Монтаж водяного теплого пола на деревянный пол: Теплые водяные полы на деревянный пол: виды и технология укладки

Теплый деревянный водяной пол (под деревянную доску)Содержание   

Хотите создать в своем доме обстановку тепла и уюта не используя ветрозащитные мембраны Изоспан? Тогда вам точно подойдут теплые полы. В отличие от стандартных радиаторных батарей, теплый пол имеет множество полезных преимуществ.

Он лучше прогревает помещение, ходить по нему очень удобно и легко. Да и после работы выглядит комната с теплыми полами намного современнее.

Теплый деревянный водяной пол в разрезе

Однако если вы собрались монтировать такие системы обогрева в сочетании с деревянными полами, то у вас могут возникнуть небольшие трудности, так как по стандартной технологии здесь действовать уже не получится.

1 Нюансы при работе с деревянными полами

Стандартный теплый пол – это система обогревательных контуров, что прокладываются под стяжкой. Контуром могут выступать водяные трубы, электрические кабеля или специальная пленка, что называется инфракрасным полом. В любом случае принцип действия там почти что один.

Пол обогревается за счет действия контура, который выделяет тепло. Контур проложен змейкой или спиралью. Принцип укладки заключается в необходимости покрыть каждый квадратный дециметр пола, чтобы не осталось холодных участков.

Водяные и электрические полы укладывают под стяжку даже если применяют керамзит для утепления пола. Стяжку делают из легких материалов, с прекрасной теплопроводностью. То есть стяжка принимает на себя всю температуру пола и полноценно отдает ее покрытие. А оно уже, соответственно, обогревает саму комнату.

С пленочными полами дела обстоят иначе. В большинстве своем они слишком слабые, чтобы прогревать непосредственно стяжку. Это скорее дополнительный источник обогрева, хотя и довольно мощный. Их кладут сразу под напольное покрытие, прикрывая только подложкой.
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1.1 Особенности дерева

Сложность ситуации, в которую нас загоняет деревянный пол – это его слабая теплопроводность. Если стяжка хорошо набирает тепло и удерживает его, постепенно отдавая покрытию.

То обычную доску прогреть сложнее, а отдает тепло она очень неохотно. То есть влияние системы напольного отопления ограничивается за счет плохой теплопроводности материала.

Следующее препятствие – подложка под покрытие и само покрытие. Деревянный пол редко делают из обычных досок. Чаще всего доски являются черновым покрытием, поверх которого настилают лицевое.

Как вы сами понимаете, тот же паркет или ламинат без подложки с изделием из полиэтилена монтировать вообще нельзя. А ведь подложка в большинстве случаев имеет свойства теплоизолятора, хоть и не очень надежного.

То есть слабая отдача тепла от досок будет гаситься еще и подложкой. В итоге вы получите еле теплый пол, даже если работает он на полную мощность.

Не забудем еще и тот факт, что водяной или электрический образец системы обогрева, да впрочем как и пленочный, нуждается в эффективной передаче тепла.

Еще одна схема обустройства отопительного контура, на сей раз укладка ведется по фанере

То есть трубы должны непосредственно контактировать с элементами, которые подвергаются обогреву. Либо же находится очень близко к ним. С деревянными полами в стандартном их применении с подобными нюансами тоже возникают трудности.

Как видите, обычная технология укладки здесь не подходит. Нужно действовать иначе, импровизировать. К счастью, все технологии уже давно придуманы, надо только рассмотреть их и применить в работе при проектировании системы теплого пола.
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1.2 Подбор системы пола

Сразу же разберемся с одним важным нюансом. Не все системы обогрева такого типа выгодно применять в работе с деревянными основаниями. Профессиональные строители используют только теплый пол:

• Водяной;
• Электрический.

Причем используются образцы с высокой мощностью, так как теплопроводность древесины все же оставляет желать лучшего.

По этой же причине пленочными полами практически не пользуются. Они слишком слабые, и не способны эффективно отдавать тепло в столь больших количествах. А те модели которые могут, потребляют слишком много энергии. Использовать их становится просто нерентабельно.

Водяной и электрический образцы – это уже другой разговор. Водяные полы довольно мощные и, что очень важно, стабильные. При грамотной разводке отопительного узла и установке трехходовых клапанов затраты на поддержание их нормальной температуры можно существенно снизить.

При этом не стоит бояться, что полы прорвет, и они испортят древесину. Как правило, в работе с ними в любом случае используют только влагостойкие образцы на утепление лагового пола.

Электрические модели, когда отделывается деревянный пол, тоже хороши. Их максимальная температура нагрева даже выше, чему у предыдущего варианта, но проблема здесь кроется в другом.

При коротком замыкании есть небольшая вероятность возгорания покрытия либо же его основательного повреждения, что конечно же, совершенно неприемлемо.

Покрытие по пленочному полу можно настилать без подготовки

Поэтому мы все же рекомендуем использовать именно водяной теплый пол, как самый оптимальный вариант.
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2 Технология монтажа

Существует несколько технологий, что довольно удачно зарекомендовали себя в работе с древесиной. Вот они:

Каждый вариант имеет свои преимущества и недостатки, и разную трудоемкость. Технологии размещены в порядке ее нарастания. То есть по лагам монтировать теплый пол проще всего. А вот с досками придется повозиться.

Еще одно решение – покупка специально заготовленных деревянных планок. С ними работать очень просто. Все конструкции уже собраны, надо только набить их на лаги и проложить трубы.

Но стоимость такого решения вас вряд ли порадует. Деревянные конструкции, да еще и обработанные на заводе в фигурном виде – их цена может сравняться с ценой качественной плитки или даже превысить ее.
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2.1 Установка по лагам

Это, откровенно говоря, простейший вариант. Простейший в плане исполнения, а не трудоемкости.

