Can You Lay Vinyl Flooring Over Underfloor Heating?
If you’re thinking about installing an underfloor heating system in your home, you might be wondering what kinds of flooring are suitable to sit on top. While most homes using underfloor heating (UFH) will opt for tiles, laminate or carpet, we have had some queries here at Bbright about whether vinyl flooring is appropriate.
In this blog, we’ll be answering all your questions about whether vinyl flooring is suitable for a UFH system, and any precautions you should be taking before you start the installation process.
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, you can lay vinyl flooring over underfloor heating – but there are some exceptions. Underfloor heating systems can vary in terms of how they are powered – water-based UFH systems transport hot water through pipe networks underneath your floor, while electric UFH systems use mats that sit underneath your flooring and are heated up using mains electricity.
Because of the sudden rise in temperature caused by underfloor heating mats, electric systems are not usually recommended if you have vinyl flooring. This is because the sudden temperature shift and general fluctuations will cause the material to expand and contract, which overtime will damage the floor.
The best thing to do if you’re unsure is to have an experienced engineer inspect where you are planning to install your new heating system, and they will be able to recommend solutions with regards to your flooring and whether you should choose an electric or water-based underfloor heating system.
Vinyl & Underfloor Heating: Things to Consider
Whether you choose to have an electric or water-based underfloor heating system is just the first step, and if you’re serious about making the most of your UFH investment, there are a few other things to consider.
Temperature monitoring
Ensuring that your UFH system is running at the right temperature is vital to ensure you are not only maximising efficiency, but also protecting your vinyl flooring. Generally, your system should only be operated to a maximum of 28 degrees celsius. Thanks to the efficiency of underfloor heating systems and the technology they use to spread heat throughout a room, you should not feel the need to exceed this temperature.
If you are having new vinyl flooring installed and you already have a UFH system in place, you should always make sure it is turned off for a minimum of 48 hours before the installation starts.
Expert instalment
Making sure your UFH system and vinyl flooring is installed correctly, ideally by an expert, is key if you wish to get the most out of your investment. Underfloor heating systems are a cleaner, greener way to heat your home, and should eventually save your money on your water and electricity bills. However, if your system is not installed well, you could end up paying for costly repairs, new flooring or replacement radiators. At Bbright, we can install your UFH system in a matter of days at a time that suits you. You can get your quote here.
General safety
There have been concerns in the past about vinyl floors containing harmful plasticizers which emit toxic fumes when heated. Today however, vinyl flooring produced in Europe has to meet certain requirements, and is completely safe. We therefore recommend you choose a newer vinyl flooring if you are installing underfloor heating.
Are you ready to make the switch to underfloor heating with vinyl flooring? Find out how much you could save and get your quote today with Bbright. Our experts will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, and will be able to install your new heating system at a time that suits you.
