Laminate Floor Spongy.

lisal0u

Hi Everyone,

I’m getting a bit confused now.

I have done a lot of research on carbon film UF heating and nowhere has it stated that underlay is to be placed on top of the heating mats. In fact on the instructions I received with mine it specifically stated that you should not do this. The way it instructed me to lay it was underlay, heating mats then a plastic vapour barrier then the flooring. All connections on the mats are cut into the underlay so that they do not get damaged by the pressure of the flooring.

It seems odd to cover up the mats with insulation as surely you would reduce the heat transference. Also under the flooring is a temperature sensor to make sure they never overheat, surely if you lay insulation on top of that you would be getting a temperature reading that was higher then was reaching the wood. Wouldn’t this then stop the mats heating up to the temperature they are supposed to and therefore the room temperature would never be warm enough!

Ours isn’t springy only in the couple of places where the floor is uneven. I thought the 6mm underlay barely seemed thick enough and it is definitely for use with underfloor heating and engineered wood!

The company I bought my underfloor heating from have been extremely helpful and their technical team actually know what they are talking about!

You've worried me now though as we've spent a lot of money on this and our engineered floor is glued down so we wont be ripping it up anytime soon!

Lisa

lisal0u

Found this on the website fo the company I bought it from (http://www.ufwarehouse.co.uk/products/ufh_elecSimpleHeat.aspx):

Carbon Heating Film and Heat-Pak

Our carbon heating film is ideally suited for installation beneath Wood, Engineered Wood and Laminate Flooring. At less than half a millimeter thick, it has a negligible effect on floor height. The film is laid over our exceptional 6mm floor insulation (which replaces the standard flooring underlay) to give a minimal effect on your floor height - less than 6.5mm! This makes it ideal for use in both new buildings and renovations or refurbishments where floor height can be vitally important!
Heat Output - The film is designed as a heating system (not just floor warming) and gives an even heat coverage beneath the whole floor. It is available in two power outputs 130w per m2 for ordinary home heating and 160w per m2 for conservatories and garden rooms where higher heat losses are experienced.
Simple to install - The installation is so simple it can be done by anyone with even the most basic DIY skills, leaving your electrician to connect it up to the mains supply for you.

The way you have described having underlay on the top is when you are using carpet or vinyl:


Heat-Pak® Dual Overboard System is an addition to the carbon heating system. Heat-Pak® provides a perfectly smooth, stable surface to which Carpet and Vinyl (including Amtico, Karndean, Eletile etc) can be fixed.
The system comprised of a cushioning, insulating underlay, a thin carbon heating film, moisture barrier and a revolutionary 2-layer 'floating' overlay board. The heating system is extremely thin and only increases the floor height by 14mm, making it convenient for most renovations. Installation is the same as our carbon film system for wood/laminate floors, with the addition of the overlay board.

underlay_guru - Does this seem right to you? Im wondering if different types of heating mats have different installation requirements?

Lisa

vickyb242

Thanks Underlay_Guru for your reply.

I have actually purchased Allbrite Underfloor heating Ribbon System and while I purchased the Heatking underlay for all the rooms that are being carpeted and that has been laid and works very well, I was informed by the Laminate manufactuter that laminate flooring can be laid directly onto the heating mats without causing any damage to the wood. If you look at their website this is what seperates them from other Underfloor makers, one of the reason's i went with them.

I will give them a call in the morning, and see what they say.

Thanks
V

vickyb242

Yes Lisal0u, you have exactly the same information as me, but I choose a slightly different underlay. Thanks for all your info!

underlay_guru

Ok,

My expertise is in flooring underlays. I was unaware that UFH insulation sheeting could be used as a REPLACEMENT to an underlay. I'll do my homework next time.:(

Low-tog underlays for wood and laminate floors do exist, however:

http://www.carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk/duralay-heatflow---laminate-1507m2-103-p.asp

lisal0u

You had me worried there for a minute

I didn't realise you could get an underlay to go over the top! Too late now! There is not a chance that lot is coming back up! I think I would rather move then do it again ha ha

I was paranoid that once we had laid all the wood the UF heating wouldn't work anymore so kept checking! It still does though phew! Just hope it keeps the house warm now!

On a slight tangent underlay_guru - Do you think £4.80/m2 for tredair underlay is good (I think it was 11mm)?
We have also been looking at Cloud 9 on Ebay for around £4/m2 but Ive read you can sometimes get differences in roll depths so its putting me off buying from Ebay.

Thanks
Lisa

pandora205

OP I hope you get this sorted. I have Aqualoc flooring from B+Q downstairs and I'm very pleased with it. Sorry but I can't recall which underlay we have though it was just the one layer.

underlay_guru

lisal0u wrote: »

On a slight tangent underlay_guru - Do you think £4.80/m2 for tredair underlay is good (I think it was 11mm)?
We have also been looking at Cloud 9 on Ebay for around £4/m2 but Ive read you can sometimes get differences in roll depths so its putting me off buying from Ebay.

Thanks
Lisa

Hi,

The Tredaire Dreamwalk 11mm is available from the online webshops for as little as £3.50 per m2 (INCLUDING vat & delivery), but I would personally use the Cloud 9 Cumulus 11mm.

The product is not as dense as Dreamwalk, making it slightly spongier underfoot. It is much easier to lay, due to its fleecy bottom and is a recognised brand name. As for consistency of thickness: Yes they did have minor manufactural problems with the products a couple of years ago, but all have appeared to be sorted out........we sell around 100 rolls a week and have not had a single complaint on the quality for ages...Expect to pay around £3.40-£3.60 per m2 (including Vat & delivery) for a 15m2 roll.

Hope this helps!



Again, apologies for the slight misinformation, or maybe crossed wires!

lisal0u

Thanks underlay_guru,

I will print a few prices from the internet and take them in. If they wont price match I'll buy it elsewhere! I think Ill stick with Cloud 9 too!

Thanks for your advice!

Lisa