Let's find out whether it is possible to lay linoleum on a warm floor - choice and features. How to choose linoleum for heated floors - main factors Is it possible to use linoleum on heated floors

In an effort to make their home more comfortable and cozy, many people install a “warm floor” system in their apartments and houses. Heated floors are divided into several groups: electric, infrared and water. Depending on the type, the finishing coating is selected. Linoleum to this day remains one of the most popular finishing materials, the reason for this is primarily its low price. There is a wide range of this coating on the market, including special linoleum for heated floors.

There is an opinion among consumers that this coating is harmful because it can release vinyl chloride, phenol and other dangerous substances when heated. However, this is only possible if the material is used incorrectly, or if the coating is chosen incorrectly. If you choose your coating wisely, you can find modern options that are safe and will last a long time.

What kind of linoleum is there and which one is better to lay in the house?

• Rubber (relin). A two-layer coating consisting of rubber, synthetic rubber, and bitumen. Not suitable for use in residential areas as it does not tolerate heat well.
• Vinyl (PVC). The cheapest and therefore the most popular. There are several types of PVC coating. If you plan to lay linoleum on a heated floor, then it is better to use semi-commercial or commercial material, since they are more durable and easier to use than household material. Professionals do not recommend using a coating with a heat-insulating base, because it will become an obstacle to the passage of heat from the heating elements into the room. Accordingly, the efficiency of the “warm floor” system will be greatly reduced. It is better to opt for a coating that has a thin fabric base or no fabric at all. Do not forget that vinyl material is of synthetic origin, so when it is heated, an unpleasant odor may appear, but then it will disappear.
• Colloxylin (nitrocellulose). Thin, single-layer coating is highly moisture resistant. But it has a significant disadvantage - it ignites easily.

• Glypthal (alkyd). Linoleum, which has a fabric base and has very good thermal insulation properties. But just like relin, it does not tolerate heat and may lose its original shape over time.
• Natural(). The coating is completely safe and natural. It contains only natural ingredients: pine resin, lime powder, crushed cork, linseed oil, natural dyes. That is why when it is heated, no unpleasant odors are felt and no harmful compounds are released. Among its advantages are fire resistance, durability, antistatic, and high resistance to deformation. In addition, it does not fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays and does not lose color over time. This material is more expensive than other types of linoleum.

As can be seen from the technical characteristics of the types of linoleum covering, not everything can be laid over heated floors. It is best to use marmoleum or, in extreme cases, a vinyl type. Experts do not recommend using glypthal, colloxylin or rubber materials in combination with heated floors.

Operation of linoleum with heated floors

To make the right choice of one or another linoleum for heated floors, you do not need to study the types of material, their composition and characteristics. Manufacturers always indicate information on the packaging, based on which you can easily choose the most suitable option.

The maximum temperature that the coating can withstand is always indicated next to the brand. So, for PVC it ​​is +30 °C. Exceeding this value will cause the material to lose color, swell and deform. In this case, you can feel a pungent odor and phenol will begin to be released.

As for natural linoleum, the maximum heating temperature is +27 °C. As the temperature increases, the marmoleum will melt, become soft, and as a result its surface will rupture.

Types of heated floors under linoleum

If you plan to lay linoleum, you need to responsibly consider a heated floor system. Which heated floor is best suited for finishing with linoleum? In private homes, the most preferable option is. Such a system has a high rate of inertia. The pipes take a long time to heat up, but they also do not cool down immediately. Since there are no sudden temperature changes, the material does not experience stress. Therefore, the combination of water floors and linoleum covering can be called optimal.

The flooring system is essentially a large-area electrical appliance that generates a magnetic field. How it affects the human and animal body, and whether it is harmful, is still not known exactly. In addition, the magnetic field attracts all sorts of particles, as a result, dust will always collect on the floor covered with linoleum. In addition, electric floors quickly heat up and cool down, which can lead to deformation of the coating.

