, temperature sensors are mounted in the corrugated tubes, and the pouring of the screed begins.

Safety precautions when working with electricity

It should be understood that the voltage used to work with underfloor heating is dangerous, and each worker must take care of his own safety and observe all the rules for working with wiring.

• laying instructions and the necessary assistance are best obtained from specialists or people who have already had the practice of such work;
• any actions related to the deformation of the purchased cable or mats are unacceptable. It is not possible to cut mats in order to lay them in hard-to-reach places was easier or lengthen the cable. Heating elements must be solid;
• work is carried out only at temperatures above -5 degrees Celsius;
• it is possible to test and operate the laid warm floor only after the expiration of the period allotted for drying adhesive mixture, couplers, etc. It is advisable to wait at least 1 month so that there are no problems associated with high humidity in the overlap;
• it is impossible to mount under furniture that does not have legs with a height of 5 centimeters or more.

Outcome

The lack of heat in the house is a big problem that affects the comfort of living. You should not spare money for equipping the premises in such a way that comfort is constantly maintained in them. Electric heated floors in this case are universal remedy, which will help solve any problem with heating the room. By following the instructions and clearly following all the steps, you can create a high-quality, efficient and durable home heating system.

The type of heating, in which heat is generated by using electrical energy, is distinguished by a simple circuit, and its installation takes a minimum of time. It is not necessary to be a professional to arrange an electric floor heating with your own hands, you just need to follow all the instructions exactly.

In the article presented by us, all types of electric floor heating systems are described in detail, their characteristics and pluses and minuses are given. For independent home craftsmen, we have provided step by step guides by styling. Taking into account our advice, you can build and connect an electric floor with your own hands.

Depending on the heater used, floors with electric heating are divided into 2 categories: with a heating element in the form of a cable and with infrared.

According to the method of production, they are divided into 4 types:

1. Heating cable. It can be single or 2-core, including self-regulating.
2. Heating mats. It is a cable on a mounting grid.
3. Film. Polymer flexible webs with built-in infrared heating element.
4. Rod. Consists of series-connected carbon rods.

A warm electric floor is calculated based on the size of the part of the room free from the furnishings. It is not recommended to lay heating elements under furniture due to the excess load on the system in these areas. Floor power is chosen from considerations of 0.1 kW / m² on average. For different rooms this figure is different.

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Few people like to walk barefoot on the floor when the temperature is below zero, so floor insulation has been one of the most popular services for several years.

At one time, radiators were used for these purposes, but they have a number of drawbacks: the air rises to the ceiling, and remains cool at floor level. And the space near the wall, where there are no radiators, heats up badly. A warm floor guarantees uniform heating of the entire room and this contributes to a comfortable stay. Do-it-yourself heating is easy to do.

Underfloor heating guarantees uniform heating of the entire room and contributes to comfortable living.

Do-it-yourself heated floors can be done in two ways - electric heating and water heating. Heating by an electrical system has the advantage that it can be regulated. For this, a thermostat is used with which you can make any temperature of the warm floor, and all this is further maintained by means of special automation. If the heating is done in this way, then this gives a full guarantee of safety and there will be no malfunctions - at the slightest malfunction, the system automatically turns off. The only downside is that it consumes a lot of electricity. But floors with electric heating spread without difficulty.

Before installation, it is necessary to determine the place where the thermostat will be installed. For these purposes, a hole is hollowed out in the wall and a mounting box is installed in it, this is done at a height of up to 1 m. Then, a power supply and grounding network is connected to the installation site of the box.

Installation is carried out as follows: the floors are dismantled, the surface is leveled and a concrete screed is made. A layer (thermal insulation material) is placed on top of the concrete, this prevents the heat from escaping down. All these works are done without any difficulty with your own hands, for this you need to have the most elementary skills. Now you need to apply a heating cable, shield it by placing it in a steel film. This is done in order to further protect the cable from damage, and also to reduce electromagnetic radiation in the heating system.

The cable must be heated to 55 degrees, thus fire safety is guaranteed. It is noteworthy that when using such a system, you can use any floor coverings that you can lay with your own hands. However, you should not lay too dense carpet on the floor, and you should also refrain from using rugs on a thick rubber base. These coatings are less efficient for heating.

This is available both for residents of private houses and for residents of urban high-rise buildings. The system is simple - there is no procedure for installing pipes, they do not need to be connected to the heat supply, you just need to lay an electrical cable and connect it to the electrical network. Heating such a system does not require any permits.

