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Underfloor Heating Ideal for ... New builds (residential/commercial) Refurbishments   Download this info sheet > Free assessment >

Underfloor heating (UFH) explained.

Pipework is buried within a cement floor screed, this pipework has heated water passed through it
which heats the screed and in turn heats the building. The flow temperature of underfloor heating is
much lower than conventional radiators making it the ideal heat emitter using a heat pump as the
heat source

In new builds the heating pipes are usually embedded in the floor screed and the areas to be heated
are zoned. Most installations adopt a one-zone-per-room system which gives immense flexibility and
energy saving possibilities: each zone is heated and controlled independently according to required
time and temperature.

Are they right for you?

In-screed is seen as the best installation, primarily because the screed acts as a thermal store.
Underfloor heating is best-suited to new builds of all kinds and to full refurbishments.
East Green Energy recommends that at least 100mm of cellotex-type insulation should go beneath
the underfloor heating pipes on ground floor installations. On the first floor, installations can be set
in a 25mm dry screed between joists.

Floating timber floors are also commonly used with an aluminium diffuser plate fitted between
joists. The flooring is then secured tightly to these plates to ensure good heat transmission. Even the
slightest air gap between floor and diffuser plate acts as insulation and heat transfer is reduced.

If UFH is to be installed in an existing building, floor levels will need to be raised by up to 75mm,
unless the existing floors can be lowered. Skirting boards, doors etc. will also need to be lifted.
The fitting of a UFH system is no more complex than fitting a traditional radiator system and requires
only low temperature warm water. It is thus ideal for use with heat pumps and delivers high comfort
levels on low running costs.

Deciding on types and options

East Green Energy does not recommend electric UFH due to the high running costs and limited
design life.

Winning efficiency

Ceramic or stone act as the best floor coverings over UFH installations because they transmit heat
easily. Laminate floors and carpets can be used, but tend to act as insulators, so heat transfer to the
room is slower and can be reduced.

It’s a good idea to consider the effect of the heating on the types of flooring selected and, if in
doubt, the manufacturer/supplier should be consulted. There may be a need to adjust the method
of installing the flooring i.e. thick underlays should not be used with carpet or laminates, as they will
act as a heat insulator.

With regards to timber flooring, a moisture content of less than 10% should be specified to reduce
the risk of the flooring drying out then shrinking, twisting or warping. It is generally advisable to
check with the manufacturer before confirming your flooring order.

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