Understanding the Top Flooring Materials for Radiant Heating Systems
Radiant heating is an efficient way of adjusting indoor temperature that has become increasingly popular among homeowners. This type of heating system transfers warmth from the ground up using heating elements under your flooring instead of blowing heated air into your rooms. The method dates all the way back to the Roman Empire during which villa occupants lit wood-burning fires beneath elevated marble flooring to warm up drafty rooms. Other societies such as the Tang Dynasty in China installed hot stones beneath floors to distribute heat.
Modern radiant heating systems typically use a network of hydronic water tubes or electric cables to transmit consistent temperatures across your flooring. Since heat rises naturally through a phenomenon known as convection, radiant heating systems let you enjoy stable temperatures without the dust particles or noise pollution associated with forced-air units. Radiant heating can also promote energy efficiency by reducing the risk of heating losses from duct leaks, and it may improve indoor air quality by eliminating the distribution of airborne contaminants and allergens through ductwork or vents.
Since radiant heating relies on flooring to disperse warmth within the home, it is important to select the best flooring material to facilitate the process. As with any form of thermal radiation, some materials absorb and discharge heat better than others. A look at the top kinds of flooring for radiant heating can help you make an informed decision for your household.
Tile Flooring
Tile is one of the most prominent types of flooring for radiant heating. There are two main types of tile flooring: ceramic or porcelain. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ceramic tile flooring is popular because it conducts heat well and boosts thermal storage or retention. Porcelain tile flooring is a leading choice because it is mineral-based and aesthetically appealing. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials and Tile Council of North America, porcelain is inorganic and has a low water absorption rate of 0.5% of below. This means that there is little risk of the floor rotting or degrading if a hydronic system leaks water. And unlike some other materials, ceramic and porcelain will not expand or contract due to changes in temperature. The density and structure of ceramic or porcelain remains the same regardless of whether you are using an electric or hydronic radiant heating system. This lowers the risk of the floor cracking over time.
Wood Flooring
Wood is a classic choice for flooring compatible with radiant heating. Common types of wood flooring include engineered wood, bamboo, and solid hardwood. Engineered wood is a sturdy composite material that consists of multiple layers. It usually has a high-quality plywood core or base along with a top layer of hardwood veneer. The plywood core is notable for its dimensional stability, meaning that it will not change in volume due to shifts in temperature or accidental exposure to moisture. Bamboo is a traditional material used in construction for thousands of years. It is sturdy enough to work with radiant heating and it is a more reliable conductor of heat than other wood options.
Solid hardwood is another conventional option due to its luxurious appearance. Types of hardwood with greater dimensional stability include black cherry, cypress, mahogany, cedar, mesquite, or plantation teak. Experts advise that you avoid the type of wood typically used for furniture or that has a lower dimensional stability like hickory, beech, or maple. And because natural hardwood is an organic material, it can be more susceptible to swelling, shrinking, or other fluctuations due to changes in temperature or exposure to moisture. This expansion and contraction can result in problems such as cupping, crowning, or gapping. Some varieties of wood also have a maximum heat tolerance. To avoid problems, always enlist the help of an installation expert when choosing and implementing solid hardwood for underfloor heating. For example, your installer may help you pick quarter-sawn wood flooring rather than plain-sawn wood flooring and then embed your heating elements to maximize heat conductivity.
Stone Flooring
The use of stone flooring for radiant heating dates back to the classical period. Although many people think of stone as a cold material, it is also highly conductive and can transfer heat over a large area. Stone is thicker than other materials, so it heats up more slowly than tile or wood. However, it also retains heat longer than other options. This makes stone an excellent choice for houses that get very chilly during the winter. Types of stone used for flooring include granite, travertine, sandstone, marble, or slate. As a sturdy and solid material, stone does not expand or contract with heat, and it is resistant to scratches or stains. A professional installer can also help you address the specific needs of your stone of choice. For example, limestone is conductive and durable but requires sealant to prevent water or dirt from entering its pores.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective material that replicates the look of natural wood, tile, or stone. It usually consists of several layers of synthetic material reinforced with a fiberboard core or base. The multilayered construction results in a composite material with notable strength, stability, and thermal storage. Laminate flooring is economical and scratch-resistant, making it a popular choice among homes with children or pets. This type of floor also feels warm underfoot, and many homeowners reserve it for the coldest rooms of the house. Although laminate is unlikely to expand or contract under pressure, it is important to prevent accidental exposure to water from hydronic system leaks. In addition, most experts advise that you avoid allowing the temperature setting of the radiant heating beneath laminate to exceed 85 degrees. Professional installation can secure laminate flooring above hydronic or electric heating systems and help you avoid any warranty or longevity issues.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Due to advancements in technology, vinyl plank flooring is an increasingly viable choice for use with radiant heating. Also known as sheet vinyl or tile vinyl, this type of flooring consists of a rigid core technology that promotes dimensional stability. Vinyl plank flooring is popular because it is economical, waterproof, and available in a range of colors or patterns. Applications for this material include the flooring of bathrooms and laundry rooms. Consult with a professional to pick the most resilient vinyl planks and to ensure that your installation complies with the manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer may also provide other information for your vinyl of choice such as maximum heat tolerance. For example, the radiant heating beneath many vinyl planks should not exceed 80 degrees, so most installers avoid putting vinyl plank flooring in areas with rapid heat loss like older sunrooms.
Carpeting
Although carpet has insulating properties, it can also work with radiant heating under certain conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should use a thin carpet with dense padding and install a conservative amount of your radiant heating space. Ask your technician about installing a radiant heating network with a separate tubing loop for carpeted areas so that the system can heat these rooms efficiently. Your carpet of choice should also have the correct TOG rating. In the carpet industry, TOG is an acronym for “thermal overall grade” and denotes the material’s heat retention capacity. The value of TOG can range from 0.7 to 3.0. To ensure that your carpeting is compatible with radiant heating, check to verify that the TOG rating carpet’s underlays and overlays do not exceed 2.5.
Contact Us Today
Installing a radiant heating system is a practical way to achieve comfortable indoor temperatures. While choosing the right flooring for your radiant heating system is a big decision, you do not have to do it alone. The experts are here to help. A To Z Dependable Services offers radiant heating services for homes in Niles, OH and surrounding areas. We install radiant heating services that can promote better indoor air quality, lower energy bills, and allow you to enjoy the comfort of heated floors underfoot.
Our experts work with hydronic or water-based radiant heating as well as electric radiant heating systems. We also work with all types of flooring options include porcelain, ceramic, stone, hardwood, or carpet. In addition to installing radiant heating systems, we also offer maintenance or repair of your existing heating system. Our trained technicians can conduct indoor air quality testing and help you sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan.
No matter the issue, our team is here to help. Contact A To Z Dependable Services today for all of your heating needs.
