Not so long ago, underfloor heating was new to many and was considered a luxury. If earlier, when deciding to install underfloor heating in your house or apartment, there could be no question of compromise, but now manufacturers of heating and air conditioning systems give builders and owners of residential space a wide range of choices of solutions that are limited only by imagination and price-quality ratio.

Benefits of underfloor heating

Perhaps the most important requirements that a person who wants to get a warm floor puts are:

Water heated floor meets all these requirements. It does not emit any kind of radiation, except perhaps for thermal radiation, it justifies itself economically and has a long service life.

The warm floor is unpretentious in use, and taking into account durability modern materials will serve the owners for a long time and effectively, creating a truly cozy, “warm” atmosphere in the house.

If the choice is on a water heated field, then the substrate must also be suitable for it and comply with the recommendations of experienced builders, manufacturers of underfloor heating components and specialists in the field of water heating.

Almost all experts in this field agree that thermal insulation between the bearing bases (walls and floor) and the water heating system requires special attention. Properly selected thermal insulation (subject to other recommendations) will allow the use of underfloor heating as the main, if not the only, source of heat in a heated room, as well as save energy that would be spent on heating the street or neighbors without thermal insulation.

In addition to these quite obvious things, a good substrate accompanies the uniform distribution of heat in the room and has a beneficial effect on the microclimate.

Almost all specialized substrates for a warm water floor have thermal insulation properties, so in the article we will consider them.

Mats for warm water floor

There are a number of mats for a warm water floor, they all have different characteristics and are in different price categories. Consider their main types:

From the name it is easy to guess that their main working element is a reflective surface.

This type of mats is at least cheap, but far from the most the best option, it is not suitable for basement floors, but it will be a good solution when it is important to save 3 - 4 centimeters of living space.

Foil mats for warm water floors are laid on the base with the reflective surface up. Installation of pipes passes directly on top of such a substrate. After installation, you can immediately carry out the screed.

Other types of substrates

In addition to specialized substrates, materials such as cork mats and boards made of chipboard and OSB, however, it is worth noting that although such materials have high thermal and sound insulation characteristics, their use as a substrate for a warm water floor is not economically viable, since they require additional measures for vapor barrier, which entails additional costs.

In addition, with such materials, when it comes to warm floors It is better to work with specialists who have extensive experience.

Combined underlay for underfloor heating

It is permissible to use 2 types of insulation at once, laid in layers, for example, the simultaneous use of foil and flat mats will give a double effect in thermal insulation, where the foil coating will perform reflective properties, and polystyrene foam will insulate.

This type of combination is not the only one, combinations of mats with bosses, a metal profile and a gypsum fiber sheet are increasingly being used.

Perhaps the only disadvantages of such a “layer cake” system will be the high cost and a significant reduction in the height of the room (not suitable for rooms with low ceilings).

Installation

To prevent creasing of rolled materials, it is better to use a long, but not heavy load - for example, a bar.

• Sizing
  The joints of the substrate before laying pipes and screeds should be glued; for this purpose, aluminum tape is best suited, or its cheaper counterpart - metallized tape.

conclusions

It is better to buy a substrate for a warm water floor in specialized stores, which will protect you from purchasing low-quality products.

Underfloor heating is one of the most promising heating systems. They are available in several versions, so that they can be installed on different floor coverings. The performance of a warm water floor depends on many factors, the central place among which is the substrate under the warm floor.

Bedding types

1. under the laminate.

This type of flooring requires special attention, since non-compliance with temperature regimes leads to the fact that free space appears between the lamellas. Newly formed gaps reduce the adhesive properties of the laminate, as a result of which the floor begins to creak.

To get rid of the above problems will help a special overlay - a substrate under a warm floor. The natural barrier between the heating system and the floor covering will prevent deformation and the appearance of a characteristic creak.

Polyethylene bedding under the water floor is mounted between the pipeline and the floor covering. It combines well with concrete, cement, does not deform when in contact with acids and alkaline substances, as well as fungi and mold.

1. For underfloor heating.

For heating system of this type, polypropylene or polyethylene foam is used, which is also covered from above with a metallized coating or lavsan film. The metallized layer helps the heat to be evenly distributed along the perimeter, and the foamed polyethylene provides thermal insulation of the structure.

