Underfloor heating or not?

7 years ago

We had decided to put wet underfloor heating throughout a renovation project we are undertaking in an 1850s property that require complete stripping back. We will insulate to a high standard and put in new windows, so make as thermally efficient as the building allows. The dilemma arose when a family member asked if we were sure about putting in the underfloor heating on the suspended floors as theirs had never been successful. The lack of 'heat sink' of the concrete floor was felt to be the problem. Having listened to some very eloquent and persuasive talks about underfloor heating and been persuaded by professional that underfloor heating is best thing since sliced bread, what I need to hear is from people who actually have experience of underfloor heating to see if this one report is poor installation or is the actual effect of the heating. I just love the thought of having no radiators but do not want to run to the expense of running all this underfloor heating as this is a large property to find we are not benefitting as we expected to. Would appreciate any thoughts on the matter. The picture attached is the attic room started being stripped back ready for builders to come in. This floor is some 8x12 m and will have two bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Featured Answer

boundsgreener

7 years ago

A resounding yes from me for the underfloor heating. Our property was built around 1890 and was completely gutted and remodelled five years ago. Our flat is all on the first floor (except the entrance - der) and is very open plan with high ceilings in most of it. We are toasty as you like. We didn't do the building work, but we were shown details of the flooring and it is very thick (concrete, soundproofing, underfloor heating and then on top is a poured resin floor in most, tile in the bathrooms, and wood in the rest). We have double glazing (and solar panels) and our place is efficient and cheap to run and very very comfortable.

I hope this helps with your decision!

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Comments (6)

PRO
Design Spec Ltd
7 years ago
Underfloor heating can be a great addition to the modern home! We only recommend spending the time in choosing the right system for you. There are many systems available and final floor finishings can affect the final decision.

Please send us the finished photos when you have completed!
mousemaclean thanked Design Spec Ltd
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PRO
AJS Estates Ltd
7 years ago
An absolute yes from me, I couldnt live without it!! we have a ground source heat pump with underfloor heating with tiled and wooden floors and its the best thing we ever did
mousemaclean thanked AJS Estates Ltd
PRO
Feature Radiators
7 years ago
Ceiling heights are critical as they can have a big effect on the volume of the room and consequently the amount of heat required. Underfloor heating is great for well-insulated rooms with low or standard ceiling heights up to 2.4m high but once you start looking at Victorian properties with 2.7 to 3m high ceilings, the underfloor can struggle, so definitely check on this. You can give me a call on 01274 515734 if you need help calculating the heat output requirements. (I don't work on commission so no pushy sales :)
PRO
Woodfloors4u
7 years ago
We agree with Feature Radiators, height plays an important part in heating, as well as angles. Slightly towards the finishing side of things, if you were to go with underfloor heating or not, the floor we would recommend on top would be real wood as it's the best insulator in today's world of floors. Tiles do absorb heat but do not retain it as well as real wood. Hope it goes well for you.
PRO
CKL Consulting
6 years ago
Hello not sure if you have completed your project or not? I have a wealth of knowledge in the underfloor heating industry. This includes screed and finished floors. With mean water temperatures and thermal imaging, featured highly in our installation and commissioning service.

The product selection, design, installation and commissioning of underfloor heating and final floors are critical. There's lots of myths and what ifs, and a whole host of issues that may arise if you are not advised correctly. Be aware of companies with big brand image, pushy sales reps and non qualified staff without PI insurances that hide behind suppliers so say guarantees and warranties. This could turn out to be a costly error, there's lots of issues with older ufh installations, which may be the case for the project you mentioned. Technical data and products have moved on massively. Suspended floors do need special attention and professional design.

here are just a few potential problems:

pipe quality - type and manufacturer

Bad CAD design spec (non UK designs)

Low MWT

Incorrect Delta T

Loop lengths - centres

manifold positions

floor construction

SAP calcs

insulation spec

depths

if you would like case studies and to visit real homes with underfloor heating already installed, we have a wealth of projects around the uk. Our client base is referrals and that's a testament in itself.

Please feel free to call me personally or email: Karen@cklbuildgroup.co.uk

i would love to help you

www.cklbuildgroup.co.uk

Underfloor heating or not?

boundsgreener

Comments (6)

Design Spec Ltd

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