Can You Carpet Over Tiles With Underfloor Heating

The main difference between different flooring materials and their suitability for use with the system is the material s thermal conductivity meaning how quickly and efficiently heat generated transfers to the floor surface.

Can you carpet over tiles with underfloor heating.

The typical carpet is 1 0 to 2 tog but you should always check with the manufacturer the suitability for underfloor heating and ensure that the overall tog value including any underlays or overlays does not exceed the 2 5. Also try to use furniture with an air gap underneath for the same reason. Use a decoupling membrane over the underfloor heating before you fit the tiles this allows for any movement in the sub floor and protects the tiles from the risk of cracking. The heat may discolor the vinyl or cause the off gassing of chemicals.

The best flooring for underfloor heating is flooring with good conductivity as it heats up quicker gives more heat output and is more efficient to run. The combined insulating factor prevents the heat from escaping and causing a localised hot spot which could damage the mat and flooring. Vinyl flooring is not a good choice either. The assumption is that because a carpet insulates it will prevent an underfloor heating system from adequately heating a room and while wood engineered floors are all the rage lots of people still like the comfort under their feet that a carpet provides in a bedroom.

Concrete is less so and you may find that your floors will be cooler with this material than with resin or porcelain. The least suitable flooring for underfloor heating is any type of carpeted flooring in fact if you have carpet laid throughout you probably don t need underfloor heating anyway. According to research from and the underfloor heating manufacturers association uhma and advice from the carpet foundation you should be looking for a combined tog rating of less than 2 5 for your carpet and underlay for underfloor systems to operate efficiently. Due to the insulating nature of carpet you shouldn t use a rug or bean bag on top of electric underfloor heating.

If you d like to know more about the flooring types to suit your underfloor heating speak to us at kennington flooring oxford today. Carpet has insulation value so it will prevent some of the heat from transferring through into your home. You can use a few area rugs over the flooring but avoid large rugs or wall to wall carpeting. Carpet is a wonderful choice for your underfloor heating as its cosy warm and soft underfoot however there are other options available.

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