In order to make such a system easier to control, it is worth giving preference to programmable thermostats. This will allow the electric heating system to be used only when there are people in the house, so electricity is not wasted. On this installation of electrical warm floors ends and there is no doubt that even in the coldest weather the house will always be warm and cozy. This is especially important when there are children in the house. To install such a floor, you need the following tools:

• perforator;
• hammer;
• mounting tape;
• corrugated hose.

Water analogue

The heating element for water heating is a pipe made of polymer materials through which hot water flows. Heated floors made in this way are highly efficient and reliable. In order to insulate the floors in this way, pipes of great length will be needed, which will ensure a more even distribution of heat over the entire surface, and the temperature in the heater may be at a low level. It should be noted that the water temperature should not exceed 55 degrees.

In the water heating system, metal-plastic pipes are most often used, the diameter of which is 14-25 mm, and the thickness is up to 2.7 mm. The advantage of such pipes is that they are not subject to rust and bend easily, which, when installed by hand, is important quality. The pipes should be laid at a distance of 10-35 cm from each other, and the pipe should be at a distance of 7 cm from the wall.

Such a water heating scheme is installed as follows: the base is covered heat-insulating material(if the floor borders on the basement or the ground, then it is necessary to lay a double waterproofing, which will prevent moisture from entering the heating system). Now you need to put the "system plates", and pipes are laid between them. After installation and laying of pipes, the entire network is poured with concrete. Underfloor heating is very durable. If we talk about prices, the cost of a water-heated installation is higher than electrical system. However, water-heated floors do not require a large number electrical energy. In order for such a system to function smoothly, it is necessary to ensure the circulation of water through the pipes, for which a water pump is used. To install such floors, you will need permission from the housing and communal services.

This heating system is best used in country houses, because in a city apartment there may be problems associated with installation and connection to the central heating network. To carry out the installation of underfloor heating in these conditions, you will need the following tools:

• tube mounts;
• dowel-nails and screws;
• beacon profile;
• perforator;
• hammer;
• putty knife;
• metal scissors;
• metal ruler.

Installation of a warm floor is carried out on any basis - straight and dry. Before installing underfloor heating, it is necessary to remove all furniture from the room, and then tear off the old floor coverings. Sometimes it is necessary to carry out leveling work, this is done using a concrete screed. It is necessary to mark those places where there is furniture that is difficult to move, and prepare a place where the thermostat will be installed, the battery output and the power supply.

When a layer of thermal insulation is being laid (foam plastic, cork panels or polystyrene foam can be used as this), then after laying it must be fixed with adhesive tape. Concrete screed, which is placed on top, should not exceed 1 cm in thickness. This is done so that the wiring does not come into contact with thermal insulation, as a result of which overheating may occur and the cable will break. If there is a warm room under the floor, then heated floors are made without thermal insulation. Heating should be selected according to the characteristics of the room.

Ceramic tiles are an excellent material for floor covering, according to some of its characteristics, leaving far behind all the "competitors". So, in matters of hygiene, strength with proper installation, durability of operation, resistance to biological processes, humidity, thermal extremes, she, perhaps, has no equal. If we add to this also a high decorative effect, the possibility of implementing interesting design compositions, then the popularity of tiles among homeowners is quite understandable.

However, the main negative quality of the tile - the coldness of the material, significantly limits its scope. Even in those rooms where it is the best option - bathroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc., it is not very pleasant to become an unshod foot on the floor in the cold season. There is only one way out - to organize floor heating under the tiles.

There are two fundamental options - a warm water floor or heating using electrical energy. This publication is devoted to how to organize an electric underfloor heating for further lining it with ceramic tiles.

So, both water and electric underfloor heating can be laid under the tile. Water circuits are described in separate articles, but for now - about some of the advantages of electric heating:

• The temperature level in electric underfloor heating can be quickly and accurate enough adjustment - water floors in this respect are much more inert, and some simply directly depend on the temperature of the coolant from the centralized heating system.
• Installation of an electric underfloor heating is simpler, often not requiring a new screed to be poured - it is mandatory in water floors. In addition, in order for the water circuit to justify its purpose, the screed must be thick enough - and this is a significant expense, and laboriousness, and, most importantly, large additional loads on the floors, which is not always acceptable. And the height of the ceilings in standard high-rise buildings does not always allow a high level of coverage. With electric heating, such massive screeds are not required.
• For the above reasons, organize a warm water floor in high-rise building just impossible. By the way, the heat supply organization may not give permission for this due to too significant heat losses.
• Another plus electric floors: there is no risk of a major accident with the risk of flooding your own or even a neighbor's apartment.

The disadvantages of such floor heating systems include only a fairly high cost of electricity. However, if the system is installed and adjusted correctly, and the warm floor acts only as an addition to common system heating, the operating costs will not be particularly noticeable.

