Floor Construction For Underfloor Heating

When it comes to underfloor heating, different floor constructions require different installation processes. For solid or beam and block floors, you will need to install insulation boards before laying the UFH pipes and screed. With suspended timber floors, support battens should be installed with insulation boards, followed by the UFH pipes and chipboard. Solid floating floors will require a support batten with insulation boards, UFH pipes and chipboard as well. Lastly, for suspended timber floating floors, rockwool insulation must be laid down along with a foil layer prior to installing the UFH pipes, batten and chipboard. Finally add your chosen floor covering to complete the installation process.

Solid or Beam and Block Floors

Floor construction for solid or beam and block floors involves the use of a damp proof membrane, insulation boards, UFH pipes, screed, floor covering and batten. The insulation boards are laid on top of the damp proof membrane before the UFH pipes are installed. A screed layer is then poured over the pipes to ensure a level finish. Finally, the chosen floor covering is laid on top of the battens. With solid or beam and block floors you can expect excellent heat output from your underfloor heating system.

Concrete Oversite

Concrete oversite is a crucial part of floor construction for underfloor heating systems. It provides a solid, level base on which to lay the sub-floor and UFH pipes, and it helps to keep the temperature in your home more consistent. Concrete oversite can be used on both solid slab or suspended floors and provides a strong foundation for any floor construction project. It also helps to prevent cracking or other damage that may occur due to thermal expansion of the sub-floor material. Installing concrete oversite correctly is essential for any successful underfloor heating system installation, so make sure you hire an experienced professional for your floor construction needs.

Insulation Boards

Insulation boards are used in floor construction to help keep the underfloor heating system warm and energy efficient. They are placed on top of a sand cement mixture and below UFH pipes on solid floors, or between joists in suspended timber floors. Insulation boards provide thermal insulation and soundproofing which can help to reduce heat loss, increase efficiency and improve comfort levels. They also create a protective barrier between the flooring material and UFH pipes, helping to protect them from damage over time.

UFH Pipes

Underfloor heating (UFH) pipes are used in floor construction for a range of applications. They provide edge insulation and liquid screed, ensuring the efficient transfer of heat from the underfloor system to the living space. UFH pipes are an important part of any floor construction process, as they help ensure maximum efficiency and comfort for your home or business. With UFH pipes, you can be sure that your underfloor heating system will perform optimally and keep your space warm and cosy all year round.

Screed

Screed is a layer of sand and cement applied to the floor before the final floor covering. It’s an essential part of any UFH floor construction, as it provides insulation and helps meet current building regulations. It also ensures that the finished floor level is even, providing a smooth surface for tiles or other floor coverings. Screed also acts as a thermal conductor for the UFH pipes and distributes heat evenly throughout the room. For this reason, it’s essential that screed is installed correctly to ensure optimum performance from your UFH system.

Floor Covering

The type of floor covering you choose is an important part of any floor construction. For screeded floors, suitable coverings include vinyl and carpet tiles. For suspended timber floors, chipboard can be used. A floating floor requires chipboard with a suitable flooring overlay such as laminate or real wood. Carpets and rugs are also suitable options for a floating floor. Polystyrene insulation should be placed under the floor covering to help maintain even temperatures throughout the room and ensure that heat is not lost through the surface of the floor.

Suspended Timber Floors

Floor construction for suspended timber floors requires a few additional steps than other types of floor construction. A support batten is used to ensure the UFH pipes and insulation boards are level, then skirting boards are installed around the perimeter of the room. Insulation boards should be placed on top of the joists and UFH pipes secured before chipboard or another chosen flooring material is laid over them. The final step in this type of floor construction is to lay your chosen floor covering such as laminate, wood or carpet over the top.

Support Batten

Support battens are an essential part of floor construction for underfloor heating. They provide a secure and even surface on which to install the UFH pipes, insulation boards and screeded floors over the whole floor area. The battens help to spread the weight of the floor evenly, avoiding any weak points that could cause issues further down the line. By using support battens during your floor construction you can be sure that your finished floor is strong and secure for many years to come.

