Underfloor heating can work off of your central heating system, by circulating warm water through a network of pipe loops, or off your electricity supply via heated cables/mats. There are benefits to both, but one may prove more suitable than the other depending on floor construction, room size and heating system. We can fit both and advise you on the best option according to your circumstances.
Wet Systems
Wet systems pump warm water through a series of continuous pipe loops under the floor and can be installed during construction or retrospectively into existing floors.
New Build: wet systems are most effective - both in terms of cost and performance - when they can be laid in a screed or concrete floor during construction, which means this system is often more appropriate for new extensions and conservatories as the pipework and insulation can be factored into the build.
Existing Timber Floors: a number of tried and tested systems have been designed specifically for retro-fitting wet underfloor heating pipes between joists in suspended timber floors. These offer a good heat output, although the works can be a little disruptive.
Existing Concrete Floors: If your property has solid concrete floors then historically the only viable option available to you, short of the digging up the floor, was the electric mat system. However there are now ‘low-build’ wet-systems available that are specifically designed to be laid over an existing floor with a minimal increase in floor height. This system can overlay all floor constructions, not just concrete.
Heat & Home installation of wet underfloor heating in new conservatory
Electric mat/cable systems
If you have an electric heating system (that isn’t a wet system) or cannot afford to loose any room height, then an electric mat or cable system may be the most suitable option. For small areas such as bathrooms it is often the most cost effective and straightforward option.
Electric mats or cables can be laid directly onto concrete and timber floors (although an insulation base is recommend) and finished to accommodate most floor coverings, e.g. tiles, laminate, carpets and vinyl. There are a number of different methods depending on the floor construction and required finish. For example tiles can be laid directly onto the mats while carpets require a screed layer between the mat and the carpet and a heavier electric cable.
Depending on the floor area and the age of your existing electrical installation, your new electric under floor heating will either need to be wired into the existing circuit or, for larger installations, it will require a dedicated supply direct from the fuse board. We are NICEIC registered electricians and qualified to install and certificate these works.
Heat & Home installation of electric mat system for laminate flooring