But the comfort in the room will obviously increase - a layer ceramic tiles, being a good "thermal accumulator", is not only pleasant in itself, but also creates ascending currents of warm air, evenly distributing heat throughout the room.

What is the best electric underfloor heating system?

First of all, if it is decided to arrange electric floor heating under the tiles, it is tedious to decide on its circuit diagram. There are four main options.

Underfloor heating with heating cable

Such a system has two extremes: it is the most inexpensive in terms of the cost of the necessary elements and accessories, but at the same time it is the most time-consuming method of all other electric heating options.

The main "tool" is the heating cable itself, which can also vary significantly:

• The simplest - single-core, of the usual resistive principle of operation - heating the conductor during the passage of an electric current, like a conventional spiral, for example, in an iron.

The big disadvantage is the need to “loop” the cable in order to complete the circuit, which will require a special laying scheme. Heating is carried out simultaneously and evenly along the entire length - this is also not always good in terms of efficiency.

• A two-core resistive cable has two conductors, one of which is a "spiral", and the second only closes the circuit through a special termination. Installation, of course, is much more convenient, but the rest shortcomings remain same.

• Self-regulating two-core heating cables - the most modern and good option. The two conductors here are separated by a semiconductor matrix, which heats up when current is passed. What is the characteristic feature: the conductivity of the matrix directly depends on its temperature - the higher it is, the less current passes. And, this is typical for anyone, even the most small plot cable. A unique self-regulation effect appears - maximum heating takes place only in cold places, and when a certain temperature is reached, the matrix simply “locks”.

The economic effect of such a floor is obvious. AND more one important advantage - such a cable can be easily cut to the desired length - there are special sections for cutting with certain step apart.

Mesh heating mats

A very convenient and extremely popular type of electric floor heating. By by and large- the same two-core heating cable, but already loop-shaped fixed on a fiberglass mesh.

Such a system cannot be called cheap when buying, but its installation is simple and straightforward. In the case under consideration with ceramic tiles, no screed over the mats is simply needed - tiles can be laid directly on them.

Infrared Rod Heaters «Unimat »

The laying of such heaters also does not require any filling from above - it is very convenient for mounting ceramic tiles. In this system, two conductors are connected along their entire length by parallel heating rods that emit infrared radiation.

Rod infrared heaters"Unimat"

All rods are independent of each other and work self-adjusting, reducing energy consumption. The system is convenient, but its cost is even higher than that of mesh mats.

Infrared film heaters

One of the most economical modern systems underfloor heating, but for ceramic tiles - not quite suitable. The reason is simple - the film will simply block the possibility of normal adhesion of tile adhesive with concrete base. Make too thick a screed over pl night elements is simply meaningless from the point of view of the principle of their work. So such a heating system is more likely for "floating" floors - laminate, linoleum parquet, etc.

The film is perforated for supposedly good adhesion to the concrete base. However, according to experts, practice shows that tiles on such a floor will begin to “play” very soon. There is, however, a way of laying such a floor on “liquid nails”, but this is both very expensive and also causes concern in the overall strength of the tiled floor.

Is everything ready to go?

• The system of a warm electric floor should give off heat to the room, and not waste it in vain on warming up the concrete floor. Therefore, you will need high-quality thermal insulation, under a rough screed, or roll flooring thermal reflective material (for example, foil foam) before laying the cable and pouring the closing screed.
• Be sure to check the completeness of the system - the presence of a temperature sensor and a control panel - a thermostat with the functions of turning on the system and setting the required temperature. This automatic device monitors readings from a built-in temperature sensor floor and stops automatically supplying electricity when heated to a user-set level.

• If a system with a cable is chosen, then it will be necessary to purchase either mounting metal tapes or a reinforcing mesh. Cable loops, after laying them, will be attached to it.
• To compensate for thermal expansion, the perimeter of the room will need to be glued with a special damper tape.
• To lay the cable to the thermostat, you will have to punch a strobe, and for the device itself, drill a nest in the wall. This will require a perforator.
• To check the safety of the assembled system, you need a special measuring device - a megohmmeter.
• And, of course, the required quantity of building materials and a set of tools for pouring the screed or for mounting the inlet directly on the heaters - depending on the selected system.

How to properly place heating elements

In order for the floor to fully meet the expectations, it is necessary to carefully, and on the basis of these data, draw up a laying scheme, taking into account some features.

