Warm floor for linoleum installation. Underfloor heating under linoleum on a wooden floor: technology for installing a water and infrared underfloor heating. What you need for optimal performance

Many who want to provide coziness and comfort in their homes resort to the installation of underfloor heating. Indeed, this modern technology allows you to solve the problem of heating 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 different kinds 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, choosing 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 are released into the air when heated. hazardous gases for a person. Moreover, when heated, linoleum is deformed and damaged. Now let's consider two types of linoleum for an electric warm floor:

Natural marmoleum. Marmoleum production is carried out from natural components... For example, it is based on pine resin, linseed oil, lime powder, crushed cork. Dyes are also used to make linoleum 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 fire resistant.
PVC vinyl. This is a type of multi-layer linoleum, which happens 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.

You can lay such heating in 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 any kind 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 create reliable system underfloor heating.
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 floor 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 do-it-yourself process will look like this. First of all, you need to define quality flooring... If you find any defects, then they should be removed immediately. For example, the board might be damaged. Remove it immediately and lay a new one.

Next, you need to waterproof the warm floor. For this purpose is used roll material... 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 on the floor temperature sensor... 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.

Dry installation of cable heating is carried out 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.
Be sure to hem the boards from the underside of the log. They will form the subfloor.
A waterproofing film should be placed on top of the sub-floor.
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. On top of the lag, fiberboard or any slab material... 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 her 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 underfloor heating 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.

To cut the film into the required pieces, ordinary scissors are used. 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 fastened to the film in special places. Remember that these clips are disposable. If you attach them incorrectly, they cannot 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 electricity, do a test run underfloor heating... If all the strips are warm, the flooring can be installed. On top of the film, lay a dense plastic wrap, 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 could find many useful information for yourself from this article. In addition to everything, we offer you a viewing of the prepared video material.

Film options for floor heating differ in the mass of positive consumer and technical qualities... They form the most favorable temperature background. They do not require an obligatory screed, they are easy to install, they work perfectly in tandem with almost all coatings. You can arrange an infrared warm floor under linoleum with my own hands, if you know the rules and subtleties of installation.

Infrared floor paired with linoleum

Affordability of the price does not prevent linoleum from being a rather "capricious" coating. From heating, budget brands can warp, stretch or shrink. Cheap material can release toxins when the temperature rises. Dear representatives with an insulating backing nullify all attempts of heat to pass through them and reach the feet of the consumer.

IR-compatible coating

Before the advent of film floors, the proximity of linoleum with "warm floor" systems required serious technical tweaks or was outright excluded. Direct cooperation with electrical or water circuits was only allowed to marmoleum - natural linoleum... Although there are serious claims to it for the retention of heat.

With the introduction infrared systems heating linoleum has joined the ranks of materials that allow you to arrange a "warm floor" underneath. In addition, the manufacturers of numerous types of coatings have made significant changes to the formula, which ensured resistance to temperatures up to + 35 ° C and dimensional stability.

However, when choosing linoleum for laying on top of even an infrared heating system, you should carefully study the marking. It must indicate the compatibility of the material with electrical warm floors... If the manufacturer's assurances turn out to be false - the coating will deteriorate from contact with the heating system, the money for it must be returned.

You can familiarize yourself with good options and purchase linoleum on the Remontnick.ru website. There they will advise you and help you choose what you need.

By the way, no one will compensate you for losses incurred due to a violation of the technology for installing a film floor. Lost funds will not be returned if the conditions for installing linoleum on top were not met infrared heating... Therefore, it is worth deeply and thoughtfully to familiarize yourself with the technological prescriptions for the construction of film systems.

Underfloor heating compatible with linoleum

The consumer is now presented with a wide variety of film heating systems.

There are options with a solid carbon heating element or with rectangular large segments. With their help, they equip large health centers and public organizations... Such systems are mounted mainly in a screed.

