The high thermal comfort provided by underfloor heating is one of the most frequently mentioned advantages. However, for underfloor heating to fulfill its function, it must be well prepared. One of the most important elements is the foil, placed under the installation. What are its tasks and why is it used?
Why is foil placed under underfloor heating?
A well-fitted foil can increase the efficiency of underfloor heating. Its most important task is to protect against heat loss and against possible moisture, which could damage the installation. Another advantage is the ability to level out small differences that occur in the substrate. The underfloor foil is covered with a layer of aluminum, which allows for heat reflection and more effective heating of the house.
Another added value is that by selecting the appropriate foil variant for underfloor heating, the acoustic parameters of the room can be improved.
What kind of underfloor foil? What to look for when choosing the right product
Among the factors that should definitely be considered first and foremost are strength, durability and degree of insulation. It is best if it is a special foil created with the specific needs of underfloor heating in mind, so it is worth having it equipped with an aluminum layer, because this will reduce heat loss. Although this type of foil is slightly more expensive than traditional, construction foils, the higher expense will be paid off by reducing heating costs. An alternative may be slightly less common screen or raster foils, as well as polyethylene foils, although the latter are rather used to insulate floors located directly on the ground.
Onnline 1.05x50 m underfloor heating foil is available in a convenient roll, 50 m long. Thanks to this, it can be easily and conveniently unfolded during installation. Used to protect polystyrene boards from technological moisture, the source of which is cement mortar. A special grid is printed on the foil layer, which facilitates the installation of the heating system.
An alternative solution is, for example , Opal insulating foil. Both variants differ in width, in the first variant it is 1.05 m, while in the second it is 1.02 m. Similar differences can be indicated in the case of the thickness of the product, because in the first variant it is as much as 0.13 mm, which is one of the highest parameters currently available on the market, while the second variant is slightly thinner, i.e. 0.105 mm. These values are quite similar, but in the case of underfloor heating installations it is a big difference. Which variant to choose? The best solution is to choose based on the individual needs of a given project. Only properly matched solutions allow for the optimal use of the properties of the increasingly popular underfloor heating. It is good practice to use the help of specialists, when commissioning the installation of the heating system to specialists, it is best to ask the selected team for help in matching the individual elements, to be sure that everything will be matched properly, and the finished installation will meet the highest standards, ensuring maximum thermal comfort.
The PURMO brand underfloor heating foil is also very popular. Foil with printed lines that allow for easy pipe laying. The foil's advantage is that it is equipped with a special mesh that prevents the pipe mounting clip from being torn off.
When deciding to install a Wavin pipe system, it is best to choose underfloor heating foils of the same brand. Our offer includes, among others , Wavin underfloor heating foils , which not only protect against moisture. Their great advantage is the prevention of heat loss, in the so-called thermal bridges. The product is available in a convenient roll, thanks to which the installation is convenient.