Anyone insulate retro-fit underfloor heating before? LVT or tiles?

maryg2017

6 years ago

Hello Houzzers!

I'm doing a major refurb to a house and planning to put in wet UFH throughout the ground floor. However, because the floor is concrete base, it looks like our only option is to retro-fit. Has anyone retro-fit, and how do you find it? Would you recommend? I have ceiling height of 2.5m, and none of the builders seems to have mentioned that we should insulate, but that's what I've been reading. Any advise welcome on this?

Secondly, which flooring should I go for on UFH? I know tiles are meant to be better at keeping heat, etc, but worried about cold feet when it's not on. Has anyone had LVT on UFH and is happy with it?

Thank you!

Comments (3)

PRO
Flint & Lime
6 years ago
Hi There , just completed a retro fit UFH - have a look at Nu Heat - https://www.nu-heat.co.uk/
maryg2017
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi. We have got quotes from them and will most likely go with them but they don't mention insulation under the mat. Did you put insulation in on your job?
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Hi Corrine, we are just in the process of having wet UFH system installed. We are doing a major renovation to create a large kitchen / diner / living space but had no requirement to dig the floors up, so chose a low profile system that goes over our existing concrete floors. We had 50sq meters fitted on 4 zones and the cost was £2,400 (we got a trade discount thanks to our amazing interior designer) from the underfloor heating store. I can't yet comment on its efficiency but a few notes on the install process to date; the low profile systems that they say are super easy to install and you can do yourself are actually a real faff and quite difficult. The instructions aren't difficult to follow, however even with our team of 5 builders it took two full days to lay all the panels and wrestle the pipes into place as they are incredibly stiff and difficult to manipulate. If I were to do it again I would go with one of the companies that also fits (was about £3000 more expensive than supply only at about £5500). My other recommendation would be to just be aware of different floor heights and floor coverings if you use a system to go over existing floors; we are having real wood floors in our hallway and living room which is incompatible with UFH (the UFH area is all limestone tiled). We have therefore had to baton our hallway and living room to lift the floor level up to the same as the kitchen / diner / living area. Also be mindful of existing doors- I hadn't realised (stupidly!) that we would have to trim all our doors to accommodate the system and went ahead and ordered bespoke new doors for the renovation... in the exact same size as the old ones! Oops! So now they need trimming too! Overall we've ended up with a beautiful looking space that is hopefully toasty warm and gives us the freedom to put our furniture anywhere we want! Good luck whatever you decide to do
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PRO
CKL Consulting
6 years ago
Hi retro fit is absolutely fine however there are procedures to check insulation levels that need to be followed. I have had many years experience of using Retro fit ufh system and they can be as low as 20mm. I have also mixed floors from retro to new build Which maximise heated area and especially with new and old for an extension. This is very popular at the moment but it's not an off the shelf pack as many factors need to be assessed in early stages. As a consultant specialising in ufh systems for past 10 years, I have a wealth of experience. It can become a costly problem if systems are not specified correctly. All of our systems have design along with supply, installation and 2yr workmanship warranty. Do have a look at our website www.cklbuildgroup.co.uk and email over your plans to our website. My direct email is karen@cklbuildgroup.co.uk before you make your decisions!
maryg2017 thanked CKL Consulting

Anyone insulate retro-fit underfloor heating before? LVT or tiles?

Comments (3)

Flint & Lime

maryg2017
Original Author

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Anyone insulate retro-fit underfloor heating before? LVT or tiles?

Comments (3)

Flint & Lime

maryg2017Original Author

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CKL Consulting

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maryg2017
Original Author