News

Selecting the underfloor heating for your application

Underfloor heating has become increasingly popular due to the unparalleled comfort and increased efficiency systems available today. Floor Heating systems therefore have evolved over the years to meet market demands and now there is a solution to cover most applications and floor finishes, however this can mean that it is daunting to know where to start when selecting the correct underfloor heating for your project.

Points to consider:

Substrate Type:

While most underfloor heating systems can be installed directly onto a concrete slab or timber, however; we recommend the use of Econoboard Insulation boards beneath the underfloor heating to maximise the efficiency of the system. Uncoated Econoboard is designed to be installed on a concrete substrate to provide maximum insulation while Coated Econoboard is designed to provide rigidity on a timber substrate.

Concrete Substrate
Timber Substrate

Application Type: In Screed or Directly below the floor covering.

Most of our underfloor heating systems are designed so they can be installed directly below the floor finish without the need of a screed or self-levelling compound. When the floor heating is installed directly below the floor covering it ensures there is minimal height build up and faster response times (both heat-up and cool down). However, in some situations it is preferred by the builder or the person laying the floor finish to have the underfloor heating system within the screed layer. This ensures that the heating system is protected while the floor finish is being laid and it also ensures there is a flat surface for laying the floor finish. When installed within the screed layer it does mean the heating wall will take longer to heat up (approximately an additional 1Hour per 25mm of screed) however it will also hold heat for longer.

Heat System Type: Matting or Loose Wire

Underfloor heating systems can come either as a mat or loose wire system. With the mat systems the heating cables are pre-spaced onto the self-adhesive mesh. This makes installation simpler and easy especially in large open areas. With a loose wire system the installer needs to to space all the heating cables and tape these down hence making the installation more difficult and time consuming. However, in small or awkward shaped areas loose wire systems are preferred as they are easier to manoeurve and a mat system would need to be cut and manipulated a lot.

Floor Finish: 

The floor finish that is going to be laid over the underfloor heating greatly influences the heating system to be used. Whilst underfloor heating is most commonly used beneath a tiled floor it is also suitable under timber, laminate and carpet.*

Heating System Selector Tool