As for, this is a good option. Graphite strips act as a heater here. When the system is connected to the electrical network, gradual, uniform heating occurs, which prevents deformation of the linoleum. For proper operation of linoleum, a sheet with a power of 60-150 W/m2 will be sufficient.

And, of course, when choosing heated floors, do not forget about the financial side of the issue. Installation of water floors will require significant costs, but operation is very economical. Installing electric floors will cost less, but energy bills may increase. Leave your comments on the article in the form below!

Water-heated floors under linoleum are deservedly considered to be the most economical heating option in terms of operating costs. The very fact that the floor covering is linoleum suggests that the cost of such a warm floor is not too high. This combination of materials is considered acceptable, but there are some nuances that relate to the choice of flooring material and the installation process. If everything is done correctly, then such a warm floor will make you extremely happy.

Let's look at how to choose linoleum for a warm water floor, which one is better, and how the process of installing a warm water floor occurs.

Choosing linoleum for water heated floors

In general, modern linoleum is considered an excellent floor covering. Its advantage is that it is reliable, inexpensive, easy to install and easy to care for. The colors of the material cannot help but please. The range of products is really large, as are the pictures on it. It can imitate different flooring materials.

But if you use linoleum together with a heated floor system, it is important to take into account some nuances. The main one is the sensitivity of the material to high temperatures. How does linoleum react to them? The maximum floor linoleum can be heated to a temperature of 30 °C, and the optimal temperature is 28 °C. If the coating is exposed to this temperature for a long time, it can become deformed, change its color and lose its performance properties. And even more harmful to health is phenol, which can be released when synthetic linoleum is heated.

Note! To prevent linoleum from being subjected to such tests, there is a special product on the market that is ideal for heated floors. It is designed to withstand temperature fluctuations. Such products have a special marking, which is shown in this photo.

If we take this information into account, then the combination of a water-heated floor with linoleum can be called ideal. Why? Other types of electric heating systems heat up the floor covering quite strongly. But the temperature of the hot water coming from the heating system is in a moderate range.

And what is most important is the correct installation of underfloor heating pipes. It is important to accurately maintain the distance between each pipe. After all, if in one place the pipes are located quite close, then the coating in that place will overheat more strongly.

Now we come to choosing the type of linoleum. Despite the fact that the market is ready to provide you with a huge amount of various materials, only some of the products are suitable for “cooperation” with the heated floor system. Here you need a reliable coating that will conduct heat perfectly without deforming or losing its original properties.

There are 5 types of linoleum:

1. Natural.
2. Vinyl (PVC) or synthetic.
3. Acrylate or glyphthalic.
4. Colloxylin or nitrocellulose.
5. Relin.

Which linoleum is best to use for flooring under warm floors? The choice is obvious - this is natural linoleum intended for such use. It will not release toxic substances, since it does not contain them, and will cope with the task perfectly. For some individual rooms, vinyl can also be used. Others cannot be used - they do not have the necessary characteristics.

Features of the heated floor system

The design of a water heated floor on one side is simple. It looks like a system of thin plastic pipes, which, in turn, are connected to the heating system of the house. The pipes are hidden in the concrete screed. Heating of the concrete occurs due to hot water, after which the concrete heats the floor covering.

Note! Few people know, but such systems can be used not only as an addition, but also as the main type of room heating.

We must not forget that the use of warm water floors is permitted exclusively for private and one-story houses. This type of heating is unacceptable for an apartment building. Sometimes this can only be done by the owners of the first floor, since there is no one below them.

Installation of heated floors

Stage #1: Defining the Schema

Work begins with planning the floor plan. To do this, lay pipes along the entire perimeter of the room. The recommended distance between each pipe is 30 cm. As for the distance from load-bearing and internal walls, it is 10 cm. Thanks to this system, you can install a plinth around the entire perimeter of the room, placing telephone wires, electrical cables and similar communications there . The photo shows what schemes these could be.

There are some other melts to consider when planning:

• It is unacceptable to place a large number of pipes in one place. Warming up will be uneven, costs will be higher, and the system may quickly fail;
• installation of pipes is carried out according to the principle of a spiral (snail) or snake;
• For rational use of heating, you should not install pipes where cabinets, beds, other furniture or household appliances are installed. But this is not the rule.

