How does underfloor heating affect the thickness of the floor?
Underfloor heating is a popular choice in many homes and buildings, as it provides even and pleasant heat throughout the room. One of the most common questions among those considering underfloor heating is how it affects the thickness of the floor. In this article, we will address this question and look at the different factors that affect the thickness of the floor when installing an underfloor heating system.
Types of floor heating
There are mainly two types of floor heating systems: water circulation floor heating and electric floor heating. Both have their own special characteristics and effects on the thickness of the floor.
Water circulation floor heating
In water-circulating floor heating, warm water circulates in a pipeline that is installed under the floor. This system usually requires more space than electric underfloor heating, as the thickness of the piping and insulation layer increases the overall thickness of the floor.
- Thickness of the pipeline: The diameter of the pipeline for water circulation floor heating is usually around 16-20 mm. This increases the thickness of the floor significantly.
- Insulating layer: An insulating layer is installed under the piping, which prevents the heat from escaping downwards. The thickness of the insulation layer can vary, but it is usually around 20-50 mm.
- Casting: A concrete layer is cast on top of the pipeline, which acts as a heat distributor. This layer is usually about 30-70 mm thick.
In total, water circulation floor heating can increase the thickness of the floor by about 70-140 mm, depending on the materials used and the installation method.
Electric floor heating
Electric underfloor heating is generally thinner and easier to install than a water circulation system. It consists of heating cables or mats that are installed directly under the floor.
- Heating cables: Electric heating cables are usually very thin, about 2-4 mm thick.
- Insulation layer: A thin insulation layer can be installed under the electric underfloor heating, which is usually about 6-10 mm thick.
- Coating layer: A thin smoothing layer can be installed on top of the heating cables, which is usually about 3-5 mm thick.
Electric floor heating usually only increases the thickness of the floor by about 10-20 mm, which makes it a thinner option compared to a water circulation system.
Summary
The effect of underfloor heating on the thickness of the floor depends on the chosen system. Water circulation floor heating increases the thickness of the floor significantly more than electric floor heating. The thickness of a water-circulating system can be about 70-140 mm, while electric underfloor heating only increases the thickness by about 10-20 mm. The choice between the two depends on many factors, such as room height, installation options and personal preference.
You can find more information about underfloor heating and its effects from the following sources:
