Tiled vs. Vinyl Floors: Which Floor Heating System is Best?

If you’re considering bringing some energy-efficient warmth to your bathroom, then a new floor heating system is a great idea. In this guide, we’ll explore the best heating options to use with tiled and vinyl floors in these types of rooms. You’ll discover:

• · The benefits of vinyl and tiled floors in wet rooms
• · What makes radiant heating perfect for use with these floor finishes
• · How to choose the best heater for tiled floors
• · UFH solutions to install with vinyl floor coverings
• · How insulation helps keep your heating system working at its best

A ‘wet’ room can describe a room in your home which features plumbing services such as a bathroom with its toilet, bath or shower. Due to the presence of water in these spaces, it’s a smart idea to choose a floor covering which will repel splashes and spills; tiles and vinyl floor finishes are a perfect solution. Both vinyl and tiled floors won’t be affected by the increased moisture levels of these rooms and both floor types are easy to keep clean too. In ‘dry’ rooms, such as your bedroom or living room, carpeting and wooden floors feature most commonly but these floor coverings can be damaged by water penetration. If you’re looking for more information about heating floors in ‘dry’ rooms, read our expert article on choosing the best UFH system for carpets and wood floors.

If you’re looking for more information about heating floors in ‘dry’ rooms, read our expert article on choosing the best UFH system for carpets and wood floors.

Floor heating is a much more sustainable technology than central heating systems that can help dramatically reduce the costs of heating your home and we offer UFH systems that are perfect to use with tiled and vinyl floor finishes.

Tiled floors are an excellent floor finish for both new-build homes and renovation projects and will work with all interior design styles, from traditional cottages to ultra-contemporary lofts. Tile and stone floors have high levels of thermal conductivity, meaning they retain heat well, which makes them ideal for use with underfloor heating as this allows the room to heat up quickly, with less energy required.

Vinyl floors are a softer floor type than floor tiles but are also a great idea for wet rooms. Vinyl floors offer good value for money and whilst this material isn’t as efficient as stone and tiling in retaining the warmth produced by a UFH system, we offer systems suitable for use with these floor types. It’s worth noting that the temperature of vinyl flooring should not exceed 27°C, so we recommend that you carry out a heat loss calculation before starting your project to ensure the heating system will provide sufficient levels of heat.

The DCM-PRO Heated Uncoupling System is an electric floor heater that has been specifically designed for use with floor tiles. Its innovative decoupling attributes help to separate the system from the subfloor, preventing cracking and damage to the floor’s finish due to lateral subfloor movement. The system is formed as a heating cable and membrane combination, with two membrane options available for use: the Peel-and-Stick membrane features a self-adhesive backing for quick installation times whilst the fleece-backed membrane has been designed to use with traditional adhesives.

The StickyMat System is perfect to install with vinyl floors in wet rooms. Featuring a 1.8mm heating wire ready-spaced for optimal heat output on to pre-sized mats with a self-adhesive backing, StickyMat is a low-profile electric system that will not raise floor levels. The system offers an easy installation; when used with vinyl floors, simply adhere the system to your subfloor and cover the heater with a levelling compound to provide a flat and level surface on which to lay the vinyl.

Looking for a heating system to use with vinyl floors in your living rooms or hallway? Warmup’s Foil Heater is a great option for ‘dry’ rooms in your home. It will have little-to-no impact on floor levels and because it doesn’t require the use of adhesives or screed, it can be fitted by your installer quickly and cleanly.

Insulation is always recommended for installation with underfloor heating and we offer a range of high-quality insulation solutions for all our systems. Insulation enhances the energy-efficiency of a UFH system, promoting quicker heat-up times and reducing heat-loss in your home.

Floor heaters also require a system-dedicated thermostat to provide accurate temperature control. Warmup’s Terra Thermostat features advanced technology which provides radiant warmth at the right temperature, at the right time for you, automatically. Thermostats can be purchased alongside your new heating system and accompanying insulation in a complete, energy-saving package.

How do I buy radiant floor heating?

Get an instant online quote today to discover the best heating solution for your tiled or vinyl floor covering and find out exactly how much it will cost to purchase. All of our heating systems come with market-leading warranties and we offer 24/7 365 a year customer support.