All floor covering materials and adhesives must be suitable for a contact temperature of up to 40°C. Floor coverings which have good insulating properties are obviously not suitable for underfloor heating systems. Any floor covering placed on top of the screed should preferably have a TOG rating of less than 1.0, but should never exceed 1.5.

The following are guidelines for particular floor coverings:

1. Ceramic Floor Tiles, (including flagstone, slate etc.)
The Equator underfloor heating system works very well with all types of ceramic and stone based floor coverings as these represent minimal resistance to heat transfer. To avoid cracking of the tiles, a flexible adhesive and flexible edge joints should be used.

2. Vinyl floors
Domestic vinyl floors typically represent little resistance to heat transfer

3. Laminated 'floating' floors
Laminated panels having a thickness not exceeding 6mm and laid on 3mm lightweight foam underlay are the type most suited to underfloor heating, as they offer only minimal resistance to heat transfer.

4. Carpets
Carpet and foam rubber underlay combinations are not suitable for underfloor heating. Some types of carpet tiles may be acceptable, depending on the TOG rating and heat resistance.