Installation of an infrared floor under linoleum

Linoleum is one of the cheapest types of flooring. In operation, it is quite critical to high temperatures - as a result of heat exposure, its deformation is possible, and in some samples, the release of toxins. Therefore, the creation of underfloor heating with linoleum was and remains a difficult question.

What linoleum is suitable for the infrared floor

For a long time, mounting underfloor heating with linoleum required either complex technical solutions or was not feasible. This is explained by low permissible operating temperatures - up to 28 degrees and good thermal insulation properties, which do not allow achieving the necessary heating of the external surface.

Currently, this problem has been solved by the appearance of samples with temperature characteristics up to 35 degrees, improved thermal conductivity, and compatibility with film, infrared heating systems. However, even with these changes, the choice of flooring for a warm floor must be approached very carefully and be sure to pay attention to the following characteristics specified by the manufacturer:

1. Permissible temperature.
2. Compatible with underfloor heating.
3. Resistance to chemical and mechanical influences, which will allow for a long time to maintain a good appearance of the coating.
4. The thickness of linoleum - should be average, so that you can hide small flaws in the base.
5. Thermal conductivity.

Preparing for the installation of underfloor heating

Preparation for installation begins with leveling the base. If it is concrete, then these measures are carried out using a solution called "Liquid Floor". To do this, it is poured over the lighthouses, which are pre-installed on the level. After the screed has dried well, heat-reflecting material is laid. Typically, a lavsan or polypropylene substrate with a metallized coating is used for these purposes.

ATTENTION! Do not use aluminum foil materials.

The coating is laid out over the entire area of ​​the room, separate strips are connected with special tape. So that there is no movement of linoleum relative to the base, double-sided tape is used or fixed using a construction stapler.

Further, a plan for the installation of heating elements is drawn up, taking into account the location of low furniture, under which the heaters are not placed. A mandatory margin is left from the walls up to 3 cm and up to 20 cm from heating elements (pipes, radiators, fireplaces, etc.). This "pattern" of the plan is laid out over the entire area to check the accuracy of its design. According to the results, if necessary, an adjustment is made. At this stage, it is necessary to determine the installation location of the thermostat and its type - built-in or mounted.

How to install an infrared floor under linoleum with your own hands

The technology for installing and connecting the infrared floor is simple and, with certain skills, it can be independently implemented. To do this, perform the following operations:

1. The roll of thermal film is cut into strips of the greatest possible length only along the lines indicated on it by the manufacturer. Making arbitrary or curly cuts is unacceptable.
2. The heating elements are laid down with a copper strip, without overlaps in accordance with the previously developed plan and are fixed on the substrate using construction tape.
3. The temperature regulator is installed in a certain place.
4. Contact clamps are installed on the current-carrying strip of the film. To do this, a little polymer layer exfoliates and one contact is attached under it, and the second on a copper strip. After checking the correct installation, the clamp is fixed with pliers.
5. Connection is made from the side of the wall on which the thermostat is installed. The phase and zero of each fragment of the thermofilm are connected with similar contacts of other bands. For this, there are two types of wires in the kit, which differ in colors. Wires must be laid under the baseboard and connected to the thermostat.
6. The temperature sensor is installed convex side down in such a place that there is no movement along it or is minimally possible, and is connected to the thermostat.

In order for some elements of the system, such as clamps, wires, and the sensor not to protrude above the level of the heaters, they must be hidden by creating cutouts in the substrate. After checking the operation of the infrared floor, a plastic film is laid on it for insulation, then a solid layer of plywood or chipboard up to 5 mm thick and linoleum.

ATTENTION! To ensure a uniform floor level over the entire area of ​​the room, in places where heating elements are not installed, it is necessary to lay a thermally reflective, insulating and hard coating.

Installation Safety

Before connecting the underfloor heating to the network, the following safety requirements must be met:

1. Insulate all places on the thermal film with exposed contact strips, as well as clips and wire insulation faults, with bitumen tape.
2. Check the cross-section of the wires for the total power of all elements of the infrared floor.
3. Make sure that the power of the network line is sufficient for the operation of the heaters.

The infrared floor under the linoleum allows you to create an additional source of heat in the room, but due to its characteristics it cannot be the main and only one.