Sustainability is all about looking after our planet and ensuring it’s safe and healthy for future generations. One of the ways people have been doing this is by swapping out traditional heating methods like radiators for underfloor heating systems. This is because they use much less energy yet provide warmth to a larger surface area.
You can take the sustainability of your underfloor heating system to the next level by installing an eco-friendly flooring option on top. There are quite a few options, and you need to ensure you choose the right one for you.
Keep reading to discover which eco-friendly flooring options there are and how you can choose which one to go with your underfloor heating.
Benefits of underfloor heating systems
Underfloor heating systems are quickly becoming a fan favorite among homes and commercial buildings for bringing warmth. This is because they come with a wide range of benefits, the main ones being:
Sustainability
In the past, the norm for warming up homes included traditional methods such as radiators and fireplaces. However, these both came with issues that affected the environment. Underfloor heating systems have been known to be much more sustainable as they offer better energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint.
Even heat distribution
One of the main problems with traditional heating methods is that they don’t cover a large surface area when warming up a room. Instead, you often have to be sitting or standing near the heating to be able to feel any of the comfort. Luckily, underfloor heating guarantees even distribution throughout the room, meaning you can feel the warmth no matter where you are.
Space saving
When you have something like a fireplace or radiator installed on your property, it often gets in the way and takes up a lot of space. This might mean you must give up that bookshelf you want in the lounge or the desk you want to place in your bedroom. Underfloor heating takes up no extra space, so you can do what you want with each room.
Importance of eco-friendly flooring
Since underfloor heating is so sustainable, you might wonder why you should even bother with eco-friendly flooring. Well, there are actually quite a few reasons, with the main one being the environmental impact of traditional flooring materials.
First of all, carpets use synthetic fibers that often come with a range of chemicals that can affect you and the surrounding area. Next, hardwood comes with the issue of deforestation, as many trees are cut down to create this flooring, destroying much of the ecosystem. Vinyl also has a non-biodegradable nature, meaning it may end up in a landfill for the rest of time.
By opting for eco-friendly flooring, you aren’t only protecting your own health, but you’re also helping reduce the destruction of traditional materials. It will lead to better long-term consequences while providing peace of mind that you’re helping your planet.
Eco-friendly flooring options
Let’s take a look at some of the eco-friendly flooring options you can choose from:
Bamboo
Bamboo is one of the top alternatives for hardwood floors, as it gives a similar effect in a more sustainable way due to its harvesting practices. The material is highly durable and resilient, meaning it will stay with you for years to come, and it’s known to be very compatible with underfloor heating.
Cork
Bamboo not your thing? You can always opt for cork as your sustainable flooring material. This renewable and biodegradable material is making waves as a popular addition to underfloor heating systems. It’s because cork is a natural insular offering thermal benefits, as well as comfort due to its soft texture.
Linoleum
If you want less of a wooden look, you can always opt for linoleum. Believe it or not, this flooring is highly sustainable since it’s made from natural and renewable materials. It’s also becoming a fan favorite among homeowners since it’s durable and requires little maintenance. Linoleum is also highly heat-conductive for efficient underfloor heating.
Recycled metal tiles
Do you like the look of tile on your floor? You might want to choose recycled metal tiles to pair with your underfloor heating. It involves repurposing old materials, which makes it a highly sustainable option while also offering a sleek and modern aesthetic to each room. To top things off, it also has excellent thermal conductivity.
Reclaimed wood
You can opt for wood for a fraction of the cost and much more sustainable when using reclaimed wood for your flooring. Finding salvaged wood to install above your underfloor heating offers a unique and rustic appearance. It reduces the demand for new timber and helps protect our rainforests.
Wool carpeting
Carpet isn’t the most recommended flooring to go with underfloor heating, but it will still work. If you want carpet, you can opt for wool, a biodegradable and renewable material. It’s a natural insulator with warmth-retaining properties, making it better than standard carpet. And to make things even better? It’s super comfortable.
Considerations for underfloor heating with eco-friendly flooring
You have six sustainable flooring options to now choose from to pair with your underfloor heating. But how do you determine which one you should choose? Here are a few considerations to take into account before making the decision:
- How well does it conduct heat and transfer warmth from below?
- How thick is the material? – excessively thick flooring might impede heat transfer.
- How compatible is the material with the underfloor heating manufacturer guidelines?
Final thoughts
You can never be too sustainable, so opting for eco-friendly flooring is a great way to give back to our planet. It can look just as stylish and modern as traditional flooring methods, and they have been proven to work well with underfloor heating.
If you are considering installing underfloor heating and want more advice on the best flooring for your situation, it’s best to consult a professional. They will be able to help you find the ideal solution and ensure you have comfort and warmth all year round.
