Underfloor Heating FAQs
After 13 years in the industry, there isn’t much we don’t know about underfloor heating. Below are some of our most frequently asked floor screeding questions. If you have a query or a project we’d love for you to get in touch.
General Questions
Underfloor heating (commonly known as UFH) is a heating alternative to radiators and is installed under a screeded floor.
There are many benefits to underfloor heating such as comfort, hygiene, and economic savings. Due to an even distribution of heat, underfloor heating allows for better efficiency and is also a great way to save you on energy bills in the long term.
This can depend on the application. Wet underfloor heating systems have better thermal performance and are cheaper to run, however electric underfloor heating systems do not require a screed and may be better suited for areas with not enough coverage such as renovations.
Warm water is distributed through a circuit of pipes that are encased in screed under a finished floor. The heat rises through the surface of the floor and into the room, working as a huge radiator. The temperature of the room can be easily adjusted and controlled by wired or wireless thermostats. The even distribution of heat from the ground upwards allows the room to warm up quicker and hold it’s the temperature for longer, unlike radiators which burn through a lot more energy to heat a room to the same extent.
An electric underfloor heating system works by sending an electric current through a wire in the floor. Once the system is turned on the current heats up the wire, in turn heating up the screed and/or final floor finish above. Electric underfloor heating can be installed under a screed or beneath a 10mm levelling compound.
Due to its cost efficiency and easy control systems, this makes underfloor heating suited to domestic or commercial use, whether it’s for a kitchen, lounge, office or school.
Yes, underfloor heating can be used instead of or as well as radiators
Yes, insulation increases the efficiency of the underfloor heating system used.
This can depend on your build’s design. Most new builds will require a minimum of 75-150mm of insulation. Some existing buildings can either use thinner insulation or an insulated quilt providing there is insulation in the existing slab.
Installation
No, underfloor heating can be installed on any floor using a wet or electric system.
We advise using liquid screed over underfloor heating due to its high thermal conductivity however traditional screed can also be used. If using liquid screed on smaller projects we can prepare, install underfloor heating and screed on the same day, saving time on your build!
Yes, however we recommend that antifreeze is used when your underfloor heating is installed in the colder months.
This can range depending on the type of screed you install. Whether it’s a gypsum liquid screed or a high strength product can affect the depth a screed should be with UFH.
Aftercare
Once installed and commissioned, we recommend an annual service the same as with boilers and heat pumps.