In everyday life, so-called striped films are most often used. The heat-generating carbon in them is located in transverse stripes. The edges of the strips are sandwiched on both sides with copper and silver bars that provide energy to the elements that ground and stop sparks. From the outside and inside, infrared heating systems are covered with a thin polymer film.

Depending on the function assigned by the manufacturers to the copper and silver rails, film floors are installed up or down with the copper strip side. This technical moment indicated by the manufacturers in the instructions, it should be addressed close attention before installing a specific brand of infrared film.

The rest of the installation processes for all types of infrared warm floors are similar. Performed in stages with mandatory preliminary calculation, design and preparation before construction.

All types of film heating before laying linoleum require a protective layer of plywood, hardboard sheets, gypsum fiber board or fiberboard with a thickness of 3 - 5 mm.

Nuances of design and calculations

Let's analyze the calculation procedure for specific example devices of the film system of the Caleo brand, produced for laying linoleum. We will take into account that this type of coating is used mainly in the arrangement of bathrooms, corridors, kitchens of multi-storey and low-rise buildings allocated for winter Garden staircases of private buildings and other similar premises.

Standard arrangement of layers in the pie

Pie underfloor heating floor linoleum will include five mandatory layers, these are:

Heat reflective backing. The use of materials such as Izolon or Infralex is recommended. It is allowed to use thermal insulation with polypropylene or lavsan metallized outer sheath. It is forbidden to lay materials with an aluminum foil base under the IR floor.
Infrared film floor. The system includes longitudinal panels with carbon striped coating, at least one temperature sensor and a thermostat. The canvases of the film system are connected to the power supply in parallel using the terminals and wires provided in the factory set.
Polyethylene. Placed on top of the heating system after assembly and inspection. Plays the role of waterproofing infrared electric floors. Maximum thickness 2 mm.
Protective hard layer. It is made of plywood, hardboard or similar material... Required for underfloor heating with a flexible finish.
Linoleum. Only brands that are compatible with electric underfloor heating are suitable.

When designing, it is necessary to take into account that an infrared-type film heat-insulated floor is not directly placed under furniture without legs or with low legs. It is unreasonable to heat objects that do not need a supply of heat, but are capable of consuming an impressive amount of it.

But an insulating substrate and a rigid layer are arranged over all areas of the room in order to withstand a single high-rise floor level. Waterproofing, despite its insignificant thickness, is laid in the same way, over the entire area, in order to exclude the penetration of water into the electrical system during wet cleaning.

Drawing up a laying scheme

For competent design, it is necessary to draw up a plan or an elementary diagram with scaled real dimensions. A self-written project will help to correctly calculate the footage of thermal film and related consumables.

The sheets of the heating system, waterproofing and heat-reflecting backing are attached to each other with single or double-sided tape.

In addition to these nuances, the design must take into account that:

It is possible to cut the IR thermal film only along the lines indicated by the manufacturer. Cutting at an angle and the formation of curly panels are not allowed.
Laying is done in parallel strips. Overlapping of one panel with another is not allowed.
Between low standing furniture and a film floor, a gap of at least 3 cm should be left. An equal distance should be left between the edge of the panels and the walls: it will provide heat dissipation in case of overheating.
It is recommended to lay the cut strips of thermal film with a side overlap so that there is a gap of at least 1 cm between the copper tires of adjacent panels. This arrangement will ensure uniform heating of the floor.
Heating system sheets should have a maximum possible variant lengths to minimize the number of connection points.
The connection points must be located on the side of the wall on which the thermostat will be installed. Thanks to this, the length of the wires required for connection will be significantly reduced.
The wiring must be thought out so that their main array is located under the plinth.

It should be remembered that when cutting the film floor into short lengths up to 1m, additional insulation and the use of additional terminal clamps will be required. Those. have to purchase mounting kit in addition to what is included in the package.

In advance, you need to decide on the type of thermostat, which can be built-in or overhead. To install the built-in variety, you will need a corrugated polymer pipe, used when laying in a stripe, for open wiring a plastic cable duct is required. For arranging large areas or floors in adjoining rooms additional temperature sensors may be required.

