Underfloor Heating & Rugs - What You Need To Know

Adding a rug to a room with hard floor can add an additional layer of comfort to your home or business, whilst serving as a stylish addition however before adorning your heated floors with rugs, there are several crucial considerations to keep in mind.

Underfloor heating rugs

Can I put rugs on underfloor heating? It's a question that you might soon have after installing your new underfloor heating system, however firstly it's essential to recognize that while many rugs are indeed compatible with underfloor heating systems, their placement can affect the heat transfer from your newly heated solution. A rug works as a barrier between you and the floor, and thus can also work as an additional barrier between you and your underfloor heating system, forcing the system to work even harder to warm up the room. This can increase the time it takes to warm up your room and increase the cost to use your system.

What rug is best for underfloor heating?

To avoid any adverse effects, it is possible to select rugs that are of an appropriate thickness and material to integrate into your room that will not play a detrimental effect to your underfloor heating system. It is advised to select rugs that have a low thermal resistance, are not insulating and of which have a tog level that is around 1 and are short-piled.

A double-sided fabric rug that does not feature a plastic or similar backing would also be preferred, as plastic can be seen as a heat deterrent and would result in the underfloor heating being significantly blocked from releasing heat to its full potential.

Will rugs damage underfloor heating?

Concerns about whether rugs can damage underfloor heating systems are worth careful consideration. While rugs themselves may not directly harm an underfloor heating system, impeding heat transfer can definitely play a part in potentially overheating various floor types. Thick, high thermal resistant rugs have the potential to distort various floor types such as engineered wood and vinyl tiles by trapping heat beneath them and preventing such heat from dispersing into the room successfully. Tiles are highly resistant to heat and won't be affected at all from placing a rug on top of your heated system.

Additionally, through regular monitoring of room temperature and adjusting the rug placement in your room, you can ensure both the longevity and effectiveness of your underfloor heating system. It is advised to carry out a simple visual inspection of your rug-adorned heated floor as part of your routine maintenance. Look for any signs of uneven heating of wear on the flooring beneath the rugs. If you notice any areas of concern, consider repositioning the rugs to allow for better heat dispersion or lowering the temperature on your system accordingly.

In conclusion, should you pair a rug with an underfloor heating system? The answer is yes - as long as you're mindful of the factors highlighted - rug thickness and material, as well as the type of floor you're to place your rug upon. With the right choices, your rugs can complement your heating system, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for you in your home or business. So go ahead, add that extra layer of comfort and style to your floors, knowing that with a little consideration, rugs and underfloor heating can certainly coexist!