Which floor to use over underfloor cooling? As snow falls outside and a bleak wind blows around the house, you get out of bed on this cold winter morning. Ready to embrace the warmth of your underfloor heating! But your footsteps are not greeted with wonderful warmth, but rather with a refreshing chill more befitting tropical temperatures than a winter morning at home. Your underfloor cooling system, which kept you so comfortably cool in summer, seems to have its own idea of how to get you through winter. As you are greeted ‘cool’ by your underfloor cooling system, you race to the thermostat. After all, we prefer to keep winter surprises outside the door in this weather!
In the flooring world, not only are aesthetic choices evolving, but the technological aspects of flooring are also constantly changing. Consider, for example, the new, revolutionary hallmark MEGAMAT, which means that Vinyl floors with this finish are now the mattest Vinyl floors in the Netherlands! Another innovation that is becoming increasingly popular is floor cooling. But which floors are actually suitable for this modern cooling technology? Let’s dive into the world of Vinyl, laminate and hybrid wood floors and discover exactly what underfloor cooling means.
What is underfloor cooling?
Underfloor cooling is an energy-efficient system that does not heat up the room during a hot summer, but rather cools it. The system evenly distributes cool air throughout the home, creating a comfortable and constant temperature. Not only is it energy-efficient, but it also eliminates the need for traditional air conditioning, which aesthetically, of course, is also a win-win. Underfloor cooling uses exactly the same pipe system as a floor with underfloor heating, but with the opposite effect. The water in the pipes then does not emit heat, but stays at a relatively low temperature of at least 18 degrees. This allows the underfloor cooling to cool the house during a hot summer period, creating a lovely temperature in the home. Depending on the type of system, in most cases we do not recommend setting the temperature in the pipes below 18 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, there is a chance of condensation forming on or under the floor. Moisture and water can damage a floor irreparably, especially if it is underneath the floor. Condensation must therefore be prevented at all costs!
Suitable floors for underfloor cooling
- Vinyl floors: Vinyl is an excellent choice for floor cooling because of its heat-conducting properties. The material adapts quickly to temperature changes, making it comfortable to bare feet. As a result, you can enjoy a cool temperature in your home during the hot summer days and enjoy a pleasantly warm feet and living environment in your home in winter! Whalebone Vinyl flooring is not only stylish but also perfect for floor cooling, thanks to its extremely low thermal resistance of 0.019 m2K/W.
- Laminate: Laminate flooring is also a good option if you want to combine it with underfloor cooling and heating. Especially if it is installed with a special underlay that conducts heat well! Extra-wide laminate can add a sophisticated look to your space, while retaining the benefits of underfloor cooling.
- Hybrid wood floors: Hybrid Wood floors perfectly combine with underfloor heating and cooling! The ingenious Hybrid Wood floors combine the warm look of wood with the stability of laminate flooring, making them ideal for underfloor cooling. The low thermal resistance of 0.07m2K/W endorses this.
Advice for the best combination
When choosing a floor for underfloor cooling, it is crucial to look at the thermal resistance, expressed as the R-value. The lower the R-value, the better the thermal conductivity. Vinyl generally has a lower R-value than traditional wood flooring, making Vinyl flooring an excellent choice for floor cooling. Whalebone Vinyl floors, Extra Wide Laminate and Hybrid Wood floors are designed with these modern technologies in mind. They combine style with functionality, allowing you to enjoy a cool and sophisticated interior. But other flooring, such as Vinyl Herringbone and XL Vinyl, is also excellent for combining with underfloor heating and cooling. Want to know more about the suitability of specific floors for underfloor cooling? Feel free to get in touch. After all, with the right choice of flooring, a comfortable, stylish and cool space awaits you. But for now, we will continue to enjoy the warmth thanks to underfloor heating in our homes!