Additional electrical and insulation

If it is planned to connect several sets of film floor to one thermostat, then the power consumption is determined by adding up the powers of all elements. The wire for connecting parts of the IR floor to the thermostat is selected in accordance with the result.

You should purchase the cable required to connect the thermostat to the mains, because in the factory set, a wire is provided only for connecting the film heating to the thermostat itself. You need to choose it in accordance with the maximum power required for the functionality of the system.

Do not forget that electric underfloor heating is arranged with mandatory inclusion to the RCD network with 30 mA actuation parameters affecting the wiring 100 ms. You will need a category C circuit breaker designed to protect the current-carrying branch of 10 A.

If other electrical appliances are connected to the automatic protection devices, their power should be taken into account in the calculations. For a film floor that consumes 2 kW or more, it is recommended to arrange a separate branch with its own automatic machine.

Installation of the film floor cake

Suppose that, after design and calculations, we have purchased an infrared floor kit with the most suitable width and the missing pie components in the required quantity. It remains to find out in what sequence and how to correctly lay the infrared film floor under the finishing linoleum.

Substrate installation and heating systems

The first cases fit a heat-reflecting substrate, the strips of which are glued into a single canvas with tape. In large rooms with an area of more than 20 m 3, it is recommended to connect the substrate with double-sided adhesive tape in order to exclude its movement relative to the subfloor. Instead of double-sided tape, fixation with a construction stapler is suitable.

We cut out the thermal film according to the instructions of our own project.
Trying on the "pattern" for the place of future styling. If necessary, we trim, slightly change the width of the side indent and the gap between the walls and the heating system.
Having decided on the position of the individual panels, we proceed to the assembly of the warm floor.
We lay the underfloor heating panels strictly with the copper bus down.
We isolate the bare contacts of the panels from the edge opposite to the connection side. We simply glue the trim sections of the silver and copper tires with bitumen tape so that contacts with the external environment of both metal strips are completely excluded.
We install the contact clamps on the supplying current strip of thermal film. To do this, slightly peel off the polymer shell to insert one side of the clamp under it, and place the other side on top of the copper bus.
After checking the correct installation, we fix the clamp with force with pliers.
In accordance with the described scheme, we equip all contacts of the film floor with clamps from the side of connection to the thermostat.
We connect the strips with wires so that the phases are connected to the phases, and the zeros to the zeros. For this, the complete set includes wires of two different colors. We remove the insulation from the connected ends of the wire and put them in two or one at a time according to the design diagram in the terminal.
The connection points, reinforced with pliers, are insulated with two pieces of bitumen tape on both sides.
We connect the circuit to the thermostat.
V convenient location install the temperature sensor with the convex side down and connect it to the thermostat. We glue it from below with bituminous tape. The system sensor under the linoleum must be positioned so that movement on it is excluded or the least intense.

The infrared floor heating system is assembled, the final work on the arrangement of the contour and the laying of the finishing material remained.

The final stages of the IR floor device

In order for the individual parts of the system not to stand out under the coating and not be exposed to undesirable mechanical stress, they should be "drowned" in the insulating substrate. To do this, cut out “windows” and “trenches” in the heat-reflecting layer under all convex parts: a temperature sensor, contact clamps and wire routes.

Next, we test the operation of the film floor by connecting power to it. On the thermostat for the control check we set the value of + 30 ° C. We check the operation of each contact and the safety of the insulated points with an indicator-screwdriver or a similar device. After making sure of the normal functionality of the infrared system, cover it with polyethylene and lay a rigid protective layer.

If necessary, a rigid layer, assembled from plywood, gypsum fiber board, hardboard, etc. we fix it to the rough base with self-tapping screws so that the fixation points pass through the transparent edge of the film floor. It is more convenient to work with material that has a butt chamfer along the edge.

Do not forget that the infrared system needs to "breathe". Therefore, a gap of 1-2 cm should remain along the perimeter of the hard flooring, which after the device topcoat covered with a plinth.

To the erected and fixed rigid base, we glue the double-sided construction tape used in laying linoleum, and we lay the finishing coating itself.

The video will demonstrate the essence of the infrared floor heating device for further laying of linoleum:

Calculation scheme and one of the options for laying an infrared film floor:

An overview of the film heating systems offered for sale, tested in practice:

There are not too many rules for the construction of infrared floor heating systems with linoleum as a topcoat. However, each of them must be observed in the name of the long service life of the film version. It is worth using a thermal film of a trusted manufacturer, and select components only of the same brand.

Linoleum is recognized as the most common final layer, its main and important advantage is the price and wide choice color solutions... But the democratic price has its reasons, and one of them is the use of raw materials, which cannot be called absolutely safe. Many owners may wonder whether it is possible to carry out 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. Most affordable option market, the maximum permissible heating level is 28 degrees Celsius. In the scheme, the electric floor is applicable, you need continuous monitoring of the heated level;
Glyphtal. Endowed with all the characteristics and meets all the criteria best coverage, covered with insulating varnish. The best option for laying electrical flooring, weak side this coating is recognized as 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, it needs regular replacement. 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, to which in mandatory you need to sharpen your gaze, this is the presence or absence of a special cloth layer. If this layer is present, then its own thermal conductivity is sharply reduced and linoleum with this design is not allowed for use under a warm floor.

Varieties of warm flooring for linoleum

What are the types of 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 home or apartment.

We install a warm floor using a heating wire

This type of product is sold in coils. Its installation 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. The disadvantages of this method are considered to be 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.

Is being laid vapor barrier film 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 having a thickness of half a centimeter.

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

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

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

On the 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 with a width of half a meter, while the pitch of the laid wire is 7.5 centimeters.

The algorithm of the required actions is almost completely the same as 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 final drying of the base, it is possible to proceed with the installation on the floor with your own hands of the final coating in the form of linoleum.

Infrared floor

The presented type of electric floor is endowed with the smallest thickness, and also the main advantage is the admissibility of laying it quick method, without performing the 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 of this type of electric floor and extreme sensitivity to moisture.

The stages of preparation for the installation of the electric 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 circuit 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.

Markets of modern building materials and electricians offer a wide range of floor coverings and underfloor heating systems. Before invention electrical systems floor heating linoleum was banned, but today this type of coating, which has its own advantages and disadvantages, is widely used together with underfloor heating systems. However, the film warm floor under linoleum must be chosen very carefully and carefully in order to avoid possible problems during operation.

Warm floors and linoleum

So, we figured out the question of whether it is possible to put linoleum on warm floors. These coatings are quite compatible, but there are all the nuances here. What kind of systems are compatible with such a coating?

Electric underfloor heating can be represented by a heating cable, thermomat or infrared foil. Any of these options is suitable for laying under a linoleum covering, but it is preferable to use film IR systems, since they have all the necessary qualities for this:

you can put such a covering without a screed, which will significantly save money, time and the height of the walls. Linoleum for a warm water floor is used extremely rarely precisely because a screed is needed that will hide the height of the ceilings;
laying the IR system and linoleum takes only 2-3 days, after which it can be safely put into operation;
the film warm floor under linoleum is easy to lay with your own hands, even after all the repair work is completed.

The only drawback is that the IR film is afraid of moisture, therefore, such a floor is not laid in the bathroom and other wet rooms. And linoleum is not advisable to use in a humid environment.

At the very least, laying linoleum under a warm infrared floor is cost effective. Even the highest quality linoleum flooring is cheaper than average quality floor tiles. Laying a warm infrared floor under linoleum is possible, also because this heating system allows this type of coating, as indicated in the instruction manual.

However, if you put an infrared warm floor under linoleum, then you should take into account the safety of this coating. Therefore, when choosing it, ask about the safety class and whether it is possible to use it with the systems in question. As a rule, serious manufacturers believe that linoleum will heat up and independently indicate the composition of the raw materials and make notes about the harmful substances included in it.

What linoleum is suitable for an infrared warm floor?

Affordable price does not prevent linoleum from being a rather "capricious" type of coating. When cheap material is heated, it can stretch, warp, or shrink. When the temperature rises, budget brands are capable of releasing toxins harmful to the human body. At the same time, expensive samples with an insulating substrate do not transmit heat to the outside. Therefore, linoleum for a warm kind of floor needs a special one.

After the invention of infrared floor heating systems, manufacturers have developed a special type of linoleum that can withstand temperatures up to + 35 ° C without emitting toxins and maintaining dimensional stability. Therefore, when choosing a linoleum coating for laying on top of an IR heating system, it is necessary to carefully study the marking for the compatibility of the material with electric underfloor heating.

A coating that is too thick has Negative influence on the quality of thermal conductivity, however, it is also not advisable to lay linoleum too thin, otherwise any unevenness will come out. Therefore, it is worth choosing a coating of medium thickness, and after the linoleum is laid on the infrared floor, you should withstand 36-48 hours at room temperature before turning on the heating system.

It is also worth noting the nuances of fixing the linoleum flooring on the floor. If it is attached to the screed, you can use glue paste or double-sided tape. And if it is planned to install a film underfloor heating on the system, then it is preferable to use only mastic, since its composition is able to qualitatively fix the material, and also ensure the permeability of heat.

When choosing linoleum for floor heating systems, you should pay attention to those features that are inherent in high-quality coating... In addition to high thermal conductivity, there must be a high degree of resistance to fading and discoloration, as well as resistance to deformation, which often occurs when exposed to high temperatures.

Such qualities are possessed by multilayer polyvinyl chloride linoleum, which is perfectly combined with almost all underfloor heating systems. Such a coating has a large number of design options for patterns and colors, which will decorate any interior. However, at too high temperatures (more than + 30 ºС) it is undesirable to use polyvinyl chloride.

The ideal choice for application on a film warm floor will be linoleum with an average thickness, which has a high degree of resistance to chemical and mechanical stress.

Design and calculations

Installation of any infrared warm floor under linoleum requires a protective layer 3-5 mm thick from plywood, gypsum fiber board, hardboard or fiberboard sheets. This type of floor heating and linoleum coating is usually used in the arrangement of kitchens, corridors, stairwells intended for a winter garden, and other similar premises.

First, you need to designate the configuration and area of those areas of the floor where the equipment and coating will be installed. The cake of the underfloor heating system under linoleum includes five obligatory layers:

Heat-reflecting substrate (Izolon, Infralex). It is allowed to use thermal insulation with a lavsan or polypropylene metallized outer layer. It is strictly forbidden to lay materials made of aluminum foil under the infrared floor.
Infrared film floor. The equipment includes rolls with longitudinal panels with carbon striped coating, as well as at least one temperature sensor and thermostat. The canvases are connected to electricity in parallel using the terminals and wires from the kit.
Polyethylene. Foil sheets with a maximum thickness of 2 mm are placed on top of the IR heating system after assembly and inspection. Polyethylene protects the film floor from moisture and water, acting as a waterproofing agent.
Protective hard layer. Sheets of hardboard, plywood or other similar material are laid on top of the polyethylene. This measure makes the coating more resistant and hard.
Linoleum. It is fixed with mastic. Only those brands that are compatible with electric underfloor heating are suitable.

When designing the system, it must be borne in mind that a film warm floor is not laid under a large household appliances or furniture with low legs or without them at all, as they absorb a large number of heat without emitting it. Moreover, Appliances overheating may fail. In this case, an insulating substrate and a rigid interlayer are installed on the entire surface of the floor so that its height is the same.

Keep in mind that if there is an inside floor, then the IR sheet should be at a distance of 5 cm from it. It is also worth keeping a distance of at least 20 cm between the infrared film and heat sources (fireplace, oven, pipes).

How to lay an IR floor under linoleum with your own hands?

First of all, you need to prepare the heating elements for installation:

The IR film should be cut along special lines along the heating strips every 250 mm.
Contact clamps are installed on the cut heating elements. In places where live copper strips and double-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 section 1.5 sq. mm. brought to the tip and clamped with pliers.
Then the joints of the copper bus and the electric wire with the ferrule on both sides are insulated with a waterproofing strip.
Parts of the canvas are connected in parallel to each other. Wherein general power heating elements connected to the thermostat should not exceed 3500 W.

If the total power of the heating system goes beyond 3500 W, then it is better to make the connection using a separate electrical wiring with its own protective circuit breaker. In addition, the heating elements must be connected using a magnetic starter.

After that, you need to lay the thermal insulation with a reflective layer and fix it with tape.
On the layer of thermal insulation, infrared canvases are laid with copper strips downward. In this case, the contact of the contacts of adjacent strips must not be allowed. To prevent the strips from shifting, the heating sheets are attached through a transparent rim, which is located on the sides of the element, using furniture nails, a stapler or ordinary tape.
Electrical copper busbars should be located 5 mm from any supply section of the element. The wires must be positioned so that their base is under the skirting board. Cutouts can be made in the thermal insulation in the areas of insulation of contact strips and thickenings in order to level the topcoat.
After that, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the system and check the reliability of the fastening of the wires and insulation.
Then you need to measure the degree of resistance of the heating sheets. If there are sources of a possible short circuit in the system, they must be promptly eliminated and the system must be checked again for operability.
Now, under the cutting line, you need to fix the temperature sensor, which, together with heating elements connects to the thermostat.
After that, the thermostat turns on for a few minutes. After 5-7 minutes, you need to check the efficiency of the system: touch the canvas with your hand - you should feel the pleasant warmth of a comfortable temperature.
Then the infrared film must be covered with a vapor barrier material, and the joints must be sealed with tape.
Now a protective rigid layer should be laid on the vapor barrier material and fixed to the primary screed with screws and carefully leveled. In this case, it is impossible to attach the interlayer closer than 1 cm from any feeding area of the elements.
Finally, linoleum material is laid on the warm floor and fixed in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer.

Warm floors under linoleum can play a role additional source heating. If it is planned to operate them as the main heating system, then it is worth equipping the water system and covering it with laminate or ceramic tiles.

From the author: welcome, dear reader! Is it possible to install underfloor heating systems under linoleum? Definitely yes! A daunting task that is confusing to many, but doable. In our article we will tell you how to lay electric underfloor heating under linoleum, get acquainted with the installation features, study photos and video recommendations from specialists.

What is main reason fear of combining electric warm floors and laying linoleum on it? First of all, fire safety, ignorance technical characteristics heating elements and types of linoleum - all this gives rise to distrust of this method of thermal insulation. We arm ourselves with professional knowledge of how to make a heated coating and get to work!

Benefits of an innovative electric underfloor heating system

The installation system for underfloor heating in a residential area has long been associated with the creation of comfort and coziness. It is difficult to imagine modern renovation without using thermal insulation materials and additional electrical innovations.

Advantages of installing a warm floor under linoleum:

preservation, control normal level humidity in the room;
even distribution of heat over the surface of the floor covering;
quick installation of an electric floor heating system;
minimum electricity costs;
absence of dangerous electromagnetic radiation for a person;
increasing the free and safe space from heating equipment.

Choosing linoleum for a warm floor?

At the beginning of the article, we focused on the complexity of choosing linoleum to combine with a warm electric floor and on fears about fire safety of such a tandem. Therefore, in a hardware store, use the help of an intelligent consultant, do not turn your arrival into torture for yourself and those around you.