Many homeowners choose to upgrade to underfloor heating during a renovation or extension. It’s the ideal time to improve efficiency, comfort, and how your space works.
Some projects are more straightforward than others.
Different floor constructions, varying floor heights, and phased builds all need careful planning. Without the right approach, you can end up with inconsistent heat, slow response times, or unnecessary compromises.
At Cozia, we specialise in designing systems that work seamlessly across complex spaces, so you get consistent, efficient heating throughout your home. Our key strength lies in the fact that we don’t just design, we also understand first hand how that design translates into the practical install, which all makes for a more seamless process. Added to that, our full service offering allows us to deliver precise solutions with full oversight.
Planning Matters
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution with underfloor heating, especially with renovation projects. We always start with your plans, looking at:
- Where you want underfloor heating
- Your current or proposed heat source
- The different floor substrates across the property
- Available floor height build-up (which often varies from original build to new build)
- Manifold locations and zoning requirements
- The wider project programme of works
Good planning right from the word ‘go’ is critical. It ensures even heat output across all areas, no awkward transitions between rooms and a system that works efficiently long-term. Not to mention a smooth installation with no unexpected hiccups.
Read on to find out how we recently completed a challenging project for a customer who was extending and upgrading a 1970s bungalow.
Case Study: 1970s Bungalow Renovation with Double Extension (163m2)
This was a far more complex project than most. The extensions, one on each side of the property, had already been built, without considering underfloor heating. After several conversations with other suppliers, the homeowner turned to us as specialists in full end-to-end underfloor heating solutions.
THE CHALLENGES
There were multiple floor types already in place; an uninsulated suspended timber floor in the original part of the house and insulated concrete in the two extension areas. The homeowner’s project schedule didn’t allow for the timber floorboards to be removed and insulated underneath.
Across the whole footprint, there were three different floor levels and one of the concrete extensions was not a level finish.
The planned internal remodelling meant that several of the new room spaces would have both timber and concrete floor. We did not want to mix different underfloor heating systems within the same space, so this had to be considered.
OUR APPROACH
We needed to remedy the differing floor levels and incorporate insulation into the suspended timber floor area, to ensure an efficient system with minimal downward heat loss.
Our experts carried out a full site survey and designed a two-phase installation:
Phase 1 – remedial work to bring some areas up to level with floorboards and smooth surfaces for overlay installation. With our in-house screeding service, we were able to carry out this work ourselves, avoiding the need for multiple contractors and ensuring everything met our precise specifications for the install.
Phase 2 – installation of insulated routed panel system to 105m2 and a pipe in screed system to the other 53m2. Because of the layout and complexity, we installed two manifolds to efficiently serve different areas, and carefully planned the pipe routes to accommodate the different floor substrates.
THE RESULTS
Despite the challenges, the Cozia team created a fully level floor throughout, with an underfloor heating system delivering consistent heat outputs to all areas and no split systems in open-plan spaces.
Paired with smart thermostats for full control, via an app, the customer was delighted with the results.
Cozia delivered a solution where others had struggled to solve the equation.
