Underfloor heating installation

Yes, there are several different products to use to install underfloor heating in an existing home. It depends on the existing floor construction, the desired floor covering and how much scope there is to build up the floor level. We offer a range of wet underfloor heating options and can advise you what is suitable for your home.

It depends on the system. Traditional wet underfloor heating embedded in a screed can take a few hours to warm up from cold because it heats the floor mass too. However once warm, underfloor heating provides steady, even heat for longer, rather than the quick burst you get from a radiator.

Tiles and stone are conduct and retain heat very well. Engineered timber, laminate some vinyl can also work, provided the manufacturer confirms they are suitable for underfloor heating. Carpets and underlays can also be used but are less efficient because they reduce heat transfer.

Yes, insulation is important. It reduces heat loss into the floor below and directs more of the heat upwards into the room. The exact insulation required depends on whether it's a ground floor, suspended floor or upper floor and on the type of system being installed.

This varies considerably. A traditional wet system with insulation and screed can add several centimetres with the screed itself being around 70mm. Low-profile retrofit systems can be much thinner often with a total thickness of 30mm or less.

Yes. It can be installed upstairs, although the floor construction and available height need to be considered. Low-profile systems are particularly useful upstairs because they add less weight and floor height. Spreader plates for example are specifically designed to fit between joists, ideal for upstairs.

Yes, in many homes. A properly designed system can provide all the heating required, but this depends on the property's insulation, room heat loss, floor area and the output of the underfloor system.

When paired with a heat pump, wet underfloor heating can be the most economical option because both it and the heat pump operate at lower water temperatures than conventional radiators. However, running cost depends on insulation, room temperature, system design, electricity/gas prices and how the heating is controlled. Electric underfloor heating can be more expensive to run as the main heating source because electricity is typically more expensive per unit of heat than gas.