Floor Construction for Underfloor Heating

Author: dpinning  //  Category: Heating, How To Guides, Underfloor Heating

The two main floor constructions that can support underfloor heating most effectively are concrete and wood. That’s not to say other floor types cannot support an underfloor heating system, it’s just that these are the most popular two and are the ones most commonly used in the building industry. Both types can be installed by either knowledgeable DIY builders or professionals.

In the case of concrete floors there are preparations that need to be made, in terms of insulation, but because of the concrete the heat is able to diffuse really well and this is an incredibly efficient way of heating your home. There is no fear about sealing the pipes into the concrete, as the underfloor heating system is also extremely low maintenance. It is also unlikely that you will experience any problems with the components that are buried in the concrete, as long as a professional installs the system and comes with an industry standard guarantee.

Wooden floor systems are very easy to install, which is excellent, especially if you want to have a go at DIY underfloor heating. However, wooden floors do not allow the heat to permeate into the room as effectively as concrete, so the heat output is lower, meaning you may need the heating on for longer or on higher, which costs more. Although wooden floors are undoubtedly nicer to look at, it may be worth considering a concrete screed from a money saving point of view.

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