In general
There are two different types of floor heating systems: heating by means of water and by means of electricity. Both systems have their advantages. With a water-based floor heating system (conventional heating method), the floor is fitted with pipes through which warm water is fed. An advantage of this system is that it can be connected to an existing heating system, which guarantees a constant heat delivery. A disadvantage can be the construction height of the system, as the pipes have to be placed in a screed. An electrically operated floor heating system uses thin electric mats, which leaves the total flooring height virtually the same.

Heat resistance
The warmth generated by the floor heating system is passed on to the surroundings. This heat delivery takes place through the underlay and floor covering. The floor covering combined with the underlay has a delaying effect on the heat transfer, which depends on the isolating value of the materials used underneath the floor heating system. Determinative are the thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) and the thickness of the material. This resistance can be calculated by using the following formula:

The thermal resistance is expressed in m².K.W

In order to guarantee a good heat transfer the following guidelines are to be followed: