About Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is a good surface for radiant floor heating systems because it is thin, yet dense, so it conducts heat well. These traits make it an ideal benefactor of radiant floor heating systems. However, if the laminate is of poor quality, it will hinder the effectiveness of the floor heating system. Laminates are comprised of a complex series of many synthetic layers bonded together under high pressure, and the quality of how well the layers are bonded determines how suitable the flooring will be for radiant heating. Because of these construction factors, it is important that you check with the laminate manufacturer prior before moving forward to heat laminate floors.

Laminate flooring is a versatile type of flooring that has increased in popularity during recent years, and the flooring is available in a wide variety of attractive patterns. While some laminate flooring can closely resemble the beauty of hardwood floors, there is actually no solid wood used in its construction. The flooring's inner core layer is usually composed of melamine resin and fiber board materials which has a photographic appliqué layer bonded on top of that. The image is then protected by a hard, clear coating made from special resin-coated cellulose.

Laminate flooring has advanced in terms of the aesthetics as well as the construction of the flooring - which typically simulates wood, tile or stone, protected by the layer of clear coating. There is sometimes a glue backing used for ease of installation. Laminate floors generally cost less than natural floor materials, and are more durable and hygienic than carpet. The disadvantage of laminate floors is that they are made of a plastic (melamine resin) derived from formaldehyde. However, given the improved qualities of the photographic appliqué layer, combined with greater durability, laminates are generally an excellent candidate for radiant heated floors.