Terrace Heating with Heating Film at the Nonna Rosa Restaurant in Debrecen

In 2018 we heated the new, glazed, winter-operating terrace section of the Nonna Rosa restaurant in Debrecen with heating film built under cold floor covering, as dry underfloor heating. Between the poorly insulating glass walls, radiant heat works well because it warms not the air but the guests and the surfaces; the film is in the floor, so there is no visible heater either.

The task: a winter guest space between glass walls

We are increasingly asked to build electric heating into building parts or rooms that are poorly insulated. This was so in Debrecen in 2018 too. The Nonna Rosa restaurant wanted to put its new terrace section at the guests' disposal in cooler weather as well, and since the terrace operates in winter, there were serious expectations of the heating.

The terrace is bounded by glass walls all round, so its thermal insulation cannot be called good. In such a place infrared heating is a good decision: radiant heat warms not the air but the people, so comfortable warmth can be provided even with poor insulation.

The solution: dry underfloor heating under cold flooring

We built the heating film in as underfloor heating, so no radiator or freestanding heater had to be placed in the guest space: more room remained, and the terrace also became more aesthetic. Cold floor covering went on the floor.

From the heated terrace there is a nice view of the Great Church of Debrecen in winter. Visiting in cooler weather, you can experience for yourself what radiant heat feels like with poor insulation. The restaurant's address: Debrecen, Piac u. 12.

What must be clarified before planning terrace heating?

Good terrace heating starts with knowing the client's expectations precisely. The most important questions:

• Will it be used as main heating or supplementary heating?
• Is constant or occasional heating needed?
• Should it be underfloor heating or ceiling heating?
• What covering will go on the floor?
• Does everywhere have to be heated at once, or in islands – for example only at the tables where guests are sitting down?

Covering and layer structure

Once these questions are answered, the right layer structure can be designed. Practically any type of covering can go on heating film, but the correct layer structure is essential. Laminate flooring can go directly on the heating system, but cold covering cannot be glued directly on it: for this a solid surface must first be created to which the tile can be fixed safely and firmly.

Enclosed, glazed or open terrace?

The Debrecen solution was made for an enclosed terrace section glazed all round, where the guest space is protected from wind and precipitation. On an open terrace under the open sky, or in a garden, the situation is different: there, infrared emitters mounted on walls, ceilings or stands, dark radiant terrace heaters, are typically used. We compared the advantages and limits of outdoor solutions in our comparison of outdoor heating systems.

Why is infrared heating good on an enclosed terrace?

• Quick feeling of warmth: it quickly warms those present.
• Comfort: it gives even, constant warmth, without a heater.
• Operation: the cost can be favourable compared with other heating systems, especially if the heating is switched on in islands, only at the tables in use.
• Quick installation: such terrace heating can be built in a day, and needs no chimney or gas connection. With higher heating output, the capacity of the electrical connection must be checked in advance.

Electric heating calculator

If you are curious what heating cost to expect and what output of heating you will need, try our electric heating calculator.

Terrace heating products and further articles

You will find our infrared terrace heating products in the terrace heating category (Hungarian-language shop, delivery within Hungary) and on the terrace heating – dark radiant heater page. We also recommend these articles:

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