Floating Floor in heated concret
Can you tell me what kind of underlay/pad you would recommend for putting under a wood floating floor on underfloor heated concrete ? Do not want to insulate the wood from the concrete but want to distribute the heat evenly So can’t use the foam and foil underlay that is normally used yours Tim
Can you tell me what kind of underlay/pad you would recommend for putting under a wood floating floor on underfloor heated concrete ? Do not want to insulate the wood from the concrete but want to distribute the heat evenly
So can’t use the foam and foil underlay that is normally used
yours Tim
I would suggest you to go with Suntouch mats as they are best and affordable products in the market. As Edifice said insulation under the slab increases radiant efficiency. For more information you can visit: http://www.warmyourfloor.com/
As long as it’s a typical thin foam without foil, less than 1/8″, it will have negligible effect on the heat. Most foams have an R value between 4 and 6 per inch so 1/16″ will have less effect than the wood which is about R-1 per inch. Insulation under the slab greatly increases radiant efficiency.
I’m assuming that you’re laying down an engineered wood floor. A thin foam pad is usually used under the flooring and its absolutely fine. The foam allows the flooring and radiant system to expand and contract separately, and soften the feel of the floor. Engineered flooring is much more stable and being thin, it will transfer heat well. Check with the wood flooring manufacturer for the recommended padding with the lowest R valve. Keep in mind that others factors such as water temperature and flow rate, will affect the radiant heat output.
My floor heat engineer recommended the regular cork/foam underlayment, and it all works just fine.