Underfloor Heating & Flooring Types

The feeling of well-being is something we shouldn’t take for granted. Feeling warm and comfortable in our homes helps maintain the feeling of well-being and promotes good health. There are numerous ways to experience warmth but only a few that guarantee real comfort.

Amuheat underfloor heating emits radiant energy which is partly reflected by each surface and partly absorbed. Where it is absorbed, that surface becomes a secondary emitter. After a while, all surfaces become secondary emitters. Furnishings themselves radiate energy and the room becomes evenly and uniformly warmed. The energy and heat reaches into every corner of the room – no cold spot, no hot ceilings and no cold feet.

The main difference between flooring types and their suitability for use with underfloor heating is the materials thermal conductivity – meaning how quickly and efficiently heat generated transfers to the floor surface.

Timber
Different types of wood flooring have different thermal properties, as such there are differences in their suitability for use with an underfloor heating system. The more dense and the thinner the floor boards are, the better they conduct heat and typically more suitable they are for use.

Concrete
Polished concrete is an ideal finish for underfloor heating. The concrete is the direct conductor of the heat energy that is transferring into the room, combined with high thermal mass allows for full benefit of the underfloor heating system.

Carpet
Carpet is suitable for use, provided carpet or underlay does not act as an insulator blocking the heat. Most carpets can be used, however wool or high pile is a thermal insulator and will slow the transfer of heat from floor to the air above, the thicker the carpet the greater the thermal resistance.

Tile & Stone
Similar to concrete, tiled and stoned flooring are one of the most suitable finishes as they have high thermal mass and good conductivity. Heat from the pipes can quickly transfer to the surface and increasing the thickness wont affect the output. Tiles can be heated to 29°C or more, meaning that you can also achieve one of the highest heat outputs.

In all instances, Amuheat recommends conferring with flooring manufacturer, prior to installation, regarding suitability for use with underfloor heating systems.