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Do-it-yourself installation of a warm floor under linoleum. Infrared underfloor heating under linoleum: detailed step-by-step installation instructions

Many who want to ensure coziness and comfort in their homes resort to the installation of underfloor heating. Indeed, this modern technology makes it possible to solve the heating issue in an original way. Moreover, if properly installed, it can completely replace the traditional heating system - radiator. In most cases, preference is given to a water-heated floor. However, it is far from always possible to do it. This is explained by the large weight of the heating cake. Where there is little overlap, this weight can be very large. For this reason, alternatives are worth considering. For example, today there is an electric underfloor heating. Moreover, this heating can be combined with all kinds of floor coverings, including linoleum. In this article we will tell you about how to make electric underfloor heating under linoleum. Given some of the features of this material, we suggest that you consider how to choose the right linoleum.

What linoleum can be laid on a warm floor

In fact, the choice of linoleum is not a difficult task. First of all, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. The packaging has a corresponding marking that allows laying linoleum on a warm floor. This is important, because there are restrictions on heating. If there are no such marks, then it is forbidden to lay linoleum on an electric warm floor.

A large number of types of linoleum, when heated, emit dangerous gases into the air for humans. Moreover, when heated, linoleum is deformed and damaged. Now we will consider two types of linoleum for an electric warm floor:

  1. Natural marmoleum. The production of marmoleum is carried out from natural ingredients. For example, it is based on pine resin, linseed oil, lime powder, crushed cork. Dyes are also used to give linoleum a more attractive appearance. When exposed to high temperatures, it does not emit any harmful substances into the air. This material is also highly durable and flame retardant.
  2. PVC vinyl. This is a type of multi-layer linoleum that comes in different colors. When choosing it for an electric underfloor heating, it is best to opt for commercial or semi-commercial varieties. They are resistant to all kinds of loads, including high temperatures. Among other things, linoleum should have a thin fabric base. If the base is too thick, it will significantly reduce the effect of the electric floor heating.

In contrast to this, there are many varieties of linoleum, which are prohibited to lay on a warm floor. Let's list them so that you can distinguish between:

  • Glyphtal. He has a tissue base. It has high thermal insulation properties and a high compression ratio. These properties are not suitable for a warm floor.
  • Colloxylin. This is a representative of single-layer linoleum, which is distinguished by high elasticity and high moisture resistance. However, it may catch fire if the temperature rises. Plus, linoleum is very thin.
  • Relin or rubber. This is a two-layer linoleum. It is based on crushed rubber, and on the front side is rubber. Although the material is waterproof and ductile, it is based on bitumen. As a result, high temperatures are very dangerous for such linoleum.

Electric cable heating

It is quite possible to lay a cable electric underfloor heating under linoleum. In order for this heating to work efficiently, a thermostat must be used. The control is carried out by means of a specially built-in temperature sensor near the heating element. In most cases, such a cable is laid in a layer of cement-sand screed. In this case, the screed serves as a thermal energy accumulator. A reflective film must be placed under the screed. This is so that all the heat does not go into the ceiling.

Such heating can be laid in a wooden house. What is important is that it is quite possible to carry out the installation with your own hands without the help of qualified specialists. However, if you settled on just this type of heating, then it is extremely important to adhere to the following safety measures:

  • The electric heating unit must not come into contact with all kinds of materials that are flammable.
  • At each stage of work, it is necessary to strictly adhere to all requirements and norms when working with electricity. Compliance with the precautionary rules will allow you to create a reliable underfloor heating system.
  • If you know in advance where you will have furniture, electrical appliances or other dimensional devices, then it is unacceptable to lay an electric heated floor under them.
  • When laying the electrical heating cable, take care not to damage the insulation.
  • If you have a wooden floor as a base, then the power of the heating element should be no more than 80 W per square meter.
  • The electric underfloor heating system must be equipped with an individual RCD. This will increase the safety of the heating operation.

Features of installing cable heating in a screed

If you decide to use cable electric heating for linoleum, then the process of working with your own hands will look like this. First of all, you need to determine the quality of your flooring. If you find any defects, then they should be removed immediately. For example, the board may be damaged. Remove it immediately and lay a new one.

Next, you need to waterproof the warm floor. For this purpose, roll material is used. For example, plastic wrap will do. The film must be joined together with scotch tape. Next, a layer of thermal insulation is laid. It is good if the insulating layer has a foil coating on one side. In this case, you will not need to separately purchase reflective foil film. Thanks to this coating, all radiated heat from the heating cable will be reflected upward into the room.

The cable spacing is about 200 mm. The cable is fastened by means of special clamps. The cable laying pattern can be different, for example, a spiral or a snail. Also put the temperature sensor on the floor. It is recommended to lay it between the turns of the heating cable. This sensor will send signals to the thermostat to turn on / off the heating.

Installation of cable heating on a dry basis is performed as follows:

  • Place the joists on the floor in 600 mm increments. The width should be determined based on the width of the insulation material.
  • On the underside of the log, be sure to hem the boards. They will form the subfloor.
  • A waterproofing film should be placed on top of the subfloor.
  • A layer of thermal insulation and a reflective film is placed on top.
  • In the resulting space between the lags, you need to put a special mounting grid. Thanks to it, fixing the heating cable will be much easier for you.
  • After that, install the cable heating. To run the cable through the logs, saw through a small groove in them. The cable is attached to the mesh using special clamps.

Finally, you also put a temperature sensor between the turns of the heating cable, which is connected to the thermostat. Next, you need to prepare the base for linoleum. Fibreboard or any plate material is screwed on top of the lag. Fiberboard to the lags is fixed with self-tapping screws. Further, linoleum flooring is carried out according to the existing technology. It is quite possible to do all the work with your own hands.

Film infrared heating

In this case, a thin heating film is used as a heating element. Heating is carried out under the influence of infrared rays. The film is connected in the same way as cable heating through a thermostat.

Important! Although infrared film is relatively new on the market, it has gained widespread acceptance. This is explained by its minimum thickness. This is perhaps its main advantage.

Installation of infrared film can be laid under linoleum and other floor coverings. It is a versatile heating element. With all this, you do not need to use any adhesives for its installation. There is even no need to pour a cement-sand screed. Thanks to this, the speed of installing a warm floor under linoleum increases significantly. And after the end of the work, you do not need to wait until the screed is dry. The warm floor under the linoleum can be turned on immediately after the completion of the installation work.

Next, we will tell you about how to install an infrared warm floor under linoleum with your own hands. First of all, you need to carefully prepare the subfloor. If it is a screed, then it should be flat. There should be no obvious defects in the screed. If the floor is wooden, check the quality of the planking.

Advice! To achieve a perfectly flat surface, the wooden floor can be covered with plywood and screwed on with self-tapping screws. It is very good if the plywood will have interlocks. If they are not there, then join the plywood sheets together tightly without gaps.

So, on the prepared surface you need to put a layer of waterproofing. For this purpose, plastic wrap is used. Plus, the installation of heat-insulating material is carried out. All joints of waterproofing and thermal insulation are glued with tape. Additionally, this entire layer can be attached to the floor with a stapler. Be sure to have a foil surface on top of the thermal insulation.

In the next step, you need to determine the place where the thermostat will be installed. If it is built-in, then immediately make the necessary holes in the wall. After that, the installation of the electric infrared film can be carried out. It should be laid so that the copper strips point downwards.

Important! It is unacceptable for infrared films to lie on top of each other. There should be a small gap between it.

Regular scissors are used to cut the film into the required pieces. The cut is carried out on the provided cut line. All strips are connected in parallel with each other. Please note that all cut points should be insulated with special bitumen tape. Clips should be fixed to the film in special places. Remember that these clips are disposable. If you attach them incorrectly, they will not be reused. The clamp is fixed to the film with pliers. A wire is also inserted into these clamps, which connects all the films to each other and from one goes to the thermostat. In addition, a temperature sensor is installed next to the heating circuit.