1. First of all, it is necessary to determine the number of heating elements for underfloor heating. At the same time, they proceed from the intended purpose of the system being created, the area and specific features of the room:

• In the case when the "warm floor" is planned only as an addition to the general heating system, about 100 - 130 W / m² will be required. If it becomes the main source of heat, the figure rises to 150 W / m², and for the first floors or for private houses with floors on the ground - even up to 180 W / m².
• Heating elements should cover at least 70 ÷ 75% of the area of ​​the room. Cables should not be laid in places where stationary furniture will be placed - no closer than 50 mm from it. The same condition applies to stationary heating devices, only here the minimum distance grows to 100 mm. Ignoring these rules leads to overheating of the cable turns on closed areas and to the rapid exit of their system.
• The required cable length is calculated as follows:

The heating area is calculated ( S)- according to recommendations given above;

The required specific power is determined - ( PS) per unit area.

Specific power is taken into account ( pp) the cable itself per 1 meter long (its passport characteristic);

The required cable length will be: L = S × Ps : pp

2. Now you can proceed to drawing up a laying scheme. What is taken into account:

The installation site of the thermostat is immediately outlined - this is where the “cold” ends of the cable should come up. This is where the temperature sensor wire will go;

The temperature sensor itself should be located in the center of the cable loop, at a distance of about 500 mm from its beginning.

The distance between adjacent cables in the loop is determined ( H), based on the already available, previously obtained data: H = S × 100 : L.

The installation scheme should first be worked out on paper, and only then, after a thorough check, transferred to the floor surface for laying in place.

How to install underfloor heating with cable

• First of all, carefully prepare the floor surface - carry out if necessary minor repairs, clean it from debris and dust.
• A nest is arranged on the wall for installing a thermostat (its distance from the floor can, in principle, be any, but not less than 300 mm). A strobe is made to it with dimensions of at least 20 × 20 mm. It is necessary to bring the power supply cable to the installation site of the regulator - it is better to coordinate this issue with a specialist electrician.
• Spreads over the entire surface of the floor thermal reflective substrate. The sheets are laid end-to-end with the obligatory gluing of the seams with special adhesive tape.

• The next step is to install a reinforcing fiberglass mesh or attach mounting tapes to the floor to fix the cable.
• In accordance with a pre-compiled scheme, the cable is laid out.

If the cable is single core , then through couplings“cold” ends are switched, which will go to the thermostat.

If the cable is single-core, both ends are connected to the place of the thermostat

Using two-core cable, its far end must be closed with a special plug-plug.

• The temperature sensor with its wire is inserted into a corrugated tube Ø 16 mm, a length that allows you to install it in the right place and lay it to the place of the thermostat. Such a tube should ensure free movement of the temperature sensor inside - so that it can be changed without problems in case of failure. The cut of the tube is closed with a plastic plug.

• After laying is completed, it is necessary to check the electrical circuit of the cable - its conductivity and total resistance (should correspond to the passport data, with a deviation within ± 10%), and insulation resistance - measured with a megohmmeter. Safety will be observed if this indicator is not less than 20 MΩ.
• All wires are switched at the corresponding terminals of the thermostat. Only after that it will be possible to supply power and check the operability of the system by short-term start-up. If everything is working properly, the power is completely turned off to proceed to the pouring of the face screed. The strobe on the wall is sealed with mortar, the regulator is finally fixed in its regular place.
• A prerequisite before starting pouring is gluing a damper tape around the entire perimeter of the room.
• The thickness of the screed must not be less than 30 mm. Its pouring can be carried out in the usual manner, with concrete mortar with the installation of beacons, or using self leveling formulations. There are also special building mixtures that are directly intended for these purposes - they are enriched with plasticizers that prevent the formation of voids and ensure the solidity of the coating.

After pouring the screed and gaining the necessary strength, it will be possible to proceed to laying ceramic tiles - this process in this case will not differ in any way from conventional cladding methods.

It is possible to operate the underfloor heating system with laid tiles in the calculated mode only after 3 ÷ 4 weeks from the day the screed was poured.

Video: installation of a warm floor with a heating cable

Some features of floor installation with insulation mats

What characteristics application of the electric floor heating scheme for tiles using ready-made mats:

• The base surface must already have internal thermal insulation, and thermal reflective the substrate is not spread before laying the mats. produced by silicone thermo gun Or just use strong tape.

• After laying all the mats, switching and checking the electrical parameters, they proceed to the installation of ceramic tiles directly on the heaters themselves. The layer of tile adhesive must be 8 ÷ 10 mm. It is recommended to use a special adhesive for underfloor heating, resistant to heat and frequent thermal shocks.

• It is possible to operate a warm floor after laying the tiles in 15 - 20 days (this period should be indicated in the instructions for use of a particular tile adhesive).

