The rising popularity of underfloor heating means that there are now more people installing the systems than ever before. Whether the floor of the building is concrete or timber, there are underfloor heating systems available for them.
The first step in the installation process is insulation. We advise having at least 100mm of insulation materials for all ground floors and around half that specification for upper floors. This way, heat escape can be avoided on both floors.
It is important to note that underfloor heating installation is done on a room by room basis. There is no general system as each room needs to have its own piping structure for a truly efficient heating system.
Screeding
Typically, most people use thick sand and cement screed of around 60mm to 75mm. This should be combined with glass-fibre reinforcement. The screed is the equivalent of a radiator as it acts as a heat sink.
However, we advise most of our new builds customers to go with flow screeding. This option provides better thermal conductivity than the former since it is lighter and thinner. Additionally, flow screeding allows warm up time of less than an hour while sand and cement screeding allows warm up time of between 2-3 hours. So your ultimate choice should come down to your system operation preferences.
What is the cost of installing underfloor heating in new builds?
As one of the leading names in the installation of underfloor heating in Brighton and Sussex, we are experienced enough to tell you that the cost of your underfloor heating will vary depending on your peculiar situation. However, the marginal costs will be lower when there is higher flow coverage. A typical 100m2 floor can cost between £2,000 and £3,000. The cost of underfloor heating, however, pales in comparison to the energy savings to be made over the lifespan of the system.
Unlike normal radiators that heat from the ceiling down, underfloor heating heats from the floor up. This makes the room heat up sooner and allows you to reduce the thermostat by a level or two. Reducing the room temperature by as little as 10°C can lead to savings of up to 10% on your energy bill.
Making the right choices for your underfloor heating and flooring
How to choose the right pipe
Underfloor heating pipes come in two main forms. They are the multi-layer and single-layer pipes. Single layer pipes are made of strong plastic while multi-layer pipes are made up of five layers of pipes. The inner and outer layers are made of polyethylene material and the rest is aluminum.
Multi-layer pipes are easier to bend, can retain their shape and are more puncture-resistant. This option offers the most longevity and is low-maintenance, which makes it the best investment for new build properties.
How to choose the right suppliers for your underfloor heating
When choosing a supplier for your underfloor heating, you need to choose people that have comprehensive knowledge of underfloor heating systems. You need to keep in mind that the design process for such systems is more intricate than with say, a radiator system. A radiator system allows room for error as a second radiator can be installed but an underfloor heating system is permanent unless you want to double or triple your flooring expenses.
You also need to find a supplier that understands quality. Quality at this level goes beyond the price on the box, but rather the efficiency of the materials in the overall structure of a robust underfloor heating system. A supplier that fully understands design and is willing to offer you backup services is vital.
At Mittens Plumbing and Heating, we offer such a holistic service. We have helped many new build homeowners to set up permanent underfloor heating devoid of any underlying issues. In the rare event of a malfunction, we have a proper understanding of the system, which allows us to quickly analyse the root cause of the problem and nip it in the bud.
What types of floor options are best with underfloor heating?
The best options to go with are tiles, stones and all other similar coverings. They absorb heat faster, which allows quicker and optimal warming up of the room.
If you need to use wood flooring, you should first of all consider engineered wood with a thinner profile. It has minimal impact on the heat output. Standard solid timber flooring, on the other hand, doesn’t go well with underfloor heating without some treatment. Contact us to discuss your options if you would like a wood floor with your underfloor heating to go over your options.
Carpet is generally frowned at when it comes to underfloor heating. However, recent research suggests that you can actually use carpet and underlay as long as the thermal resistance is less than 2.5 togs. Such carpets do not have any significant impact on efficiency.
So at the end of the day, the choice of flooring comes down to you. Whatever your choice, however, you need to talk to us about it at the design stage of your underfloor heating. This will help us know the right type of pipe layout that will best serve you.
To discuss your underfloor heating for your new build project, give us a call today. Our robust consultation session will give you answers to all the questions you might have. What’s more? You get free quotation on your project.