Advice! To prevent the film from leaving its place during the installation of an electric infrared underfloor heating, it can be glued to the floor with tape.

After completing the installation of the electric infrared film, the thermostat is connected. For this, the circuit indicated on the thermostat itself is used. After connecting to the electricity, carry out a test run of the underfloor heating. If all the strips are warm, you can install the flooring. Lay a thick plastic wrap on top of the film, plywood on top, and the last layer - linoleum.

Conclusion

So, here we have considered all the features of how to install an electric underfloor heating under linoleum. Remember that it is extremely important to choose the right linoleum. Otherwise, the technology and sequence of manufacturing a warm electric floor is similar to all other technologies. We hope that you were able to find a lot of useful information for yourself from this article. In addition to everything, we offer you a viewing of the prepared video material.

The use of infrared warm floors allows you to achieve the most comfortable temperature conditions in the room. They can be combined with almost any kind of outdoor finishing material.

However, choosing an infrared warm floor underneath, you need to choose the right materials and take into account the nuances of installation.

The operation of infrared floors is based on the principle of secondary convection - initially physical bodies (interior and household items, humans, animals) are heated, and then the surrounding air.

- these are two layers of film, between which the heating elements are located. The power source is electricity that is supplied through electrical conductors. Thermal energy is emitted by the carbon paste applied to the film. Heating is carried out by infrared rays of carbon semiconductors.

Rod IR floor - a thin mat made of carbon rods. This system is based on a composite material. Bendable rods are built into thermocouples with electrically conductive busbars. When heated, IR radiation is produced by a polymer thermal film, into which a heating element is sealed. The advantage of this system is the self-regulation of the temperature regime. The heating plates themselves serve as a thermostat.

This heating system has a number of both positive and negative qualities.

Advantages of IR heating system

The advantages of this heating include:

  • the warmth of infrared rays is similar to the warmth of the sun and creates the greatest comfort for humans. Scientists have proven their healing effect;
  • unlike alternative heating systems, this one does not dry out the air. This feature allows you to achieve the most favorable climatic conditions in the room;
  • IR floor technology is compatible with the largest possible number of modern floor coverings: ceramic tiles, laminate, carpet, parquet and linoleum;
  • the possibility of laying in buildings of any geometry. The film can be installed in rooms with a non-standard layout, on balconies, loggias;
  • small film thickness. It makes it possible to operate in buildings with low ceilings, since it does not significantly raise the floor level;
  • ease of installation. Provided that the floor on which the film is to be laid is flat and free from defects, there is no need to fill the screed. Laying is carried out by the "dry installation" method;
  • long service life. Most manufacturers give a guarantee for uninterrupted operation for 15-20 years;
  • the possibility of self-mounting, without the involvement of specialists;
  • minimum screed height when installing the rod system. The height of tile glue or concrete does not exceed 2-3 cm;
  • energy savings. Provided that thermostats are installed, there is a possibility of programming temperature modes or their automatic or manual correction.

Cons of IR floors

There are relatively few of them:

  • after laying the infrared film heating, it is impossible to rearrange the room. Bulky furniture and household appliances must not be installed at the locations of the film - this can lead to overheating of the floors;
  • the need to install thermostats in each room;
  • if there are no basic skills, then it will be difficult to install and connect the system with your own hands. The layman is not always able to connect the contact to the film. It has to be cut and connected to another contact;
  • laying a warm floor under linoleum on a concrete floor with defects leads to its deformation. Therefore, sometimes a new screed is still needed;
  • if infrared heating is used as an auxiliary to stationary, then the air can be dry;
  • high price of rod systems.

Which IR warm floor is preferable for linoleum

Manufacturers offer two types of IR heating systems. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and when choosing a system, you should do it, focusing on your individual needs.

Film floorRod floor
Safe and reliable operation
Both types work on the use of infrared radiation, the guaranteed shelf life is 15 years.
1. Does not require preliminary work when laying, it is mounted on a flat concrete surface using the "dry mounting" method.
2. Heats up when placed on the insulated floor of furniture.
1. Laying in a screed made of concrete or tile mix.
2. Does not overheat when closing work areas with furniture and household appliances.
VersatilityVersatility
Can be used to insulate floors, walls, ceilings and other flat surfacesIt is used only for floor insulation, including in rooms with high humidity.
Energy savingEnergy saving
Increased energy savings compared to alternative heating systems
PricePrice
A budget option.High price.
ThermoregulationThermoregulation
A thermostat is required.Independent lowering of temperature in heated areas of housing and lowering near cold areas - window and doorways.

What linoleum is compatible with IR heating systems

When using incompatible brands of linoleum, its deformation is possible. Linoleum can warp, stretch, or, conversely, shrink.

Also, when heated, some species emit hazardous substances and toxins, or have an insulating backing that prevents heat from passing through.

When choosing linoleum for laying on top of an IR heating system, special attention should be paid to its labeling. She must have information about compatibility with warm electric floor systems.

Materials and tools

You can lay warm floors under the linoleum with your own hands.

To do this, you need to prepare the following materials and devices at hand:

  • heating kit (infrared cloth, insulator, contact clamps);
  • temperature sensor and thermostat, hollow corrugated tube;
  • wiring;
  • double sided tape;
  • polyethylene film;
  • plywood sheets;
  • insulation (heat-reflecting substrate);
  • nails;
  • knife, scissors;
  • pliers, pliers;
  • screwdriver;
  • tools for wall chipping (hammer and chisel, wall chaser, grinder, perforator).

Instead of tape for fixing, you can use a construction stapler or furniture nails.

Installation procedure for IR film floors

Installation of infrared underfloor heating under linoleum is carried out in several stages.

Preparatory activities: laying plan, marking and material preparation

Before starting the installation of the infrared floor, you should draw a diagram. A room is drawn on a sheet of paper in compliance with the proportions with the layout of the placement of furniture and other large-sized interior items. The location of the thermostat, the temperature sensor, the location of the film sheets, taking into account their size, should be applied to the diagram.

The film can be laid along or across the room. Optimal placement of strips of IR film longitudinally - this will help to minimize the number of connection points.

The markup will help in calculating the required amount of film, electrical cable and related materials.

When drawing up a scheme for laying IR floors, a number of nuances should be taken into account:

  • the floor is not laid under bulky items;
  • thermomats can only be cut along special lines indicated by the manufacturer;
  • the manufacturer does not provide for the possibility of cutting the film at an angle of more or less than 90 degrees, the formation of a figured canvas;
  • when installing a film underfloor heating under linoleum, the IR canvas is laid in parallel rows;
  • overlapping strips is not allowed;
  • a small gap should be left between the film and the walls;
  • the strips should be laid with a side overlap, leaving a gap of about 1 cm between the copper tires;
  • to save connecting wires, the connection points are planned from the side of the wall with a thermostat;
  • the wiring must be planned so that their maximum number is laid under the skirting board;
  • if a large number of small pieces of film are planned (up to 1m), then additional terminals are purchased in advance;
  • all layers of the IR heating system, except for the IR film, are laid over the entire area of ​​the room.

When planning the installation of an infrared warm floor under linoleum, it is necessary to take into account that the total power of the elements connected to one temperature controller must be< 3,5 кВт. В противном случае желательно провести отдельную проводку и использовать выключатель-автомат.

Before laying a warm floor, it is necessary to remove the debris and sweep thoroughly.

If there are irregularities, potholes or other defects on it, then they are eliminated with tile glue or a cement-sand mixture. Further steps should be started only after it is completely dry.

Also, during preparatory activities, you should transfer the markup from the plan directly to the work surfaces. This will greatly facilitate subsequent styling.

Mount Algorithm

The second stage is the installation of a warm floor under linoleum:

  • Installing a thermostat. It is fixed at a level of 1-1.5 m from the floor. At the marked place, a recess is drilled according to the dimensions of the thermostat (if it is built-in) and a strobe is laid from it, into which a corrugated tube with a temperature sensor wire and an electric wire will be placed.

