Underfloor Heating

What is underfloor heating?

Underfloor Heating ( also known as UFH ) is a form of central heating according to Wikipedia, which provides indoor climate control for thermal comfort using either conduction, radiation or convection.

The terms brilliant warming and brilliant cooling are ordinarily used to depict this methodology since radiation is in charge of a critical segment of the subsequent warm comfort yet this use is in fact right when radiation is responsible for the warmth between the floor and the remainder of the room.

Underfloor heating has a long history from the Neoglacial and Neolithic periods. Archeological missions in Asia and the Aleutian islands of Alaska uncovered how the occupants drafted smoke from flames through stone secured channels which were exhumed in the floors of their underground residences. The hot smoke warmed the floor stones and the warmth at that point transmitted into the living spaces. These early structures have developed into current frameworks utilizing liquid filled funnels or electrical links and elements.

In the modern world underfloor heating now comprises of the use of heating mats, heating pipes, electrical heating systems, heating control thermostats etc.

Choosing Underfloor Heating Installations

Once you are ready to install your underfloor heating system, the choice over which type of heating system would be most suited to your home is largely determined by the what type of floor has been installed. The choices are suspended wood flooring or a concrete base:

Suspended Wood Flooring – This of a wooden lattice work that sits on top of a concrete foundation, that raising the floor by several inches whilst creating a space deep enough to take the heating pipework or cables. This pipework or cables should be installed at a safe distance of around 60mm-70mm from the underside of the wood floor – this will help to prevent heating the wood too quickly and therefore prevents warping.
Concrete Base – This type of flooring base consists of a concrete foundation onto which layers of insulation and a choice of flooring are laid. Unlike suspended wood flooring, placing the underlay and flooring directly onto the concrete base means that there is no room for heating pipe work. Instead, an electric heat mat is put down. Layers of specialised insulation are added both under and on top of the heating mat, this helps to diffuse the heat as efficiently as possible upwards.

Typical Underfloor Heating Floor Build-up

This image shows the typical floor and underfloor heating construction and installation

Underfloor Heating Advantages

Underfloor Heating operates at lower temperatures than radiators which makes it more efficient and cost effective to run
It can be used with renewable technology. As underfloor heating does not need high water temperatures to operate, it is particularly well-suited to heat pumps
Underfloor heating helps frees up valuable wall space, giving you more flexibility when it comes to arranging the furniture.
Hidden within the floor, underfloor heating does not have any impact on the interior design of the house giving it more cleaner lines.
It distributes the heat evenly throughout the room meaning no cold spots, this helps make it a very comfortable living environment.

Which Floor Coverings Work Well with Underfloor Heating?

Tiles, stone or similar are generally accepted as the best floor covering. They absorb heat rather than insulate and allow that heat to radiate into the room easily.
Wood flooring tends to insulate and reduce efficiency, thinner profile engineered timber has little impact on heat output. Solid timber is known to be tricky with underfloor heating as it needs to be acclimatised for around a month.
The Carpet Foundation carried out research in conjunction with the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association which shows that some carpets can be used with underfloor heating. The research also showed that a carpet and underlay with a thermal resistance of less than 2.5 togs does not have a significant impact on efficiency.

Some of the types of electrical underfloor heating include: Heating Mats, Heating Films and also Loose Wire Heating Cables.

Choosing the Right Underfloor Heating Supplier

Ultimately, the efficiency and success of an underfloor heating system will depend on it's quality and design. Choosing a supplier who offers a good design service and aftercare is just as important. A specialist underfloor heating company is often best placed to attain a quality installation.

If the underfloor heating installation is poorly designed it is unlikely that you will know until you have lived in the house for some time, in this case it may be to late to change or modify the heating installation.

This image shows the installation of an electrical heating film under laminate flooring

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