Some information about what heating floor installation schemes exist, their advantages and disadvantages, is in this video:

Stage No. 2: preparing the base

It is important to prepare the basis for further work. Since the flooring is laid with a concrete screed, which has a certain height, the old floor covering is removed. The surface itself needs leveling and cleaning. All defects and cracks are repaired. After work, check everything with a level. If there is any slope, leveling is required.

If there is a lot of work involved in eliminating defects and leveling, it is more rational to re-fill the concrete screed. After leveling or filling, the surface must be cleaned again. The fact is that further on the technology it will be necessary to lay thermal insulation material. And dirt and residue can cause damage.

Stage No. 3: installation of insulation and damper tape

First of all, a damper tape is laid around the entire perimeter of the room. It is needed to compensate for thermal expansion and future compression of all materials during operation of the heating system. Laying the tape is required. And due to the fact that tapes with an adhesive layer are now being manufactured, their installation is quite simple. In the absence of this, fixation occurs by self-tapping screws.

This is where the evenness of the walls adjacent to the floor and the floor itself will be checked. If you lay insulation, it should not move under your feet and move. In this case, the thermal insulation is removed and the leveling work is repeated. As for the thermal insulation material itself, extruded polystyrene foam is most often used for these purposes. Sometimes they resort to polystyrene foam.

Advice! When laying the material in two layers, the insulation is laid in a checkerboard pattern to cover the cold bridges. With a single layer, make sure that the transverse seams of the adjacent row are different.

After installation, the insulation is covered with a vapor barrier film. But you need to not only spread it out, but tuck the edges behind these slabs. This will keep the surface taut and smooth. Thanks to this, it will not move during installation.

Be sure to follow the sequence:

• tape laying;
• installation of slabs;
• vapor barrier layer.

Note! There are special thermal insulation mats that are intended for installing heated floors. Their upper part has protrusions (bosses) into which it is easy to install system pipes. From this video you will learn what is best to use for this purpose.

Stage No. 4: installation of pipes

Now you can work on the pipes, which are installed according to a pre-made plan. If mats are not used, then a reinforcing mesh is placed on the film, which serves as a marking. The pipes are attached to it. Although there is another option: using a special film with markings applied. In the photo you can see options for fixing pipes.

If we talk about the pipes themselves, then metal-plastic products or cross-linked polyethylene are used. The optimal diameter is 16 mm. Heated floor pipes are supplied to the collector and integrated into the system. In this video you will learn how to install pipes:

Stage No. 5: creating a screed

Before pouring, the water heated floor system is checked for leaks. It is necessary to supply water under pressure to the system. If there are no leaks or flaws, work can continue. It is not necessary to drain the water in the pipes.

Reinforcing mesh is installed on the pipes. To strengthen the screed, reinforcement is performed twice: under the pipes and on them. Sometimes only one layer is done. In the case where the system is laid directly on the film, a mesh is necessary. The screed is done carefully, because it not only serves to protect the pipes from damage, but also serves as a heat conductor for the linoleum (it will heat it up). Therefore, use a special dry construction mixture that has increased thermal conductivity.

You will see the process of installing a warm water floor under linoleum in the video:

Installation of linoleum on the floor

Now it's time to lay linoleum on a warm water floor. In fact, the process is no different from laying it on a regular floor. Here's the work step by step:

All that remains is to install the baseboard to bring the flooring to perfection.

Conclusion

This is how you can make a warm linoleum floor for your home. The technology is simple and has a number of significant advantages. This coating can last for quite a long time. Depending on the abrasion class, linoleum will last from 7 to 20 years. The coating is easy to clean, looks beautiful and is inexpensive. It will make your rooms warm and cozy. And detailed instructions for creating such a warm water floor under linoleum will help you implement everything yourself.

When arranging the entire room, many people want to create a warm floor in order to enjoy comfort and coziness in the future and save their money. This design has many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. Therefore, when creating it, it is necessary to take into account certain rules and nuances. Not every floor covering is suitable for one or another type of heating system.

Linoleum is rarely used for heated floors. Why? Because many people have the opinion that this flooring, when heated, releases substances that can be harmful to human health. Such harmful substances are phenol, vinyl chloride and others. There is such a possibility, but for this to happen, certain conditions must coincide.

Harmful substances will begin to be released unless the flooring material is cheap or the owner himself does not comply with the required temperature regime. If you make your choice in favor of high-quality material, then linoleum for heated floors will be no worse than ceramic tiles. This material is perfect for the floor.

Let's consider: is linoleum suitable for underfloor heating with water heating?

According to popular belief, linoleum is a thin vinyl material that contains more chemical elements. But this is not true.

In total, today the construction market offers customers five varieties of this flooring:

• Natural. This type is an environmentally friendly material. It also has a huge service life and a high level of fire resistance.
• PVC floor covering. Most often, people buy this particular material because of its cheap cost. This type is not particularly suitable for heated floors. When the surface heats up, an unpleasant odor will appear in the room.
• Alkyd. This linoleum has a fabric base. Has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. However, there is a significant drawback - after a certain period of time, due to heating or mechanical influences, the product undergoes deformation.
• Nitrocellulose. It consists of one layer and has moisture-resistant characteristics. But there is also a minus - a low level of fire resistance.
• Rubber. It consists of two layers. The composition of this material includes bitumen, rubber, synthetics. Rubber linoleum is rarely used in residential buildings.

According to a brief description of all varieties of this flooring, not all are suitable for heated floors. The best option is the first type - natural. The use of vinyl linoleum (PVC) is allowed. Other types are not suitable for the heating system.

Let's take a closer look at the first two types.

Natural linoleum

If you can afford to buy it, then opt for it. This product contains only natural elements of nature, namely flax oil, pine resin, crushed cork, lime powder, and natural dyes. It follows from this that this variety, when heated, will not be able to release substances that could be harmful to human health.

This is the main advantage over other types, but not the last. Another distinctive feature is that the material is not deformable during heating or mechanical stress. "Marmoleum" has a high level of fire resistance. It can be exposed to direct sunlight, but natural linoleum will not lose its original appearance.

Linoleum PVC

Otherwise called vinyl linoleum. The natural look is not sold everywhere like vinyl flooring. Choose PVC if you are unable to find natural ones.

This type is divided into separate types:

• domestic;
• commercial,
• semi-commercial.

For residential premises it is recommended to use the last two types. Because they have a higher level of stability and a longer service life. Do not use a product that has a thermal insulating base, because it will serve as an obstacle to the penetration of heat into the room. Heating elements in this case will be useless.

The material must have a fabric base. Don't forget that the vinyl product is made of synthetics, so after the initial heating there may be an unpleasant odor. But after about a month it will disappear.

Features of the heat mode

To choose a quality product you do not need to have specific knowledge. The manufacturers of the material themselves indicate in the instructions permission for use for heated floors. Instructions may be on the label. Usually, the permissible heating temperature is indicated next to such markings, namely 27 degrees Celsius. If you exceed this temperature, this will lead to damage to the product.

PVC can generally withstand 30 degrees Celsius, but there is no guarantee that it will not deteriorate. In order to properly control the temperature, you need to purchase a high-quality regulator (thermostat) (preferably digital). Thanks to this device, the required temperature will be maintained automatically.

