For the first time, an infrared film floor appeared on the territory of our country a decade ago and gained unprecedented popularity. And this is understandable, because it has a lot of advantages, namely: it does not dry out the air, but, by ionizing it, it kills bacteria and neutralizes unpleasant odors. It is easy to mount such a substrate, and installation work can be done independently, moreover, it will not take much effort and time.
What is an infrared floor?
Heated film floor happens:
1. Warm film (infrared) is one of the most popular floor heating methods with the following characteristics:
- ideal for redecorating the apartment and does not require additional ties;
- web design saves a lot of space;
- suitable for installation under laminate and carpet;
- energy savings up to 20% compared to peers;
- has a simple device system: it consists of a thermal film based on carbon heating elements with a cross section.
2. Warm carbon (infrared) is an innovative product. Mainly used for underfloor heating in large rooms and outdoor terraces. Here heatingthe unit is a granite-silver rod.
3. The IR warm rod film floor is presented in the form of a grid formed from flexible rods that act as heating elements. All rods are insulated from each other with a high insulation cable. The film floor of this type has such characteristics as reliability, durability, resistance to mechanical stress. Installation of the infrared floor is carried out in a screed and in tile adhesive.
Varieties of infrared floor by type of installation
The film floor is divided into five types according to the type of installation:
1. The rod infrared floor is laid under a tile or porcelain tile. When laying underfloor heating under tiled flooring, be sure to place a reflective underlay under it to help enhance underfloor heating performance.
2. When installing an infrared film floor under linoleum, choose systems with limited power - up to 150 W/m2.
When using the most powerful systems, there is a risk of strong heating of linoleum, which can lead to the following consequences:
- local swelling of linoleum;
- change the color of the flooring (fading);
- with strong heating - the release of phenol, a substance harmful to human he alth;
- softening and mechanical damage to linoleum in certain areas where the flooring warms up more.
One of the best options for mounting under linoleum experts consider infrared film floor:
- easy to install;
- he is able to work actively for a long period of time;
- this design is mobile;
- easy to disassemble and transport in case of moving.
Important! If you are going to install a warm floor in the house, calculate the heating only of the surface where there is no furniture. The constant exposure of furniture to warm temperatures leads to a rapid exit from service.
Do not forget about the need for a substrate under the floor covering. A plywood sheet or thin chipboard should be placed on top of the film floor.
3. Installation of infrared floor under the laminate. When installing a warm floor, approach work with responsibility, as the laminate is sensitive even to small temperature changes. Experts recommend choosing exactly the IR film floor for installation. This is the best option. The film floor installed under the laminate does not require special surface preparation, and there is no need to install it in a screed when working with such heating.
Important! Lay a heat insulator below the film underfloor heating under the laminate flooring so as not to heat the ceiling to the neighbors from below.
4. For installation under the carpet, a warm film floor is best suited. The material itself has thermal insulation properties, so the heating temperature will periodically have to be raised by a couple of degrees. Be sure to lay a heat insulator between the concrete and the film to reflect heat. ToThe advantages of IR under carpet users include:
- uniform heating of the entire area of the room without the risk of deformation of the flooring;
- ease of installation;
- sparing mode of IR radiation, which does not harm people and animals, does not damage furniture.
5. Film covering for floor heating in loggias. The use of a balcony or loggia as a room for an office, recreation area or pantry has recently gained more and more popularity. Therefore, there is a need to insulate the space of the balcony, not only outside, but also inside.
Before starting work on floor insulation, heat and waterproofing of the walls are performed, and only after that the installation of a warm floor begins. This guarantees maximum energy savings. As a rule, a film warm floor is laid on the balcony under carpet or laminate. Penoplex is used as a heat insulator.
Features of the IR floor: versatility
Due to its versatility, IR floor heating can be done in any room. The main thing is to correctly determine the installation technology, which depends on the operational features of the room. The IR substrate is laid under any floor covering, but carpet, linoleum and laminate are the best conductors of heat.
To ensure that the flooring does not deteriorate under the influence of heat rays, try to select special types of flooring suitable for this purpose.
Installation
The warm floor is easy to install. This is one of its main advantages. Before installing the film floor, decide on the heated area. This will reduce future costs.
Remember that a properly installed underfloor heating will not adversely affect heat-responsive surfaces and furniture. It is easy to mount with your own hands: this does not require special tools and skills, only patience and compliance with the instructions.
Ergonomics
The popularity of underfloor heating is due to low power consumption and more even distribution of heat. Therefore, this type of heating displaces bulky heaters by the wayside.
Interesting! If you insulate 75% of the floor in a room, there will most likely be no need for central heating. The heat emitted by the IR film will be enough not only to heat the flooring, but also to maintain the optimum temperature in the room.
Mobility
The mobility of the design is due to the materials used for the manufacture. The heating elements in the form of a cable are well insulated and flexible, so this substrate is easy to transport, easy to install and convenient to store.
Operation
Technical characteristics allow for the repair and replacement of individual sections of the underfloor heating. Damaged elements can be partially replaced, thereby extending the life of the infrared floor. Such a move will help save money and time.
The service life of film flooring is more than 20 years.
What are the pros and conscoverings mark hosts?
Advantages of underfloor heating film
- There is no need to make a cement screed over the film, you can immediately lay a floor covering on it.
- Due to the small thickness of the film does not affect the level of the floor in the apartment.
- The film floor under the laminate or any other coating has the lowest energy consumption.
- Relatively low price, which makes this heating method the preferred choice.
- Simplicity and ease of installation.
Disadvantages of the film floor
- The floor in the room must be more or less even, otherwise there is a risk of malfunction in the form of uneven heat distribution.
- Connecting a contact to a film is not always possible the first time, especially if you are new to this business. If you make a mistake, cut off the damaged contact and try to connect to another one.
- Using such a surface, you cannot be sure of absolute fire safety.
The film floor has its advantages and disadvantages. Before making a choice, think carefully about which type of heating is best for you. It is best to consult with specialists, ask friends who have already installed a film floor at home. Feedback from those who already use it can also serve as a hint in the choice.
The topic of mounting infrared film warm coating is extremely developed. Buyers are not too lazy to leave reviews, which show that they like this heating method.people and becomes predominant in the choice.
The market of Russian manufacturers, given the harsh climate of the region, is trying to create a film floor with infrared heating that maintains the optimal mode. Therefore, the choice of underfloor heating is an excellent solution and a profitable investment in the renovation of an apartment or house.