A Comprehensive Guide To Rugs And Underfloor Heating
Because of the numerous benefits it provides, underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly popular home renovation option, with demand growing at a rate of more than 13% per year. Underfloor heating is an efficient way to heat your space evenly, especially in large rooms or open-plan areas.
If you intend to install underfloor heating, this does not necessarily mean there is no need for rugs. In the bedroom or open-plan living room, bedroom rugs or living room rugs are an excellent way to create atmosphere, add texture, showcase your personality, provide comfort, and create a focal point.
However, you must first ensure that you have rugs that are suitable for underfloor heating. If you're wondering what rugs are suitable for underfloor heating, we'll give you a solid understanding of when rugs and underfloor heating can and cannot coexist.
Guide To Rugs And Underfloor Heating
Rugs that can be used with underfloor heating:
Certain rugs are better suited for underfloor heating than others. This is due to the fact that rugs can be used as a 'blanket' on top of flooring with underfloor heating. Essentially, they can prevent heat from rising from the floor and entering the room. This can reduce the effectiveness of your underfloor heating and cause issues with your floorings, such as discolouration or swelling. As a result, it is critical to select a rug material that reduces the 'blanket' effect as much as possible. Choosing the appropriate thickness, material, and size is critical to ensuring that your heating system remains efficient.
What to Consider When Selecting an Underfloor Heating Rug?
Thickness
- The tog rating of your rug should be between 1 and 2 and should not exceed 2.5. The 'blanket' effect is reduced as the tog rating decreases. Underfloor heating rugs should ideally be no thicker than 25 mm.
- Your rug should have low thermal resistance, which means that heat can easily radiate into the rug and thus into the room.
Material
- Rather than being felt-backed, your rug should be hessian-backed. Felt can act as a thermal barrier, preventing heat from transferring from the floor to the rug.
- Rugs made of natural fibres are superior to those made of synthetic materials for use with underfloor heating. Some synthetic rugs can melt if exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time.
- Wool rugs are great for underfloor heating because they are heat-resistant.
- Choose your rug underlay carefully because some materials, such as polyurethane conduct heat poorly and thus block heat.
Size
- If at all possible, avoid using extra-large rugs. If your rug is too large, it may reduce the overall effectiveness of your underfloor heating. Although larger rugs have many advantages, if you plan to use underfloor heating, you should consider small or medium-sized rugs.
- Your rug's placement is also important. Avoid putting your rug in direct sunlight because a sunny spell combined with underfloor heating is a recipe for ruined wood. If at all possible, keep your rug away from direct sunlight.