Long gone are the days when heated flooring was considered a luxury. Today underfloor heating is a standard part of home construction and remodeling projects. The best thing about radiant underfloor heating is that it transfers heat to the above flooring, distributing uniform heat across the room and leaving you with a warm living space. 

Hard surfaces such as tile and stone offer the optimum heat transfer as they are thermally conductive. That explains why many homeowners install underfloor heating in their tiled bathrooms and kitchens. According to radiant floor heating experts at https://www.floorheatingsystemsinc.com/, it is possible to protect sensitive floors with a sensor that limits the maximum temperature of the underfloor heating instead of having to change the entire flooring.

Let’s look at different floor types and how they transfer heat to the surface of the floor.

Ceramic tiles and stones

Ceramic tiles and stones are common floor coverings in bathrooms and kitchens due to their easy maintenance. They are easy to clean surfaces and are also stylish. Ceramic tiles and stones feature the highest thermal conductivity enabling the underfloor heating to take the chill off the cold flooring. Their features include:

• They are efficient and necessitate uniform heat transfer.
• Can be installed on any floor level.
• Are durable and long-lasting.
• Have a high-end finish.
• Our stylish and perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

It is best to use a decoupling membrane between the tiles and the underfloor heating system. that protects the tiles from cracking due to any movement of the subflooring.

Polished screed and resin

Synthetic resin and polished screed are durable floor coverings that have become very popular in recent years. Screed is highly conductive, which is what makes it perfect for pairing with underfloor heating. They feature:

• Efficient heat transfer.
• Screed holds heat for more extended periods.
• It is hardwearing and has a seamless finish.

Resin finished are usually installed over a self-leveling ground that covers the underfloor heating. That provides an unmatched heat output for residential floors.

Vinyl and linoleum floor coverings

Vinyl floors are also a durable partner for underfloor heating, and they create a stylish finish to complete your interior design. characteristic of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings include:

• A hardwearing finish.
• Are ideal for all floor levels.
• They are high quality for a modern or traditional design.
• They are suitable for well-insulated homes with fewer heating requirements.

It is good to include a floor sensor to minimize the heat output of the underfloor heating system for sensitive floor coverings.

Solid and engineered wood

Solid wood has good structural stability that enables it to pair well with underfloor heating systems. However, the contractor should be cautious when it comes to choosing the board width and thickness. Some of the features of solid and engineered wood include:

• They transfer heat well.
• Have a timeless finish.
• Comes in a wide range of colors, grains, and patterns to choose from.
• It is ideal for all floor levels.

The contractor should allow the wood finish to acclimatize to the property to avoid the risks of contracting or expanding after installation.

In conclusion

It is best to consult with your heated floor expert to determine the best type of floor covering that aligns with your heating needs.