Choosing a heated floor for linoleum

This choice also needs to be approached responsibly. There are only three types:

• A water heated floor is a system consisting of tubes, where the main source of heat is water. Nothing but water. This type is rarely used in apartments, because central heating is most often used there. In order to install water floors, there must be a screed between the floor covering. This condition is not suitable if the room has low ceilings. However, this design can be an alternative to central heating.
• Electric heated floors, the main component of such floors is the heating wire. The installation of this element is also carried out in a cement screed. The electric floor has a much simpler structure than the previous type of heating system. This type also has a distinctive feature: during heating, the area is heated evenly - this is especially important for linoleum. However, electric flooring may not be suitable for this type of flooring because it heats up in a short period of time. Because of this, linoleum can easily collapse. According to professionals, this material is not suitable for electric floors.
• Film or infrared heated floor, this design has a thin layer, as well as heating strips. As soon as you connect the structure to electricity, it heats the surface evenly and not quickly. This eliminates the possibility of product deformation due to sudden temperature changes. The maximum power of the film system is 400 W/m2. For linoleum, the maximum power is suitable, which is 150 W/m2. Don't worry, this power is enough to reach 30 degrees Celsius. The initial characteristics of the material are preserved.

From the above we can conclude that it is recommended to use film flooring for linoleum. Water floors can also be suitable, but only if one of the factors mentioned above coincides. The infrared design will help preserve the aesthetic appearance of the product and also preserve its properties.

Let's take a separate look at installing a water floor under linoleum.

Installation of a water floor under linoleum

Before starting installation, it is necessary to completely clean and prepare the rough screed. The screed should not have height differences. When you have leveled, if necessary, you should begin installing a layer of thermal insulation that will prevent heat loss.

Most often, expanded polystyrene (foam plastic) is used as a thermal insulation material. After you have installed the thermal insulation layer, you need to cover it with polyethylene film. Damper tapes are installed over all areas. After this, a mesh of reinforcement is installed.

Next, you need to lay the heating system pipes on the reinforcing mesh. This can be done if you use clamps, thanks to them the fixation occurs. Then a leak test must be carried out under operating influence. If the test was successful, then the water should remain inside the pipes. The final stage of installation is pouring the finishing screed and laying the floor covering, in this case linoleum.

Installation of infrared floor under linoleum

First, the rough screed is also cleaned and prepared. After these procedures, a film is laid that will reflect heat. Next, the strips of the film heating system are installed; they are laid on the top of the heat insulator. Fixation occurs with adhesive tape.

Then you need to install the temperature regulator. Cables are routed from the regulator to the strips, which are then connected to a copper connector. This is done thanks to specially designed clips. Next, the mats need to be covered with polyethylene film. Then sheets of plywood or other material are laid. At the end, linoleum is laid on them.

Before laying the flooring, the plywood sheets must be processed using a surface grinder to eliminate all defects on the surface.

Compliance with all factors will help you lay linoleum for any type of heating system. Warm floors will help you enjoy the comfort and coziness of your room. You can be satisfied with such heating. You will also admire the floor.

This type of floor heating is not popular. This is explained by the fact that during the heating process, linoleum begins to emit substances harmful to the body - toluene, phenol, etc. This is quite possible, but under certain conditions. For example, you use a low-quality brand of coating or do not maintain the temperature conditions for it. If you choose the right linoleum for a warm floor, then this coating will be no worse than other options.

I often use linoleum as a floor covering. It has good quality characteristics and is very reasonably priced. Today, the construction market offers you a huge assortment of this product, which has a wide range of applications.

By purpose

This classification divides linoleum into three groups:

• household - characterized by a multi-layer structure, used for finishing premises intended for living and not subject to heavy loads;
• semi-commercial - similar in structure to the first option. It is used in commercial premises experiencing an average level of traffic;
• commercial - a distinction is made between single-layer and multi-layer structures. Such coatings are characterized by increased thickness and a durable protective layer. This linoleum is intended for public buildings experiencing high loads.

By chemical composition

Based on the binding components, I distinguish five types of linoleum:

• natural - the composition includes linseed oil, wood flour, pine resin, limestone powder, cork bark, natural dyes. It is considered environmentally friendly, resists exposure to open flames, does not cause allergenic reactions, and does not require special care. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation does not change the structure and color. When laying or transporting the material, it is necessary to ensure that no kinks are formed, otherwise the linoleum may crack.
• PVC linoleum. For its production, polyvinyl chloride is used, applied to a fabric, foam, or non-woven base. This type may not have a base at all, or consist of one or several layers. The coating has certain disadvantages - it shrinks when heated, emits specific odors, does not withstand household chemicals well, loses elasticity in the cold, after which cracks may appear;
• Glyphthalic linoleum - alkyd resins and mineral components are used in production. This type has good heat and sound insulation qualities. After a certain operational period, such material changes its original dimensions, decreasing in length and increasing in width. It is fragile and prone to cracks and breaks. Having brought linoleum into a warm room in winter, I do not immediately unpack it - it is left for some time to adapt to room temperature. If gentle conditions are created, this type of coating can be used for a long time;
• Rubber is a two-layer material made of rubber. It is characterized by increased elasticity, resistance to moisture and good strength. The relief of the pattern improves the adhesion of the surface to the shoes. This type of coating has an anti-slip effect and is considered absolutely safe for use;
• Colloxylin is a single-layer linoleum that has no base. It is made from colloxylin and plasticizer additives. It has good elasticity, maintaining it at low temperatures, and resists moisture. At the same time, it is characterized by increased flammability, sensitivity to acidic environments, and shrinks. For use only in industrial premises and public buildings.

Types of heated floors

Any underfloor heating system is suitable for laying under linoleum. Differences may arise due to the design of the floor covering and the way it is installed.

Water

The heating system is a set of tubes through which the coolant (hot water) moves. In most cases, I connect such a warm floor to the heating system of a private house. There is one peculiarity - a sand-cement screed is installed between the pipes and linoleum for a warm water floor. There is a risk of pipes bursting; for this reason, close attention is paid to insulation issues.

Electric

Structurally, it consists of a heating cable, which is placed between a flat base and a cement screed. The temperature control is carried out using a temperature sensor. The advantage is that the system can operate autonomously from the main heating; sometimes it acts as the main source of thermal energy if the central heating does not work. When choosing a floor covering for a heated floor system, linoleum is rarely used. The main reasons are considered to be design features and installation difficulties. If you select linoleum for an electric heated floor, pay attention exclusively to high-quality samples that, during heating, will not emit unpleasant odors and be subject to deformation.

Infrared

An infrared floor heating system is considered the best option for installation under linoleum. The film is thin and elastic, does not change the height of the room, and effectively warms the surface. Its operation requires less electrical energy, while the efficiency remains quite high. The temperature regime is set by a thermostat.

Given the softness and elasticity of linoleum, for an infrared floor heating system you will have to control the heating temperature, the maximum value of which should not exceed twenty-eight degrees.

Criterias of choice

First, let's figure out which type of linoleum is better suited for electric or water heated floors. To make the right choice, there is no need to carefully study the technical parameters of the coating, consider its advantages and disadvantages. The manufacturer took care of everything, indicating the purpose of the materials for any operating conditions. All the necessary information can be found in the linoleum labeling. The maximum temperature conditions that the coating can withstand must be indicated next to the trademark.

Natural material can be used at twenty-seven degrees Celsius. If the temperature is increased, the material will begin to soften and melt, its surface will rupture.

Vinyl coating can withstand thirty-degree heat. When heating increases, it swells, deforms and loses color. At the same time, phenol is released into the air, and unpleasant odors are felt.

We figured out how to choose linoleum for a warm floor. Now let's try to understand which heated floor is best suited for laying under linoleum.

How to install a warm water floor for linoleum covering? The base of the floor is leveled, the waterproofing material is spread, then the insulating layer. After this, the installation of pipes begins, and everything is filled with screed. In this case, linoleum can play the role of two materials - replace the insulating and insulating layer or be used to finish the floor.

An electric heated floor is installed using the same principle.

Let's compare which heated floor is best suited for linoleum. The water system is characterized by high inertia. Such a system takes a long time to warm up, but it also releases heat much longer. If the top is covered with linoleum, the combination will be the most optimal.

But the infrared heating system is not very suitable for installation under linoleum. It has a low rate of inertia, heats the coating quickly, creating a jump in temperature, and is difficult to adjust.

