Are Pro-Tek™ and Underfloor Heating Good Partners?

Underfloor heating has become very popular but many people are unsure about which material they can use it with. Stone and engineered wood are generally perceived to be a good match, but what about vinyl? And, does Pro-Tek™ engineered vinyl flooring provide any additional advantages?

Maybe surprising, traditional vinyl is a good partner and it conducts heat well. As most vinyl floors are relatively thin, they will require a completely smooth surface, to avoid irregularities showing through the surface; fine latex levelling compounds are often recommended.

Compatibility

Pro-Tek™ engineered vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is thicker and more rigid, so less preparation is needed and installation is more straight-forward. It still works really well in conducting heat though and all Pro-Tek™ collections are recommended for use with capillary or ‘wet’ underfloor heating systems.

In addition, the Editions collections, with its stone plastic composite (SPC) core is also suitable for use on dry, electric underfloor heating systems – although you should always refer as well to your underfloor heating manufacturer before purchasing or installing any flooring.

As with all materials, there are specific recommendations in terms of temperature and the placements of rugs, etc. With Pro-Tek™, the floor temperature must be kept below 27°C (81°F) and the temperature should be turned up or down gradually. Transition strips or a T-section door bars should be used in all doorways or room dividing points. For full advice check out our guide.

Remember that rugs should never be used over vinyl flooring and underfloor heating, as they’ll act as a blanket and could cause the flooring to overheat and become unstable.