Nelson de VloerenspecialistThe right floor makes or breaks your underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular, energy-efficient, comfortable, and perfect for heat pumps. But not every floor is suitable. A wrong choice means your underfloor heating barely performs. Here are the 7 most important things to know.
1. Heat conduction is everything
The faster and more evenly heat passes through your floor, the more efficiently your underfloor heating works. PVC and tiles conduct heat excellently. Parquet and laminate less so, which is not a problem, but does mean your underfloor heating has to stay "on" longer to give the same warmth.
2. Not every laminate is suitable
Always look for the "suitable for underfloor heating" symbol on the packaging. Special laminate types have an adapted structure that handles heat better. Standard laminate can deform.
3. Parquet: choose multi-layer
Solid parquet and underfloor heating is possible but requires attention. Multi-layer parquet (three-layer construction) is better, it is more stable and less sensitive to temperature changes. We are happy to advise you.
4. The underlay is crucial
A good underlay for underfloor heating absorbs sound and conducts heat. We work with special insulating underlays that have been measured for heat resistance. The wrong underlay can reduce your underfloor heating efficiency by 30%.
5. Beware of large temperature differences
With wood (parquet or laminate), gradual warming is important. Not suddenly 25°C after you have been on holiday for a week, that causes shrinkage and expansion problems. A well-adjusted thermostat with a gradual programme is recommended.
6. Do not forget levelling
For optimal heat transfer, the surface must be perfectly flat. A levelled screed (cement screed with underfloor-heating pipes in it) is ideal. In renovations we often need an extra levelling layer.
7. Test first, then decide
Before you make a final choice: visit the showroom. We have PVC, laminate and parquet on display floors connected to underfloor heating. That way you literally feel the difference in heat experience between materials.
Our recommendation per situation
- New build with heat pump: PVC dryback, best heat conduction, perfect with low-temperature heating.
- Living room renovation: PVC or special multi-layer parquet. Laminate only if it is genuinely marked "suitable for underfloor heating".
- Premium appearance: multi-layer parquet (herringbone or Hungarian point), requires a bit more attention to the warm-up schedule but the result is beautiful.