  • Laying the heat-insulating layer. On the prepared surface, a roll-up heat insulator is placed with the reflective side up. To avoid displacing it during further work, this layer should be fixed with double-sided tape.
  • Installation of IR film. According to the scheme, the cut film is laid, then it is fixed on the heat insulator layer with double-sided tape.

  • Installation of a thermal sensor. installed at an equal distance between two strips of IR film in the immediate vicinity of the thermostat. The thermal sensor is fixed with tape. To avoid the appearance of irregularities, special recesses are cut out on the substrate in the places where the temperature sensor and contacts are located.

  • Fastening of electrical cables. It is attached with clamps to one of the ends of the heating foil. The contacts are fastened in such a way as to ensure the most tight contact with the conductive conductors. Then, with the help of contacts and wiring, the strips of the IR film are connected. All places where contacts carrying current are installed are insulated with self-adhesive strips.

  • Testing the work of the warm floor. It is necessary to turn on the power supply and wait for the heating of the system. All strips should warm up to the same temperature. All insulated wire connections must be checked with an indicator screwdriver. Make sure that there is no voltage at these nodes. All errors must be eliminated.
  • Waterproofing. A polyethylene sheet with a 10-20 cm overlap is laid on the IR layer, which is fixed with tape.

When connecting the heating elements of adjacent strips of film, the contact clamps must be placed so that the end of the wire is inside the film and comes into contact with the contact. A grommet is placed in the resulting hole and riveted.

Laying decorative flooring

Linoleum is a coating material that cannot be applied directly to thermal film. Experts and manufacturers recommend using plywood sheets with a thickness of 1 cm as a substrate for it.

Plywood sheets are fixed with nails. They are hammered in very carefully so as not to damage the elements that conduct current. To do this, nails are hammered exclusively along the perimeter of the sheet. The plywood must be dry and free from visible damage.

Fasteners are made only through the transparent edge of the heating elements.

Before you start laying linoleum, you need to test the IR floor again.

Linoleum is laid using standard technology. The coating is spread around the perimeter of the room and left for 1-2 days. Then, in rooms with a small footage, the edges are fixed with skirting boards. In large rooms, linoleum must be glued.

It is advisable to lay linoleum at an air temperature of + 18 ° C and humidity less than 65%.

Safety engineering

When laying a warm floor under linoleum, the following safety rules are followed:

  • installation, testing and final connection of the system is carried out exclusively when disconnected from the network;
  • do not heat the IR floor under the linoleum more than 28-30 ° C;
  • it is imperative to use a protective layer over the IR film to prevent deformation of the heating elements.

Video: installation of IR underfloor heating under linoleum

In contact with

classmates

Underfloor heating is a fashionable and popular way to heat residential buildings, apartments, and other premises.

Compared to traditional systems, underfloor heating has significant advantages.

Among them is the uniformity of heating of the entire area of ​​the room and a large area of ​​heat radiation, which makes the operation of the system as efficient as possible.

In this case, the structure can be installed both in a separate room and throughout the house. These capabilities make it a common method of heating the home, and also allow it to be used in combination with most floor coverings. Consider the options for using the system for the simplest and most convenient type of coating - linoleum.


Underfloor heating is a system of heating elements of various designs installed inside the layers of the cake and transferring heat directly to the surface of the coating.

The type of coating plays an important role in the proper functioning of the system, since the usual requirements dictate maximum thermal insulation. In this capacity, linoleum can have various versions, from completely unsuitable for use on warm floors, to quite acceptable types of material.

Manufacturers produce special types of linoleum adapted for use on warm floors. Such types have on the reverse side a special marking in the form of a snake with vertical arrows, symbolizing the underfloor heating system with streams of warm air.

A material suitable for laying on a warm floor has the following qualities:

  • rigidity, density, preventing softening from the action of high temperature;
  • preservation of linear dimensions, no deformation during heating;
  • strength, durability of the material.

The correct choice of linoleum is very important, since the material does not allow air to pass through and can transfer heat only by its own heating. Therefore, when choosing a material for the flooring, one must take into account the rather high loads on the system. which means high costs.

