To improve your home and make it as cozy and comfortable as possible is an important task for any owner. In winter, it is especially important to maintain heat in the house or apartment. To do this, many warm and change doorways, put window frames with energy saving and a special multi-function glass. Replacing old batteries with new and high-quality ones is also part of measures to provide heat in the house. Recently, it has become very popular to lay a warm floor under porcelain tile or other tiles.
Tile differences
Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles have been widely used in wall cladding and laying on the floor. No wonder. The range of shades, patterns and even photos on ceramic tiles is very wide, which led to its use on such a scale. Most often tiled floors in the kitchen, in the bathroom and in the corridors. Tiles are also used to decorate the walls of rooms with high humidity or in the kitchen, because this material is resistant to many influences. It does not turn yellow and is easy to clean.
The difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles
Many people think that ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are one and the same. But actually it is not so at all. Despite the fact that both of these materials have similar composition and properties, as well as the same scope, they still have certain differences.
So, ceramic tiles are made of the following components:
The components are mixed into the solution, poured into molds and, thanks to the firing method, dry out, forming a strong material. It is worth noting that the tile, along with the hardness during firing, acquires such a quality as fragility.
Porcelain tile incorporates the same materials. Clay red and white are used to create most materials for cladding. The main difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles is that in its composition a large proportion of kaolin, and impurities, on the contrary, less.
Ceramic tiles are not affected by moisture and steam. Caring for her is as easy as possible. It is enough to wipe the surface with a damp sponge. The same applies to another version of the tiled coating.
There is also a difference in scope. The fact is that porcelain tile has fewer cavities than ceramic tiles, i.e. it is more dense. Its fragility is lower. It is more suitable for use as a floor covering. Ceramic tile, on the contrary, looks great as a facing material on the walls.
Pros and cons of porcelain stoneware
The material is produced under the influence of a press and high pressure. It contains clay, quartz sand, mineral pigments, and spar. Mixing them in certain proportions, press, and then burn. Externally, porcelain tiles imitate the surface of a stone.
The advantages of the material are as follows:
- long term of operation;
- resistance to mechanical damage and strength;
- imitation of stone;
- resistance to temperature changes.
Application area
Thanks to the rather beautiful and rich appearance of porcelain tiles, you can radically change the look of the room. The material is used as flooring in the rooms of a house or outdoors. They often ennoble balconies, terraces, gazebos.
On the street in the summer, it is most pleasant to walk along the porcelain stoneware path or terrace. The thing is that the properties of the material are such that it always remains cool.
Given the properties of the material and its strength indicators, the floor should only be covered with porcelain stoneware, and the walls should be lined with ceramic tiles.
The cost of a durable cladding material is much higher than the cost of a fragile tile. Despite the narrow palette of colors, porcelain tiles will last longer than the tiles on the floor. When making repairs in an apartment or house, you need to prioritize correctly.
Warm floor under porcelain tile
Using a room heating system through floor heating is effective. When heating a room with batteries or convectors, part of the heat is wasted aimlessly, just rising to the ceiling. And if you use floor heating, then all the heat calculated for heating the room and a comfortable stay in the room will be consumed as intended.
The main thing is to make the right choice. There are a lot of systems used for floor heating. Experts recommend several of them. In one of their opinions coincide: the ideal solution would be to install a warm floor under porcelain tile. This is because it is an excellent material for conducting heat and has great heat dissipation. It takes temperature quickly, and gives it away just as quickly.
Another factor in favor of installing floor heating is its efficiency. In the calculation of heat loss and heating area, laying a warm floor under ceramic granite is the right choice. The system consumes a minimum of electricity.
But, as with every repair business, there are pitfalls.
The disadvantages of the heating system
The disadvantages include:
- Sophisticated installation. Changing the flooring, you need to be prepared for the fact that everything will end with a major overhaul in the apartment.
- The heating system, mounted in the screed, will raise the floor level to a height of 7 cm. You may need an additional step. And the room will visually shrink.
When deciding whether a warm floor is needed for porcelain tiles, and for which rooms, it is worthwhile to first sort out its varieties. Initially, it should be noted that the tile always remains cold.
How to choose a warm floor for porcelain tiles?
There are only two main types of floor heating systems - these are:
Each of them is convenient and economical in its own way.
Water floor heating
The water floor uses the water heated in the boiler, which is located in the pipe system under the floor. The water system works from an electric, solid fuel boiler or from a gas one. Most suitable for private homes, it can not be connected to the old heating system. Therefore, a major overhaul is required. The best underfloor heating floor for apartments is electric. There are a number of reasons for this, which are described in more detail below in the article.
Water underfloor heating under porcelain tiles means the circulation of the coolant under a layer of insulation. Expanded polystyrene or other materials are used as the latter. A layer of screed up to 7 cm thick is laid on the wire. And only after completion of these works can tile be laid on the floor. Such a device of the thermal system significantly raises the floor level by an average of 20 cm.
For apartment owners, the option with water heating is not suitable, because there is no way to connect the system to a source of hot water. Connection to central heating is prohibited. this will reduce the pressure and, accordingly, the heating efficiency of all apartments in the house. The installation of the boiler also does not solve the problem, because it can be dangerous consequences such as pipe deformation. This is due to the recommendations of experts on the installation of a water system in a private house.
