Insulation boards for underfloor heating are an excellent solution for systems in homes, offices, and other commercial buildings. With these insulation boards, the system will operate more efficiently. All the heat generate will go upwards, maintaining a stable temperature in the room. There will be no heat loss to the floor below.
However, building owners often work with experts, such as technicians, to determine the most suitable types of insulation boards for underfloor heating in their properties.
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Types of Insulation Boards for Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating boards play a crucial role in optimizing system efficiency. They are not just load-bearing; they also facilitate the system’s work by keeping the heat directed in the right direction.
Technicians commonly install several types of insulation boards for underfloor heating in the following types of buildings:
Polystyrene Insulation Board (EPS/XPS)
Polystyrene boards, whether expanded (EPS) or extruded (XPS), are popular choices for most properties. EPS offers good insulation, but its compressive strength is lower than the XPS. On the other hand, XPS has a higher compressive strength and better moisture resistance than EPS.
If a property has high foot traffic, such as in bathrooms or kitchens, XPS is a better choice. It handles high loads well and prevents heat loss to the ground due to its low thermal conductivity. Although XPS is slightly more expensive than EPS, it is a good investment for high-traffic areas.
For a standard underfloor heating system, EPS is a lightweight, easy-to-handle, and relatively inexpensive option. However, it’s not recommended for high-traffic areas.
Polyurethane Board (PUR)
For those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-install board with excellent energy efficiency, PUR is an ideal choice. It provides excellent thermal insulation and is well-suit for smaller properties or rooms, such as apartments, kitchens, or bathrooms, where space is limited but high thermal performance is required.
Cork Insulation Board
Cork is the best choice for properties requiring insulation boards with superior noise reduction. Sourced from nature, cork offers excellent thermal insulation while also being soundproof and moisture-resistant. It is a great option for those seeking to create a sustainable, eco-friendly environment.
Cork insulation is more expensive than synthetic materials like EPS and XPS. However, it provides a safer and more comfortable environment. Additionally, cork is biodegradable, so when it needs to be replace, it contributes very little waste and can decompose back into nature.
Mineral Wool Board
Mineral wool board is highly resistant to high temperatures, fire, and noise, making it an excellent thermal insulation option for commercial buildings or properties with a high risk of fire. Made from stone or glass, this material provides robust insulation.
Mineral wool tends to be heavier than other insulation boards and requires specific installation specifications. Because it is rarely chosen for underfloor heating, its use in such systems is less common. However, its fire resistance makes it a top choice in certain applications where fire safety is a major consideration.
Implementation of Insulation Boards for Underfloor Heating
The implementation of insulation boards for underfloor heating, from selecting the right materials to installation and arrangement, can be the responsibility of the technician. As a property owner, your role is to plan, supervise, and allocate the necessary funds. The technician will ensure the system operates efficiently both during installation and after it’s up and running.
Here is a general guide on how to prepare and implement insulation boards for underfloor heating, based on the technician’s work:
Preparation of Board Materials
First, provide the insulation boards that are suitable for your property or room type, whether it’s EPS, XPS, PUR, or another material. Next, prepare the heating pipes or cables to be under the floor. The technician will ensure these are properly integrate into the system.
Subfloor Preparation and Installation of Moisture-Proof Membrane
The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level, with no debris or leftover dirt from the old flooring. Any imperfections in the installation area that could interfere with the placement of the insulation board should have gone through removal.
Next, place the moisture-proof membrane on top of the subfloor, especially in areas with high humidity. This membrane prevents moisture from seeping upwards, which could otherwise damage the insulation or the underfloor heating system.
Installation of Insulation Boards
The technician team will begin installing the insulation boards for underfloor heating starting from one corner of the room. The boards should be tightly placement with minimal gaps between them. In some cases, the boards may need to interlock or be securely glued together.
Boards with groove and tongue edges, such as EPS or XPS, should be very tight to avoid any gaps. PUR boards, on the other hand, usually come pre-grooved for the pipes or underfloor heating cables.
Closing Joints Between Boards
Use insulation tape to seal the joints between the boards. This will prevent heat loss through gaps and create a continuous layer of insulation. Ensure the insulation boards are secure, level, and free from any movement.
Installing Underfloor Heating
There are two main methods for installing underfloor heating systems. Wet systems (Water-Based Heating) typically use PEX or PERT heating pipes. The placement is in the grooves or channels in the insulation board. The grooves hold the pipes in place, maintaining a consistent distance between them. Secure the pipes with clips if necessary, and check for any leaks before proceeding.
Meanwhile, for electrical systems, just lay the electric heating mat according to the manufacturer’s instructions on top of the insulation. Ensure the cables are spaced evenly, and use tape to secure them in place. Double-check all cable connections to ensure they are properly attach before continuing.
Installing the Floor Covering
Next, proceed with installing the floor covering. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for laying the floor covering over the underfloor heating system to ensure proper installation.
Once the flooring is in place, test the underfloor heating system to ensure it is functioning correctly.