Underfloor Heating
Did you know that underfloor heating is the most comfortable form of heating with low running costs and maintenance.
Underfloor Heating is both energy efficient and has many environmental advantages and health benefits. Because of this, it’s easy to imagine how an underfloor system in your property can provide warmth and a feeling of luxury under your feet, not to mention total freedom when it comes to your interior design.
It’s also a very safe and hygienic option for your property. It creates less draughts and because there are no radiators to trap dust, it means it’s ideal if you suffer from allergies or breathing difficulties.
Underfloor heating is very versatile when it comes to different floor constructions and we can work with you to recommend the most suitable option. Since it’s also fast to install you can be sure your project will stay on schedule.
Growing popularity in recent years has meant that owning a property with underfloor heating is associated with style and because of that, you can imagine how it can make your home much more desirable. With that in mind, let’s have a look at the different options.
Underfloor Heating Systems
There are many different ways to install underfloor heating in a property. The main consideration to take into account is if the the property is a new build or an older property requiring a retro-fit.
Installation in New-Build properties
Various options are available depending on the construction methods being used in your new property. Click on each link to learn more about that specific method:
Underfloor heating tube is laid on top of one of the following before the screed is poured on:
- a concrete slab
- thermal insulation
- steel mesh
- timber decking
Heating tube is fed from bay to bay between joists or battens:
- with a “biscuit screed”
- with aluminium diffuser plates
Grooved insulation (dry system) floating floor
This method uses an insulation board with grooves that house the underfloor heating tube:
- with foil facing
- with aluminium diffuser plates
- between battens (foiled insulation)
- between battens (aluminium diffuser plates)
Retrofit Underfloor Heating
The type of system we can use in these instances will depend largely on the level of refurbishment being carried out. The following methods are the most common for this type of project:
Between joists or battens
Heating tube is fed from bay to bay between joists or battens:
- with a “biscuit screed”
- with aluminium diffuser plates
Grooved insulation (dry system) floating floor
This method uses an insulation board with grooves that house the heating tube:
- with foil facing
- with aluminium diffuser plates
- between battens (aluminium diffuser plates)
- between battens (foiled insulation).
A specialist low floor construction that sits on top of the original floor:
- cassette over lay 15/18 (15 to 18mm matrix containing the UFH pipe covered with a laytex quick drying screed or kiln dried sand)
- grooved chipboard with foil facing
Specialist systems
- pre-fabricated grooved screed board can also be placed on top of an existing floor, and is ideal for tiling on top.
- grooving of existing screeds – call for details.
Electric Solutions
In addition to our standard water underfloor heating we also offer electric based solutions. Electric mats underneath the floor can be cheaper to install, however they are more expensive to run. Because of this, they’re more suited to smaller areas.
If you are in any doubt about what option is best for you, please contact us here today.
In order to complete the system there are other components to consider:
Controls & Thermostats
We can offer you a variety of control systems based on what you’re looking for, whether that be a basic, yet functional dial thermostat or a state of the art home control that uses mobile devices and Geo-location technology to ensure your house is always comfortable. Matching your system with the best controls helps to minimise energy consumption.
Heat Pump Integration (Air Source and Ground Source)
Low-carbon, renewable heat technologies such as Air and ground source heat pumps provide perfect integration with underfloor systems due to the low running temperatures. Furthermore, air and ground source heat pumps offer economical savings and are environmentally sustainable.
For more information on any of our products call us today.