How to Install Your Underfloor Heating System

How to Install Your Underfloor Heating System

Introduction

So-called "wet", or hydronic, underfloor heating systems work by circulating warm water – derived from a central heating boiler, such as an energy efficient "condensing" boiler – through a system of pipe work beneath the surface of the floor. The nature of underfloor heating – that is, the fact that heat is radiated from the entire surface of the floor – means that the water circulating only needs to be heated to a temperature of 50°C, or so, as opposed to 80°C or 90°C with a traditional radiator system. This is not only safer and more comfortable, but can also provide savings of up to 40% on fuel bills, when compared with more conventional forms of heating. Electric underfloor heating works on essentially the same principle, but heat is provided by the passage of electricity through a single or dual core heating element, which can be installed loose or woven into a tough, fibreglass mesh.

Underfloor Heating Systems

The installation of a "wet", or hydronic, underfloor heating system involves major disruption to the existing floor, if there is one. Pipe work needs to be buried in the floor screed, or, even in the best case, clipped beneath existing, or replacement, floorboards. This means that, while wet systems are theoretically suitable for renovation or refurbishment projects, they are often too troublesome, and too expensive, to contemplate, and are usually left to professional, new build projects. "Dry", or electric, underfloor heating systems, conversely, are eminently suitable for retro fit and new build projects, and can often be installed by a competent DIY enthusiast, provided that the connection to mains electricity is performed by a qualified electrician. The most convenient form of electric underfloor heating is the heating mat, which is available ready-made, and can simply be rolled out on the subfloor before the floor covering is applied. The flow of electrical current thr! ough a heat resistant cable creates heat, which is radiated to the subfloor, the floor covering and the room above. Heating mats cannot be cut smaller, but loose cable, on a spool, can similarly be used for very small, or irregularly shaped areas.

Electric underfloor heating can be combined with heated towel rails, heated mirror pads, etc. to form the primary heat source in a bathroom, for example, or can be used in conjunction with existing systems as a secondary heat source in a bathroom, kitchen, conservatory, or just about anywhere else in your home where a touch of luxury underfoot is desired.

Nowadays, underfloor heating can be installed beneath just about any floor covering, including natural stone, tile, vinyl, carpet and solid, or laminated, wood, provided adequate precautions are taken. Stone and tile are, perhaps, the best materials to use as a floor covering above underfloor heating, because they excellent receptors of heat energy, and transmit heat back into a room evenly, regardless of ambient temperature and humidity. Carpet is another possibility, although you do need to make sure that the combined tog value of your carpet and its underlay conforms to manufacturers` guidelines, according to the type, and precise location, of your underfloor heating system. It may also be necessary to lay electric heating cables, or mats, in a layer of self-levelling filler to prevent them being visible through the carpet, itself. Wood – either real hardwood, or engineered wood – is another suitable covering, although, in this case, the moisture content of the wood, the ! heat output per square metre of your underfloor heating system, and the nature of any underlay, or adhesive, used in the floor are all things to think about.