Для работы потребуется закупить широкие лаги и проложить их по полу. Укладку ведут по стандартной технологии. Шаг желательно делать небольшим, проем между лагами не должен быть шире 30 см, чтобы трубы уложились правильно и прогревали каждый участок равномерно.

В лагах прорезают каналы под трубы. Использовать можно фрезеровку. На рынке встречаются и уже подготовленные решения, с прорезанными каналами. Тогда лаги нужно просто закрепить.

Между элементами каркаса укладывают утеплитель. Это обязательный процесс, причем обязательный для всех трех технологий. Утеплитель будет отсекать тепловую энергию, и направлять ее исключительно вверх.

Согласитесь, греть нижнее перекрытие вам вряд ли будет интересно. Ведь это нерентабельное расходование ресурсов.

Создание деревянного теплого пола из готовых конструкций

Поверх утеплителя можно настелить фольгированную пленку. Она отразит тепловые волны, что идут от контура пола. Укладывать фольгу – признак хорошего строительного тона. Конечно, придется немного потратиться, но и результат вас точно порадует.

Фольгу фиксируют с помощью степлера. Желательно все стыки проклеить специальным алюминиевым или фольгированным скотчем, чтобы не оставалось прорех в отражающем материале.

Собственно сам процесс монтажа контура сводится к укладке труб в пазы на лагах, а затем монтажу поверх них фанеры.

Фанеру выбирают легкую, влагостойкую, с максимальной теплопроводностью. Фанера будет служить основанием для лицевого пола. Поверх нее кладут подложку и лицевое покрытие.

Неудобство такого решения в том, что в пазах есть довольно много места, проложить контуры идеально вам вряд ли удастся. Плюс фанерный черновой пол, который должен быть достаточно толстым. Этот момент тоже снижает эффективность прогрева.
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2.2 Монтаж по фанере

Это уже более трудоемкий вариант с применением калькулятора для расчета теплоизоляции трубопроводов, но и отдача у него более существенная. Начальные процессы полностью повторяют те же, что и у предыдущего варианта. Вот только лаги уже должны быть самыми обыкновенными, с ними не предпринимают никаких экстраординарных действий.

Поверх лаг монтируют основание из ДВП, ДСП или любой другой древесины. Использовать фанеру предпочтительнее, так как она дешевле и легче поддается обработке.

На основании размечают путь движения контура, затем из плит ДВП (они самые мягкие) вырезают пластины, которые будут формировать основание под лицевое покрытие, но между ними все же останется место под трубы. Пластины укладывают с интервалом междурядным в 2-3 см. Именно туда будут ставить отопительный контур.

Особенность такой технологии в том, что поверх нее можно стелить исключительно ламинат, так как пол будет скорее плавающим, а для паркета нужны монолитные решения.

Пазы в фанере, которые используются в качестве каналов для прокладки отопительных контуров

Еще один важный момент, пазы между фанерой предварительно обрабатывают фольгой. В таком случае от фольги по утеплителю можно отказаться, или заменить ее более дешевым отражающим материалом. В крайнем случае, подойдет простейшая мембрана.
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2.3 Укладка по доскам

Теплый деревянный пол с помощью досок укладывать, наверное, труднее всего. Здесь вам не обойтись без специальных инструментов.

Дело в том, что пазы под контур придется сверлить в досках. И досках прочных, качественных. А фрезеровать надежную цельную древесину не так легко.

В доске проделывается один или два паза под трубы. Затем в паз укладывают фольгу, а поверх нее крепят контур. Каждую доску фиксируют на лаги, и фиксируют так, чтобы создать полноценное деревянное покрытие. В итоге получается надежнейший пол, но и стоит он довольно дорого.

Прелесть использования досок в их прочности, возможности нарезать столько каналов, сколько необходимо. На такое основание уже можно класть любое покрытие, в том числе и паркет.

Отдача тепла тоже будет более высокой. Это объясняется тем, что доски, да еще и обработанные фольгой, будут слабо воспринимать тепло, и оно почти полностью передастся на лицевой пол.

Еще один интересный момент – по досках можно класть даже плитку. Только перед началом работ необходимо будет продумать систему гидроизоляции контура.
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2.4 Пример монтажа теплого деревянного пола из фанеры (видео)

Тёплый водяной пол на деревянном полу

Теплый пол и его монтаж в доме

Прокладка пола в доме зависит от выбранного типа системы. Если планируется укладывать одиночный кабель, не на мате, то схема укладки будет следующая:

1. Прежде всего, укладывается слой гидроизоляции и теплоизоляции. Затем следует этап наложения алюминиевой фольги. Эти слои необходимы в качестве основы под пол с одиночным кабелем.
2. Отметьте места расположения мебели, так как кабель не должен попадать под их установку. Это может привести к перегреву нагревательного элемента.
3. Далее следует вырезать специальные прорези в лагах для прохождения в них кабеля. Места пазов обрабатываются металлическими пластинами во избежание перегрева лаг и дальнейшего тления основания. Также необходимо пропитать все деревянные элементы специальным пожаростойким смазочным материалом.
4. К брусьям крепится металлическая сетка, которая будет служить основанием для прокладки кабеля. Он крепится к сетке специальными креплениями, обычно входящими в комплект с кабелем.
5. Следующим этапом станет вывод датчика регулировки температуры. Он, как правило, помещается в гофрированную трубку. Таким же образом выводится и кабель питания.
6. После укладки нагревательного кабеля следует проверить сопротивление токопроводящих жил специальным устройством – мультиметром. Проверив оборудование, можно приступать к укладке чистового напольного покрытия.

При укладке электрического пола соблюдайте правила безопасности установки и эксплуатации теплых полов.

Смешанный метод монтажа деревянного теплого пола

Некоторые мастера предпочитают использовать еще один метод установки, представляющий собой нечто среднее между реечным и модульным вариантом. Таким способом можно выполнить настил пола с подогревом легко, быстро и не потратить при этом значительную сумму.

