Should you insulate between an existing concrete slab & your new Electric Radiant Floor Heating System?
Many contractors & homeowners think so. Insulation is not REQUIRED, but many customers like to install a “thermal break” while they are installing new floor heating. Heat goes to cold, so warm objects or surfaces transfer heat to cold ones. An Insulating material on top of the slab and under the Electric Radiant Floor Heat elements will slow the transfer of heat from the heating elements into the slab and effectively decrease the time it takes your floor warming system to warm your floor.
There are a few acceptable forms of insulating materials discussed below.
Cork Insulating Underlayment Buy it here
Our Cork underlayment is 1/4″ thick (actually 6mm or .236″) and is manufactured by Amorim Industrial Solutions, the worlds leading manufacturer in every cork product category.
They have specially engineered AcoustiCORK R60 to provide THERMAL efficiency to most types of floors and are particularly useful under floor heating systems, as they will help reduce energy consumption which saves you money on operating costs.
Unlike most of its synthetic alternatives, the AcoustiCORK R60 insulating underlayment has the ability to keep its acoustic and thermal insulation performance over many years. The physical structure of our cork, with nearly 200 million completely sealed air filled cells per cubic inch, makes it a very effective insulating material. This same physical structure also provides R60 with the ability to be repeatedly compressed and yet recover nearly 100% of its original shape and size.
With an R-Value of 3.1 per inch the cork acts as a “thermal Break” and slows the heat transfer into a concrete slab sub floor when placed on top of the slab. The heating elements are then installed on TOP of the cork, and secured with tape or glue.
AND, cork underlayment also functions as a crack suppression membrane. Acousticork R60 is the economic and effective solution for stress crack prevention under ceramic tiles and hardwood floors. Quality cork underlayment sheets like our product from the industry leader Amorim have been tested extensively for use under tile installations; also often used as a sound insulator in multi-story condominium buildings too.
Amorim’s Acousticork R60 cannot be compared with most other cork products on the market. Our CORK is manufactured using a special process providing the unique features. Millions of square feet of AcoustiCORKTM have been successfully installed under a wide variety of finished flooring materials in projects throughout the world.
This is NOT like bulletin board cork – this is an engineered cork product made for the Tile Industry. The high compression ratio of our cork prevents cracking of tile and grout.
The Tile Council of North America lists cork in their installer guides.
RESILIENCE-
Due to its resiliency and high tensile strength, R60 provides stress crack protection from existing and future subfloor stress cracks.
EASE OF INSTALLATION-
R60, available in rolls or sheets, is applied between the subfloor and finished flooring quickly and efficiently. No mixing, no mess, no costly ”down time” typical to trowelling methods, and no need for a backerboard under ceramic tile or marble to achieve sound reduction.
LOW PROFILE-
For sound control, R60s low height requirements and light weight make it ideal for new buildings as well as remodeling older condos with newer sound rating requirements. Easy to carry and handle too!
ECONOMICAL-
R60s fine reputation is based on the unique advantages mentioned above and LOW COST. The material itself is very inexpensive in comparison to other products used for the same purpose. The flooring can be installed directly on R60 shortly after it has been adhered to the subfloor. There is no added labor, material or down time – all of which equal big savings!
PROVEN TRACK RECORD-
Amorim has been producing cork products since 1870 was introduced as early as 1979 for applications under ceramic tiles and marble. In contrast to other products and many sound control methods available for similar applications and has a proven flawless track record. Furthermore, its practical success is supported by grueling laboratory tests.
AcoustiCORK R60 cannot be compared with any other cork product on the market. R60 is the cork underlayment which meets two essential requirements for use under ceramic tile or marble: A Compression Ratio sufficient to avert cracking of ceramic tile and grout and Resistance to Moisture which prevents deterioration.
Click Here for Cork Installation Details…
Other materials commonly believed to be helpful, but not recommended for direct contact with Electric Radiant Floor Heating products
Metal / Foil – If these are placed in contact with electric floor heating, you will lose the reflective nature. Reflective insulation requires an air space to be effective – NOT RECOMMENDED.
Foam Insulating Boards – Unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer of the foam board to be in direct contact with a heating wire between 130 and 150 Degrees F AND with the compressive strength necessary to pass Robinson Floor Tests. Most foam products will not work under tile. NOT RECOMMENDED
If you choose an insulating material for installation under your floor covering it is ESSENTIAL that you verify this material is approved for use:
- With your chosen Floor covering and installation method & material
- With the Electric radiant under floor heating system you have chosen for installation in the floor
- Has the product been tested or evaluated for use with both your flooring and Electric Radiant Floor Heating systems by an association like the Tile Council of North America?
- Has the insulating material PASSED the Robinson Floor Test for use under tile or stone?
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