Electric underfloor heating
Electric underfloor heating under porcelain is a system of cables or other conductors that are under the floor. An electric current flows through the branching wires. Specifies the special degree of heating and the desired temperature in the room. This system is considered the most convenient to use. The principle of operation and installation details vary depending on the type of system. Electric floors are used in private homes and apartments. They are very convenient, and, according to the answers of experts to the question about which is better, a warm floor under porcelain tiles, it is better to choose an electric one.
Main types
Types of electric underfloor heating:
- with electric cable;
- electric mat;
- infrared floor heating.
Each of the types has its own nuances in connection and operation.
Floor heating with a cable is preferable, because it is easy to install. Installation can be done in floor screed or in tile adhesive. Even a layman can handle it. Manufacturers of heating systems give a guarantee for the operation of the equipment even if the installation is carried out independently by the buyer. The system is connected to the electrical network. How to choose a warm floor for porcelain tiles, sellers in specialized stores will advise. It is also worth asking for the advice of professional builders.
Builders and apartment owners leave the most positive reviews about the electric warm field under the porcelain tiles.
Floor heating with an electric cable is the most used. In addition, it is one of the most sought after. The essence of his work is to heat an alloy of nichrome with the help of electric current. Nichrome is most often used in a heated core of a system. Each individual heating branch has protective shells that protect the floor surface from overheating and access of current, and also preserves the integrity of the core in case of possible mechanical damage.
The cable cross-sectional thickness is 7 mm. It happens with one or two veins. The twin-core at the ends is equipped with a sleeve and a wire that connects to the network. Professionals choose a two-core system, and today single-core cables are almost never used. This choice is due to the ease of operation and installation, because the less popular electric heating does not have an end sleeve and is more difficult to fit.
Mounting Features
Installation of an electric cable provides the following nuances:
- floor screed not less than 3 cm;
- the base of the floor has a heater;
- the presence of a reinforced metal mesh on the heater;
- a plasticizer is required as part of the screed.
When choosing which warm floor to put under porcelain tiles, it is worth considering an electric mat as one of the options. The system is a thin fiber of wire up to 3.5 mm, in a certain way placed on a polymer web. Pluses of electric mats:
- quick installation;
- the track is simply rolled and fixed, you can immediately lay the tile on top;
- a thick screed is not needed;
- installation process is economical;
- no need to lay out the wire yourself, it is already built into the grid;
- installation can be performed by anyone;
- mat is suitable for any room;
- floor height will rise by 1.5 cm maximum;
- starting from 2 floors, insulation under the mat is not required.
Given all the nuances and expert advice regarding what kind of underfloor heating is needed, you can consider the option with a thin electric wire that can be laid out with the right pitch. The master performing the work will always tell you how to perform the work correctly. Such an alternative version of the warm floor will retain all the advantages and quality indicators of the electric mat.
Infrared underfloor heating under porcelain tiles definitely does not fit. Since the tile is mounted on the mortar. And the system is an electric film that is mounted without the use of fasteners. Such a system is suitable for laminate, parquet or linoleum.
Because Since the infrared heat-insulated floor works due to the carbon paste applied on a thin plastic plate, which is exposed to an alkaline environment, it is categorically not suitable for heating rooms with tiles. The system can last for some time, but exactly until the moment when the aggressive alkaline environment spoils the plastic base. The same situation can occur if you use glue for a warm floor under porcelain tile.
In general, infrared underfloor heating has the shortest service life. Consider reviews of a warm field under porcelain tiles and expert advice.
Reviews
Floor heating systems on the market are presented in a huge assortment. They differ in cost, installation, operating principles, efficiency and the ability to use in different rooms. Water floor heating, as mentioned above, can only be used on the ground floor or in a private house. At the same time, its effective heat transfer should be noted. Floor installation is carried out only by specialists. An important point in this case is a boiler with sufficient power. The cost of the system and installation, respectively, depends on the energy carrier.
Electric underfloor heating is produced in European countries, as well as in Russia. Moreover, the Russian counterpart is cheaper by almost 40%. Quality at the same time. Electric underfloor heating is the most common type of heating.
Customer reviews about each particular type of system are positive in general. The main thing is to always adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations in choosing a thermal system and in its installation. Owners of private houses note energy efficiency and economy in the use of floor heating. The owners of the apartments are also satisfied with this type of home heating.
It will be correct to adhere to the advice of professional repairmen and specialists in installing underfloor heating systems under ceramic granite. Listen to reviews and owners of houses and apartments will also not be amiss. Heating installation professionals recommend using electric heating systems for apartments and houses. This is due to the ease of installation and high rates of heat transfer during operation. The degree of reliability of such a system is also high.
When purchasing an electric floor heating system made of porcelain stoneware, it is worth considering where exactly this system will be laid. The first floors of the houses require more system power, because heat loss is higher on them. Apartments that have a heated room under them, starting from the second floor, do not require too powerful equipment. Enough 150 W / m². Another tip from professionals: you do not need to lay the system under too large a layer of solution, because heating it and heat transfer will take longer. An electric mat heats up in 30 minutes, but also cools down quickly, unlike electric wires.
So, we examined all the options for floor heating from porcelain tiles. The choice is large enough, so you can easily choose for yourself the most suitable of them, which meets the requirements of the owners of houses and apartments, as well as the installation conditions for different systems.