Начинают работу с выбора в обрезной доске четверти с размерами канала. Отмерив не менее семи сантиметров от стены, делают с помощью фрезы полоску или углубление, чтобы труба подводилась к следующему ряду. Доска по толщине должна превышать параметры выборки, а ширина – быть равной шагу во время монтажа. Черновую основу укладывать не потребуется, а планки прикрепляют к лагам с помощью саморезов.

Технология монтажа водяного пола

Это потребует выполнения по грунтовой основе бетонной подушки на которую будет уложен слой тепловой изоляции. Для обеспечения прочности основания будущего тёплого водяного пола, учитывая его объёмные расширения, применяется, как минимум, один слой армирующей металлической решётки с толщиной прутка не менее 5 миллиметров.

По этой сетке проводится разводка труб подогрева пола. Материалом их изготовления, как правило, служит прошитый полипропилен. Схема разводки может иметь вид «змейки», «улитки», «спирали», или их комбинаций. Но, в целом, шаг укладки составляет от 100 до 300 миллиметров. Практическими способами фиксации колен трубы, уложенной в «змейку» или «спираль» могут стать:

• стандартные кронштейны крепежа труб;
• специальные пластиковые «рельсы» с фиксирующими трубу пазами;
• скобы-защёлки;
• слой фиксирующего профиля.

Нужно учесть, что также существуют лимиты длины одного кольца такой трубы, и в целях недопущения тепловых потерь и снижения давления в общей системе подогрева, их нельзя превышать. Как правило, важен и диаметр укладываемой в контур трубы.

