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As this system has been adopted more and more widely, it has become necessary to focus carefully on identifying the best-performing materials to ensure that its benefits are always exploited to the full.
Also known as radiant heating, this under-floor heating offers many advantages over conventional methods such as radiators or room heaters. But what characteristics does a surface need to have to accommodate an under-floor heating system?
Its excellent properties make porcelain stoneware the outstanding choice amongst the various materials used for heated floors: in this article, we’ll explore the reasons why it’s the ideal option and explain its benefits and characteristics.
What is under-floor heating?
Under-floor heating is a system that uses pipes or electrical cables laid underneath the surface of the floor for the uniform distribution of heat.
This system offers many benefits both in terms of energy efficiency, since it reduces thermal shock and helps to spread heat evenly, and in terms of saving space within rooms, as they no longer have to include the usual radiators.
Once all the benefits of an under-floor heating system have been established, all that remains is to ensure peak effectiveness by choosing the right materials, to avoid the risk of diminishing its performance.
How do you choose the right floor tiles for under-floor heating?
To find the ideal floor tiles that meet the needs of your under-floor heating, you’ll have to make sure you only consider materials that conduct heat well, to ensure that all the warmth is transferred efficiently.
Porcelain stoneware, ceramics and other types of stone are ideal in these circumstances, because they enable the heat to move quickly from the radiant heating system to the surface of the floor.
Another fundamental characteristic is the material’s ability to withstand changes in temperature, meaning that it doesn’t expand or contract in response to heat, to prevent deformation of the floor’s surface. Here again, stable, compact stoneware can be a very important aid.
As well as technical considerations, the choice of floor tiles should also respond to aesthetic preferences, to give rooms an attractive, individual appeal and combine their functional characteristics with the pleasure of living-spaces specifically designed for your leisure time.
For the floors of a home in particular, the easier the floor covering is to care for, the more efficient the decision to install radiant heating will be, making every room comfortable and practical.
Why choose porcelain stoneware for under-floor heating?
All the requirements listed above are effectively met by porcelain stoneware, a tough, innovative material that conducts heat very well and is certain to be compatible with under-floor heating, helping to improve the energy efficiency of the spaces where it’s installed.
Since porcelain stoneware is so strong and durable, the changing temperatures won’t deform or damage them, and your heated floor will enjoy a long lifetime!
What’s more, porcelain stoneware is easy to clean and care for and resistant to stains, damp and chemicals, making it a convenient, hygienic choice for any location.
In terms of appearance, porcelain stoneware can offer a wide range of colours, textures and finishes to choose from. This benefit is even more significant when we remember that stoneware can accurately imitate materials like wood while also guaranteeing the responses to heat and cooling necessary for this method of heating.
Choosing porcelain stoneware as a floor covering is a good idea not only because it combines perfectly with the under-floor heating system but also because it will amplify its environmental benefits while also creating a warm, welcoming, attractive interior.
Wood-effect porcelain stoneware for heated floors
If you don’t want to forgo the natural look of wood in the rooms of your home but still want to install under-floor heating, wood-effect porcelain stoneware is exactly what you need, and also a very popular way of combining the timeless style of wood with more innovative interior design solutions.
The potential for combining the visual warmth and elegance of wood with the technical properties of porcelain stoneware is the tempting prospect offered by wood-effect porcelain stoneware, as this material is fully compatible with under-floor heating.
With a choice of different textures, finishes and colours, every variant offers unique characteristics that will meet your aesthetic requirements while delivering excellent performances.
The natural look of wood is accurately reproduced to fit perfectly into the style of the rooms where it is to be used: for example, check out the Vivo collection, a stoneware solution available in different sizes and colours to replicate the finest types of wood.
As well as the wood effect, porcelain stoneware is available in a variety of finishes, such as the stone, concrete and marble effects. The right choice of finish depends on aesthetic preferences and on every project’s specific functional demands.
Porcelain stoneware is one of the best options for heated floors: anyone selecting for this material will enjoy not only a more efficient heating system but also superior comfort and easy routine care.
To find out more about porcelain stoneware solutions for under-floor heating, visit the Marazzi website and contact our experts for personalised advice: we’re ready to guide you in choosing the perfect floor tiles for your home, combining beauty, convenience and leading-edge technology.