Electric

Composition


A device for a frame house.

The electric underfloor heating system has several design options:

  1. ... Heating is carried out using a resistive cable, used both separately and as part of - strips of a mounting mesh with a cable fixed to it. Installation of mats is much easier and faster, which is the main reason for the wider adoption of this option.
  2. ... There are two types of emitters - (outdated) and (more modern and convenient).
    Unlike water systems, where pipelines can begin to move under pressure, the installation of a heating cable does not require rigid fixation. The separate cable is attached to the mounting tape, the cable mats are simply spread on the floor in the right places. Cable systems can be installed both under the screed and "dry", infrared film can be laid only "dry", as they do not tolerate moisture.

Important! Installation of film emitters is the simplest and does not require changing the floor level, which is very convenient when installing in a finished room.

Layers

For concrete slabs:

  1. Overlapping.
  2. A layer of insulation (a thin foam layer of 1.5-2 cm is enough).
  3. A protective layer of the screed that protects the insulation from heating, melting, etc. (optimally 2-4 cm).
  4. Cable or cable mats.
  5. Screed layer (optimally 5 cm).
  6. Linoleum.

For a wooden sub-floor, the composition of the cake is easier.:

  1. Rough floor.
  2. Film infrared heat-insulated floor.
  3. Linoleum.
  1. Rough floor.
  2. Heating cable (mats).
  3. Protective layer of plywood, chipboard, etc.
  4. Linoleum.

The composition of the pie can be strengthened according to circumstances, for example, with insufficient insulation of the subfloor or prolonged winter frosts.

Materials and tools

For work you will need:

  • tape measure, ruler, folding rule;
  • pliers;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver;
  • electric drill;
  • insulation (EPS or similar);
  • polyurethane foam for sealing cracks;
  • screed mixture;
  • linoleum.

The list of required tools and materials can be expanded in each specific case.

Manufacturing

on a concrete base:

  1. Inspection and leveling (if necessary) of the concrete floor.
  2. Applying a layer of waterproofing - hot bitumen and a layer of roofing material.
  3. Insulation laying.
  4. Application of a thin (2-4 cm) layer of screed.
  5. Laying cable mats or separate cables (on mounting tape).
  6. Connecting a heater, measuring resistances at all test points, testing the system.
  7. Pouring concrete screed, curing time.
  8. Laying linoleum.

For wooden sub-floors:

  1. Installing foil film to cut off unnecessary floor heating.
  2. Laying the infrared film emitter.
  3. A layer of waterproof film.
  4. Laying linoleum.

Useful video

Check out visually the process of installing a warm floor in the video below:

conclusions

In conclusion, it should be reminded of the need to use special grades of linoleum in order to avoid damage to the expensive coating after two to three weeks of operation. A more successful, albeit more complex and expensive, type of underfloor heating for linoleum is the water type, but if necessary, you can equip an electric one, if all the recommendations are taken into account. In any case, do-it-yourself warm floors under linoleum are laid quickly and subsequently bring a lot of pleasant minutes to the owners of a frame house.

In contact with

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, you can equip a warm floor under the linoleum with your own hands.

The choice of linoleum for 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:

  1. 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 material on a warm floor is quite possible.
  2. 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.
  3. Single-layer linoleum is a thin and short-lived material. It, of course, can be laid on a warm floor, but it requires frequent replacement.
  4. 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.
  5. Glyphthal linoleum is covered with a thick layer of varnish. It meets all modern technological requirements. This is ideal for installing 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 well 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 floor heating:

  1. The cost of all elements of such a structure is lower than, for example, a water heat-insulated floor.
  2. Installation of a film warm floor is so simple that you can cope with it on your own.
  3. Such a system is not afraid of frost and cannot crack and flood the rooms under it.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 drawbacks.

Disadvantages of underfloor heating on a film basis:

  1. 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.
  2. High energy consumption. Maintenance of such a system is several times more expensive than floor heating with a water device.
  3. 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 significant to you. Then you can choose a different system for yourself, but each type has its own drawbacks.