If an electric heated floor is used as a heat source, then we get a large electrical installation that creates a magnetic field. What effect it has on humans is not fully known. In addition, such a field is capable of attracting the smallest particles, so wet cleaning will have to be done frequently.

Another selection criterion is the economic indicator. Film flooring is affordable, but will constantly increase the cost of electrical energy. But a system operating on water will create financial costs during installation, but during operation it will be fully justified.

Installation principles

Having decided which linoleum is suitable for a heated floor, let’s consider the algorithm for performing installation work:

• First, the surface is prepared, which can be wooden or concrete. All irregularities are removed from the old floor, screed is poured or plywood sheets are laid out;
• a thermal insulation layer is laid out. For this purpose, polystyrene foam sheets, cork mats, mineralized wool, and polypropylene foam are used. When purchasing insulation, its thermal conductivity, resistance to moisture and deformation, and elasticity are specified. Foil products are not used to prevent short circuits;
• The underfloor heating system is being installed. When working, you must follow the instructions from the manufacturer. After this, the heating is connected to the thermostat and an electrical outlet, and a test run is performed;
• the surface is leveled for finishing. For this purpose, solid materials are used;
• linoleum is being laid.

Features of operation

Having decided which linoleum to choose for a heated floor, purchasing and laying the material, it is necessary to organize its proper operation. During the first week, turn on the heating system daily, check the condition of the coating. If it is laid in compliance with the rules, then the operation of the heating system will not change the structure of the material, and it will delight you with its appearance for a long period.

Warm floors are a convenient and economical solution for heating various rooms in the house. Manufacturers offer various types of such floor heating systems (water, electric, infrared), but the question is - is it possible to put linoleum or other covering on it? What type of heated floor is most compatible with linoleum?

Is it possible to lay linoleum on a heated floor?

The most common material option used with heated floors is laminate or ceramic tiles. But these types of coverage are quite expensive, and not everyone can afford them. Most consumers still choose linoleum.

Linoleum is a practical and durable material that has a lot of advantages, from versatility to relative cheapness. There is an opinion among consumers that it is not entirely harmless for those living in a house or apartment due to its chemical composition.

It is for this reason that many consider its use in combination with electric heating elements questionable. Some people think that when exposed to heat, the substances included in the composition begin to evaporate and are harmful to health. A change in temperature can also affect the structure of the material, which over time, according to the experience of some consumers, loses its shape.

Experts have a different point of view. They believe that the negative reviews regarding its use with electric floors are not seriously justified. The reason for the unsuccessful experience lies in the wrong choice of the type of material and non-compliance with the installation technology.

Types of linoleum

In order for linoleum to last a long time, you need to figure out which type is suitable for laying on a floor with electric or water heating. Among the most common on the market you can find 4 types of linoleum:

• Rubber– a two-layer material consisting of rubber, bitumen and synthetic rubber. This option is not suitable for residential premises and, especially, for heated floors, as it deforms when heated.
• Colloxylin– thin single-layer material with good moisture resistance. The disadvantages are that they are highly flammable and not suitable for electric floors.
• Alkyd– material with a fabric base, excellent thermal insulation properties. But it is sensitive to heat, as a result of which it loses its original shape.
• Vinyl (PVC)– the most popular type of roll covering due to its affordability. Has a fabric backing that can trap heat and slightly reduce the efficiency of electric heating elements.
• Natural (marmoleum)– the most environmentally friendly. It is fireproof, durable, and resistant to deformation. The downside is that it is more expensive than other types.

Which linoleum is suitable for heated floors?

When choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account its class. Linoleum has three of them, depending on strength and wear resistance:

• Domestic.
• Commercial.
• Semi-commercial.

For installation on electrically heated floors, semi-commercial and commercial are best suited. The latter costs more, but the characteristics are not much different from the semi-commercial ones, so you shouldn’t overpay. Almost all manufacturers make it based on PVC. Modern technologies make it possible to obtain a relatively environmentally friendly product.

Commercial linoleum - characteristics table

Some people are still afraid to use vinyl linoleum. The only alternative for them is marmoleum. There will definitely be no fumes or smell from it.

