La calefacción invisible: ¿por qué el gres porcelánico es el mejor aliado del suelo radiante?

True comfort in winter is not only measured by the degrees on the thermostat, but by the sense of well-being the home provides. Walking barefoot on a warm surface while outdoor temperatures hover around freezing, or enjoying open, uncluttered spaces without radiators disrupting the design, has become the standard of quality in modern housing. This is known as invisible heating, a solution that combines aesthetics, efficiency, and comfort.

When renovating a home or designing a new-build property, choosing the right climate control system is essential. Underfloor heating has become the preferred choice due to the efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Underfloor heating is a climate control system which is installed beneath the flooring in a home, turning the floor itself into the heat emitter (or cool air emitter, in the case of cooling floors). The means of operation is straightforward: water at a moderate temperature circulates through a network of pipes. As it warms up, this network transfers thermal energy upwards, radiating heat evenly from the floor to the ceiling. Unlike traditional radiators, which heat the air, underfloor heating warms bodies and objects through radiation for even temperatures without any cold spots. However, in order to reach us efficiently, the heat must pass through a physical barrier: the floor we walk on. This is where the key question arises.

Not all floors behave the same way when exposed to heat. Choosing the right flooring is critical: the heat slows down when insulating material, such as natural wood, is chosen and that forces the system to use more energy to make a house warm.

For the greatest of efficiency, you need material that facilitates heat transfer, does not warp with temperature changes, and is hygienic. When considering these factors, the technical answer is clear: the best material for underfloor heating is porcelain stoneware.

Here are the 5 reasons why porcelain flooring for underfloor heating is the smartest choice compared to other alternatives.

The key to a good underfloor heating system is the speed at which heat is transferred. Porcelain stoneware has an excellent thermal conductivity coefficient. This means it allows the heat generated by the pipes to pass through the tile and quickly reach the room with minimal losses.

By offering low thermal resistance, the boiler or heat pump works less to warm the space. The result is faster, more efficient heating with lower energy consumption at the end of the month.

Underfloor heating subjects the flooring to continuous heating and cooling cycles. This causes materials to expand and contract. Living materials like wood or laminate struggle under this thermal stress, potentially causing joints to open, creaking, or warping when temperatures fluctuate.

Porcelain stoneware, on the other hand, is an inert material—extremely stable and durable. It withstands temperature fluctuations without deforming or deteriorating. Additionally, its thermal inertia is a great advantage: once the ceramic heats up, it acts as a heat reservoir, releasing warmth slowly even after the heating is turned off.

Until recently, those who chose the efficiency of ceramic had to give up the visual warmth of wood. That is no longer the case nowadays. Thanks to digital printing technology, porcelain flooring for underfloor heating offers the best of both worlds:

• Imitation wood floors: collections such as Ordesa or Rodeno faithfully replicate the grain, knots, and visual warmth of oak, beech, or walnut. You get the cozy atmosphere that only wood can provide, but with heat transfer far superior to that of laminate flooring.
• Stone-effect flooring: series such as Zarci or Materia bring timeless, natural elegance, ideal for living rooms that seek a connection with the outdoors.
• Concrete-finish flooring: for those who love the industrial or minimalist style, the collection Urban offers a contemporary, clean look that's perfect for modern homes.

Different collections from Gres Aragón with wood, stone, and concrete finishes for interiors combining style and comfort.

The future (and present) of efficient climate control is underfloor heating combined with aerothermal energy. Aerothermal systems extract energy from the air and operate at low temperatures.

For a low-temperature system to work effectively, it requires flooring with very good conductivity. Using ceramic flooring allows the aerothermal system to operate within its optimal efficiency range. This leads to significant savings on energy bills and a lower carbon footprint. It's the perfect combination of technology, sustainability, and comfort.

Although no less important, the final reason is day-to-day practicality. Porcelain stoneware is hygienic, easy to clean, and requires no special treatments such as waxes or varnishes.

In order for an underfloor heating system to perform optimally from day one, the choice of flooring is crucial. Porcelain stoneware removes thermal barriers, ensuring that heat flows freely, maximizing both the efficiency of the system and overall comfort.

But technical performance does not have to come at the expense of design. Gres Aragón finishes combine sustainability and the comfort of a modern home with aesthetics. Make your home work and look exactly the way you want. Looking for inspiration for your project? Find the perfect finish at our catalog and contact the Gres Aragón team if you'd like the answers to your questions.

All Gres Aragón collections