Rubber has a reputation for being highly susceptible to contraction and expansion in temperature flux, which raises an important question for those who are using a radiant heat system and considering a rubber gym floor: what are the radiant heat effects on rubber flooring? In order to be able to make an informed decision about infloor heating with rubber gym flooring, its important be have some background knowledge on both.
What is Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating, also known simply as in-floor heating, transfers heat energy from the floor directly to objects in a room.
Radiant heat is a popular choice over other types of heating systems due to its energy efficiency. Radiant floor heating is typically more energy efficient because no heat is lost in ductwork. Plus, objects maintain heat for longer than air so radiant floor heat can operate at a lower temperature to maintain heating. Choosing radiant heat can also help people with allergies, as radiant floor heating does not distribute allergens through the air.
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| Radiant Heat with Rubber Flooring |
Different Types of Radiant Heat
There are three different types of radiant floor heat. Air-heated floors are the least common because air cannot hold large amounts of heat, which makes them not very cost-effective in homes (that being said, the cost and efficiency of all heat systems depends on many factors including size of the room, remoteness of the space, labor costs and type of installation).
Electric radiant heat utilizes electricity and heating coils, often within heat-conducting plastic mats, to conduct heat through the floor. This type of system is more effective with a large mass like concrete that can hold heat for longer periods of time. Finally, hydronic (liquid) radiant floors are the most common of the three, and also tends to be the most cost effective. These systems work by pumping warm water from a boiler through tubing in the floor.
Radiant Heat Effects on Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is a great flooring material for any space in the home. For home gyms, the durability and longevity of rubber gym flooring is a key benefit. Rubber floors do great in workshops, pet areas, horse stalls and barns, playgrounds and more.
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| Radiant Heat Under Rubber Flooring |
Rubber flooring is a great flooring choice in general, but is it the best one for over a radiant heat floor? Is rubber flooring even an option over radiant floor heat?
In short, yes, rubber flooring can be used over radiant heat flooring. The longer answer to that question is that it depends entirely on both the heating system and the rubber gym floor or other rubber flooring product, and there are a few things to be wary of.
Expansion and Contraction
Because rubber may expand and contract depending on the temperature, direct heat from an radiant floor heat system may affect a rubber floor.
As rubber will sometimes contract and expand due to temperature, the direct heat of radiant heat flooring may affect a rubber floor. That being said, there are certain rubber products designed to withstand changes in temperature without a significant change in size. As an example, vulcanized rubber will not expand or contract due to fluctuations in temperature. Acclimatization before installation will help ensure a longer lasting rubber floor placement.
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| Radiant Floor Heat Mats |
Odor
Further, certain rubber products may give out a chemically smell when heated up, so odor is another factor to be wary of when choosing rubber flooring to go over radiant floor heat.
Thermal Conductivity
Rubber performs well as a heat insulators, but not as a heat conductor. That means heat energy does not move through rubber super quickly, so it may take a while for a rubber gym floor to heat up and release heat into other objects in the room.
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| Heated Rubber Floor Mats |
Other Options
There are those who do not recommend risking the radiant heat effects on rubber floors. Other more popular options for flooring over radiant heat include porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles.Hard tiles both conduct and hold heat better than almost any other material, so they are the safest and best bet for installing over radiant heat.
When making a decision, Greatmats recommends consulting a radiant heating expert or the person installing the flooring over the radiant heat floor. Certain floors are more conducive to one or more of the three radiant floor heat systems, so make sure you have a clear understanding of your own system.
When making the choice to buy rubber flooring, Greatmats' recommends talking through the options with one of our many flooring experts. They can help you determine what kind of radiant heat effects may occur on rubber flooring. Ultimately, the flooring industry leaders at Greatmats will help in determining if a rubber gym floor or other type of rubber flooring is right for over your radiant heat system.
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