Introduction: Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Underfloor Heating: A Match Made in Heaven
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are one of the most popular flooring choices available these days. Made from a PVC core with a protective top layer, these tiles can accurately mimic wood or stone with surprising accuracy. LVT also benefits from being extremely durable, easy to maintain and suitable for demanding rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. Many modern homeowners are doing away with traditional radiators and instead opting for underfloor heating to create a more aesthetic and evenly heated space. So, the question arises: Can luxury vinyl tiles be laid on top of underfloor heating systems? Good news – the answer is typically yes, though as always checking the manufacturer’s guidance is recommended.
Underfloor Heating
When it comes to underfloor heating there are two main choices: electric and water. Both work in a similar way. For electric, a system of electric cables are laid in a pattern across the floor on top of which you can install your top floor of choice. These cables will heat up when turned on and transfer the heat through the top floor and into your room. For water, a system of pipes are laid in a pattern across the floor on top of which you can install your top floor of choice. When turned on, warm water will pass through the pipes sending heat through the top floor and into the room. Thankfully, luxury vinyl tiles that are designed for underfloor heating tend to be compatible with both systems. Though it is worth double-checking the manufacturer’s guidance.
Why Luxury Vinyl Tiles are Compatible with Underfloor Heating?
- Thermal Properties: As far as flooring goes, luxury vinyl tiles are good thermal conductors. This means they will transfer the heat energy from your cables or pipes into your rooms as efficiently as possible. It is important to choose a LVT that is designed to be used with underfloor heating systems to allow for maximum efficiency.
- Stability (Heat and Moisture): Luxury vinyl tiles are about the most stable flooring choice available. This means that they are less likely to warp when heated up, especially important when being laid on top of underfloor heating systems. Additionally, LVTs are less likely to warp from moisture too, which is particularly useful if you install a water-based underfloor heating system. Vinyl is still affected by heat and moisture, so ensure you choose a product that is specifically designed to be laid on top of underfloor heating systems.
Factors to Consider When Installing LVT Over an Underfloor Heating System
- Manufacturer’s Recommendation: Always select a luxury vinyl product that is designed for use with underfloor heating systems. These flooring products are specially designed to be heat and moisture stable, whilst also being thermally efficient.
- Proper Installation: Installing underfloor heating systems can be complicated, so can installing luxury vinyl tiles (particularly glue down tiles that may require special underfloor heating compatible adhesives), so it may be worth hiring a professional floor fitter to do the job properly for you. Did you know that Flooring Hut offer a supply and fit service, where you can purchase your flooring products from us and then select a local flooring professional to complete the installation for you?
- Use a Thermostat: This tip is not so much for installation, but for ongoing maintenance of your new underfloor heating and luxury vinyl tile flooring. By keeping a thermostat in the room, you can easily maintain the temperature of the room and floor, ensuring that it does not go over the manufacturer’s recommended maximum temperature. This will help ensure a long life for your underfloor heating system and LVT flooring.
Conclusion
To summarise, both types of luxury vinyl tiles (click and glue down) can be compatible with both types of underfloor heating systems (electric and water). In the world of flooring, LVT represents a good choice to use alongside an underfloor heating system. At Flooring Hut, we recommend choosing a vinyl product that has been specifically designed for use with an underfloor heating system. We also recommend getting a professional flooring expert to install the heating system and vinyl top floor for you.
