Underfloor Heating Systems For New Builds
Easy and cost effective to install and offering homeowners greater efficiency, underfloor heating is the ideal solution for modern, new build homes.
Pipe In Screed
The most common underfloor heating system installed in new builds when a screed floor is being laid. Screed systems provide excellent heat outputs and are highly efficient. They are simple and quick to install and are the most cost effective underfloor heating solution.
The underfloor heating pipework is clipped on top of insulation that is laid directly on top of the concrete sub floor. A layer of screed, around 50 – 65mm in thickness, is then poured on top of the pipes embedding them within the screed floor. Once dried, the screed floor transfers the heat
produced by the pipes and radiates this to the floor above.
RetroTherm® FLO
Although generally used in renovation projects, our RetroTherm® FLO panel screed system is also suitable for new build applications where the floor build up height is a consideration. In comparison to a typical new build screed system, RetroTherm® FLO can be installed as low as 20mm on top of the concrete floor. Screed floor systems are capable of providing high heat outputs and are very efficient. When paired with a renewable heat source such as a ground or air source heat pump, a screed UFH system is a highly efficient form of low carbon heating.
While screed systems are the most commonly used UFH system in new builds, other systems are available and may be more suitable in certain projects such as timber frame builds. A number of factors will influence the decision as to which system is most suitable for your project. For example, the size of the property and any potential time constraints in the build process – screed floors need time to dry out, often a few weeks, which may mean a retrofit UFH system may be a better option. When discussing your project with us we take everything into account and will advise on the most appropriate system for you.
Underfloor Heating Systems For Renovations
A number of underfloor heating systems are available for renovation and retrofit applications. When considering underfloor heating systems in existing properties there are a number of factors that influence which system will be most suitable for your project. The good news is that there are very few instances where underfloor heating cannot successfully be installed into a renovation project. Our team will always consider every aspect of your renovation project when deciding which system will be most appropriate for you. We offer a range of systems suitable for renovations, all of which offer excellent heat outputs and quick response times.
retrotherm® MAX
With its low build up height and ease of installation, RETROTHERM® MAX is ideal for most underfloor heating scenarios and is suitable for all floor coverings. It utilises an 18mm high density dry screed board which acts as a heat conducting surface. RetroTherm® MAX panels can be installed directly above concrete or floorboards in both retrofit and new build applications with the potential for the direct application of tiles to the board.
RETROTHERM® FLO
Suitable for retro-fit and new build projects, RetroTherm® FLO is a multi-directional panel that suits any UFH design. The system uses a 12mm pipe and has a maximum build up of less than 20mm. Greater outputs can be achieved over dry install systems such as EPS, foil or plates and cement boards.
RETROTHERM® LITE
The RetroTherm® LITE panel system is the ideal solution for retrofit or renovation projects where floor height build up is a consideration. Available in either 16mm or 20mm thicknesses, the ultrastrong, lightweight panels are simple to install and can accept a multitude of floor coverings such as laminate, engineered wood and porcelain/ceramic tiles.
Underfloor Heating Systems For Upper Floors
You may have decided that you want to install underfloor heating on the ground floor of your new or existing home. But did you know it’s possible to include underfloor heating system on upper floors too?
Joist Plate
Our Joist Plate system is widely used on first and second floors and other areas where there is a timber suspended joist floor in place. The plates clip directly onto the joists and below the chipboard floor with no increased in the finished floor height. Insulation is placed below the plates to minimise downward heat loss and ensure maximum efficiency.
The Joist Plate system can also be used in existing properties on ground floors that have timber suspended joist floor. The main thing to consider here is that there is sufficient insulation in place between the joists to prevent heat loss. A well designed and installed heat spreader plate system can be an ideal and efficient solution to any timber floor application where height build up is an issue. Our heat spreader plate systems can be used with boilers and heat pumps depending on your requirements.
JOIST DECK
JoistDeck® is our foil-faced chipboard panel that is pre-grooved to accept 16mm underfloor heating pipe at 150mm centres. It offers high thermal performance and is intended as a direct replacement for a standard chipboard or plywood floor board on top of joists.
This means an underfloor heating system can be added to upper floors, or indeed any joist floor, quickly and efficiently during the build process in both new build and retrofit projects.
The panels have been specifically designed with pipe spacings at 150mm to ensure they are compatible with low temperature heat sources such as ground and air source heat pumps as well as high temperature gas boilers.
Still Have Questions?
Visit our Knowledge Centre to find out more about Underfloor Heating or Contact Us to speak to one of our experts.