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While spills and stains on a light-colored carpet can be a disaster, on a hardwood floor you can simply wipe them away.You can sweep or vacuum a wood floor anytime, and you can wash it regularly without damaging it or wearing it out. lf you use a floor cleaner and polish at least once a month, you can make your wood floor shine. 90003 90002 Hardwood floors can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, which means that every 10 years or so you can repair any scratches and restore the floor’s good-as-new glow. 90003 90002 Finally, if you or your family members have allergies, you will really appreciate that wood floors do not trap dust and irritants the way carpets do.Once you sweep or vacuum, you’ll know just by looking at your floorboards that they are clean and dust-free. 90003 90004 Hardwood for flooring: Cons 90005 90002 The biggest problem with hardwood floors is that they’re vulnerable to moisture and humidity. Even a small amount of moisture can deteriorate the wood, so you need to be careful to mop up spills fast and, if you have a leak, get it fixed fast. 90003 90002 The worst type of damage to wood floors can come from a leak that penetrates between the boards and the subfloor.This can happen-and go unnoticed for a long time-if a pipe bursts ever so slightly and water leaks down inside a wall and flows into the flooring. 90003 90002 Hardwood flooring is not suitable for every room. Because of its vulnerability to moisture and humidity, you should not put a wood floor in your bathroom or laundry. 90003 90002 Before you install hardwood flooring, check your floor substructure. If it is uneven or unstable, it will make the installation of the hardwood floor problematic and later cause it to bend and open.90003 90002 Some finishes on hardwood scratch easily. High-heeled shoes and pet’s sharp claws can leave dents and scratches. But if you finish your floors with one of the modern, hard-poly finishes, you will have fewer problems than if you use shellac. Although, there’s another side to this, too: If you scratch a shellac finish, you can repair just the area where the scratch is located; whereas, if your finish is polyurethane, you will most likely have to refinish the entire floor. 90003 90002 Another disadvantage of a hardwood floor is noise.When you walk on it, especially with hard leather boots and shoes, the steps can be loud. Some people find wood-floor noise a nuisance but, if you’ve got your heart set on a hardwood floor, you can mitigate this concern by using area rugs. 90003 90002 For most people the biggest drawback to a hardwood floor is price. A real hardwood floor can be expensive, with the cost of the boards and planks added to the price of hiring a professional to install them. 90003 90004 Wooden flooring costs 90005 90002 Hardwood floors cost about $ 8 to $ 13 per square foot, installed, depending on type, quality, and finish.Floating systems are generally the most expensive of the hardwood floor types. 90003 90002 When installing a wood floor you must think about the cost of occasionally resanding and refinishing it. This does not need to be done often, especially if you are careful about your maintenance. About every 10 years you will want to redo your floor to repair damage and restore the wood to its original, glorious finish. 90003 90002 If you are thinking of installing a wooden floors of any type, consider the expense as an investment in your home.It will add a lot of value whenever you decide to sell. While wood is definitely more expensive than other flooring (with a large, upfront cost), it will almost definitely add back more value to the home than what you spend on the boards. And, studies have shown that you will be able to sell your home faster than similar homes that have other types of flooring. 90003 90002 90073 Updated from an earlier version 90074 90003 .90000 Hardwood vs Wood Look Tile Flooring 90001 90002 Choosing hardwood vs wood-look tile is an age-old debate. You can base your choice on a number of factors, such as design, variety, and eco-friendliness. 90003 90002 The splendor of wood is unmatched by any other. Hence, it is little wonder that most types of hardwood, such as rosewood, oak, and cherry are among the most expensive flooring options available today. 90003 90002 While ceramic or porcelain tiles would cost you around 90007 $ 1-15 per square foot 90008 (SF), an ash wood floor for the same area will cost you around $ 7-18.On the other hand, however, 90009 hardwood is more slip-resistant 90010, which makes it a safer choice for homes with children, elderly people, and pets. 90003 90002 Here we will take a detailed look at the differences between the two flooring options and try to analyze which is better. Before we move on to the analysis, however, here is a 90007 list of parameters 90008 we will be comparing our two flooring types on: 90003 90016 Side-by-Side Comparison 90017 90018 90019 90020 90021 90022 90021 Hardwood 90022 90021 Wood Look Tile 90022 90027 90028 90029 90020 90031 Durability 90032 90031 Can last for years, sanded, and refinished to increase life 90032 90031 A bit more durable.Has ability to last for even twenty years with proper maintenance. Also, easily replaceable. 90032 90027 90020 90031 Maintenance 90032 90031 Harder maintenance, specially where moisture is present. Kitchen, for instance. Also to be cared for against grit that can damage the finish 90032 90031 Maintenance is lot easier. May need polishing after every few years though. 90032 90027 90020 90031 Slip Resistance 90032 90031 Comparatively more resistant to slip. Comes with anti-slip rating 90032 90031 Come with slip-resistance grading, but more prone to slips, specially when wet 90032 90027 90020 90031 Allergens Resistance 90032 90031 Has hard surface and does not attract dust and pollen 90032 90031 Just like hardwood, has a solid surface that does not offer space to allergens.Also, can be cleaned easily to avoid it. 90032 90027 90020 90031 Kids and Pet Friendliness 90032 90031 Most Hardwood materials, specially the non-shiny ones are great in terms of kids and pet safety. But are a bit more prone to get water-damage and wear and tear casued by pets. 90032 90031 Tendancy to cause slip can be dangerous for kids and pets. 90032 90027 90020 90031 Elderly Friendliness 90032 90031 Slip resistance and generally easy cleaning make them friendly for senior citizens 90032 90031 Prone to cause slip, specially when wet which can be dangerous for elderly people, specially those with problematic eye-sights 90032 90027 90020 90031 Weather Suitability 90032 90031 Does not retain heat and tends to expand and shrink depending on the weather.Can not also withstand extended exposure to rain or snow 90032 90031 Suitable to most weather conditions 90032 90027 90020 90031 Cleaning 90032 90031 Cleaning is easy, but requires regular removal and vaccuming to avoid damaging grit 90032 90031 Cleaning on most tile surfaces is easy, and can be performed with most suface cleaning products. The availability of the cleaning products is also far more than those for Hardwood surfaces 90032 90027 90020 90031 Design Variety 90032 90031 Unmatched natural beauty of the wood.However, only come in different shades of brown 90032 90031 A range of options, designs and color schemes available. Also come in wood patterns 90032 90027 90020 90031 Concrete Compatibility 90032 90031 Can be put on concrete slabs, but require an experienced contractor to do so 90032 90031 Easier installation over concrete, can even be done on own. 90032 90027 90020 90031 Weight & Traffic Limits 90032 90031 Can withstand a normal weight of the room furniture, but is suited for heavier or industrial weights 90032 90031 The solid surface enables it to handle heavier weights.90032 90027 90020 90031 Cost 90032 90031 Wood, specially hardwood materials are more costly. Would have to cut cost on other things, e.g. labour, transport etc. to match prices 90032 90031 A more cost-effective option 90032 90027 90020 90031 Noise 90032 90031 Wood floors are louder. Specially when being walked on or when something drops 90032 90031 More condensed and do not allow noise to echo off them 90032 90027 90020 90031 Eco Friendliness 90032 90031 Tree takes years to reach full maturity.Also, the logs have to cut and binded together, creating waste. 90032 90031 The processing of ceramic leaves considerable carbon footprint. They are, however, quite environment friendly in terms of their source 90032 90027 90020 90031 Flooring Guide 90032 90031 Hardwood Flooring Guide 90032 90031 Wood Look Tile Flooring Guide 90032 90027 90150 90151 90016 Durability 90017 90002 Unlike softwood, which is comparatively less hard and more susceptible to dents and scratches, 90009 hardwood is more resilient 90010, even to moisture; which is wood’s worst enemy.90003 90002 Water damage can wreak havoc on hardwood floors. Long-term exposure can even cause irreparable damage. However, 90007 hardwood can fare reasonably well 90008 if the problem is rectified in time. 90003 90002 With proper care, hardwood can last up to many years. You still need to protect it against grit, water, and even your pet’s nails to maintain its quality. You can add more life to it by sanding and refinishing it every couple of years. 90003 90002 Compared to hardwood, 90007 ceramic and porcelain tiles are sturdier 90008.Not only can they withstand more weight and traffic, but moisture also does not affect them. They do, however, tend to chip or break with time, but can last for over twenty years with proper care. 90003 90002 Just like hardwood, the wood-look tiles that are mostly available in ceramic or porcelain can also be 90009 polished after every few years and given new life. 90010 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Weather Suitability 90017 90002 The weather has a significant impact on most hardwood floors.90009 Water and humidity can wreak havoc on wood 90010. Therefore, having wooden flooring installed in coastal or tropical cities might be a bad idea. 90003 90002 Humid conditions make maintenance all the more difficult. Even having a dehumidifier can prove to be challenging. For instance, you would need to leave your dehumidifier or air conditioner running even if you go on vacation, which can increase up your electricity bill. 90003 90002 Similarly, it is a fact that wood expands in heat.This process is called 90007 thermal expansion 90008, and hardwood is no different. 90003 90002 Thermal expansion can cause the wood to bend, swell, and even shrink. Therefore, if installing a hardwood floor, it is important to 90007 maintain humidity levels at 30-50% 90008 and 90007 not to let the room temperature go past 60-80 degrees F. 90008 90003 90002 Both humidity and heat can also cause discoloration on your hardwood floors. 90003 90002 Tiles, on the other hand, 90009 do not have these issues.90010 They can tolerate even the most extreme weather conditions, and as long as you have expansion joints installed in the tiled area, there is no need to worry about seasonal contractions and expansions. 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Cleaning 90017 90002 Both hardwood and ceramic tile floors are quite easy to clean. While ceramic or porcelain tiles can be cleaned with most standard floor cleaners, 90007 special hardwood floor cleaners 90008 are also readily available in stores.90003 90002 Both types of flooring need to be protected against grit and dust (a dedicated hardwood vac or tile vac would be a handy). These elements can destroy the surface, causing scratches and marks which often become permanent. Therefore, 90009 regular cleaning is a must. 90010 90003 90002 Unlike tiles, however, wooden surfaces should not come in contact with water often. To clean wooden floors, use a dry mop. If you absolutely must use water, make sure you dry it off completely, and there is no stagnant water left on the floor once you’re done.90003 90002 The best thing about both these surfaces is that their firmness makes them 90007 easy to clean 90008. There is little danger of the surfaces accumulating dust and becoming health hazards which can cause allergies. 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Kids and Pet Friendliness 90017 90002 All wood, including hardwood, is prone to develop scratches easily. If you have kids and pets on a wooden floor, be certain that your floor will get scuffed. However, there are 90007 steps you can take to prevent and disguise scuff marks.90008 90003 90002 Hand-scraped floors, for example, naturally have an imperfect texture. It gives an antique look to the floors, and damage like scratches are not very visible. Similarly, light-colored or Matte Finished hardwood floors are also excellent at hiding imperfections. 90003 90002 The best option, in this case, is 90007 pre-finished, engineered hardwood flooring 90008. This kind of flooring, in most cases, comes with aluminum-oxide layers that provide it with more firmness and durability which adds to its children and pet-friendly floor rating.90003 90002 Even if you do not go for the options mentioned above, there are certain finishes you can apply at the time of installation that can protect your wood flooring against water penetration and even scratches. Polyurethane finishes, for example, are quite popular and also provide maximum protection with minimum maintenance. 90003 90002 You can avoid facing these issues with ceramic and porcelain. Although they can develop scratches, for instance, in an area where there is a lot of furniture movement, they usually 90009 remain impervious to children and pets.90010 90003 90002 A significant issue with tiles is, however, that most materials are 90007 not very slip-resistant 90008. This factor can be particularly dangerous for kids and pets, especially if there is water on the floor. Therefore, select the types or brands which offer the most slip-resistance. 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Slip Resistance 90017 90002 If you have children, elderly people or pets in the house, slipping and falling can have serious consequences. While ceramic and porcelain are known to be slippery, you have to take preventative measures with hardwood floors as well.90003 90002 Slipperiness in hardwood flooring can vary, depending on its finish, which can be anywhere from smooth, to textured, to high gloss or hand-scrapped. 90003 90002 Before you write ceramic and porcelain off as being hazards, their 90007 slipperiness also depends on their size and finish. 90008 90003 90002 For instance, 90007 polished tiles are slipperier than the textured ones 90008. The good thing, however, is that some tests and ratings measure the slipperiness of tiles now and you can select the product that suits you the most based on these tests.90003 90002 U.S. and Canada have also started introducing national standards, and now all flooring products have to carry the labels of the traction scale. However, this is more to create awareness rather than controlling the slipperier products. The labels would inform you that the tile you are purchasing can have a 90009 particular level of slipperiness. 90010 90003 90260 The Tests 90261 90002 As mentioned earlier, there are some tests whose results you must look out for when deciding to invest in particular flooring.The Ramp test is one such method where flooring is put on a ramp at different angles, with varying substances like oil and water on it, where they measure the product’s slipperiness against the maximum angle on which it provides resistance. 90003 90002 An 90007 R-rating of 9-13 90008 inclusive is given where the most slip-resistant product will have the rating of thirteen. 90003 90002 Another famous slip-resistance test is called 90007 ‘Pendulum’ test, 90008 which gives the product a PTV score from 0 to 36.While products with 0-24 have slip risk, those above 36 are the safest in this regard. 