How to Choose Underfloor Heating Under Laminate Flooring
Introduction:
To select the appropriate underfloor heating under laminate flooring, one must first understand the heat resistance and deformation temperatures of the laminate material. Different laminate materials have varying heat resistance and deformation temperatures, which typically range from 60 to 80 degrees Celsius for heat resistance and 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for deformation temperatures. Therefore, when purchasing floor heating, it’s important to choose a system that is compatible with the characteristics of the laminate flooring.
1. Choose Infrared Radiant Underfloor Heating with Low Surface Operating Temperatures
As mentioned, the heat resistance and deformation temperatures of laminate flooring materials are critical. Under floor heating systems that operate at lower surface temperatures will have a lesser impact on the lifespan of the laminate flooring. It’s advisable to choose infrared radiant heating systems that operate with surface temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius. This type of heating raises the room’s temperature through radiation, rather than relying primarily on direct contact between the laminate and the heating system, therefore minimizing damage and aging due to sustained high temperatures. The additional benefits of infrared radiant heating include lower floor temperatures, which prevent burns when walking barefoot on the laminate, and the fact that infrared radiation mimics the principles of sunlight, offering benefits to the body.
2.Choose Underfloor Heating Under Laminate with Uniform Heating
Uneven heating can cause deformation of the laminate flooring. Among hydronic, cable, and film underfloor heating systems, heating film offers the most uniform heating area, as can be seen from the black areas on the heating film images. However, the heating uniformity of film heaters can vary with the quality of the thermal paste application by the manufacturer; it is best to test this before purchasing.
How can one test this? If possible, ask the supplier for a sample and use an infrared thermometer to test the temperature distribution after heating. This will clearly show any temperature differences across the surface. If you don’t have access to an infrared thermometer, you can ask the seller to conduct the test and record a video demonstration.
3. Choose Waterproof Underfloor Heating Under Laminate
Most laminate floorings are installed using locking mechanisms or adhesives, which are not waterproof. Spilled water penetrating beneath the flooring can pose a risk of electrical leakage. In the event of flooding, the risk of a large-scale electrical leak is especially dangerous. It is essential to select floor heating with an IPX waterproof rating; the higher the IPX level, the better its waterproof performance.
4.Choose Flexible Underfloor Heating Under Laminate
Laminate flooring tends to expand, contract, or warp due to changes in temperature and humidity over time. During these times, the floor heating should also be flexible. For example, carbon fiber, carbon crystal, and PTC underfloor heating can be affected in performance and safety after bending. In contrast, graphene underfloor heating can be bent or even drilled into without affecting safety or overall use. However, it is not advisable to deliberately pour water on the floor or drill holes unnecessarily.
5.Choose Long-lasting Underfloor Heating Under Laminate
It goes without saying that the longer the lifespan of an electrical appliance, the better. It is preferable to choose underfloor heating with a lifespan that matches that of the building, as this equates to a one-time, permanent solution. Graphene underfloor heating, with a lifespan of over 50 years, is the best choice in this regard. Graphene consists of a single layer of stable and safe carbon atoms. It has the highest electric heat conversion efficiency among all electric heating elements, close to 100%. During energy conversion, there is virtually no loss to other forms of energy such as mechanical, light, or chemical energy. Other types of underfloor heating like carbon fiber, carbon crystal, and carbon-based oil film typically have lifespans of just over 10 years.
Conclusion:
When choosing underfloor heating under laminate, one should opt for a system with a surface temperature below 50 degrees Celsius, uniform heating, excellent waterproof capabilities, flexibility, and a long lifespan. Graphene film under floor heating is a good choice. However, many manufacturers may misrepresent their products as graphene film heaters when they are carbon or graphite. Although carbon, graphite, and graphene are all forms of the chemical element “C”, they are not the same substance and it’s important to distinguish between them. Below is a recommendation for a high-quality underfloor heating system suitable for laminate flooring, for your consideration.
