Warm floor under linoleum on a wooden floor: technology for installing water and infrared heated floors. Electric heated floor under linoleum: types, do-it-yourself installation options and step-by-step installation Electric heated floor under linoleum installation

Classmates

Today there are many different floor coverings, among which linoleum occupies one of the leading positions.

With the growing popularity of installing underfloor heating systems under floor coverings, manufacturers have also begun to adapt linoleum for use with heating systems.

Having decided to install electric heated floors under linoleum, you need to understand all the intricacies.

Features of installing a heating floor system in frame house directly depends on the type of foundation and floors.

The decision to select the type of insulation, the thickness of the screed and, in general, its necessity is made individually for a piled house or one laid on slabs.

The only thing common to these types will be the rough and finish coating. The rough layer is the base that holds the load of the system.

The final linoleum coating for a heated floor, regardless of the type of heater, must be selected without an insulating backing and laid on an additional layer of plywood.

Important! For frame house Electric flooring should only be used as a last resort as there is always a risk of fire. Of all types of electrical systems, only IR film flooring, which is completely fireproof, is optimal.

Application

There are two main types: cable and infrared.

Cable systems made from individual cables can be successfully used under linoleum covering. However, their installation is complicated due to the need to use a tie, which must completely cover the cable.

But thanks to it, the heat is evenly distributed over the surface.

It is not advisable to use thermal mats for installation under linoleum, since their surface will show through the linoleum layer.

Infrared film mats are optimal for linoleum covering due to their thickness and ease of installation.

All systems have similar characteristics of energy consumption and heat transfer, the design of thermostats and power units. And the maximum permissible temperature heating depends not even on the choice of system, but on the characteristics of the coating.

Important! For linoleum, it is not allowed to increase the heating temperature in residential premises above 27 degrees, and in non-residential premises - 31 degrees.

Species

By system type

Let's consider which electric floor to choose for linoleum and what the choice is based on. As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of electric underfloor heating: convection and.

Convection

Separate heating cable

They are laid over the entire surface of the floor and filled with concrete screed. Floors of this type are economical and easily adjustable with a thermostat. The disadvantage of such a system is a significant increase in the thickness of the floor, high consumption of electrical energy and the attraction of dust due to electromagnetic radiation.

Cable mats

Significantly easier to install than cables due to the thin cable thickness. The disadvantages of such a system are strong temperature changes and static voltage, which attracts dust.

Infrared

Rod

Not very reliable and often fails at the places where the cable and rods are attached. The disadvantages also include the fire hazard of the system.

Film

This heating coating heats the room using infrared rays, which are absolutely safe for humans. The covering does not require a screed and can be laid on a leveled base.

They are the ideal thermal coating for linoleum because:

there is no strong heating or overheating of the surface;
the coating is very thin, so there is no need for a thick layer of “pie” for installation;
such a heater can be installed even after the repair is complete.

By installation method

The preferred installation method depends on the selected electric heated floor. There are two main ways of laying an electric floor: in a cement-sand screed and laying on a floor. wooden base.

Concrete (screed)

For a cable heating system, it is necessary to make a tie into which the cable is mounted to protect against mechanical damage and uniform heating of the surface, as well as heat accumulation.

For infrared and cable mats, simply level the floor.

Floor-standing (on a wooden floor)

The proximity of wood and electrical cable is not the best, since there is a high risk of fire from a short circuit. That is why it is not recommended to lay a heating floor of this type on a wooden base.

The only exception is IR film, which is absolutely fireproof.

How to choose?

Several factors influence gender:

cost of the product;
maximum possible thickness of the finished floor;
installation time (during repair or after its completion).

The cheapest are cable heating systems. However, the “pie” for laying them is quite thick, which, in conditions where the height of the room is not too large, can play a negative role. In addition, when laid under linoleum, such a system can cause overheating of some areas of the coating and a change in its appearance and performance characteristics.

It is not recommended to use a rod infrared heater under linoleum due to its high cost and unreliability. Despite the fact that such a system is absolutely safe for humans and is not very difficult to install, it quite often fails.

An infrared film heating system is considered optimal for installation under linoleum. It is as simple as possible to install, since it can be installed even without large-scale installations, is economical in terms of energy costs, and also has the thinnest “pie” layer.
The only disadvantage of such a device is its rather high cost. However, it fully pays for itself during use.

Types of linoleum

Among large quantity varieties of linoleum, used for laying on top heating system Only those whose packaging indicates the possibility of operation at high temperatures are allowed. Otherwise, the coating may deform, dry out and release hazardous substances.

The following types of linoleum coverings are considered suitable for heated floors:

Natural marmoleum. It is made entirely from natural materials. This material is absolutely environmentally friendly even when heated to high temperatures. During use, it does not change its characteristics, is fireproof and quite durable.
Vinyl linoleum (PVC). It has a multi-layer structure and is available in a variety of colors. The most durable and wear-resistant are the commercial and semi-commercial varieties. When laying over a heating element, it is better to choose vinyl linoleum without a fabric base and insulation, since they reduce the thermal conductivity of the heater.

Device

On a concrete base

Electric heated floor laid under linoleum on concrete screed, has the following structure:

leveled overlap;
thermal insulation layer (thin layer of penoplex up to 2 cm);
concrete screed (optimally up to 4 cm);
cable or cable mats;
protective layer of screed (up to 5 cm);
linoleum.

On wooden

For a wooden subfloor base, the floor arrangement is somewhat simpler:

rough floor;
IR film layer;
layer of plywood or chipboard;
linoleum.

