Question 1

Can you put underfloor heating under laminate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but not with a standard foam underlay. Two rules decide it. The whole floor build-up above the heating must have a thermal resistance below 0.05 m²·K/W, about half a tog, and every material must be rated to at least 80°C. A normal foam underlay fails both, so it has to be swapped for a thin, dense, heat-rated board designed for underfloor heating.

Question 2

What underlay do you use with underfloor heating and laminate?

Accepted Answer

A thin, high-density underlay specifically rated for underfloor heating, or none at all where the laminate manufacturer allows it. Standard foam underlay must not be used: it insulates the heat away from the room, and the installation guide warns it can release harmful vapours at the temperatures the floor reaches. Whatever you use has to be rated to 80°C or better.

Question 3

What thickness of laminate is best over underfloor heating?

Accepted Answer

Thinner is better. Laminate is an insulator, so every extra millimetre works against the heat getting into the room. Around 7 to 8mm over a thin heat-rated underlay usually keeps the total build-up inside the 0.05 m²·K/W limit. A 12mm board on a foam underlay will not.

Question 4

Does laminate need an expansion gap over underfloor heating?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 8 to 10mm at every wall. Laminate is laid floating and click-locked, with no adhesive or fixings, so it needs room to move as the floor warms and cools. Skipping the gap is the most common cause of a heated laminate floor lifting or peaking at the joints.

Question 5

Can you nail or screw laminate over underfloor heating film?

Accepted Answer

No, never. Any nail, screw or fixing that penetrates the floor risks going through the heating film, which damages it and creates an electrical hazard. Laminate over heating film is always laid floating.

Question 6

Is laminate or tile better for underfloor heating?

Accepted Answer

Tile, comfortably. Tile and stone conduct heat well and are what the system is designed around, so more of the heat reaches the room and it responds faster. Laminate works but insulates, so it is the compromise choice when tile is not wanted. If the floor is being chosen from scratch and underfloor heating is the priority, choose tile.

The UK's Infrared Ceiling Heating Specialist

Underfloor Heating Under Laminate: The Rules | PoweRad