Suitable for Underfloor Heating: Criteria & Tips
Underfloor heating has become a popular choice for many homeowners, especially in colder climates. Not only does it create a comfortable, evenly distributed warmth throughout the room, but it also offers a sleek, modern alternative to traditional radiators.
However, one of the most common queries about underfloor heating is whether rugs on underfloor heating can affect its efficiency or if they're even suitable for use with such systems. In this blog will break down the facts and fiction surrounding underfloor heating and carpets, helping you make an informed decision on what rugs are best suited for heated floors.
What is Underfloor Heating?
Underfloor heating is an efficient means to warm a room by installing heating cables or pipes underneath the floor. The system heats the floor, which then radiates its warmth upward, warming the room from the bottom up. In this paper, the two main classifications of underfloor heating systems sourced from electricity and water-borne systems are identified as electric-based and hydronic systems. Both systems allow uniform distribution of warmth, and their installations are usually made under tiles, stone, or laminate flooring.
Underfloor heating that lies under carpets or rugs would warm the place more evenly, which will probably translate to lower energy costs and a more comfortable environment. However, when it comes to successful heating, the right choice of rug would come first because some could impede heat flow, therefore reducing the efficiency of the system.
How to Heat With Underfloor Heating
To obtain the best use of underfloor heating, it is important to have the floor as conductive as possible. In fact, there are specific materials and types of flooring that better serve underfloor heating applications than others. For instance, tiles, stone, and some laminates are ideal in this regard because they allow effective transfer of heat.
Adding a rug to your room may either complement the increased comfort by providing an extra layer of warmth, or it may scupper the heating system by creating a pocket of trapped warmth beneath it. Therefore, knowing which rugs should be used over underfloor heating is integral to making sure that your heating system functions as it should.
Factors to Consider Before Putting a Rug on Underfloor Heating
When a rug is placed over underfloor heating and under carpets, one should consider the following factors:
a. Material of the Rug
- Breathability: Rugs made from breathable materials, such as wool, cotton, or synthetic fibres (like polypropylene or polyester), are more suitable for underfloor heating systems. These materials allow easy heat flow so that warmth can emanate accordingly through the room.
- Non-Breathable Materials: Avoid a rug made of non-breathable materials, for instance, rubber-backed rugs. Such can create the box effect where it would not let the heat out. Thus, over time, the rubber and latex backings may give away to the heat and damage the rug and your flooring.
b. thickness and pile Height:
- Low-Pile or Flatweave Rugs: Thin, low-pile rugs are ideal for underfloor heating because they allow heat flow with minimal resistance. Flatweave rugs are especially suitable for heated floors because there is no pile to trap heat.
- Moroccan or Shag Rugs: An area rug with a thick pile, such as a shag or high-pile rug, should be avoided. Such rugs work like insulation. They trap heat under them and do not allow the free circulation of heat to that particular room.
c. Size of the Rug:
- The size of the rug can also affect the output of the underfloor heating. It's generally not recommended to use oversized rugs that can cover the entire floor; otherwise, they might be blocking heat flow and circulation. In this way, the placement of smaller rugs would help spread the heat more efficiently.
- Small to Medium Size Rugs: Choose rugs that only partially cover the floor area. They can provide warmth and comfort while still allowing the underfloor heating system to effectively work.
D. Backing Material
- Backing is not given much importance, but it's a very critical point when positioning rugs with underfloor heating. Most rugs have backings made of rubber or latex. When heated, these break down, and the rug loses its shape, ruins the floor, and the overall performance declines.
- Breathable Backing: Consider the rugs with natural breathable underlay material like jute, cotton, or felt. These materials let heat penetrate through them and do not degrade due to warming up over time from the underfloor heating system.
E. Breathability
Besides the material, the overall breathability of the rug is important in ensuring the heat is effectively transferred. Breathable rugs allow the heat to circulate and warm up the room, while non-breathable materials can restrict airflow, thereby lowering the efficiency of a system.
Best Rugs for Heated Floors
Now that we understand the basics, here's a list of the best rugs for heated floors you can safely use on underfloor heating:
Flatweave Wool Rugs
These rugs are made thin, so heat passes through easily. Wool keeps in the warmth, so these are perfect for colder months.
Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs breathe perfectly, and they do not prevent heat from circulating. They are comfortable, soft, and easy to clean, so they are the perfect choice for most rooms with underfloor heating.
Synthetic Fiber Rugs (Polypropylene, Polyester)
Synthetic rugs are very hard-wearing, easy to clean, and warm up by convection. They are ideal for rooms that will have high traffic counts where durability matters most.
