New Research Suggests Carpets and Underfloor Heating can Work Together

It looks like one of the biggest issues regarding underfloor heating can finally be put to rest following the results of new research. Whereas those in the industry have long known that underfloor heating can work perfectly well with carpets, a number of organisations have got together to prove it once and for all.

Plastics specialists have joined forces with the Building Services Research & Information Association (BSRIA), the Carpet Foundation and the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers’ Association (UHMA) to carry out the research. Whilst it’s true that the majority of underfloor heating is installed with either wooden or tiled floors, the research shows that carpets are equally viable alternatives.

To come up with the findings, the research involved examining 19 different combinations of carpets and underlays with flow temperatures varying from 40c to 60c.

The results showed that underfloor heating is effective to use and safe to install with carpets up to 2.5 Tog. This compares to a maximum of 1.5 Tog which is recommended by BSEN 1264, the industry standard.

BSEN 1264 also states that any covering that is put down on top of a heated floor should have a thermal resistance of no more than 1.5 Tog. But the research disputes this, suggesting that comfort can still be achieved even when using higher Tog levels.

Although the research shows that carpets and underfloor heating can be used together, it should be remembered that each carpet and installation is different. Things like the wearing down of carpets and fibres can have an impact, so the circumstances should be evaluated on an individual basis.

This will be good news for residents of London in areas such as East Ham and Leytonstone where it may now be more tempting to install underfloor heating in their homes.

Even better, underfloor heating also has many other benefits compared to other types of heating. When it comes to heating rooms, there is a large difference between radiators and underfloor heating. Whereas radiators lead to hot air rising to the level of the ceiling, heat produced from underfloor heating. It also does not result in draughts and heat concentration, creating an altogether more pleasant atmosphere.