Given the growing market demand for heated floors, linoleum manufacturers produce special types of this material. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the special marking, which indicates the maximum heating temperature that the material can withstand without deforming. Typically, the marking of a product for installation on a floor with an electric or water heating system looks like a snake with curved arrows.

Features of flooring selections

When choosing a material, you need to consider some points that will ensure the best result:

• It is advisable to choose a coating without a backing or with a thin base.
• The optimal coating thickness is 2–3 mm.
• Class 43–31.
• When laying on an electric floor, use an option with antistatic properties.

You should be prepared for the fact that in the first days of using a heated floor, the heating material may emit an unpleasant odor. It will gradually disappear. The maximum heating temperature for marmoleum is 27°C, for vinyl products – 29–30°C. Exceeding these values ​​causes deformation, linoleum begins to release substances hazardous to humans.

Types of heated floors

Among the technologies used, you can find the following options for heated floors:

• Water.
• Electric.
• Infrared.

Water heated floor system is based on heating water in pipes laid inside a concrete screed or on top of a wooden base. In apartment buildings, such a floor is practically not used, since its installation requires a mandatory screed between the covering and the heating system. For rooms with low ceilings, this option is inconvenient. Water floors heat up to the required temperature quite slowly.

Electric heated floor consists of heating elements that are placed in a concrete screed, and a regulator. The advantage of this technology is uniform and fast heating. But if the process is not monitored in time, the surface will begin to deform due to overheating.

Infrared floor, one of the varieties of electric, is a system of graphite strips, which are heating elements. The technical characteristics of this electric floor ensure gradual and uniform heating. The downside is that infrared flooring is susceptible to moisture, so it is not recommended for installation in bathrooms and showers.

What kind of warm floor is suitable for linoleum

Considering the temperature restrictions for linoleum (27–30°C), experts consider water-based floors to be the best option for such a covering. They have very high inertia. They heat up more slowly, but do not give off heat as quickly. The absence of sharp temperature fluctuations makes them more preferable for linoleum.

Infrared flooring is a good option, especially where installing a water system is not possible. When choosing an electric floor, it is worth remembering that it will attract dust to the surface. There is no consensus on how harmless the magnetic field created by the system of electric heating elements is for the residents of the house.

Laying features

The highest quality material can be ruined if the installation of a heated floor is done incorrectly. Stages of work:

1. An important point when laying the coating is surface preparation. The thinner the material, the more careful you should be in leveling the base.
2. Any differences, roughness, or slopes are leveled with putty. Then apply primer in two layers. The joints are also puttied.
3. The next stage is choosing a rigid base. Plywood or chipboard is used for it. You can put foil between the base and the coating. It acts as a heat-reflecting layer.
4. The rolls are left in the room where the floor will be installed for 5–6 hours. You cannot lay coverings that have just been brought from the street. It can quickly become deformed.
5. The linoleum is rolled out over all surfaces of the floor and cut, leaving 0.5 cm indentations from the wall. The material is left for a day to straighten out.
6. When laying the coating on a concrete floor, it is recommended to glue it. Fixed only with skirting boards, the material will produce waves over time.
7. For proper installation, choose an adhesive designed for laying heat-resistant linoleum. When heated, this base allows the material to expand and then return to its original shape.

A few tips from experts will help extend the life of linoleum laid on a floor with a heating system.

When choosing the type of heated floor, the decisive factor may be the financial issue. A water floor, although considered the most suitable for linoleum, requires significant installation costs and a high professional level of installation specialists. An electric floor is easier to install, but power calculations confirm that it is quite energy-consuming to operate.

Infrared does not require a mandatory screed, but may not withstand external pressure due to its thin design. When installing it, you will need to lay a hard layer between the coating and the heating films. For it you will have to buy a more expensive commercial or semi-commercial option or marmoleum.

For all types of heated floors, the quality of the electric thermostat is important. Overheating the coating will cause blistering and cracking. Installing a heated floor is a complex procedure; if you have no experience in such work, it is better to contact specialists.