In addition to the floor covering being compatible with a floor heating system, it’s important to use proper work techniques, follow the manufacturers’ recommendations and build a subfloor that will accommodate all the elements of your finished floor. We provide all the details below!

1. Make sure the floor covering is floor heating compatible.

How can you be sure the manufacturer of your floor covering approves its installation with floor heating? The answer is simple:

1. Consult the product documentation: Most manufacturers provide detailed information on the appropriate use of their products in user manuals, technical data sheets or on their website.
2. Contact the manufacturer’s customer service department: If you can’t find the information you need, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer’s customer service department directly. They should be able to give you an accurate answer.
3. Ask the distributor/retailer: Distributors and retailers are generally trained by the manufacturers so that they can advise their customers properly.
4. Ask a professional: If you work with a floor heating installer or contractor, they may also be able to help you obtain this information.

Take this opportunity to find out about specific installation and operating information, so that you can enjoy a warm floor in complete safety.

2. Observe the floor covering’s heat tolerance.

If you choose a material other than ceramic, porcelain or natural stone, chances are that it cannot be heated as much as these materials, which are highly conductive. You will need to limit the maximum floor temperature according to the manufacturer’s technical data sheet. Specialized floor heating thermostats make this configuration easy.

3. Be sure you have the right subfloor on which to install the floor covering.

Some subfloors are easier to install than others. For example, with porcelain or ceramic flooring, you can use an uncoupling membrane. This type of membrane makes installation easier by allowing the heating cable to be integrated directly into the membrane. Ask an expert in a specialized store for advice to be sure you’re installing the right subfloor.

4. Make a perfect sandwich to maximise heat transfer to your floor.

The first step is to install the heating cable on your subfloor. Next, you need to cover it with the appropriate cementitious product, either a thin-set mortar or a self-levelling underlay. A self-levelling underlayment is mandatory for vinyl flooring, carpet, glued engineered wood or any other similar material. In addition, a half-inch thickness of self-levelling underlay is essential, as this cementitious mass will store the heat before transferring it to the flooring.

Now that you know which floor covering is compatible with floor heating, all you need to decide is the colour and style. But those won’t affect heat transfer, only the look of your room. In this respect, your imagination is the only limit.