Foam is a modern thermal insulation material. Its presence prevents heat loss in the lower tiers (concrete screed). It easily tolerates high temperatures (up to 90 and above). This property makes it possible to lay pipelines directly into heat-insulating materials. In addition, the underfloor heating foam underlay has a high level of sound insulation and heat reflectivity.

The use of the above materials as a lining will allow you to save up to 85-90% of heat, which, in turn, reduces the cost of heating the room.

Also, extruded polystyrene foam or isovolu can be placed under the water floor. The lining provides the proper level of thermal insulation and good ventilation, which prevents the accumulation of moisture and the formation of fungus.

Strengths of Styrofoam bedding:

• High-quality heat and sound insulation;
• Cheapness;
• fire safety;
• Easy to install;
• Durability (up to 100 years);
• Environmental friendliness.

Note that with the help of self-centering locks, you can easily install foam boards. Such a laying scheme will greatly simplify the installation of pipes under the water floor and increase the level of safety.

1. Under infrared floor

The substrate under the infrared warm floor is placed in a continuous array over the entire area of ​​​​the house. The seams are glued with adhesive tape or tape. With the help of adhesive tape and adhesive tape, you will improve the waterproofing properties of the metallized film. For even greater reliability, the film can be glued with ordinary PVA glue.

Is it worth laying - expert opinion

The lining plays an important role in the functioning of the heating system: it enhances the thermal insulation properties of the screed, prevents temperature loss in the house and significantly reduces the cost of resources (electricity, gas, wood, etc.) for heating. Properly selected and installed lining will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of underfloor heating.

Thermal insulation for underfloor heating

In addition, underfloor heating can improve not only the performance of the heating system, but also the performance of the laminate. Special pads under the water floor prevent the formation of condensate under the laminate, which significantly extends its service life. Thus, the lining is an integral part of a modern heating system.

Criterias of choice

Attention should be paid to the thickness and quality of the litter. Try to choose bedding with a small thickness - 2.5-5 mm is enough. An insulating material of this thickness costs on average about 70 rubles / m².

What are the characteristics of a good bedding?

Expanded polystyrene lining most closely matches the above parameters. Experts advise choosing it first.

Cork underlay (different thickness) is an environmentally friendly product with excellent heat and sound insulation. Cost: from 60 rubles / m².

Video: Do ​​I need penofol under a warm floor screed

A foil substrate under a warm floor is a common heat-insulating material that can be used in the arrangement various kinds heating circuits. They can be of two types: water and electric. The lining with a heat-reflective layer has unique physical properties, thanks to which you can save energy required for heating.

Description

Foil substrate is a material that is a combination of polyethylene foam with foil. It is the foil layer that acts as a reflector of thermal radiation. Very often, such a substrate is used when arranging a warm floor for a laminate. Often used as.

In the photo - a foil substrate under a warm floor

The main difference between the lining under the warm floor and other materials is that the foil has a heat-reflecting function. A foil or metal coating is laid on top of the substrate. It is it that reflects the heating system emitted thermal energy and directs it up to the flooring. Foil substrate is a unique material with which you can save 30-97% of heat. Thus, it becomes clear that when arranging a warm floor, this material is mandatory.

For ease of installation and provision safe use for a certain type of underfloor heating system exist Various types substrates.

On the video foil substrate under the warm floor:

For underfloor heating

For a warm floor, which consists of pipes, the lining based on a dense and rigid material will be the best solution. Its surface should be corrugated, and it is released in the form of plates. Most often, for the production of such material, molded foam is used, which has high density indicators. On the surface of the heat insulator there are protrusions that are staggered. These are the so-called bosses, which provide convenient fixation of pipes and guarantee their bends.

If the arrangement of a warm floor is carried out in a private house, and there will be an unheated cellar or foundation below, then the layer of heat-insulating material should be as thick as possible.

This version of the foil substrate cannot boast of high waterproofing characteristics, so before laying it, it is necessary to provide for the installation of a film with a moisture-proof coating. Thus, it is possible to secure the system in the event of a leak or pipe burst.

On the video foil substrate under the warm water floor:

For electric

If it is necessary to equip a cable or infrared floor, then it is necessary to use elastic rolled foil substrates based on foamed polymers. This may include polyethylene, polypropylene or cork.

If infrared film underfloor heating is being laid, then due to the high risk of a short circuit, it is not always advisable to use a foil substrate. In this case, it can be replaced by a material with a metallized coating. The substrate can be presented not only in the form of rolls, but also in the form of boards obtained on the basis of wood-fiber material. Under the plates it is worth mounting aluminum foil.

On the video foil substrate under the warm electric floor:

There is only one type of underfloor heating, during the arrangement of which the laying of a foil lining is not needed. This includes mats that consist of a heating cable. They are fixed on a flexible base. But such actions can be taken provided that the base has a substrate with a heat-reflecting layer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you buy a foil substrate, you need to understand its pros and cons.

The positive qualities of the material include:

• additional thermal insulation and protection against leakage of thermal energy down;
• protection of the heating system from moisture ingress from below;
• the material perfectly eliminates minor flaws on the surface;
• has soundproof properties;
• foil material evenly distributes thermal energy, because the heating parts are concentrated at a certain distance from each other, and the presence of a substrate will allow the coating to warm up not only directly above them;
• the substrate accelerates the heating of the surface by 2 times;
• the material removes heat energy from the heating parts, protecting them from overheating;
• reflects heat energy.

As for the disadvantages, the foil substrate has only one, and this is a high price. Today, not everyone can afford such pleasure, despite the high technical qualities of the material.

Installation

The process of laying the substrate under the warm floor is carried out overlapping or butt-to-butt. The choice of a suitable mounting option is determined by the thickness of the material. It is clear that it is unrealistic to overlap a heat insulator with a large thickness, then the butt-to-butt method comes to the rescue.

The thickness of the foil substrate can be 2-20 mm. Taking into account these parameters, the installation method is selected.

For material with a thickness of not more than 6 mm, you can use the overlap method, that is, run on top of each other. Fix the formed joints with adhesive tape so that the completed flooring is durable. It is unacceptable to shift it when installing pipes or brackets. If a laminate acts as a floor covering, then a non-thick reflector can be used. If you use a thick material, then a soft pillow will appear. It will negatively affect the upper screed, which will be subject to deformations and cracks. How it looks and how the substrate under the linoleum is laid on the concrete floor, you can see in this article

On the video installation of a foil substrate under a warm floor:

If auxiliary insulation is required, then sheets of extruded polystyrene foam should be laid under thin insulating material. It also differs in thickness. And it depends on how much thermal insulation is needed.

Install a hydraulic barrier under the reflector if you are not sure that the screed is equipped with waterproofing. Thanks to the laid dense cellophane, a reliable barrier is created.

When installing a foil lining under a warm floor, you must adhere to the following simple recommendations:

1. The use of a lining with a foil layer is a must. This is the only way to keep up to 98% of heat and eliminate its losses in the room.
2. For laminate flooring, the lining must have a soft base. This will correct the uneven laying of the board.
3. For the base of linoleum, you need to choose a solid heat-insulating material. Then the floor will not be pressed under the influence of furniture.
4. If there are significant irregularities in height on the floor, then a soft lining will be able to eliminate them, because it is plastic. When installing a foil lining on a surface with significant defects, a material of a rigid configuration must be used.

How it looks and how the substrate under the arbiton underfloor heating laminate is used can be seen in this article.

Manufacturers and prices

You can buy a foil lining for the underfloor heating system at any hardware store.

At the same time, pay attention to the following trusted manufacturers:

1. DH-Hilon. Foil material is produced in South Korea. The substrate is made of polypropylene, and it can be used for arranging a thermal water floor. The cost of the product is 1200 rubles.

   

   Free-foil underfloor heating DH-Hilon

2. Ecofol. This is a Russian brand that produces foamed polyethylene with foil film. The material can be mounted when arranging a warm water or electric floor. Also, the product is used on the balcony and loggia. The cost of the material is 718 rubles.

   

   In the photo - a foil substrate under the heated floor Ecofol

3. SEDACOR. The material is delivered from Portugal. It is presented in the form of a cork substrate, when laid, excellent heat and sound insulation is achieved. It can be used for rooms with a normal level of humidity; when arranging a warm floor, you will need to lay an additional heat-reflecting layer. You can buy the product at a price of 2200 rubles.

   

   In the photo - foil substrate under the warm floor SEDACOR

4. Poliform. The substrate is made of closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene. The material is characterized by high thermal insulation qualities. The cost of production is 650 rubles.
5. Thermohouse. This is a Russian brand that produces material at an affordable price. Universal lining is suitable for arranging any warm floor. You can buy the product at a price of 812 rubles.

Foil underlay for underfloor heating universal material, with which excellent sound and heat insulation is achieved. When laying such a substrate, heat will not escape through the bottom of the room, remaining in the room for a long time. The installation process of the foil product is simple and easy, so even an inexperienced builder can cope with this task.

When installing underfloor heating and most types of floor coverings, a special substrate is used that performs a lot of functions. One of the most popular types of it is foil for underfloor heating. Some, trying to save on repair work think they can get rid of it. However, this step would be a blunder. A substrate for the installation of underfloor heating must be used.

Before we get acquainted with the foil substrate for floor installation, we will find out what types of underfloor heating exist and can be used in rooms for various purposes. Depending on the type of system, foil material is used different types that differ in certain properties.

Why is an underlay needed?

The material that plays the role of a substrate for a heated floor system is necessary, first of all, so that heat flows do not go down, do not spread below concrete screed, but went, on the contrary, up, warmed up the flooring and the room.

On a note! Inside an ordinary floor, the heat coming from the heating element will evenly heat the material from which this floor is made. However, it will no longer penetrate below the screed due to the heat-insulating layer.

At the same time, not just an insulating material, but a substrate with foil allows you to save heat much better and more efficiently. For example, it can be noted that the coefficient of thermal insulation for an 8 cm thick foam will be exactly the same as that of polyethylene foam with a foil layer.

A quality underfloor underlayment should have:

• high reflectivity;
• resistance to temperature fluctuations;
• soundproofing;
• waterproofing;
• high rates of thermal insulation;
• ease of installation;
• environmental and health safety.

Most of these properties are also possessed by materials with a layer of foil. In particular, they have the maximum properties reflecting thermal energy.

Such material is used when installing underfloor heating quite often. It allows you to reduce heat loss during the use of the heating system, which makes it possible to save money spent on paying bills for heating or electricity. Materials with a foil surface are considered the most efficient in terms of energy saving.

However, all of the above properties are possessed not only by the foil itself, but also by the materials on the surface of which it is glued during production. There are several main groups of thermal insulation materials that can have a foil layer.

The structure of the foil heat-insulating material

Most types of foil thermal insulation materials are produced in rolls, which ensures ease of use during installation work. In general, most heaters have a two-layer structure - a base and a foil.

The basis May be:

• basalt;
• mineral;
• polystyrene foam;
• polyethylene.

Each of these materials is environmentally friendly, safe for health due to its inertness, excellent performance fire safety. Also, most types of bases have a bubble structure, and air, as you know, is one of the worst conductors of heat.

Foil polyethylene foam - structure

foil layer- This is a foil made of aluminum, the role of which is the direct reflection of thermal energy. It allows you to evenly distribute the returned heat, but the base does not allow it to go into the screed.

On a note! Foil insulation for the most part is elastic and soft materials, so the process of laying them is quite simple.

Due to the fact that most heat-insulating materials with a foil layer are able to withstand heating up to +90 degrees, such substrates can be used for any type of underfloor heating systems. By the way, on the surface of the foil insulation there is often a marking that facilitates the process of laying the cable - you don’t have to constantly mess around with a tape measure. Even with such material it is easier to lay the floor water system. Another feature of some foil materials is the sticky layer. It allows you to fix the insulation in one place during installation and will not allow it to move.

Types of thermal insulation with foil

	Photo	Name	Rating	Price
#1		Styrofoam	⭐ 96 / 100
#2		Foamed polyethylene	⭐ 98 / 100
#3		Basalt insulation	⭐ 85 / 100
#4		mineral wool	⭐ 78 / 100
#5			⭐ 96 / 100
#6			⭐ 93 / 100

Styrofoam

The most popular thermal insulation material used for underfloor heating is foil polystyrene foam. In general, he is able to cope with changes in air temperature from -180 to +180 degrees without prejudice to himself, but, of course, in domestic conditions, the floors do not exactly heat up to such an extent.

1. A fairly durable material that is not afraid of sharp temperature fluctuations.
2. Also, expanded polystyrene is not afraid of exposure to various chemicals.
3. He is not afraid of rot, various pathogens do not settle on it, which also demonstrates the material as safe for human health.

Low resistance to UV radiation.

Expanded polystyrene with a foil layer

Mineral wool

Mineral wool is purchased and used much less often, even with a layer of foil. Such insulation is often used only in industrial facilities.

• affordable cost;
• low class of fire hazard.

Not suitable for laying a water heating system. The fact is that in the event of a liquid leakage, the material is easily saturated with it and loses all its qualities - it will not be able to retain heat. Yes, and for electric underfloor heating mineral wool use is not recommended. main reason negative reviews is that this material, when heated, begins to release substances that adversely affect the body.

mineral wool foil

Polyethylene foam

Polyethylene foam is another commonly used type of substrate for underfloor heating.

• lasting;
• plastic;
• not afraid of moisture;
• various chemicals are not terrible;
• pathogenic microorganisms do not settle on it.
• can be used both under a water heated floor and under an electric one;
• usage can be very long.

• fear of ultraviolet, but under the flooring, sunlight will not reach the material.

Polyethylene foam foil

Basalt insulation

Basalt insulation has a base consisting of thin fibers of molten rocks of gabbro-basalt. It is very similar to fiberglass, made up of basalt rather than quartz.

1. Fire resistance.
2. Vapor permeability.
3. It is not afraid of sudden temperature changes and will calmly withstand from -200 to +700 degrees, and therefore does not burn.

1. Seams not sealed.

basalt wool with a foil layer

Folgoizolone is often used in the construction / repair of saunas and baths.

1. Not afraid of moisture or sudden changes temperature regime.
2. The service life of the material is quite large.
3. Doesn't rot.
4. Possesses the increased sound-proof properties.
5. Safe from an environmental point of view.

Folgoizolon is very expensive, therefore it is practically not used in residential areas.

There is another type of thermal insulation with a foil layer. It is known as multifoil and consists of several layers. The foil layer is covered with a bubble layer filled with air, then polyethylene and polypropylene film are laid. Under the foil layer is a special protective coating.

1. If you use this type of thermal insulation, then heat loss will be reduced to a minimum.
2. In addition, the multifoil is not afraid of high humidity.

Not detected.

Attention! Do not use for the installation of underfloor heating systems materials intended for insulation of walls and other parts of the building. On the floor, they will experience a strong mechanical impact, and therefore can quickly lose their properties. Use only those materials that are specifically designed for laying on the floor.

Video - Penofol and its analogues

Do you need reflective foil for underfloor heating?

The most commonly used types of foil substrate are polypropylene and polyethylene. But is such a layer needed when arranging a warm floor, or is its necessity an invention of marketers? So, the following fact speaks in favor of a heat-insulating substrate with a layer of foil - its use allows you to save about 90% of the heat emitted by the underfloor heating system. Thus, the amount of energy spent is significantly reduced. Already this is enough to recognize the need to use the material.

The foil backing has other advantages:

• it practically does not increase the thickness of the floor, since for the most part it is very thin (2-10 mm);
• affordable for everyone;
• easy to install;
• strong, durable.

Use of material with foil

Installation of foil under a warm floor is quite simple. Difficulties and difficulties here with a 99% probability will not arise even for a novice builder. In order to lay this material on the subfloor, you will need scissors or a clerical knife, a tape measure, aluminum tape, and the heat-insulating material itself (for example, foamed polyethylene).

The following table will help you navigate the entire laying technique.

Table. The technology of laying foil under a warm floor.

Steps, photo	Description of actions
	The material is laid close to the wall. The process starts from the corner of the room. The edge of the roll of foil material is placed in the corner of the room with the reflective side up - it will always be directed towards the heat source. The roll is untwisted to the end of the wall, the tape of material of the required length is cut off.
	Similarly, the material is rolled out on the floor of the entire room. The strips are laid end to end.
	All mounting seams are glued with adhesive tape to achieve maximum heat and moisture insulation.
	Next, the floor heating system can be installed, then the flooring is laid.

However, it is worth remembering that the foil substrate should be laid on a thoroughly dried subfloor, if it is leveled and filled with building mixture. Already then, work is carried out on the installation of thermal insulation, and then the selected floor heating system is laid according to the scheme and certain requirements. After that, again, depending on the requirements, it is either filled with a cement mixture, or simply covered with a finishing coating.

Video - Laying a rolled foil substrate

It is necessary to lay a heater when installing a warm floor, especially if the floors are installed in a private house or are laid in an apartment on the ground floor. And when using foil materials, the heating efficiency will be significantly increased. Therefore, do not save on this subtle, but such an important addition.

When making repairs, many install the heating system not in the form of the usual radiators located along the walls, but in serpentine-shaped pipes filled with a layer of concrete mortar. The top is covered with flooring material, and a substrate is arranged under the water-heated floor. Its main purpose is to keep the heat going down. Let's try to figure out what the substrates are, how to make right choice this element.

Often, mats laid under a water floor system are made of expanded polystyrene and have a thickness of no more than 4 cm. Their main purpose is to minimize heat loss. The raw materials used to make the substrate for heating pipes have the following useful properties:

• resists moisture;
• has a light weight;
• has an acceptable cost;
• does not ignite;
• is considered a good soundproofing material.

All of the above qualities of the substrate allow not only to create a comfortable indoor climate, but also significantly save on heating.

If the underfloor heating system is installed correctly, then the efficiency will allow it to be used as the main heating option. A poor-quality substrate will reduce the efficiency of the entire system.

Underfloor heating will reduce heat loss by almost twenty percent. This is especially important for the first floors, where the heat goes into the ground.

In the presence of a substrate, heat is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the floor, minimizing the impact of a negative nature on coatings and furniture.

Financial costs for heating and installation of the system itself are significantly reduced. The substrate under the water-heated floor with bosses makes it possible to mount pipes in different ways, while their temporary fixation may not be performed. On a substrate with bosses under a water heated floor, installers can choose the most best places pipe connections, mount sensors that control the operating mode. This gives the system control reliability and accuracy.

In addition to the main functions, the substrate perfectly protects against extraneous noise, which is especially important for multi-apartment buildings, it is an excellent vapor and waterproofing lining.

Varieties

The substrate for pipes of a warm water floor can be made of different materials that can provide the necessary properties. Here are examples of the most common options:

• expanded polystyrene plates - are made by extrusion, which gives the material good strength and density. Cells of a closed type, which has a positive effect on resistance to moisture - the plates are not afraid of prolonged contact with humid environment. The initial indicators do not change even from heating to one hundred and thirty degrees of heat. Expanded polystyrene in its structure has no more than two percent of polystyrene, the rest is air. This feature improves the heat-saving properties of the material. Using this material as a substrate for water floor heating, it is necessary to provide expansion joints, to exclude the formation of cold bridges at the connecting sections. Expanded polystyrene during installation is easily cut with a sharp knife, which minimizes the amount of waste. Docking areas are sealed with construction foam. To improve heat conservation, the surface of the substrate is covered with foil. Most often, such a substrate is used in new houses in order to take into account the height of the premises by the design decision;
• a cork backing is the most successful solution for its use in this capacity. For production, environmentally friendly cork tree bark is used. It is pre-crushed, special components of the binding action are added. The mass is pressed and dried, the products are sold in rolls or sheets. Such a substrate is characterized by high heat-shielding properties, capable of withstanding large load impacts. To improve performance, the front side of the substrate under the water-heated floor is covered with foil material;
• polypropylene plates are the optimal solution for thermal insulation of a water heating system. The material is not afraid of high temperature and moisture, it is acceptable. When heated, its surface does not emit harmful substances, is not exposed to chemical compounds. The slabs may have grooves prepared for pipe laying;
• OSB or chipboard - both options have been used for a long time, large diameter pipes can be laid along them. The substrates differ in strength indicators, they belong to the middle class in terms of their ability to retain heat. When using them, the mandatory requirement for resistance to the effects of a humid environment must be observed;
• metallized film on a natural lavsan base is a modern option used for arranging any underfloor heating system. It does not tear, can be applied over uneven surfaces, making it faster and easier installation work. Even under the influence of high temperatures, the substrate is able to maintain its original characteristics. There are also negative sides - it is distinguished by the ability to absorb moisture, it implies the construction of a waterproof layer.

Basic parameters when choosing

Today, manufacturers offer a large assortment of substrates for underfloor heating. But the right choice can be made knowing the main requirements for substrates.

1. Indicator of elasticity and compressive strength. The heating water system has a solid weight. The substrate under it should not sag, its thickness should not be reduced. When the load is removed, the material from which the substrate is made must return to its original form.
2. Resilience to the impact of negative factors. The stability of the characteristics of the substrate depends on the quality of the material.
3. Low thermal conductivity. It is considered one of the main conditions. The desired requirement here is the minimum thickness of the substrate in order to minimize the thickness of the entire heating system.
4. Resistant to prolonged contact with moisture. During the operation of a water heated floor, emergency situations arise in the form of a leakage of a heat carrier. And although during laying measures are provided to increase the reliability of the system, an additional obstacle will not be superfluous for water. Another important feature is the percentage of maximum moisture absorption. The substrate material should not get wet, but if this happens, its structure should ensure prompt drying without dismantling the floor covering. Such substrates for a warm water floor are good for laminate or parquet, which is contraindicated in moisture. At the time of the accident, the substrate for a warm water floor, laid under the laminate, will take in all the water that has flowed out of the heating system without damaging the finished floor covering.
5. Prices. Today's choice of substrates provides a solid spread in the cost of this material. An experienced specialist can choose the option that best combines quality and price.
6. Versatility. It is possible to assemble the substrate according to the principle of the designer, which makes it possible to change the parameters of the length of the pipeline system and its configuration during the installation process.

The choice can be made taking into account the material for finishing gender:

• underfloor heating, finished with a laminate board, should be mounted on a flat surface. To eliminate the shortcomings of cement screed, experts advise using substrates made of soft materials. These can be foam substrates or cork flooring. Preference is given to the roll version, because after it there is a minimum amount of waste. The cork substrate is not subjected to deformation, does not shrink;
• in the case when linoleum is chosen as the finish, it is recommended to use a solid substrate. Excellent in this case, chipboard boards are suitable, giving the floor hardness;
• finishing ceramic tiles has one drawback - a cold surface. The main task of a water heated floor is maximum heating. In this case, it is recommended to lay polystyrene foam with a foil surface as a substrate, which minimizes heat losses.

Installation rules

Installation of the substrate under the warm water floor is carried out on a flat surface. In this case, the material from which the substrate is made is important. All work on the device of the substrate can be represented as a specific algorithm of actions:

• the surface of the subfloor is being prepared. It eliminates differences and all irregularities. It is recommended to use a self-leveling mortar for this;
• the floor level is checked, a scheme for laying water pipes is drawn up;
• the substrate is laid. At the same time, its reflective layer remains on the surface. The substrate is laid out in an even layer over the entire surface on which it is planned to mount the thermal water floor system. Docking sections are mandatory additionally isolated with mounting materials - adhesive tape or adhesive tape;
• if the lining is mounted from several elements, then they are laid tightly, the connecting seams are glued with adhesive tape with a metallized base. This will improve the vapor and waterproofing properties of the floor.

Having completed all of the above measures, it is allowed to proceed with the installation of the heating system itself. Experienced specialists recommend laying pipes exclusively on reflective coatings.

If we consider General requirements, then the substrate under the warm water floor should fully correspond to the thermal capabilities of the system and represent an additional factor for their improvement.

Having studied all the characteristics of underlays for a water floor, you can make the right choice to keep the heat in your home.