Video: installation of heating mats under ceramic tiles

There are small nuances when laying core mats. For the correct operation of automation, they will definitely need thermal reflective substrate, but the thickness of the tile adhesive when laying the coating must be at least 20 mm. Sometimes in this case it is more profitable to apply a self-leveling coating, and only then lay the tile.

Approximate scheme of installation of a warm floor under a tile with heaters "UNIMAT"

So, organizing electric floor heating for tiles is a quite doable task, although quite laborious. It will require special care and accuracy, especially when switching electrical connections. However, if you follow all the technological steps exactly, everything should work out.

Increasingly, underfloor heating covers all floors in an apartment and house and from an additional heating system, floor heating goes into the main, and sometimes the only heating system. In this article I will consider in detail the types and properties of floor heating in an apartment and a house.

Hello dear readers! Underfloor heating in the bathroom, bathroom, kitchen is no longer a luxury. It is rather the minimum necessary for comfort. Increasingly, underfloor heating covers all floors in an apartment and house and from an additional heating system, floor heating goes into the main, and sometimes the only heating system.

About space heating

The classic home heating system is radiators or convectors installed under the windows of the room. Windows serve natural ventilation premises and cold air, penetrating from the street through the windows into the room, are heated by radiators and, as a result of natural convection, moves from a warm place in the room to a cold one. We do not see these air flows, but they are there and go up from the heating devices near the window, then, gradually cooling down, along the ceiling to the opposite wall and return along the floor to the heating device.

Note: No heating system for a house or apartment will be ineffective if the standard methods of keeping heat in a house or apartment are not followed: plastic windows, insulate the walls of the house, use external insulation technologies, that is, take all measures to keep the heat in the room.

With such a heating system, the heating of the room occurs unevenly. The warmest place is at the radiator, the coldest in the opposite corner. To evenly heat the room, we use a variety of portable heaters, dragging them from place to place. But anyway, the warmest place in the room remains at the ceiling, and the coldest at the floor.

About floor heating

The pattern of room heating changes when floor heating is used. Floor heating occurs evenly over the entire area of ​​​​the room. The warm air rises evenly, creating an almost perfect air temperature difference from the floor to the ceiling.

When the temperature of the floor heating system is correctly set, a temperature of 24 ° C is created at the level of the feet, and 20 ° C at the head level. This is the most comfortable temperature climate in the room for a person.

How can floor heating be done?

General principle of floor heating

Any floor heating system is a heating element, evenly spread around the perimeter of the room and neatly hidden under the floor finish. But everything is not so simple.
The heating electric cable of the warm floor must be insulated from direct contact with the base of the floor and the walls of the room. This isolation should prevent heat loss heating element and direct all its heat to floor heating, and not to neighboring rooms. This insulation is called thermal insulation and is an integral part of the floor heating system.

To increase the heat transfer of the heating element of the floor heating system, it must be enclosed in a layer with good heat dissipation (screed) or placed in a kind of “sandwich”, where the lower layer is a heat repellent and the upper one is a good heat conductor.

• The first floor heating system is called concrete.
• The second floor heating system is called floor heating.

About floor heating elements

The heating element of the floor heating system can be water or electric.

Water heating element for floor heating

The water element heats the floor by circulating through it hot water. Such a floor heating system is called - a water heated floor. The circulation system of a water-heated floor must be independent of central heating. Also, it should not have plumbing cuts in internal system plumbing of an apartment or house. In other words, you can not connect to the hot water pipe going indoors.

It can only be connected to a separate water supply system.

Electric floor heating element

The electrical element of the floor heating system is a variety of electrical cables that transfer the energy of electric current into thermal energy. In other words, electricity, flowing through the heating element, heats it, and it heats the floor of the room.

Depending on the type of electric heating element, electric floor heating is called cable or film. Cable heating The floor is divided into heating with resistive cable and thermal mats. Film heating is otherwise called Infrared warm floor.
But back to underfloor heating systems.

Concrete floor heating system

The principle of a concrete floor heating system is that the heating element is laid on a heat-insulating layer and poured with a cement screed of various thicknesses. But although it is called concrete, but instead of concrete, a cement-sand mortar or self-leveling floor is used.

Concrete water floor heating systems are used with a water heating element. The electric underfloor heating is heated by a resistive electric cable.

The floor heating system of a floor reminds "sandwich". The bottom of the flooring system is heat-reflecting surfaces, the top is special heat-conducting materials that separate the heating element from the floor finish.

In conclusion, I want to note that all floor heating systems are called the “warm floor” system or, more simply, “warm floor”. More about each type of "warm floor", the principles and features of their device in the following articles of the site.