Chipboard

Chipboard is a type of engineered wood product made from thin layers of wood glued together. It’s commonly used in floor construction, as it is easy to install and can be used with minimum layers. However, chipboard can be more expensive than other materials and will require extra cost for the installation process. Chipboard is an ideal choice for underfloor heating systems due to its insulation properties, providing excellent heat distribution throughout the home.

Solid Floating Floor

Solid floating floors are one of the most popular floor construction methods for underfloor heating. They are quick and easy to install, requiring minimal preparation work. The process begins with a support batten being installed, followed by insulation boards and UFH pipes before laying the chipboard flooring. Once this is done, the desired floor covering can be added to complete the installation. This type of construction is ideal for first floors as it provides excellent heat transfer from the pipes below and is suitable for any type of floor covering. With Nu-Heat’s solid floating floors, you can be sure that your home will benefit from comfortable and efficient underfloor heating.

Suspended Timber Floating Floor

When constructing a suspended timber floating floor for underfloor heating, the first step is to install a plastic membrane and edging strip on top of the joists. The next step is to add insulation boards and UFH pipes, followed by batten and chipboard. Finally, you can choose your desired floor covering to complete the installation. This type of floor construction offers maximum efficiency in heat distribution, making it an ideal choice for homes with underfloor heating systems.

Rockwool Insulation

Rockwool insulation is a key component of floor construction for underfloor heating systems. It helps to provide the required insulation levels needed for efficient operation of UFH systems and also helps to keep noise and heat transmission to a minimum. Rockwool insulation is laid over the screed or other subfloor material, which acts as an insulator between the UFH pipes and the floor covering above, helping to improve thermal performance and reduce running costs.

Foil Layer

Foil layers are an essential component of floor construction for underfloor heating systems. Foil layers act as a vapour barrier and provide insulation, protecting the pipes from extreme temperatures. They also reduce heat loss by reflecting the heat back up towards the surface of the floor. Foil layers are usually laid on top of the UFH pipe work and below the batten or chipboard in beam and block floors. In solid or floating timber floors, they are usually laid on top of rockwool insulation before being covered with chipboard or other types of floor covering.

Batten

Battens are an essential component in floor construction for underfloor heating systems, as they provide an even spread of heat from the insulation boards and UFH pipes. The batten also acts as a support for the chipboard or screed which forms the top layer of the floor. Battens can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic, and their size will depend on what type of floor construction is being used. When installing battens for UFH systems it is important to ensure that they are spaced correctly to allow for an even spread of heat across the entire area.

The cost of floor construction for underfloor heating depends on the type of system chosen and the complexity of the installation. Generally, it will be more expensive than other types of flooring but it can also offer a longer lifespan, better energy efficiency and increased comfort. The cost can range from £5 to £20 per square meter, depending on materials used, labor costs and location. Professional services like those offered by Mittens Underfloor Heating London provide expert guidance and high-quality installations to ensure your system lasts for years to come.

How Much Does Underfloor Heating Cost to Install?

The cost of installing underfloor heating can vary greatly depending on the type of flooring being used. For instance, a standard between joist installation is generally more cost-effective than dry or low-profile construction. Generally speaking, it will cost more to install UFH with screed floors and solid or beam and block floors, as there are several components that must be laid in place prior to installation. Additionally, the cost may be higher if additional insulation boards are needed. Installing UFH on suspended timber floors or solid floating floors requires less preparation and can therefore be installed at a lower cost.

Why Choose Mittens Underfloor Heating London for your Floor Construction?

Mittens Underfloor Heating London is the perfect choice for all your floor construction needs. With years of experience in the field, our team of professionals can deliver high-quality results with fast turnaround times. We use the best materials and techniques to ensure cost-effectiveness and top quality results. Our expertise ensures that your floor construction project will be completed to a very high standard, on time and on budget.