The short answer to this question from Trusty Tread is: yes. Resin floors are a good choice to use with an underfloor heating system. Underfloor heating is becoming a popular choice in industrial, commercial, and residential properties alike. And choosing the floor covering that will make the most of the system is important. Let’s take a look at why resin floors work particularly well with underfloor heating.

What is underfloor heating?

There are two broad types of underfloor heating systems: electric and water. Both of these will result in heating that emanates from the floor up, rather than through radiators that are attached to the walls.

An electric system will use a series of wires beneath the floor to generate heat whereas a water-based system uses pipes. As a general rule, water-based systems are more energy efficient than electric ones.

Benefits of underfloor heating

While underfloor heating does have a sense of luxury and is trending, there are also many advantages to using this system over traditional radiator-based heating.

• Energy efficient – underfloor heating is more energy efficient than radiators. This is because the boiler has to work less hard to push the water through the system and because it has a low temperature for operating.
• Radiant heat – a radiator heating system works through convection heat only whereas underfloor heating uses a mixture of convection and radiant heat. This results in more even heat distribution and more consistent heating of rooms.
• Better heat regulation – the temperatures can be precisely controlled for underfloor heating to ensure that the space stays at a comfortable temperature.
• Comfort – no more cold feet! Underfloor heating offers a pleasant temperature on the floor surface that is warm and comfortable to the touch.
• Save energy bills – because of its energy efficiency, installing underfloor heating can result in dramatic changes to your energy bills.
• Design – removing the need for radiators on the walls can create a stylish and attractive space that provides more design versatility.

What is resin flooring?

Resin floors are a pourable self-levelling flooring choice. It is created by mixing synthetic resin with hardeners (also known as activators) and then poured onto a concrete substrate. The hardeners and resin when mixed create a chemical reaction that results in a strong yet flexible cross-linked polymer that is very strong and durable. It also creates a remarkably smooth surface that can be endlessly customised in terms of its colour and design.

Using underfloor heating with resin flooring

Some types of floors are more suited to underfloor heating than others. Ideally, you would want a floor that conducts heat well, is comfortable to walk on, and won’t get damaged by the heat.

Resin floors tick all of those boxes. Its seamless finish means that no heat is lost and the epoxy is not only a good heat conductor but it is also a thermal store. This means that it can hold and release heat as needed, resulting in even more energy efficiency.

It is a misconception that epoxy floors are unsuitable for under floor heating due to the risk of cracks. Actually, an epoxy floor can withstand heat very well, up to a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. This surface temperature is comparable to or higher than those that the majority of other flooring types can withstand.

Resin floors vs other flooring types

Let’s take a look at how resin floors compare with other popular flooring choices in terms of their suitability to be used with underfloor heating.

Polished concrete floor

Polished concrete floors produce a similar smooth and attractive finish to epoxy floors. They are also very good heat conductors. Where a resin floor comes into its own, however, is its comfort level.

Concrete is hard to the touch and isn’t the most comfortable flooring type to walk, play, or sit on. It is pretty unforgiving.

Resin flooring, in contrast, is naturally soft and comfortable. This makes it a more appropriate choice for a residential space or for business spaces where people are going to be spending a lot of time.

A resin floor is also more elastic than polished concrete. This means that it is better able to withstand movement associated with fluctuations in its surface temperature without suffering any cracks.

Carpeting

Carpet is not a good choice for underfloor heating. It is an insulating material that will trap a lot of the heat generated by the system, resulting in it being far less energy efficient than it has the potential to be.

Resin flooring, on the other hand, is a very good heat conductor and will allow the under floor heating system to work to its full capacity.

Ceramic tiles or stone

Tiles are generally seen as the best choice for use with an underfloor heating system. This is because of their highly effective heat transference abilities and because of their comfort underfoot.

Epoxy resin and tiles are comparable in terms of these attributes. But resin floors are more durable and longer-lasting. Installing epoxy instead of tile can be more cost-effective in the long run. It is also far more suitable for commercial or industrial spaces where the floor will be getting heavy use or will need to support heavy machinery or vehicles.

Laminate

Genuine wooden floors are insulating so aren’t generally used with underfloor heating. Laminate floors, on the other hand, can give you the appearance of wood while also being suitable for supporting these types of heating systems.

Like tiles, however, laminate is nothing as durable as a resin floor. Epoxy resin is stain, heat, water, chemical, and impact resistant. This means that it is far less likely to get damaged or scratched than laminate so will need to be replaced less often.

The bottom line

Underfloor heating offers an energy-efficient, comfortable, and design-conscious heating system that is perfect for the modern home and business spaces alike. A resin floor is an excellent floor covering to use with this type of floor heating because it conducts heat very well, is comfortable to the touch, and has the elasticity to withstand high temperatures.