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Design Variety 90017 90002 When comparing hardwood to ceramic or any other material, one thing you need to understand is that wood has natural limitations. While you can always polish it to give a new look, 90007 hardwood only comes in different shades of brown. 90008 90003 90002 You can, however, choose 90009 various kinds of wood textures. 90010 These include hand-scraped, matte finished, pre-finished, and more.90003 90002 You have a lot more options for ceramics and porcelain. They are available in different shades, and even can be specified to give a wood-look. You can find a lot of 90007 variety in sizes, shapes, and textures. 90008 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Noise 90017 90002 Wooden floors, including hardwood, are 90009 louder than most other floorings. 90010 They make noise because noise cancellation only occurs when the material is as condensed as possible. If there is space inside the material, it allows the sound to echo.90003 90002 Imagine the sound hole of a guitar. Its purpose is to echo the sound that the strings produce. Wood has tiny space pockets which do the same job. Therefore, if you drop your keys on a wooden floor, it will make noise, and so will your footsteps when you walk. 90003 90002 This 90009 is not the case with tiles 90010 because they are more condensed and do not allow noise to echo off them. Therefore, if you’re looking for a quieter home, but just love how wood looks, you can always choose wood-look ceramic or porcelain tiles.90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Concrete Compatibility 90017 90002 Even though you can directly lay hardwood on a fresh concrete base or concrete in general, you would need an expert to do the job. It is generally advised 90009 not to install hardwood directly on the pavement 90010, but rather on a 90007 pre-prepped plywood subfloor with nails 90008. And only on or above grade at your home, and not in the basement. 90003 90002 You should use glue and nails to make wood stick, as they do not react with the element.However, if you have a concrete base and would like to have a wooden look over it, go for 90007 wood-look tiles 90008 that have no issues sticking to cement. 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Eco-Friendliness 90017 90002 The worst part about having hardwood floors is the trees that need to be sacrificed to produce it for you. It can take years for a tree to reach maturity, and with global warming as a big concern, a lot of countries have taken measures to 90007 regulate the chopping down of trees.90008 90003 90002 Additionally, the process of logs having to be cut and bound together to make tiles generates waste. Therefore, hardwood floors have an 90009 undeniable adverse effect on the environment. 90010 90003 90002 The sadder part, however, is that the alternatives like 90009 ceramic and porcelain are no better 90010 in this regard either. While sourcing them is environmentally safe, the processing of the material in a kiln using intense heat and fuels leaves a sizeable carbon footprint.90003 90002 Therefore, if you want to be more eco-friendly, you can look for other options like 90007 wood-patterned floor sheets or carpets 90008, etc. Or perhaps, to make up for your part in deforestation, 90009 keep the wooden floors but also grow trees. 90010 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 Cost 90017 90002 One of the major deciding factors regarding the flooring in your new home is the cost of the flooring. Does your choice of flooring fit your budget? Calculating the hardwood or tile cost involves many different aspects.90003 90002 The primary one is, of course, the 90007 material cost 90008. But other prices include 90007 installation, labor, transportation, or other ancillary products such as nails or plywood 90008 to install, and finishes and polishes to maintain the material. 90003 90002 Additionally, as we discussed earlier, if for instance you live in a place where there is high humidity, you would also have to invest on items like dehumidifiers or air conditioners that can 90009 regulate the temperature and moisture levels 90010 in the area of ​​your floor.90003 90002 But the first myth which needs to be debunked is that all hardwood flooring costs more than other wood-look materials. That’s not true. 90009 Your expenses can vary a lot 90010 depending on the type of wood you choose for your flooring. 90003 90260 Material 90261 90002 While Teak, Ash, and Heart pine are some of the most expensive options, as they can cost anywhere between 90007 $ 6 to 25 / sf, 90008 there are other materials like Red and White Oak, Pine, Cherry Wood, and walnut that can be on the cheaper end, costing between 90007 $ 2 to maximum $ 9 / sf.90008 90003 90002 So while you can go as high as it can get in terms of flooring, the availability of cheaper materials can fulfill your desire to have hardwood at ceramic’s price, which is somewhere around 90007 $ 1-15 / sf. 90008 90003 90260 Installation 90261 90002 As mentioned earlier, installing hardwood floors is a little more complicated than installing ceramic and porcelain tiles. While the latter can even be your ‘DIY’ project if you are confident enough, 90009 installing hardwood is tricky business.90010 90003 90002 It requires you to prep up the floor, lay down the base material such as plywood, and protective sheets, and then carefully place the wood down and nail it to the ground. 90003 90002 Due to its technicalities, getting hardwood installed through a professional service can cost you around 90007 $ 4,000 per 500 square feet 90008. And due to a comparatively more straightforward process, 90007 installing tiles can be half that price 90008 for the same area. 90003 90260 Trade-Offs 90261 90002 If you decide on opting for a cheaper flooring, be aware that it may come with certain drawbacks, especially in terms of quality.You may not see it at first, but after some time, you may experience your floors bending, discoloration, or expansion in structure due to their exposure to harmful factors. 90003 90002 This stands even true for other materials as well. While paying a higher price does not always guarantee quality, in most cases, there may be reasons for the high price tags on certain products. For example, 90009 a slip resistant ceramic tile will cost more than the one with low anti-slip ratings. 90010 90003 90002 Similarly, the difference can be found in the thickness of the product as well.A cheaper tile may not be able to handle as much pressure as one that is thicker. 90003 90002 Back to Top 90003 90016 The Verdict 90017 90002 There are advantages and drawbacks to each of these flooring tiles; the choice is yours to make at the end. If you want a more family-friendly floor, you can decide to get hardwood flooring which is covered in protective coating. 90003 90002 The coating will keep you safe from slipping while giving you the same luxurious splendor of wood. If you’re looking for cheaper but quality floors, 90007 wood-look ceramic or porcelain 90008 might be a good option for you.90003 90002 Here are some 90007 pros and cons of hardwood and wood-look tiles: 90008 90003 90260 Pros (Hardwood) 90261 90410 90411 Comparatively more slip-resistant 90412 90411 Durable 90412 90411 Pet- and kid-friendly 90412 90417 90260 Cons (Hardwood) 90261 90410 90411 Water can cause irreparable damage 90412 90411 Needs proper weather conditions to maintain its look 90412 90411 Pricey 90412 90417 90260 Pros (Wood-Look Tiles) 90261 90410 90411 Cheaper than most hardwood options 90412 90411 Variety of designs 90412 90411 Easy installation 90412 90417 90260 Cons (Wood-Look Tiles) 90261 90410 90411 Tend to slip more, therefore not very elderly-, kid-, and pet-friendly 90412 90411 Processing leaves huge carbon-imprint 90412 90417 90002 Back to Top 90003 90448 90002 About Ashley Rose Marino 90003 90002 Ashley is the owner and principal of Ashley Marino Designs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas and loves anything and everything home related.When not designing interiors, she’s hopping on an airplane across the country and writing about what she knows best. Visit Website. 90003 .90000 How to Install Heated Floors? | Warmup 90001 90002 90003 This is a guest blog from Adam Brundell, an expert underfloor heating installer. Adam is the founder of Circa Installations & the Floor Heat Store with years of experience in heated floors installation. 90004 90005 90002 Ask most people why they’ve chosen to install heated floors and you’ll find it’s because it is an energy efficient, safe and reliable heating system. In this blog post, I will share some of the top tips on how to install underfloor heating that I have learned during the years as an underfloor heating installer.Whether you’re a professional installer or an enthusiastic DIYer, I hope you’ll find these tips useful. 90005 90002 >> For additional expert tips to install heated floors, click here. 90005 90010 CHOOSING BETWEEN ELECTRIC AND HYDRONIC HEATED FLOORS 90011 90002 Modern underfloor heating systems are divided into wet (or «hydronic») and dry, or electric. Dry systems are generally simpler and they run on mains electricity, whereas wet systems use a loop of pipes carrying water and are connected to the boiler or another heat source.In terms of issues with installing heated floors, a competent DIYer should not have any major problems installing either system, though wet systems may be more complex. 90005 90010 LOCATION WILL ALSO IMPACT YOUR CHOICE 90011 90002 Your choice of system is affected by where it’s going to go to. New constructions are well suited to wet systems, as underfloor heating pipe is often embedded in new concrete floors, whereas the cables and mats that make up electric systems can be laid on top of the subfloor, before being covered with whatever flooring has been chosen.With tiled floors, the cables will be sealed with tile adhesive. Wood and laminate flooring, vinyl and carpets can also be used with the system. 90005 90010 HELP WITH CHOOSING A HEATED FLOOR SYSTEM 90011 90002 If you are not sure which type is best suited to your project, contact a qualified electrician or Warmup for advice on the suitability of a chosen system, and to discuss any remedial works which should take place before your installation commences. Warmup, as the world’s best-selling floor heating brand, is a great choice for the system.You should beware of cheaper alternatives made from low-quality products and always ensure that you are buying a genuine product from an authorized Warmup reseller to ensure the best value for money. 90005 90002 >> If you would like to check which system you should use with your final floor covering, click here. 90005 90010 TIPS TO INSTALL HEATED FLOORS SUCCESSFULLY 90011 90026 90027 Clean the subfloor before installing underfloor heating pipe 90028 90002 Modern pipes used in wet systems are tough and durable.However, clean the subfloor thoroughly before installation and the laying of the underfloor heating pipes to get rid of any jagged edges that could damage them. You may need to lay a damp-proof membrane on the subfloor before installing the insulation layer that comes with the kit. 90005 90002 The pipe attaches to a simple set of units that hold it in position so that each loop is at the specified distance — generally between 200mm and 250mm apart, depending on the type of floor. The maximum length of pipe that can be used in any one room is about 100-110m.90005 90002 90005 90027 Install the manifold first with wet underfloor heating systems 90028 90002 With wet systems, the manifold — the unit to which the pipe loop is connected in a particular room — should be the first thing that’s installed. You’ll need to account for the weight of the unit and for the pipes that are eventually connected when choosing a mounting site. 90005 90002 With electric underfloor heating, it’s necessary to get a qualified electrician at least to make the mains connection in order to comply with BS7671- 2008 and current IEE wiring regulations.90005 90002 90005 90027 Be mindful of maximum temperatures and the final flooring 90028 90002 One of the most important things to consider is the kind of finished flooring that will be laid over the system as some floor covers have a top temperature restriction. Vinyl floors have a maximum temperature limit of 80 ° F (27 ° C) degrees, as do carpet, laminate and wood floors. 90005 90002 90005 90027 Improve efficiency by insulation 90028 90002 I can not emphasize enough how important installing Warmup insulation boards is.A lot of people try to save money and not bother with underfloor insulation, but it has massive benefits from decreased heat-up time to energy savings and lower running costs in the long term. 90005 90002 90005 90027 Plan and measure 90028 90002 Planning is essential so measure out the area and plan for the installation carefully. My tip is to take your time with this as it will make for a much quicker installation in the long run. 90005 90002 Make sure to consider all the fixtures and fittings that are going to be installed.For instance, with a bathroom installation your toilet pans, pipe work for heated towel rails and radiators have to be fixed to the floor. All this needs to be taken into account when installing the system as to avoid damage to the heating wire when the above are being fitted. Also, ensure your existing subfloor is free from dust and dirt and, if it’s a wooden subfloor, check that there are no squeaky floorboards as fixing this afterward will not be easy. 90005 90002 >> Should you tile under or around the toilet when installing heated floors? 90005 90027 Test underfloor heating 90028 90002 It is very important that you test the system before and after all stages of the installation.If you are unsure, just ask your electrician to do this before the final floor covering goes down. 90005 90002 Also remember that all Warmup systems come with a SafetyNet ™ Installation Guarantee which means that if the heater is damaged during installation, it will be replaced free of charge giving you that extra piece of mind when installing the system. 90005 90002 90005 90010 BONUS TIP: PROTECT YOUR NEW SYSTEM 90011 90002 When laying underfloor heating mat, lay the mat with wires facing down to the subfloor and the mesh up this will give greater protection to the heating wire during installation.Always follow manufacturing guidelines or seek professional advice if in doubt. 90005 90002 And finally, if the final floor covering is going to be tiles or ceramic, I would always recommend using a flexible self-levelling latex or a flexible tile adhesive to cover the underfloor heating mat with a scratch coat as this helps the tile installation. 90005 90002 Unsure of what products to you use in your next underfloor heating installation? Take a look at the Warmup Underfloor Heating Product Selector for easy reference.90005 .90000 In-Floor Heating: Is It Worth It? | Home Matters 90001 90002 Are in-floor heating systems worth the cost? We discuss the costs and benefits of in-floor heating systems for your home. 90003 90002 90003 90002 90007 Photo by: 123RF 90008 90003 90002 Yet another gray winter morning, and you drag yourself out of bed, dreading the icy shock of your otherwise beloved hardwood floors. Or your bathroom is all toasty and steamy from that long, hot shower, but your tile floor feels like the surface of a frozen pond.90003 90002 It’s on days like these that the idea of ​​an in-floor heating system seems less like a luxury item and more like a necessity. (Besides, heated floors were good enough for the Roman Empire.) But before you commit to what can be a major remodeling project, it’s best to ask yourself whether a radiant floor heating system is an appropriate solution for your specific home heating needs. 