Low-Pile Silk Rugs
Silk rugs with low piles allow warmth through but provide a luxurious feel. They can be quite pernickety in their care.
Rugs made of natural fibres like jute and hemp would be excellent for heated floors since they are so breathable and eco-friendly.
Doubts that Blow Your Mind Before Buying Rugs for Your Underfloor Heating:
There's much debate about placing rugs on top of underfloor heating systems. Many homeowners enjoy warmth and cosiness indoors while the weather is cold during the winter months and want to supplement a room with an attractive-looking rug. Many would therefore have questions about whether it's safe or possible to add a rug over underfloor heating systems.
The short answer is that you can put a rug on underfloor heating, but only if you have considered a few factors so it doesn't negatively impact the flow of heat through the heating system or damage your floors.
1. Do Rugs Overlie the Heat Transfer?
Indeed, rugs can impede efficient transfer from underfloor heating. The wrong type may even trap all the heat meant to circulate under the rug and, thus, causes uneven heating. Thick, heavy rugs are perfect examples because they basically act as insulation and may prevent warming from spreading into the room effectively.
However, there is a certain category of rugs that can be fitted perfectly under a heating underfloor and increase comfort without affecting the efficiency of the system. Choosing rugs for underfloor heating thus calls for expertise to avoid compromising the heating system.
2. Will Rugs Damage My Underfloor Heating System?
Underfloor heating has become one of the most preferred options for homes searching for an energy-efficient way of heating as well as creating a comfortable living space. However, many homeowners have concerns about using rugs on top of underfloor heating systems. The question arises: Can rugs damage my underfloor heating system? In this guide, we'll address this concern, explore how rugs interact with underfloor heating, and offer tips to help you choose the best rugs without causing damage to your heating system.
3. How Rugs and Underfloor Heating Interact
Generally, underfloor heating would work by putting an even level of warmth throughout the floor. The heat will come out and rise through the room, making it warm and comfortable. Putting a rug over an underfloor heating system keeps it isolated from the air inside the room and can affect the flow of heat into that room.
The main issue with rugs on underfloor heating is that they might trap heat underneath them, which would affect the efficiency of your heating system.
Rugs to Avoid Underfloor Heating
There are numerous rugs that come with underfloor heating. However, there are specific rugs that should be avoided. These include the following:
- Thick, high-pile rugs (Shag Rugs): These rugs have a tendency to trap heat underneath the floor, which suppresses the effectiveness of the heater. Their dense fibres prevent proper circulation of heat.
- Rubber-Backed Rugs: It is not recommended to use rubber or latex-backed rugs for underfloor heating, as the heat can be released and damage the rubber over time. This leads to a possible nasty odour and might damage the rug and even the floor itself.
- Non-Breathable Materials: Avoid materials that do not allow for air to pass through, including some synthetic fibers. These materials trap heat, which is bad news for the underfloor heating system.
How to Place Rugs over Underfloor Heating
Use thin rugs with low piles, flatweave, or are made of natural fibres.
- Avoid Large Rugs: Instead of covering the entire floor with a large rug, opt for smaller rugs or area rugs in key spots. This ensures the heat is evenly distributed.
- Check the backing: Choose rugs with breathable backings like cotton or jute. Avoid rubber or latex-backed rugs.
- Rotate Rugs Regularly: If you are using a rug with underfloor heating, rotate it regularly to prevent uneven wear and ensure consistent heat distribution.
- Maintain Your Rug: vacuum and clean your rug regularly. Cleaning methods can potentially harm the rug or its backing.
5 FAQs About Rugs and Underfloor Heating
Q1. Is it okay to install any type of rug under underfloor heating?
No, all rugs aren't suitable for underfloor heating. Rugs that consist of thick materials or have rubber backing can hinder heat transfer, which reduces the efficiency of the system.
Q2. What's the best type of rug for underfloor heating?
Flatweaves, low-pile wool, cotton, and synthetic rugs are ideal for underfloor heating under carpets, as they let the heat pass through without blocking it.
Q3. Can thick rugs be used on underfloor heating?
Thick rugs with high piles, such as shag, are not advisable for use on underfloor heating as they can trap heat and not allow good circulation.
Q4. Can I cover the entire floor with a rug?
Generally, rugs should not be spread all over the floor. A big rug is one of the insulation items that prevent your underfloor heating system from working at its best. Smaller rugs are much better.
Q5. How will I know if my rug is suitable for underfloor heating?
That would be to check if the rug material is breathable, for instance, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, and also if it has a low or no pile. Avoid thick piles or non-breathable backings on rugs.