Installation

Concrete

Installation on a concrete base has many features, the strict implementation of which guarantees the reliability of the final result:

Draw up a detailed diagram of the room. The diagram shows furniture installation locations where underfloor heating will not be installed. In addition, a laying plan is drawn in the free space. heating elements, cable pitch, thermostat installation location.
The base is carefully leveled, sealing all cracks, crevices and irregularities. When laying a cable system, it is necessary to make a cement-sand screed. This stage is very important, since the condition of the rough surface affects heat loss during operation of the heating system.
Lay the waterproofing material, carefully gluing the joints with tape.
Lay a layer of thermal insulation with a foil covering. It is the foil layer that will ensure the reflection of heat flow into the room, which will eliminate pointless heating of the underlying structure.
A reinforcing mesh or fastening strips are installed on which the heating cable is fixed. When laying cable mats, they are laid directly on the thermal insulation layer.
On the wall near the passage of the power supply wiring, a vertical groove is cut for mounting the thermostat and temperature sensor. It is from this place that the layout of the heating elements begins.
In accordance with the diagram, the heating system is laid out.
A temperature sensor is fixed between the turns of the cable or on the surface of the film. The optimal distance from the wall to the sensor is 40 cm. The sensor is installed in corrugated pipe, the end of which is reliably isolated from debris or solution.
On top of the structure, in the case of a cable system, a screed is poured, and when installing IR film, sheets of plywood or fiberboard are laid.
Linoleum is laid on top of the resulting base.

Important! For uniform distribution of heat over the surface flooring linoleum must be attached to the base not with tape, but with special mastic over the entire surface.

Grazing

As already mentioned, a wooden base is not the best option for laying an electrical system.

However, if it is necessary to install it on just such a base, it is necessary to carefully follow the installation technology and ensure complete insulation of the wood from the electrical cable.

Installation of such a system consists of a number of steps:

Taking into account the size of the thermal insulation slabs, floor joists are installed.
To form a rough flooring, the logs are hemmed from below with boards.
A waterproofing film is laid out over the entire surface (including joists).
Thermal insulation material is placed in the space between the joists. Its surface should be foil-coated, and the distance to the edge of the bars should be 3-4 cm.
A mounting mesh is placed between the joists and attached to the bars. This is where the cable will be attached. If mats are laid, they are simply laid out on top of the thermal insulation parallel to the joists.
For the cable, grooves are cut into the logs and the cuts are completely covered with insulating material. A cable is passed into these grooves, which is then secured to the mesh with special clamps.
A temperature sensor in a corrugated tube is attached between the turns of the cable.
Cover the finished surface with sheets of fiberboard or plywood, attaching them to the joists with self-tapping screws.
Linoleum is laid.

Pros and cons

Linoleum is a very popular floor covering, which is characterized by its availability, low cost, variety of characteristics and colors, and ease of installation.

But this coating does not go well with heated floors.

Firstly, linoleum has low thermal conductivity, which reduces the efficiency of heated floors. Secondly, under the influence of elevated temperatures, linoleum loses its characteristics and appearance.

Some negative consequences such proximity can be avoided by choosing an electric floor heating system.

Its advantages are:

the ability to finely regulate the temperature, avoiding overheating of the surface;
no need to install volumetric structures, as is the case with;
the ability to install a self-regulating system that maintains the optimal temperature in the room;
no need to obtain permission for installation.

The disadvantages of such systems include:

high cost of energy resources;
the need for a dedicated line of the electrical system if the existing one cannot cope with the load.

Useful video

You can see the process of installing an electric heated floor under linoleum in the video below:

Conclusions

If it is not possible to use another finishing coating for a warm floor, you can use an electrical system under linoleum. The main thing in this case is to follow the installation technology and choose the right materials. Then this floor will last for many years and will delight you with comfort in your home in any weather.

Many who want to provide coziness and comfort in their homes resort to installing heated floors. Indeed, this modern technology allows us to solve the heating issue in an original way. Moreover, if installed correctly, it can completely replace traditional system heating - radiator. In most cases, preference is given to water heated floors. However, it is not always possible to do this. This is explained by the large weight of the heating cake. Where the overlap is weak, this weight can be very large. For this reason it is worth considering alternative options. For example, today there is an electric heated floor. Moreover, this heating can be combined with various types of floor coverings, including linoleum. In this article we will tell you how to make heated electric floors under linoleum. Considering some of the features of this material, we suggest you consider how to choose the right linoleum.

What kind of linoleum can be laid on a heated floor?

In fact, the choice of linoleum does not represent difficult task. First of all, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. The packaging contains appropriate markings that allow linoleum to be laid on a heated floor. This is important, because there are restrictions on heating. If there are no such marks, then laying linoleum on an electric heated floor is prohibited.

A large number of types of linoleum release into the air when heated dangerous gases for a person. Moreover, when heated, linoleum becomes deformed and damaged. Now let's look at two types of linoleum for electric heated floors:

Natural marmoleum. Marmoleum is produced 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 it high temperature it does not release 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 that comes in different colors. When choosing it for an electric heated floor, it is best to choose commercial or semi-commercial varieties. They are resistant to various types of loads, including high temperatures. Among other things, linoleum must have a thin fabric base. If the base is too thick, it will significantly reduce the effect of the electric heated floor.

In contrast, there are many varieties of linoleum that are prohibited from being laid on heated floors. Let's list them so you can distinguish them:

Glypthal. It has a fabric base. It has high thermal insulation properties and a high compression ratio. These properties are not suitable for heated floors.
Colloxylin. This is a representative of single-layer linoleum, which is characterized by high elasticity and high moisture resistance. However, if the temperature rises, it may ignite. 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 there is rubber. Although the material is waterproof and plastic, its base is bitumen. As a result, high temperatures for such linoleum are very dangerous.

Cable electric heating

It is quite possible to lay a cable electric heated floor under the linoleum. For this heating to work effectively, a thermostat must be used. Control is carried out using a specially installed 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. The important thing is that it is quite possible to do the installation yourself without the help of qualified specialists. However, if you decide on this type of heating, then it is extremely important to adhere to the following safety measures:

The electric heater should not come into contact with any kind of materials that can ignite.
At each stage of work, it is necessary to strictly adhere to all requirements and standards when working with electricity. Compliance with precautionary rules will create reliable system underfloor heating.
If you know in advance where you will have furniture, electrical appliances or other large appliances, then laying an electric heated floor under them is unacceptable.
When laying electrical heating cable Be careful not to damage its insulation.
If your basis is wooden floor, 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 heating operation.