90003 90002 The chief benefit cited for the installation of heated floors is increased energy efficiency.And it’s true that there are a number of factors-not all of them purely scientific-that can make floor-heating systems more utility-bill-friendly than conventional HVAC systems. 90015 90003 90002 90003 90002 90020 When an in-floor heating system is the perfect solution for comfort 90021 90003 With an in-floor heating system, the laws of thermodynamics are on your side. Perhaps the best way to understand how in-floor heating can help to heat an entire room is to consider how most furnace-based heating and cooling systems operate.Air is heated and then impelled (blown, via a fan) through ducts, which empty through vents and dampers into the various rooms of your home. Because air literally has to be moved or circulated throughout your home, a certain amount of heat loss is inevitable. This loss can be compounded in homes and individual rooms in which vents are located near the ceiling rather than the floor. Remember, hot air rises and only falls if it loses energy, also known as «heat.» 90002 90020 Also suggested: Myths vs.Facts: The Truth About Radiant Floor Heating 90021 90003 90002 By contrast, according to Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss of Scientific American, the uniform heat distribution over the entire surface of a floor heats the lower half of the room, enveloping inhabitants in warmth at a lower overall temperature-in some cases up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit cooler-than a conventional heating system. » In other words, in-floor heating systems provide a different mode and level of comfort. And, as various public awareness campaigns have long reminded us, the more comfortable we feel, the more inclined we might be to nudge down our thermostat, in turn lowering our energy expenditures.90003 90002 Comfort, of course, is a matter of perception. More quantifiable are the cycling properties of in-floor heating systems. By and large, radiant heating systems turn on and off less frequently than conventional forced-air HVAC systems. Less turning on and off and less resetting and ramping up from a «cold start» equals less energy usage. 90003 90002 Additionally, homeowners have a variety of options to choose from in powering a floor heating system. Radiant systems are compatible with electrical, natural gas, solar and even geothermal energy sources.As many homeowners are all too aware, legacy furnace systems are typically restricted to running on a single energy source, such as heating oil. If the market for that energy source turns volatile, rates can fluctuate, prices spike and you can end up paying more to heat your home regardless of how low you set your thermostat. 90003 90002 Finally, if you do identify a particularly energy-efficient in-floor heating system and choose to install it in your home, you could be eligible for state or federal programs that can help cover your up-front contractor costs.(And these costs can be significant. According to figures collected by Angie’s List, homeowners can expect to pay between $ 6 and $ 16 per square foot, not including tax and labor, for a radiant heating system.) Consult the U.S. Department of Energy’s Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) to see if there are rebates, loans or tax deductions available for the installation of a more efficient in-floor heating system where you live. 90003 90002 In-floor heating systems can come with certain health benefits.The hotter the air, the drier it becomes. On those days when you just can not seem to warm up and find you need to turn up your thermostat, your furnace can suck all the humidity out of your home and leave your sinuses throbbing. Because they heat surfaces and not the air itself, in-floor heating systems are not prone to this issue. Moreover, since they do not rely upon fans, ducts, registers and returns to distribute hot air, in-floor heating systems can reduce the amount of dust and seasonal allergens in your home.90003 90002 In-floor heating systems are scalable, too. Homeowners can create custom solutions to meet their floor heating needs. If you do not wish to install heated floors throughout your entire home, you can instead modularize, choosing only to heat one or several rooms from the ground up. 90003 90002 However, the news is not all good when it comes to in-floor heating. In fact, research indicates that some of the most apparent «pros» associated with radiant floor heating might actually be «cons.»90015 90003 90002 90003 90002 90020 When in-floor heating may not be worth it 90021 90003 If you have a large home, a home with high ceilings, a home with many windows or a home with insufficient insulation, heating your floors rather than the air may not be enough to reach the level of comfort to which you are accustomed. Homeowners would be well advised to perform a home energy audit to assess where improvements may be made to increase the efficiency of an existing HVAC system. These changes could actually add up and possibly reduce your perceived need for in-floor heating.90002 In some instances, in-floor heating may be more of a complementary than a universal solution. Remember the theory that in-floor heating systems equal lower thermostat settings? Research conducted by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests the exact opposite. In examining the usage patterns of 50 homeowners in Nova Scotia, the CMHC determined that these individuals «[did] not set their thermostats significantly lower than homeowners with other types of heating systems.» 90003 90002 If your main rationale for installing an in-floor heating system is that doing so will produce long-term savings by reducing your utility bills, other solutions-such as system zoning or solar panels-may actually be more cost-effective.And remember, an in-floor heating system contributes nothing to the cooling of your home in the summertime. 90003 90002 Homeowners may also assume that because a radiant floor heating system can be viewed (and financed) as a home improvement, its installation will immediately raise their home’s value. No evidence exists suggesting that in-floor heating either positively or negatively affects property values. In-floor heating is not even tracked in the annual Cost vs. Value Report issued by Hanley Wood Media, publishers of Remodeling Magazine.Perhaps Realtors must consider too many variables to definitively state what a radiant heating system might add to, or subtract from, any given asking price. That said, homebuyers looking to «go green,» who prioritize energy savings, or who absolutely want an in-floor heating system will be willing to pay a premium for a home that features one. 90003 90002 Homeowners should also be aware of the difficulties and costs associated with repairing in-floor heating systems. Flooring, as well as sub-flooring, may have to be removed simply to assess, much less address, issues with the system.And because the majority of radiant floor heating systems are hydronic, in which the system’s radiant elements are not electrical but consist of low-profile PEX Tubing through which hot water is pumped, this means additional plumbing and additional potential for broken pipes and leaks. Moisture under your home can damage your foundation, create inviting conditions for termites and other destructive pests, ruin carpeting and warp hardwood floors. 90015 90003 90002 90003 90002 90020 So, what’s the verdict? 90021 90003 90002 All in all, no matter how much you hate the feeling of a frigid floor first thing in the morning, an in-floor heating system may not make sense as a stand-alone retrofitting project.But, depending upon your priorities and your budget, in-floor heating may be ideal as a component of major remodel or if you are planning new construction. 90003 90002 90020 Next 90021> 10 Home Hacks for Every Room in Your House 90003 90002 90003.