Heated Flooring Systems – Electric and Radiant Heat Flooring

Heated flooring systems are a recent advancement that continues to gain popularity in modern homes. Even though it is a fairly recent design, the concept has been around for centuries. The Romans were among the first to design a way of heating their marble floors. It's the same basic idea behind the modern systems of today.

There are two types of heated floor systems that are common today. They are electric, and tube or radiant heat flooring systems.

A layer of conductive material with wire mesh is used in electric heat flooring. Heat is brought to the surface of the floor after it is conducted through the wire mesh. This process will not only keep your feet warm, it will also heat the room to a degree.

Some may argue that electricity in the floor is not a good idea due to the possibility of liquid spills that reach the wire mesh. On the contrary, this type of heated flooring system is quite safe, even more than an electric blanket. The flooring material provides an excellent insulator for the wire mesh, making it as safe as anything else.

After the initial cost of a few hundred dollars for installation, this type of heating system will operate for only a few cents a day. Depending on the size, it can also reduce the costs of heating the entire room. If the room is larger, such as a kitchen, the room heating ability is a bit less.

Another way to achieve the same goal is through the radiant heat flooring system. This system is a bit different from electrical heated flooring. In this case, air or water is circulated through a series of tubes that are placed either above or below the floor. As it circulates, it radiates heat up through the surface of the floor.

To say that they can be installed above the floor actually means above the sub-floor. This would place it between the sub-floor and the actual floor that you walk on.

The other type is installed below, or actually inside, the sub-floor. A series of tubes will run through various panels and grooves in the sub-floor material. The tubes can even be installed inside a concrete sub-floor, if they are laid at the same time. The heat is then directed upwards by reflective material under the tubes.

This design is based on the fact that heat rises. It's also believed that when the feet are warm, the entire body feels warmer.

When the heat reaches the floor, it warms the feet. Once the floor is warm, the heat will naturally rise from there. This will begin to warm the air of the room a few degrees. Depending on the size of the room and the system used, it may be unnecessary to use any other heating sources for the room. Some of these systems are able to maintain a comfortable temperature in a fairly large room.

These heated flooring systems eliminate the need to heat air that is circulated in from outside. They are also hidden, unlike radiators and heat runs. In addition to the other benefits, it makes for a very clean looking room.

There are several factors to consider when deciding which heated flooring system to go with. In addition to cost and ease of installation, one factor to consider is sound. Radiant heat flooring systems are quiet, whereas the electrical type may create a low humming sound. However, if you have a low quality radiant system, you may be able to hear the fluid moving through the pipes.

Factor in all of your needs and preferences, and then shop around for the system that meets them all.

         

Types of Flooring Options