Features of installing cable heating in a screed

If you decide to use cable electric heating under linoleum, then the DIY process will look like this. First of all, you need to determine the quality of the flooring. If you find any defects, 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 heated floor. For this purpose it is used roll material. For example, plastic film will do. The film must be joined together using tape. Next, a layer of thermal insulation is laid. It is good if the thermal insulation layer has a foil coating on one side. In this case, you will not need to buy reflective foil film separately. Thanks to this coating, all radiated heat from the heating cable will be reflected upward into the room.

The cable laying pitch is about 200 mm. The cable is secured using special clamps. The cable laying pattern can be different, for example, a spiral or a snail. You also put it 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 the heating on/off.

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

Place the logs on the floor in 600 mm increments. The width should be determined based on the width of the thermal insulation material.
Be sure to hem the boards on the bottom side of the joists. They will form the subfloor.
A waterproofing film is placed on top of the subfloor.
A layer of thermal insulation and reflective film is placed on top.
You need to place a special mounting grid in the resulting space between the joists. Thanks to it, it will be much easier for you to attach the heating cable.
After this, install cable heating. To pass the cable through the joists, cut a small groove into them. The cable is attached to the mesh using special clamps.

Finally, you also place a temperature sensor between the turns of the heating cable, which is connected to the thermostat. Next, you need to prepare the base for the linoleum. Fiberboard or any slab material is screwed onto the top of the log. The fiberboard is fixed to the joists using self-tapping screws. Next, linoleum flooring is carried out according to existing technology. It’s quite possible to do all the work yourself.

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 has only recently appeared on the market, it has gained widespread acceptance. This is explained by its minimal thickness. This is perhaps its main advantage.

Installation of infrared film can be laid under linoleum and other floor coverings. This is a universal heating element. With all this, you do not need to use any adhesives to install it. There is not even a need to pour a cement-sand screed. Thanks to this, the speed of installation of heated floors under linoleum increases significantly. And after finishing the work, you do not need to wait for the screed to dry. The warm floor under the linoleum can be turned on immediately after installation work is completed.

Next, we will tell you how to install an infrared heated 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 level. There should be no obvious defects in the screed. If the floor is wooden, then check the quality of the plank base.

Advice! To achieve perfect flat surface, a wooden floor can be completely covered with plywood and screwed on with self-tapping screws. It is very good if the plywood has locking connections. If there are none, then join the sheets of plywood together tightly without gaps.

So, you need to put a layer of waterproofing on the prepared surface. For this purpose, polyethylene film is used. In addition, thermal insulation material is installed. All joints of waterproofing and thermal insulation are taped. 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.

At the next stage, you need to determine the location where the thermostat will be installed. If it is built-in, then immediately make the necessary holes in the wall. After this, you can install the electric infrared film. It should be laid so that the copper strips are directed downwards.

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

To cut the film into the required pieces, use ordinary scissors. The cut is made on the provided cutting line. All strips are connected to each other in parallel. Please note that all cut areas should be insulated with special bitumen tape. Clips should be attached to the film in special places. Please remember that these clips are disposable. If you do not secure them correctly, they will not be reusable. The clamp is fixed to the film using pliers. A wire is also inserted into these clamps, which connects all the films to each other and from one is directed to the thermostat. Additionally near heating circuit The temperature sensor is installed.

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

After installation of the electric infrared film is completed, the thermostat is connected. To do this, use the circuit indicated on the thermostat itself. After connecting to electricity, perform a test run of the underfloor heating. If all strips are heated, the flooring can be laid. Lay a thick plastic film on top of the film, plywood on top, and last layer- linoleum.

Conclusion

So, here we have looked at all the features of how to install an electric heated floor 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 useful information for yourself from this article. In addition to everything, we offer you to watch the prepared video material.

Linoleum is a fairly widely used material for flooring, its main advantage is low price. But a low price automatically indicates that the quality of the material is not entirely adequate modern requirements. One of the problematic characteristics is that harmful substances may be released during operation. chemical compounds. You need to pay attention to this criterion when choosing a specific linoleum for heated floors.

Linoleum can be:

On PVC base. One of the cheapest options, has restrictions on maximum heating. Most types must not be heated to temperatures above +28°C. For heated floors, you need to use it very carefully and constantly monitor the heating mode;
Glypthal. The surface is coated with especially durable glyphthalic varnish. In terms of operational characteristics, it meets modern requirements. It is considered the best option for installing heated floors. Disadvantage: relatively high price;
Rubber. The cheapest, rarely used in residential premises due to unsatisfactory quality indicators. Allowed for use when installing heated floors;
Single layer. Thin material, very cheap and very fragile, used in contaminated areas, requires frequent replacement. It is laid without joints, overlapping areas are welded using special equipment;
Insulated linoleums. Complex, thick and expensive material with low thermal conductivity. It is not recommended to use it for heated floors; it reduces the efficiency of the heating system.

You need to pay attention to one more characteristic of linoleum - the presence or absence of an underlay layer of fabrics. If there is such a layer, then the thermal conductivity indicators are significantly reduced; it is undesirable to use the material for arranging a film heated floor.

Once the type of linoleum has been selected, you can begin the process of laying the heated floor. To do this, you will need thermal film (the specific amount will be known after taking the dimensions) with all additional elements, a thermostat to control heating modes, any heat-reflecting material, ordinary plastic film, tape, a stapler, a mounting knife, scissors, pliers and a screwdriver.

Step 1. Preparing the base. If the floor is placed on concrete floors, then you need to trim the plane. For this it is better to make a screed cement-sand mortar, there should be no protrusions on the surface of more than 3 mm.

Waterproofing should be applied to a completely dry screed (you can use an ordinary film or coat the base with modified bitumen mastics), sheets of OSB or plywood are laid on top. It is recommended to fasten to a concrete base with dowels in a checkerboard pattern.