Electric underfloor heating under linoleum

The electric 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 on the 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 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 underfloor 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 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, 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 electric 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:

  1. The preparatory stage includes leveling the floor with a screed or cement plaster (this depends on how uneven the base is).
  2. On top of the leveled floor, waterproofing protection is glued. It can be a film, or bituminous glue (mastic).
  3. The waterproofing film is sewn up with plywood or chipboard sheets.
  4. 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 wardrobes will be without heating.
  5. A heat-insulating material with a layer of reflective aluminum foil is laid on top of the plywood base. Use scotch tape and a construction stapler to fasten the insulation sheets together.
  6. Now, according to the previously drawn up scheme, the infrared film is laid. At the same time, it should lie with its underside on the thermal film. The underfloor heating canvases are fastened together with adhesive tape.
  7. 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 underfloor 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!

During a major overhaul or construction of a house, the question arises whether it is possible to put a warm floor under linoleum. Will this type of heating be safe for households? It should be noted the existence of several types of underfloor heating, which are installed under linoleum, laminate or tile flooring. The main thing in this matter is to know the peculiarities of the material, whether it is possible to put a warm floor under the linoleum, how to properly carry out the preparatory and installation work, and whether professional skills and knowledge are needed in order for a warm floor to serve well and for a long time.

A kind of warm floor

A person constantly strives to improve his own living conditions and a warm floor is no exception. Today there are such types of floor heating.

Infrared film material

The floor heating element is a film or a special cable that is connected to the network by means of a thermostat.

Important ! An infrared film-type warm floor does not heat the air space, but an object that is on its surface, for example, linoleum or laminate.

This type of flooring is used in shops, offices, industrial facilities or residential buildings. It is installed as an auxiliary or main heating. This is a versatile warm floor that can be installed under any type of floor material, including linoleum. Experts do not recommend placing it under ceramic tiles.

Another plus is the flexibility and elasticity of the thermal film, which allows you to heat the surface in a horizontal, vertical or even tilted position. Such material practically does not lend itself to mechanical damage.

It is easy to install a film-type warm floor under linoleum and it does not take much time. To install it, it will be enough to level the floors yourself, and lay the film material on 75% of the floor surface.

Electric floor

The classic look of a warm structure that is constantly being modernized. It provides for the use of a cable and ready-made heating sections of a small size. On top of the electric floor, you can lay linoleum or laminate, carpet or ceramic products.

Water floor under linoleum

This type is more often installed in a private house or cottage. In order to install such heating in an apartment, you need to take care of an additional riser. The water that passes through the entire underfloor heating system will return cool to the common riser, so the neighbors will receive not hot, but cold water. Today, water-heated floors are installed in new houses, where special risers for heat exchange have already been installed to connect the structure.

The main advantage of such a system is energy savings, as well as the absence of the harmful effects of magnetic and electric fields. Compliance with all the rules for installing a warm floor will allow you to perform work without difficulty.

How to install a warm floor under linoleum

Each underfloor heating system provides for preparatory and installation work.

Instructions for the preparation and installation of a cable underfloor heating under linoleum

Carry out preparatory activities. Remove old floor and screed, debris and dust.

Choose a place where the thermostat will be installed. Supply electricity and an earthing cable to it.

Lay a waterproofing material with allowances on the walls above the level of the future screed. In places where it will come into contact with the wall, glue the tape to compensate in order to remove the unpleasant effects of the expansion of the mixture.

Install thermal insulation material that will help to minimize the loss of floor heat. If it is additional heating, a polyethylene foam backing is used as a heat-insulating material. If the main heating, then the insulation material is expanded polystyrene, with a maximum thickness of 5 cm.For the balcony, you need a heater, 10 cm in size.

After insulation, a rough screed with reinforcement is created, on which foil and roll insulation material with a foil coating are laid.

Installation of the heating element is carried out after calculating the size of the stacking step. A special tape is used to secure and fix the wires.

With the help of couplings, the power cables of the thermostatic device and the heating system are fixed, the temperature device is installed.

