Floor Heating Insulation
Q: Should you insulate between an existing concrete slab and your new SunTouch Electric Radiant Floor Heating System?
A: Many contractors and homeowners think so.
Insulation is not required, but many customers like to install a “thermal break” while installing their new floor heating system. Scientifically, heat always transfers from an object of a higher temperature to one of a lower temperature, and the same holds true regarding heat transfer in your home; warm objects and surfaces will transfer heat to the cooler objects and surfaces.
An insulating material on top of the slab and under the electric radiant floor heating elements will slow the transfer of heat from the heating elements into the slab, effectively decreasing the time it takes for your floor warming system to warm your floor.
Cork Insulating Underlayment
Cork Underlayment available through Warm Your Floor is 1/4″ thick (actually 6mm or .236″) and is manufactured by Amorim Industrial Solutions, the world’s leading manufacturer in every cork product category.
Amorim Industrial Solutions has specially engineered the state of the art cork insulation AcoustiCORK R60, which provides thermal efficiency to most types of floors. AcoustiCORK R60 is particularly useful under floor heating systems as it increases efficiency and reduces energy consumption, saving you money on operating costs.
Unlike most of its synthetic alternatives, 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, 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 floor heating elements are installed on top of the cork, and secured with tape or glue.
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.
Acousticork R60 is 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 which provides the cork with 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 specifically 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 sub-floor stress cracks.
Ease of Installation
R60, available in rolls or sheets, is quickly and efficiently applied between the sub-floor and finished flooring. No mixing, no mess, no costly “down time.” With the R60, there’s no need for a backerboard under ceramic tile or marble, to achieve sound reduction.
Low Profile
For sound control, the R60’s low height requirements and light weight make it ideal for new buildings, and for the remodeling of 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 its 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 to the R60 shortly after it has been adhered to the sub-floor. There’s no added labor, material or down time – all of which equals big savings!
Proven Track Record
Amorim has been producing cork products since 1870. Amorim products were introduced as early as 1979 for use in applications under ceramic tiles and marble. In contrast to other products available on the market and other sound control methods available for similar applications, Amorim has a proven track record with flawless results. Furthermore, its practical success is supported by grueling laboratory tests.
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Products NOT Recommended For Use with Floor Warming Systems Include the Following:
- Metal / Foil – If these materials are placed in direct contact with electric floor heating, your floor heating system will be less effective. Reflective insulation requires an air space to be effective. – NOT RECOMMENDED.
- Foam Insulating Boards – Unless specifically recommended by the foam board manufacturer that the material 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, this should not be used. 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 that the material is approved for use:
- …with your chosen floor covering, installation method and material.
- …with the electric radiant floor heating system you have chosen for installation in the floor.
Before installing insulation with a floor warming system, make sure the following questions are answered with a “yes.”
- Has the product been tested or evaluated by an industry-associated organization, like the Tile Council of North America, for use with your flooring material and your chosen electric radiant floor heating system?
- Has the insulating material passed the Robinson Floor Test for use under tile or stone?