Step 2. Take measurements and draw up a diagram of the location of the thermal film. In this case, the features of the room layout and the placement of sockets or electrical cable distribution boxes are taken into account.

Important. When installing a heated floor, the electrical wiring capabilities of the room must be taken into account. Underfloor heating consumes approximately 200 W per square meter premises, the exact data is available in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. The overall load on electrical networks increases significantly; you need to ensure that cables and protection fittings can withstand this increase. If the heating power is more than 3 kW, then you need to make separate power wiring.

If not, then you will have to resolve issues with electricians, sometimes you will need to replace the wiring and protective devices, permission from owners of electrical networks to increase power.

Step 3. Select a place on the wall where you plan to install the thermostat. It must be accessible, the distance to the power source is minimal. The most optimal is considered to be a site near existing switches or sockets.

To improve thermal insulation and reduce unproductive losses, a thermal insulator with reflective aluminum foil is placed on the base of the floor under the thermal film.

Laying foil insulation

Thickness ranges from 5–6 mm; ready-made rolls with excellent performance characteristics. The thermal insulator can be fixed double-sided tape or staples using a stapler. The joints between the strips must be sealed with tape, the surface must be as airtight as possible.

Step 4. Place the thermal film, while paying attention to the markings, bottom side should be facing the heat-reflecting film.

Practical advice. It is recommended not to heat under low furniture for two reasons. Firstly, it is ineffective due to weak air convection. Secondly, elevated temperatures cause premature wear of furniture, it dries out, and factory settings are violated.

In the designated areas, the thermal film is cut to the required size.

Step 5. Connection and isolation. All work should be carried out in unconditional compliance with the requirements of the PUE and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The heated floor is equipped with a full set of connectors and special insulating materials, their use guarantees long-term and safe operation designs. The cut areas of the wide copper bus are insulated with special bitumen insulation; make sure that it fits over the entire area of the conductive element. In the places where the wires will be connected to the copper bus, contact clamps are installed, one side of them should be located inside and the other outside the thermal film. The clamps are squeezed tightly with pliers.

Contact clip installed on thermal film (bottom view)

Step 6. All strips of thermal film should be secured together with tape to eliminate the possibility of shifting. Next, check the correct installation of the clamps and film; if everything is fine, then you can connect the power wires.

Connection of installation wires with a contact clamp Connection of installation wires with a contact clamp

To increase service life, it is advisable to tin the bare ends. This not only improves contact at the joints and prevents oxidation processes, but also increases the safety of using heated floors. If there is insufficient contact, the clamps become very hot and can melt the linoleum. Leg burns, electric shock or fire may occur. All terminals with connected wires must be insulated with a special bitumen film on both sides. Make sure that the silver contacts of the thermal film are completely insulated at the bottom and top.

Step 7 You can begin connecting the thermostat only after carefully reading the attached instructions. The heating temperature sensor is mounted on a black strip of thermal film and secured with insulating tape. There are cases when it is installed above the floor and reacts to the air temperature inside the room.

Step 8 Under all the clamps and the sensor, you need to make recesses in the thermal insulation using a mounting knife. The protruding parts of the elements will be hidden in these recesses, the floor will be flat, and there will be no technological elevations on the linoleum. The same grooves are made for the wires so that they lie in the designated places and are fixed on top with tape.

Step 9 Install a thermostat on the wall. To do this, you need to remove the mounting panel and make markings for the installation locations of the dowels. The holes are drilled using a drill with pobedite surfacing. The case must be firmly fixed, do not allow it to wobble.

Installing a thermostat

Video - How to connect the regulator to a heated floor

Practical advice. While drilling holes in brick wall There are times when the drill gets into the seam. In this place, the fixation strength of the dowel is insufficient; it wobbles and is easily pulled out. To securely fasten, insert matches or toothpicks into the hole around the perimeter; they should press the dowel tightly on all sides. After driving the dowel-nail, the connection will be very reliable.

Step 10 According to the connection diagram, connect the wires to the thermostat and connect the system to the electrical network. If the heating power is more than 2 kW, then be sure to install a separate automatic machine.

On this installation work completed, you can begin testing the floor heating system.

How to test the functionality of floor heating

Set the heating setting on the thermostat to 20–25°C, wait a few minutes. Check by hand whether all installed film heaters are warming up. Turn off the power completely, check the heating of the wiring connections. They must be at the same temperature as the film. If it is significantly higher, then the contacts are unreliable. It is necessary to check them, be sure to find and eliminate the cause of excessive heating.

Finish coating for heated floors

If testing is completed successfully, installation work can continue. The thermal film must be protected from exposure to water protective coating. For these purposes, you can use special modern waterproofing (expensive option) or ordinary polyethylene film (recommended option). The effect will be the same, and the savings cash significant. Spread the film with an overlap of about ten centimeters, the joints must be taped. Work carefully, do not leave gaps or loose joints.

Linoleum – flexible material coating, it cannot be placed directly on the thermal film. Manufacturers recommend protecting the heating layer with sheets of plywood approximately one centimeter thick.

The sheets are attached to the base with small nails. They must be driven in very carefully so as not to damage the conductive elements. Check the exact location of the nail before hammering it in. Nails should be driven only along the perimeter of the sheet, this makes it possible to accurately control their position. Before fixing, it is strongly recommended to dry the plywood thoroughly in a warm, ventilated area. In this way, you can prevent the appearance of cracks during the operation of the heated floor.

To improve the operating conditions of film heated floors under linoleum, it is recommended to follow several rules.

Do not heat the material above +26°C. As a result of prolonged heating to high temperatures, linoleum may delaminate and change original color in places of greatest heating, soften and significantly reduce the factory strength characteristics. Increased heat increases the amount of chemical compounds released into the air.
When laying linoleum, do not use mastics to fix it. In addition to the fact that all mastics become additional sources of release of harmful compounds, during uneven heating they can form swelling on the surface. Removing such defects later is very difficult, and in many cases impossible. Linoleum is simply spread over the floor surface. If there are concerns about movement, then you can fix the covering in several places with a stapler; the staples are driven in in inconspicuous places, best option under floor skirting boards.
Do not allow thermal film to overlap each other. If the room configuration is very complex, then it is better to leave small area unheated floor.
The temperature in the room when laying linoleum must be at least +18°C, otherwise difficult to remove wrinkles may form. But you cannot spread it on a hot floor; after testing, it must cool to room temperature.
It is not recommended to use this type of flooring as the main one. heating systems. The fact is that you can heat rooms to comfortable temperatures by heating the floor to t° ≥ +28°C, but this should not be allowed when using linoleum.

Adjust the operating modes only after carefully reading the instructions. During the first few days of using a heated floor, it is advisable to check the reliability of operation more often. To be sure, it is recommended to check the floor temperature with an accurate household thermometer. If significant differences in indicators are found, then it is necessary to make adjustments during the installation of thermal control.

Video - The process of laying film flooring under linoleum

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

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

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

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

One of the advantages of electric heated floors is the fact that such a system does not dry out the air in the room. Moderate is important especially for people with respiratory diseases. During activity in the room, as well as during sleep, the airways will not dry out.

To regulate the temperature in the room, just set the timer for the period of time when you need to warm up the room

From an aesthetic point of view, electric floor heating is optimal solution. It is completely invisible and does not have to be disguised to create a harmonious interior. The system is installed under the floor covering, so it does not take up useful space in the room.

Electric floor heating can act as the main source of heat in the winter months, or it can be auxiliary.

Often such a system is combined with the main one central heating, which helps to warm up those rooms where a more stable air temperature is needed: in the bathroom or children's room

The advantages also include the fact that electric heating allows you to save about 25-30% of standard costs on the main heating source. And complete safety for humans makes such a system universal.

What do you need for optimal performance?

First of all, for your floor heating to work flawlessly, you will need uninterrupted electricity. If your locality experiences frequent power outages, then additional equipment will be needed for electric heating.

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

You need to pay special attention to the installation process.

You can use one of the options:

hire specialists who will install an electric floor heating system quickly and efficiently;
understand the topic and tackle this matter yourself.

In the second case, it is necessary to delve into the specifics of working with each type of floor covering, which determines how the installation of the floor heating system will proceed. In particular, work with the installation of electric heated floors under linoleum must follow certain rules.

Features of installing electric flooring under linoleum

Infrared electric floor heating is the best option for linoleum among all types of floor heating. It will not require filling cement screed, which is required for laying electrical or water cables under the floor covering.

Ideal for linoleum, as it is thin enough and will not be felt under the main coating. In addition, linoleum requires special thermoregulation to maintain its structure, which infrared heated floors successfully provide.

One m3 of infrared floor produces power up to 150 W. Such conditions will not affect linoleum in any way, since it is able to withstand heating within such limits. A heavy load can result in damage to the appearance and functional properties of the coating.

If linoleum is exposed to high temperatures, it can:

change color;
become more elastic, which will lead to tears;
publish bad smell and harmful fumes;
deform.

It is better to leave work with electricity to specialists, since it will require correct calculation of materials, and the work itself may be beyond your capabilities. The rest of the work requires less preparation, so you can handle it without any problems.

Necessary Precautions

Before you start installing the STP under linoleum, you need to remember the basic safety rules when working with electricity:

installation begins only after the power supply is turned off;
you cannot test the system unless you have checked the quality of insulation of all channels;
infrared film cannot be stacked on top of each other;
the temperature value should not exceed 30 degrees so as not to overheat the coating.

By following the listed standards, you can avoid accidents, as well as damage to the system and linoleum.

It is important to remember that for installation you will need a heat-reflecting coating, which is laid under the linoleum. If the material is made using aluminum foil, its use is strictly prohibited!

Selection of the necessary materials

For installation you will need the required amount of infrared thermal film, insulation, temperature sensors, thermostats, wiring, heat-reflecting material, linoleum and others. building materials.

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

Linoleum that is too thin can change its structure due to constant exposure to high temperatures, and such material can also become deformed due to unevenness of the base and take on an unsightly appearance. A denser coating will demonstrate worse thermal conductivity, but its structure will not change.

It is necessary to select linoleum of optimal thickness that can withstand high temperature loads, while correcting floor unevenness

Before fixing the linoleum, you just need to spread it on the floor for a while and turn on the electric floor heating system. Then the material will warm up, take on a more natural shape, straighten out, after which it can be fixed.

Infrared floor installation instructions

An infrared heating system is the best option for flooring such as linoleum.

The first stage of installation is to establish the boundaries where the floor heating will be installed. Places under furniture and household appliances must be immediately eliminated. To have fewer points where wires will be connected, the film is laid out along the entire length of the room.

Electrical cables may run under the floor and should be kept less than 5 cm from the infrared film. If these are pipes or a fireplace, then at least 20 cm.

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

Next, the sections of the infrared contact strips are insulated. To the tip are carried out copper wires, clamped and insulated using a waterproofing strip. The film elements are attached parallel to each other so that they do not overlap in any way.

There are situations where the total system power exceeds the 3500 W limit. In this case, you will need to install a separate wiring harness with a separate circuit breaker to remove more load from the main wiring. It is important to use a magnetic starter here.

After working with the film, insulating material with a heat-reflecting layer is laid. This material is attached with tape. Heating elements are laid on top. They should be positioned with the copper strips facing down.

You should avoid touching the two strips, as this will lead to overheating of the system at the point of contact. To attach heating elements, a stapler or tape is most often used, less often furniture nails. Such fastening methods will ensure that in the future the strips will not move or fall on top of one another.

Rules for laying heating elements:

attached only to a transparent border;
the heating element must be located at a distance of at least 0.5 cm from the area through which the copper wiring passes;
the main wires must be routed under the baseboard;
In order for the insulation to lie flush with the floor, it is necessary to make cutouts for the thicker areas.

After completing the work steps, the system needs to be checked in detail. First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the wire insulation and their fastening. Next, you need to exclude the possibility of short circuits in the system, and, if necessary, correct problems.

The system must be tested until possible failures or malfunctions of the floor heating elements are completely eliminated.

Next, you need to attach the temperature sensor to the thermostat. This procedure is carried out using tape, and the fastening is done in a place where there is no heat. Then the thermostat turns on and waits a short amount of time to see if it is functioning correctly. If everything is done correctly, then you can feel the warmth emerging with your hand.

If the entire system is working properly, then it is covered special material, which regulates the release of steam. The material is attached with tape. Sheet plywood or fiberboard is laid on top. They are attached to the base with screws and perform the function of leveling the floor.

The plywood should be positioned so that its fasteners touch the transparent part of the infrared film and do not touch the copper gasket. The fasteners should be located no closer than 0.5 cm from the insulated parts of the film through which electricity passes.

Depending on the base on which the heated floor is laid, the technology for its installation may differ slightly:

After spreading the linoleum over the heating system, you should wait a few days for it to take its natural shape. There is no need to secure it initially
Linoleum must have good thermal conductivity, while being very durable and resistant to fading. A good example is multilayer linoleum made of polyvinyl chloride, which is not afraid of heat.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Even more useful information about warm floors various types– in the videos below.

Useful materials optional:

The nuances of film-type installation:

It is possible to make an electrical STP under linoleum with your own hands, the main thing is to follow safety precautions and carry out the work in required sequence. It is better to entrust electrical work to specialists, but installation upper layers systems can be completed without outside help. Be patient necessary materials, and you will spend the cold season in comfort, without depending on the general heating system and other factors.
If you have had to do it yourself under linoleum, please share own experience with visitors to our site. Perhaps you know the subtleties of installation that we did not mention in this material? Leave your comments in the communication block located below the article.

Despite great variety modern flooring materials, linoleum remains a popular flooring option today. If the task is to make warm floors under linoleum, saving on the coating itself, it is worth considering linoleum with special care, since in this case the quality of the floor itself will depend on its characteristics.

Is it possible to lay the flooring product on a heated floor?

There is a lot of debate about whether this type of covering can be laid on a heated floor. Some argue that this should not be allowed under any circumstances due to the fact that the coating material releases toxic elements when heated. Others talk about the fragility of linoleum, that due to heating the coating material will be deformed, and this will inevitably lead to cracks and unevenness.

However, progress does not stand still. And fortunately, it also affected the production of linoleum. New technologies make it possible to create a material that is not afraid of temperature fluctuations, and the composition of such coatings will not have toxic properties. Therefore, the answer to this question is clear - modern linoleum can be used to cover heated floors along with other materials. The main thing is - right choice of this material and heating technology.

Let’s say right away about heating: you need to install infrared film fields under the linoleum. This type of heating will be softer and more comfortable. This technology will ensure the compatibility of the selected coating with the use of heating.

When choosing a coating, you need to understand that linoleum must be made of a material that provides thermal insulation. Otherwise, the efficiency of floor heating will be minimal.

It is also extremely important that the material from which linoleum is made is safe for humans, toxic and climatically inert. Typically, the safety class is indicated in the product quality certificate, which it would be a good idea to request from the seller before purchasing. In addition, the documents for linoleum must indicate that this material can be intended for covering floors that have thermal heating.

If you do not pay attention to these facts, you can buy inappropriate linoleum, and during operation the floor will emit an unpleasant odor associated with the toxic compounds that make up the material. You may also notice that this type of flooring will blister and crack.

Which linoleum is better to choose?

Indeed, there are many reviews that linoleum wrinkles when exposed to heat. This happens due to the fact that when installing an infrared film floor and covering it with linoleum on top, the heating level may go beyond 30°C, which is unacceptable for linoleum, so you will need to independently regulate the temperature and set restrictions. During operation of the floor, the optimal heating temperature without harm to the coating will be 27°C.

As for the linoleum itself, you should choose optimal thickness. So, for heated floors, medium-thick flooring material with a protective coating is suitable.

When choosing linoleum to cover a heated floor, you need to focus on some of the limitations that have already been mentioned earlier. And paying attention to health, you should carefully study the composition of the selected material in order to avoid mistakes.

Depending on the composition, linoleum can be:

Natural. Made from natural materials such as wood fibers, pine resins and wood oils. This option will not only be environmentally friendly in its essence, but also, among other things, will have antibacterial properties (due precisely to the content of antibacterial agents in the composition of resins and oils). This coating will be ideal for homes where there are small children and animals. In addition, this type of material is inert to alkalis, so it can be cleaned with soap solutions, and it is also non-flammable.

Polyvinyl chloride. Made from polyvinyl chloride, coloring elements and various fillers. The substrate of this type of linoleum can have sound insulation. As a rule, these are fabric materials and foam bases. This material, like natural material, is very hygienic, inert to acids and alkalis, has low thermal conductivity and high abrasion resistance.

Alkyd. It is a material consisting of natural components in combination with alkyd resins and various polymers. Like polyvinyl chloride, this type of linoleum has very good sound insulation and low thermal conductivity. However, when using it, you should keep in mind that this material shrinks along its length.

Nitrocellulose. This linoleum consists of recycled cotton cellulose fibers with the addition of asbestos, gypsum and red lead. Nitrocellulose has excellent thermal insulation and strength. But due to the fact that it contains toxic components, as well as due to its easy flammability, this type of material is unsuitable for covering heated floors.

Rubber. It consists of two layers: the top one is a rubber layer in a composition with various coloring pigments, bitumen and other synthetic elements, and the bottom is a layer of crushed rubber. This type of material is very moisture resistant and durable. However, like nitrocellulose linoleum, this type is not used for heated floors for already known reasons.

In addition to the composition of linoleum, when choosing it, you should pay attention to its base and thickness:

Materials without a base are very thin (up to 2 cm). They are chosen for knowingly clean rooms. The service life of floors with such coatings is short and reaches an average of 5 years.
Materials on foam or any other base are much thicker than the first ones (up to 4 cm). They are very durable and wear-resistant. They usually cover bathrooms and kitchens. However, it is worth noting that if the room is large and it is not possible to cover the entire floor with one sheet of linoleum, then the resulting joints must be sealed with special solutions or a welding cord.

As already mentioned, to avoid purchasing the wrong material, always check the approval label and read the information in the material certificate.

Types and heating device

Feeling of comfort when being in the room - main reason choosing a heated floor. In addition, such heating systems allow you to control electricity consumption in the apartment and save energy resources. The operating principle of electric floor heating is based on the conversion of electrical energy into heat. This can be achieved in two ways: using a special electric cable (this type of floor heating will be called “cable”) or using a heated film (film type of floor heating):

There are several types of cable for heated floors: self-regulating and resistive. The degree of self-regulation and control of electricity will depend on the cable chosen. When providing a floor heating system cable type, pre-level the floor, cover it with a special plastic film, a heat insulator of the selected type is placed on it, and a light reflector is laid on top (sometimes the last two elements are combined in one layer).

The cable laid on the prepared floor must have a closed system (usually a zigzag with loops equal to the perimeter of the room). If you plan to make a heated floor with heating control, then a temperature sensor is first installed in the floor, its wires are led out into the wall on which the thermostat is located.

Due to the fact that the power of this type of heating significantly exceeds the power of other types, when installing this system it is allowed to cover it with a screed or simply fill the floor.

However, the thickness of the filler floor and screed should not exceed five centimeters, otherwise electric heating will not be provided.

Film electric heating, unlike cable heating, can only be installed without a screed; only a thin layer of poured floor is enough, because the power of this system cannot be compared with cable heating.

When the floor is ready, the floor has been poured and, if necessary, screeded, you need to wait some time until the floor is completely dry, sometimes this even takes a whole month. After the floor has dried, they begin to finishing coating linoleum.

IN lately Infrared (IR) film heated floors are popular (some call them “tape heating”). This type of heating is perhaps the most versatile, since it can be used both under linoleum and tiles and even under wooden parquet. However, IR floor heating will cost a significant amount of money, but at the same time it will be environmentally friendly and safe, maintaining comfortable indoor conditions and not posing a threat to the health and life of people and animals.

The infrared floor system is represented by a carbon polymer in the form of carbon rods placed on the surface of the film. These rods have the function of self-regulation of temperature, so the floor will never overheat and the coating, be it linoleum or laminate, will not deform or dry out. Such electrical systems are mounted on glue or on a screed on top.

Another advantage of this type of heating is that its installation is accessible to almost anyone with basic knowledge of electrical engineering. It is not necessary to call a specialist to install such a heating system under linoleum, which you can also lay yourself. Accordingly, the level of expenses decreases sharply. In addition, during the next repair, this heating source can be easily dismantled and replaced with another, more modern one, or removed altogether.

And to further reduce heating costs, you can consider local heating by cutting the IR tape into sections and placing them only in those parts of the floor where heat is required (for example, work area kitchen, bath or toilet area). When installing IR tape as floor heating, first lay a substrate - a heat reflector - on the floor. The cut heater strips are laid on the floor surface, after which a layer of glue is applied to them or a thin screed is made. After completed simple procedures start finishing the floor with linoleum or other selected material.

In general, a warm linoleum floor can be used as an independent heating system, but only if the building structure is made of high-quality thermal insulation materials or this can be resorted to in areas where there are no harsh winters, and the change of seasons is not as pronounced as, for example, in middle lane Russia.

To learn how to install a heated floor with your own hands, watch the following video.

Installation methods

Regardless of which heating system is chosen for linoleum, in general the floor will look the same.

The design of this floor is multi-layered and includes:

Thermal insulator. The thickness of its layer will depend on the initial warmth of the floor and the height of the floor.
Next, a layer of metallized substrate is placed. This material will reflect heat well, preventing it from going down. It is preferable to choose a lavsan coating as this layer, since, for example, aluminum foil can deteriorate over time.
Top layer selected heating element. Each heating system requires special fixation. IR tapes are attached with glue or adhesive tape, electrical cables and water heating pipes are secured with clamps.

Laying the heating system requires special attention. Since at this stage it is necessary to correctly place the heating elements, select a step, determine the points for measuring the floor temperature and place the thermostat in the right place on the wall.

After the heating elements are securely fastened, the floor is covered with a layer of metallized mesh made of the same lavsan. It will not only reflect heat rays, but will also make the structure more rigid and stable, which is important for a thin screed (when using the floor, compression of the heating elements may occur, which can damage the entire heated floor system). In some cases, such a grid is also a grounding device. To do this, the mesh fragments are connected with wires and one of them is brought out to the grounding bus in the floor.

Before you start screeding a heated floor, you must check its functionality. After turning on the heating for a while, you need to check all areas of the structure and make sure there are no short circuits in the system. If problems are identified, it will be easier to fix them now than when the floor is covered with concrete.

To secure the created structure, a heated floor screed is performed. The composition of the screed is a regular water-cement base with plasticizers. However, when mixing, you need to select in this way component composition solution so that the resulting coating has the following characteristics:

Lack of porosity of the composition. Voids and pores can contribute to heat loss, therefore, the efficiency of the heated floor is sharply reduced, and financial costs increase.
Good ductility and crack resistance. When using the floor or placing heavy furniture on it, cracks may form on the surface of the screed, which will ultimately lead to disruption of the integrity of the thermal system and its failure.
Uniformity and high speed of setting of the solution. This will eliminate unnecessary residual stresses in the floor structure, which also affect its quality and service life.

There are two types of screed compositions: wet mix and dry mix. Wet mixtures include cement, sand and other concrete compositions. And in addition to everything else, plasticizers are added to dry mixtures.

To prepare the mixture for screeding, you need to choose the strongest grades of cement (for example, M-400 or M-500), since the screed layer will be thin, and its strength will depend primarily on the strength of the screed material. For greater strength, choose coarse sand. Branded ready-made mixtures are chosen as plasticizers.

All components of the mixture are placed in a concrete mixer, water is gradually added to achieve the desired consistency. When mixing, you can add a special polymer composition - fiber. Mixing is carried out carefully so that all the above characteristics of the finished mixture are achieved, and the floor is strong and reliable.

For better heating without heat loss, you can use ready-made mixtures. Although they cost more homemade base, but using them can save a lot of electricity in the future. And the heat will definitely no longer be wasted.

A layer of applied screed for cable floors or for infrared systems should be no more than 2-3 cm, for a water pipeline up to 5 cm is allowed. Carefully placed on the floor surface, the composition is ideally leveled using a building level, so that when covering the floor with linoleum it does not lead to distortion of the pattern, and this will look at least not aesthetically pleasing and will lead to uneven wear of the coating.

When the screed has dried, they proceed to covering the floor with linoleum, selected based on the recommendations given in this article. Laying linoleum does not require preliminary preparation and can be done independently.

You just need to have an idea about distinctive features its installation on various floor surfaces:

If the floor surface is represented by a concrete base, the situation is simpler. First you need to make sure that it is level and that there are no cracks or gaps. Eliminate these discrepancies, if any, and then lay a layer of waterproofing material between the linoleum and concrete. Polyethylene film is used as this material. It is allowed to apply two successive layers. When the concrete floor is isolated from moisture, proceed to linoleum.
If you are going to lay it on a wooden floor, you should first prepare it: clean it from old paint using a trowel, smooth out rough irregularities with a milling machine, putty joints and dry cracks using construction putty. To reduce the time for preparing a wooden floor without the above preparatory work, you can lay linoleum on plywood or a sheet of chipboard.

Using this option, you can achieve a more even base for linoleum. A wooden base does not require waterproofing agents, since wood itself perfectly absorbs and removes excess moisture.

After the surface of the subfloor has been prepared, it must be carefully primed to avoid rot and mold in the future.

If the floor surface is laid tiles, you can also cover it with linoleum, the main thing is to clarify the nuances of how, in this case, to correctly lay new surfaces on the tiles. Since this material is quite slippery, has joints and uneven surface, linoleum may not hold very firmly, however, there is a way out for this case. The seams between the tiles are first puttied, the surface is primed and a jute backing is placed on it so that the linoleum does not slip on the tile. To eliminate this situation, you can also use cold welding and additionally fix the coating with plinth.

Laying linoleum

If the linoleum was purchased in winter time or has been in a cold room for a long time, before installing it, it needs to lie in a warm room for at least a day and restore its natural elasticity. A sheet of linoleum is rolled out on the floor and the required length and width are measured, corresponding to the dimensions of the floor itself. It is necessary to add approximately 10 cm to the measured values to run under the baseboards, or, if there is a pattern on the surface of the material, you need to make a reserve for each fragment of this pattern so that the floor looks harmonious during final installation.

There are two methods for laying this material:

On a dry floor surface.
For glue.

If the room is small, such as a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building or a loggia, then dry installation is allowed. This method is not suitable for large rooms. Here you need to use glue or mastic to construction work. The floor surface is coated with a roller dipped in special glue. The reverse side of linoleum is also treated with glue.

After the linoleum is spread and secured to the floor surface, the baseboards are installed, fitting the remaining part of the material under them, secured with corners and plugs.

Scope of application in the home

The heated floor system allows you to use it in almost any living space, while saving money on the heater and the space under the radiators in the apartment.

In addition to these advantages, heated floors have other undoubted advantages:

heating the room with a heated floor gives a feeling of comfort;
heated floors prevent the formation of mold, since the heat spreads throughout the entire space of the room and prevents dampness from accumulating;
comfortable air microclimate due to individual heat mode using thermoregulation;
does not require additional cleaning, because it is enough to simply wash the floor without cleaning the batteries;

heated floors are safe for small children, as they do not cause burns like a regular radiator;
the absence of heating devices outside allows you to create any layout in the room, and the interior of the apartment looks much more spacious and aesthetically pleasing;
if desired and there is a lack of heat, it can be combined with conventional batteries;
at correct installation This heating system will last a long time.

Because modern apartments are very expensive, any person tries to value every square meter of his home and tries to arrange it in such a way as to use all the useful space of the apartment. This is one of the reasons why people are increasingly using heated floors. A very correct choice in favor of heated floors is their installation on balconies and loggias.

Firstly, this will allow you to go out onto the balcony in the cold season without worrying about your health, secondly, it will make it possible to expand the space of the apartment by combining the loggia and balcony with a common room or kitchen, and thirdly, it will provide small-sized housing for additional a room that can be used, for example, as an office or recreation area.

This solution will not only create comfort, but will also add individuality and personality to the familiar interior. modern style. Despite the fact that combining the space of a balcony and a room will require considerable labor, since dismantling the wall and window frame, this solution will bring much more positive and functional aspects. Among other things, when choosing a coating for such a floor you will need less material and time to install it, since there will be no need to cut additional pieces, make patterns for small balcony. By making do with a single continuous sheet of linoleum, you can solve the floor problem as in common room, and on the balcony, at the same time.

Happy pet owners will find it useful to use these heating systems as local rugs so that they can warm up comfortably on cold winter evenings without jumping onto their owners’ bed.

How to care?

This article has listed many positive qualities of underfloor heating systems. It is worth paying attention to the rules of their operation, which in themselves are also a constant plus.

There are no special prohibitions when caring for such a floor, but some things should not be neglected:

Under no circumstances should you wash a heated floor with linoleum coating with concentrated alkaline solutions, and also do not clean the resulting stains with coarse powders, this can not only scratch the material, but also spoil the design on the product.

If necessary, wash the floor using a vacuum cleaner or a well-wrung out damp cloth. Particular attention should be paid to baseboards, as the main accumulators of dust, especially in the space between the corners.