The heating line is laid strictly according to the established rules. The trunk branches should lie at a distance of 7.5 cm from each other, the bends of the cables should be smooth. The distance to any objects should not exceed 10 cm, and to heating elements should not exceed 20 cm. In places of movable joints, the cable is placed in a plastic pipe to prevent it from breaking. After laying the floor, a visual and test check of the material for integrity is carried out.

A cement-sand screed is poured.

For the finishing of the floor, ceramic tiles, natural or artificial stone, linoleum or laminate are used.

Video example of how to carry out work on laying a cable floor:

Instructions on how to properly install a water floor

The surface is prepared and leveled, the old floor and screed, the remains of bituminous material and other debris are removed. A new screed is created and waterproofing is carried out.

A special tape is glued along the perimeter of the floor to compensate for possible expansions during the heating of the concrete material.

Insulation material is laid depending on the thickness of the floor, the location of the room and the type of floor covering.

The water pipes are placed on a previously prepared base and fixed to the floor with clamps using screws. A plastic tie is used to fix the pipes to the reinforcing mesh. In order not to bend or deform the material, it is unwound gradually, just as it is bent. The damaged pipe can no longer be used.

The underfloor heating is connected to the collector by means of a Euro cone system or crimp fittings.

A complete check of the system is carried out, by supplying water for a day under a pressure of no more than 5-6 bar. If all is well, a concrete screed is created, with a maximum thickness of 5 cm.

Install a water-based underfloor heating under linoleum with the thinnest possible layer of screed, this will allow you to supplement it with a mesh, laying it on top of the structure.

The video will help to make sure of the ease of installing the floor by independent forces:

Installation instructions for a film underfloor heating

At the first stage, at the beginning of the preparatory work, the old floor is removed if it is physically worn out. If the material is in excellent condition, then it is sufficient to remove dust and dirt.

As an insulating material under linoleum or laminate, experts recommend laying an insulating foam product up to 3 mm thick.

In the process of installing a film floor under linoleum, the use of a substrate is provided, which is laid so that the metallized side faces downward onto the cleaned surface. The insulation should be immobilized with double-sided tape or special glue. Between themselves, the strips of insulation material are connected with simple tape.

The temperature of the underfloor heating is controlled by a thermostat. It must be selected in accordance with the calculated power, focusing on how much electricity one square meter of film will consume, approximately 200 watts. To find out the power of the thermostat, you need to multiply the amount of energy consumed by one square meter by the total area of ​​the room where the film will be covered on the floor. The thermostat controls and programs the heating of the entire floor.

The underfloor heating film fits only on the usable area in the room. If the heating is additional, then 50% of the total is sufficient. If the structure will perform the function of the main heating, then 80% of the entire area will be covered with heating material. Leave indents from the wall no more than 20 cm, and next to furniture or household appliances, the film under the linoleum is not laid at all to prevent overheating.

The material is applied directly to the insulation using brightly colored tape. From a professional point of view, the canvas should be laid along the room in order to reduce the points of connection of wires. All segments are laid out strictly according to the scheme, avoiding overlapping even at the edges.

The film is attached to the squares with double-sided tape to prevent the fragments from moving.

A thermal sensor is installed under the canvas, not far from the temperature control device. It is recommended to make a recess in the thermal insulation layer to avoid bumps.

All elements of warm material, film and wires, are connected strictly according to the scheme. The web is pierced with a copper clamp, which holds it to a copper strip, which is a conductive element. To check the strength of the clamp, just pull it slightly towards you. In relation to the film material, it should not move. The wire is fixed to the clamp and closed using a bitumen insulator on both sides, then it is tightly squeezed.

To properly connect the warm floor, thermostat and wires, it is better to seek help from a specialist - an electrician.

The entire structure of the warm floor is checked using a test mode. The insulation of the material must be reliable, the places where the wires are connected are checked with a special device. After the underfloor heating is connected to the electrical network, the heating of each strip is checked separately.

A video clip will complement the theoretical part of installing a film floor: