To ennoble your home and make it as cozy and comfortable as possible is an important task for any owner. In winter, it is especially important to keep the heat in the house or apartment. To do this, many insulate and change doorways, install window frames with energy saving and special multifunctional glass. Replacing old batteries with new and high-quality ones is also part of the measures to provide heat in the house. Recently, it has become very popular to lay a warm floor under porcelain stoneware or other tiles.
Differences in tiling
Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are widely used in wall cladding and laying on the floor. No wonder. The range of shades, patterns and even photos on ceramic tiles is very wide, which led to its use in suchscales. Most often, the floor is tiled in the kitchen, in the bathroom and in the corridors. Tiles are also used to decorate the walls of rooms with high humidity or in the kitchen, because this material is resistant to many influences. It is non-yellowing and easy to clean.
The difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware
Many believe that ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware are one and the same. But in fact, this is not at all the case. Despite the fact that both of these materials have similar composition and properties, as well as the same scope, they still have certain differences.
So, ceramic tiles are made from the following components:
- sand;
- clay;
- impurities.
The components are mixed into a solution, poured into molds and, thanks to the firing method, dry out, forming a strong material. It is worth noting that the tile, along with the hardness during firing, acquires such a quality as fragility.
Porcelain stoneware incorporates the same materials. Clay red and white are used to create most materials for cladding. The main difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is that it contains a large proportion of kaolin, while impurities, on the contrary, are smaller.
Ceramic tiles are not affected by moisture and steam. Caring for her is as easy as possible. It is enough to wipe the surface with a damp sponge. The same applies to the other tile flooring option.
The difference is also in the scope. The fact is that porcelain stoneware hasfewer cavities than ceramic tiles, i.e. it is denser. Its fragility is lower. It is more suitable for use as a floor covering. Ceramic tiles, on the contrary, look great as wall cladding materials.
Pros and cons of porcelain stoneware material
The material is produced under the influence of a press and high pressure. It contains clay, quartz sand, mineral pigments, spar. Mixing them in certain proportions, they are pressed, and then fired. Externally, porcelain stoneware imitates the surface of a stone.
The advantages of the material are as follows:
- long service life;
- resistance to mechanical damage and durability;
- imitation stone;
- resistance to temperature changes.
Scope of application
Thanks to the rather beautiful and rich appearance of porcelain stoneware tiles, you can radically change the look of the room. The material is used as a floor covering for the floor in the rooms of the house or on the street. They often ennoble balconies, terraces, gazebos.
On the street in the summer, it is most pleasant to walk along a porcelain stoneware path or terrace. The thing is that the properties of the material are such that it always remains cool.
Given the properties of the material and its strength indicators, the floor should be covered only with porcelain stoneware, and the walls should be covered with ceramic tiles.
The cost of durable facing material is much higher than the cost of fragile tiles. In spite ofa narrow palette of colors, porcelain stoneware will last longer than floor tiles. When making repairs in an apartment or house, you need to prioritize correctly.
Warm floor under porcelain stoneware
Using the space heating system through floor heating is efficient. When heating a room with batteries or convectors, part of the heat is wasted aimlessly, simply rising to the ceiling. And if you use floor heating, then all the heat, designed for heating the room and a comfortable stay in the room, will be spent for its intended purpose.
The main thing is to make the right choice. There are a lot of systems used for underfloor heating. Experts recommend several of them. In one, their opinions coincide: the ideal solution would be to install a warm floor under porcelain stoneware. This is because it is an excellent material for conducting heat and has a great heat dissipation. Takes the temperature quickly, and gives it back just as quickly.
Another factor in favor of underfloor heating is its cost-effectiveness. In terms of heat loss and heating area, laying a warm floor under porcelain stoneware is the right choice. The system consumes minimum power.
But like every repair business, there are pitfalls.
Disadvantages of the heating system
Disadvantages include:
- Difficult installation. When changing the flooring, you need to be prepared for the fact that everything will end with a major overhaul in the apartment.
- The heating system built into the screed will raise the levelfloor to a height of 7 cm. An additional step may be needed. And the room will visually decrease.
When deciding whether you need a warm floor under porcelain stoneware, and for which rooms, you should first deal with its varieties. Initially, it should be noted that the tile always remains cold.
Which one to choose a warm floor under porcelain stoneware?
There are only two main types of floor heating systems - these are:
- water heating;
- eclectic.
Each of them is convenient and economical in its own way.
Water floor heating
Water flooring uses water heated in a boiler, which is located in the pipe system under the flooring. The water system works from an electric, solid fuel boiler or from a gas one. Most suitable for private houses, it cannot be connected to the old heating system. Therefore, a major overhaul is required. The best underfloor heating under porcelain stoneware for apartments is electric. There are a number of reasons for this, which are discussed in more detail below in the article.
Water heated floor under porcelain stoneware implies the circulation of the coolant under the insulation layer. As the latter, expanded polystyrene or other materials are used. A layer of screed up to 7 cm thick is placed on the wire. And only after completion of these works can tiles be laid on the floor. Such a device of the thermal system significantly raises the level of the floor, by an average of 20 cm.
For apartment owners, the option with water heating is not suitable, because there is no way to connect the system tohot water source. Connection to centralized heating is prohibited, because. this will reduce the pressure and, accordingly, the heating efficiency of all apartments in the house. Installing a boiler also does not solve the problem, as this can be dangerous consequences such as pipe deformation. This is the reason for the recommendations of experts on installing a water system in a private house.
Electric floor heating
Warm electric floor under porcelain stoneware is a system of cables or other conductors that are under the floor covering. Electric current flows through the branching wires. A special degree of heating and the desired temperature in the room are set. This system is considered the most convenient to use. The principle of operation and subtleties of installation vary depending on the type of system. Electric floors are used in private houses and apartments. They are very convenient, and, according to the answers of experts to the question of which warm floor is better for porcelain stoneware, it is better to choose an electric one.
Main species
Types of electric floor heating:
- with electric cable;
- electric mat;
- infrared floor heating.
Each of the types has its own nuances in connection and operation.
Floor heating with a cable is preferable, because it is quite easy to install. Installation can be done in floor screed or tile adhesive. Even a non-professional can handle it. Manufacturersheating systems provide a guarantee for the operation of the equipment even if the installation is carried out independently by the buyer. The system is connected to the electrical network. What to choose a warm floor under porcelain stoneware, sellers in specialized stores will advise. It is also worth asking for advice from professional builders.
Reviews about the electric warm field under porcelain stoneware builders and apartment owners leave the most positive.
Floor heating with electric cable is the most used. In addition, it is one of the most sought after. The essence of his work is to heat the nichrome alloy with an electric current. Nichrome is most commonly used in a heated core system. Each individual heating branch has protective shells that protect the floor surface from overheating and current access, and also preserves the integrity of the core in case of possible mechanical damage.
The thickness of the cross section of the cable is 7mm. It comes with one or two strands. Two-wire at the ends is equipped with a coupling and a wire connected to the network. Professionals choose a system with two cores, and today single-core cables are almost never used. This choice is due to ease of operation and installation, since the less popular electric heating does not have an end sleeve and is more difficult to fit.
Mounting Features
Installation of electrical cable provides for the following nuances:
- floor screed not less than 3 cm;
- base floorhas insulation;
- presence of reinforced metal mesh on the insulation;
- as part of the screed, a plasticizer is required.
When choosing which warm floor to put under porcelain stoneware, it is worth considering an electric mat as one of the options. The system consists of thin wire fibers up to 3.5 mm, placed in a certain way on a polymer sheet. Pros of electric mats:
- quick installation;
- the track is simply rolled out and fixed, you can immediately lay tiles on top;
- no thick tie;
- Economic installation process;
- no need to lay out the wire yourself, it is already built into the grid;
- installation can be done by anyone;
- mat suitable for any room;
- floor height will rise 1.5 cm maximum;
- starting from the 2nd floor, insulation under the mat is not required.
Considering all the nuances and advice of experts regarding what kind of warm floor under porcelain stoneware is needed, you can also consider the option with a thin electrical wire that can be laid out with the desired step. The master performing the work will always tell you how to do the work correctly. Such an alternative option for underfloor heating will retain all the benefits and quality indicators of an electric mat.
Infrared floor heating under porcelain tiles is definitely not suitable. Because the tile is mounted on the solution. And the system is an electric film, which is mounted without the use of fixers. Such a system is suitable for laminate, parquet or linoleum.
Becauseinfrared warm floor works by carbon paste applied to a thin plastic plate, which is exposed to an alkaline environment, then it is not categorically suitable for heating rooms with tiles. The system can last for some time, but exactly until the aggressive alkaline environment spoils the plastic base. The same situation may arise if you use glue for underfloor heating under porcelain stoneware.
In general, infrared floor heating has the shortest lifespan. Consider reviews of the warm floor under porcelain stoneware and expert advice.
Reviews
Floor heating systems on the market are presented in a huge range. They differ in cost, installation, operating principles, efficiency and the ability to use in different rooms. Water heated floor, as mentioned above, can only be used on the ground floor or in a private house. At the same time, its effective heat transfer should be noted. Floor installation is carried out only by specialists. An important point in this case is a boiler with sufficient power. The cost of the system and installation, respectively, depends on the energy carrier.
Electric floor heating is produced in Europe, as well as in Russia. Moreover, the Russian analogue is cheaper by almost 40%. The quality is at the same level. Electric floor heating is the most common type of heating.
Consumer feedback on each specific type of system is generally positive. The main thing is to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations in choosing a heating system and installing it. Owners of private houses noteenergy efficiency and economy in the use of floor heating. Apartment owners are also satisfied with this type of home heating.
It will be correct to follow the advice of professional repairmen and specialists in installing underfloor heating systems under porcelain stoneware. It will also not be superfluous to listen to reviews and owners of houses and apartments. Professional installers of heating systems recommend using electric heating systems for apartments and houses. This is due to the ease of installation and high heat transfer rates during operation. The reliability of such a system is also high.
When purchasing an electric porcelain stoneware floor heating system, it is worth considering exactly where this system will be laid. The first floors of houses require more system power, because. their heat loss is higher. Apartments that have a heated room underneath, starting from the second floor, do not require too powerful equipment. 150 W/m² is sufficient. Another tip from professionals: you do not need to lay the system under too large a layer of mortar, because it will take longer to warm up and release heat. The electric mat heats up in 30 minutes, but also cools down quickly, unlike electric wires.
So, we have considered all the options for heating the floor of porcelain tiles. The choice is large enough, so you can easily choose the most suitable one for yourself, meeting the requirements of the owners of houses and apartments, as well as installation conditions for different systems.
