Underfloor heating under carpet – from selection to installation

Underfloor heating is no longer uncommon; it creates a more comfortable environment in an apartment. The key is to choose the right flooring for this system. It should be durable and have low thermal insulation.

The purpose of the room, for example, for a bathroom, also plays an important role. ceramic tiles will do, laminate for the living room.

In a child's room, a carpet is usually laid, since children often play on the floor. When installing heated floors, it can be replaced with carpet.

Combining different types of heated floors and carpet: pros and cons

Carpet is a good thermal insulator, so it's considered unsuitable for heating devices, as the heat will be wasted. This is especially true if you install thick carpeting.

However, tufted carpet is now available; it's thinner than standard carpet and has properties similar to laminate or linoleum. Therefore, it's important to choose the right carpet for underfloor heating.

In addition, to reduce heat loss, it is necessary to lay additional heat insulation in the form of foil film under the heating elements.

It should be noted that to achieve a temperature on carpet that is similar in feel to floor tiles, you will need to set the thermostat to a value of 3 - 5 degrees higher.

But it's worth it, as this floor covering for underfloor heating has a number of advantages:

• walking on a warm, soft carpet is much more pleasant and comfortable;
• it will provide comfortable conditions both when the system is on and when it is off;
• creates excellent sound insulation;
• easy to install;
• has a huge number of models, different colors and pile lengths.

It is impossible not to note the presence of shortcomings:

1. Carpet is suitable for dry and clean rooms;
2. Requires constant cleaning;
3. May cause allergies in susceptible individuals;
4. This type of covering is not appropriate if animals live in the house;
5. Excellent thermal insulation is the main drawback, but this can be solved by using the right type of carpet.

Types of heated floors covered with carpet

There's currently a wide variety of under-carpet heating systems available, each with its own unique combination. Let's take a closer look at each type.

Water-heated floor

A hydronic floor is a structure made of pipes that carry warm water. Heating is provided by electricity or a heating system. Pipes can be made of metal, polypropylene, copper, or cross-linked polyethylene. Don't skimp on the material; any problems will inevitably lead to the removal of the entire structure, including the finish.

This design is more suitable for private houses equipped with autonomous heating.

Furthermore, this is an excellent solution for rooms with exterior-facing walls; increasing the number of coils near them will help prevent drafts. This model is not recommended for multi-story buildings with central heating.

The design of a water-heated floor under carpet consists of: a concrete sub-base, a layer of waterproofing and insulation, a MAC mesh, a pipeline, a concrete screed, and carpet.

Electric underfloor heating

Electric underfloor heating uses a heating cable, which carries electricity, instead of pipes. Fiberglass mesh or mounting tape is used for fastening. This system can be installed in any room, and it's easy to do yourself.

The cable system is ideal for houses with ceilings that cannot bear heavy loads.

Despite all its advantages, this type of underfloor heating is not ideal for use under carpet. If one section of the cable is damaged, the entire system will stop working.

The electric floor pie under the carpet looks like this:

• concrete base;
• waterproofing gasket;
• insulation;
• coolant;
• concrete screed;
• carpet.

Infrared heated floor

Infrared heating is a type of electric flooring. It's a double-sided roll film with built-in heating elements (graphite strips). The strip model is effective, but only suitable for dry installation.

When connected to a power supply, the strips heat up and emit infrared warm rays that warm the floor covering. This is the best option for carpeting..

Infrared film heated floor

Film-based underfloor heating is an excellent alternative if installing a permanent heating system is not feasible. This portable unit can be moved from room to room or placed in a specific area to be heated.

These types of heated floors are often installed under carpets and directly on laminate, linoleum, or tile floors. They are connected to the power supply via a cord included in the kit.

Carpet is an excellent choice for covering a film-based underfloor heating system, as its main characteristics include:

• mobility;
• the presence of an option that allows you to control the temperature;
• no damage to the coating;
• electricity consumption costs are not high;
• the ability to choose a device of the required size.

The ease of installation of this system under carpet is also significant, as there is no need to level the surface or perform installation work. Furthermore, it is inexpensive.

Making a choice

To avoid any unpleasant surprises when using underfloor heating with carpet, it is important to take the system selection seriously.

It is necessary to take into account:

• type of premises (private building or apartment);
• location of walls;
• carpet thickness;
• furniture arrangement;
• financial capabilities.

Only after analyzing these indicators can you correctly determine the choice of system and installation method.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude:

1. Infrared underfloor heating under carpet is the optimal solution. It's gentle on the flooring and features a thermostat for temperature control. The absence of a concrete screed in the flooring is also crucial, which is especially important given the high thermal conductivity of carpet.
2. The mobile device is perfect for temporary housing or a summer cottage. It's easy to transport and install.
3. Water-based underfloor heating is an excellent choice for private homes with independent heating, despite the labor-intensive nature of the installation. It's gentle on carpet.
4. Electric underfloor heating is less suitable for installation under carpet. It produces strong heat, which can damage the carpet.

It's also worth considering who will be installing the system. While you can install infrared underfloor heating yourself, if you decide to install a hydronic system, it's best to hire professionals.

Installing infrared underfloor heating under carpet

As mentioned above, infrared underfloor heating is one of the most suitable options for installation under carpet. Furthermore, you can install this system yourself. The flooring is assembled from individual elements.

The step-by-step installation of an infrared structure under carpet looks like this:

• preparation of the base - by repairing the existing concrete screed or installing plywood flooring;
• laying foil thermal insulation;
• placement of film elements according to the manufacturer's instructions;

• connection and testing of the system;
• pouring a very thin concrete screed or applying an adhesive;
• laying out the carpet.

This completes the installation of the undercarpet heating system. Now you have a warm and soft floor.

Underfloor heating under carpet on a wooden floor

If you have a wooden subfloor and cannot tolerate increased loads on it, installing underfloor heating under carpeting in a dry environment is possible. Both hydronic and electric systems are permitted.

Pipes or cables are installed on the wooden floor in grooves prepared from slats. The opening size should be equal to the thickness of the heating elements. Prefabricated modules can be installed on the wooden floor, into which the heater will be installed.

Another option is to cut grooves in expanded polystyrene foam, which will serve as both insulation and prevent heat loss through the subfloor. This structure is then covered with plywood or chipboard sheets, onto which carpet will be laid.

Infrared heated floors can be laid directly on a wooden base, then covered with plywood and carpet.

For your information! To avoid unexpected heat losses or to minimize them, it is recommended to lay a foil film between the heating elements and the subfloor, which will reflect infrared rays upward.

Carpet can be used in conjunction with underfloor heating, provided the proper material requirements are met. The carpet structure should have a porous, natural base. This will reduce the heat transfer.

However, regular carpet cleaning will be necessary to prevent dust mites from infesting the carpet. However, this drawback is offset by the floor's comfort year-round.

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