Natural stone adds a natural style and sophisticated aesthetic to any home. However, as we approach the colder months, we here at UK Slate know that it can feel impossible to keep warm. Stone has a natural habit of being a bit chilly in winter due to its high thermal conductivity. However, this is something that can be used to your advantage with some smart thinking.
So, what is the best way to warm up the slate throughout your home to enjoy it year-round?
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is one of the most cost-effective heating solutions on the market today. Depending on the size of your home and your energy use, which fluctuates throughout the year, you could save as much as 50% of your heating bill—a staggering saving even when compared to the initial costs to install.
Slate naturally transfers heat effectively and efficiently. This means that your floors will stay warm throughout winter, gently heating the rest of your home. Heat rises, so having the source of your heat on the ground floor will increase its effectiveness.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, especially during the colder season, where stews and hearty meals are being cooked. While a rug might not be the most practical or sensible option for keeping your feet warm on cold floors, it is essential to consider the flooring choice during renovation projects.
For spaces with stone flooring, pre-planning is crucial to ensure comfort and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, certain areas, such as bathrooms, may not be well-suited for rugs, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate materials for each space during your design process.
What Slate is Best for Underfloor Heating?
If you’re seeking slate suitable for underfloor heating, consider Elterdale Grey-Green Riven or Ravendale Graphite Riven. Both have a natural riven surface that offers excellent anti-slip features, making them ideal for kitchens or entryways. Elterdale features a warm earthy tone that complements various decor styles, while Ravendale boasts a sleek, modern dark finish.
Remember to seal your slate before use to prevent stains and simplify cleaning. Both options provide comfort, style, and safety for your space.
Underfloor Heating Vs Radiators
When comparing the effectiveness of underfloor heating to traditional heating methods in colder climates, it’s important to consider the way each system distributes heat. Underfloor heating provides a more even heat distribution across the floor surface, which can result in a more comfortable environment overall.
In contrast, traditional heating methods, like radiators, may create hot spots and cold areas in a room. Underfloor heating utilises the thermal properties of stone to maintain a consistent temperature, which can be particularly beneficial in areas with natural materials like slate.
Natural Heat
In rooms such as your living room, underfloor heating is not always necessary. A living room is often the home of a fireplace, which can provide a perfectly natural way to heat your slate flooring during winter. Additionally, UK Slate specialises in bespoke slate hearths, allowing you to customise the look and functionality of your space while complementing the warmth from your fireplace.
The warmth from the fire will transfer to the slate flooring, creating a cosy atmosphere. It will not concentrate in one area as you may fear, as the heat will spread through the conducting nature of natural stone. This means you will have a toasty floor whenever you light the fire, lasting for hours – which is bound to happen almost daily during the winter months.
The most obvious free source of heat energy (although debatable at times in the UK!) is, of course, the sun. Internal slate window sills can be a great way to draw this warmth into a room on sunny days. As with slate flooring, these will hold their heat for hours after the sun has set, providing a warm bench to sit on and warm up on cold, frosty days.
The Perfect Harmony
Combining slate flooring with other heating elements can work quite effectively. For example, radiators can be used alongside underfloor heating, allowing for a multi-layered heating approach. This can be especially useful during extremely cold spells when additional heating may be necessary. It’s important to ensure that the heating systems are compatible and that the slate can handle varying temperatures without causing damage.
Additionally, using a fireplace in conjunction with underfloor heating can enhance the overall warmth in the living space, as the radiant heat from the fire can elevate the temperature of the slate flooring, amplifying the comfort provided by the underfloor system.
Choose UK Slate
Ultimately, using slate and other natural stones does not mean you will have cold toes this winter. By planning ahead and considering the heating options, you can enjoy your natural flooring all year round, feeling prepared for the colder months.
If you would like more information about our bespoke slate products and how they can improve the aesthetic of your home or business, you can contact us at any time or call us on 015395 59289 to speak with our friendly team. To keep up to date with all of our latest news and updates, you can also follow us on Facebook, X and LinkedIn.