For comfort, efficiency and that extra touch of luxury, underfloor heating can be an excellent choice for homeowners. But can underfloor heating be installed on concrete?
In this article, we’ll address that question, as well as outline how an underfloor heating system is installed on concrete for all you DIYers out there. We’ll also answer common queries related to installing underfloor heating on concrete, such as the cost of the installation and how long it takes.
Can an underfloor heating system be installed on concrete?
Yes, underfloor heating can be installed on a concrete floor.
Not only that, but concrete is actually a very good heat conductor. This makes it especially suited to underfloor heating systems - both electric heating and hydronic heating (with hot water pipes).
It doesn’t matter whether you are building a new property with a concrete floor, or installing underfloor heating onto concrete in an existing home - in both cases, underfloor heating is viable.
Before we describe the approach to installation, and address some frequently asked questions, what are the advantages of underfloor heating on concrete?
Underfloor heating on concrete: The benefits
Here are some reasons why underfloor heating makes sense - for concrete floors in particular, and in general:
Heating efficiency
Thanks to the even heat distribution provided by underfloor heating, you can look forward to a soothing, comforting feeling underfoot, as well as a reduction of heat loss.
With concrete in particular, heat is retained for longer periods, which means that underfloor heating goes hand in hand with concrete in your quest for an energy-efficient heating system.
Reduces dust circulation
Did you know that underfloor heating systems can reduce the circulation of dust in the air?
When you have radiators on your walls, they can suck up dust and transport it to the ceiling, before it circulates around the room when the air cools down. For this reason, underfloor heating can be an excellent alternative, especially in households with people who have allergies.
Save space
Has it ever occurred to you how much room radiators take up? If you are living in a property where space is at a premium, underfloor heating allows you to get around the problem of visible heating systems and give yourself more room. More wall space gives you more options when it comes to designing your home and arranging furniture.
How to install underfloor heating on concrete
If you are an experienced DIYer, there is nothing to stop you from installing underfloor heating yourself. We recommend electric underfloor heating, rather than hydronic underfloor heating, as the most straightforward option for non-professionals. For this reason, we’ll focus on electric systems when providing installation advice.
It is absolutely vital that you ensure your underfloor heating system does not exceed the temperature limitations of your flooring. Your system should also carry the correct certifications to be used with a concrete floor.
The installation process starts with accessing the subfloor and checking its condition. Concrete shouldn’t have any cracks or high moisture levels. The floor should also be as even as possible. You must repair any defects and address any problems before you go further in the installation process.
It is important to place insulation beneath the underfloor heating system to stop heat from escaping downwards. Below the installation, you may wish to fit a large plastic sheet - also known as a damp-proof membrane. Above the insulation, you can use flooring chipboard to cover it and provide a solid base. The tongues and grooves on the boards allow you to push them together, providing a stable, flat surface.
If you are installing an electric system, you will lay out your heating mats on the floor after trimming them to size if necessary. If you are using the loose cable type of electric underfloor heating, the cable needs to be stuck down in uniform rows. Connections between heating wire leads and power supply leads should be secured - you can use duct tape for this.
Once your mats or cable is placed down, you can then install, or reinstall, your flooring over the top, be it tiles or another type of surface.
Can you install underfloor heating on an existing concrete floor?
Just because you aren’t constructing a new home, this doesn’t mean you can’t install underfloor heating. You can make an installation on an existing concrete floor, so long as you take into account certain factors.
You should account for the height increase, as adding underfloor heating will typically raise your floor to a certain extent. That may mean making adjustments to elements of your room that are close to the floor, such as skirting boards and door thresholds.
You will also need to remove your current flooring in order to gain access to the subfloor. Depending on the type of flooring you have and its condition - including tiles or carpet - you should be able to re-use the flooring once the underfloor heating has been installed.
Alternatively, you might want to consider replacing it with new flooring.
As long as you use the correct preparation, insulation and installation techniques, there should be nothing to stop you from adding underfloor heating to an existing concrete floor.
How much will it cost?
It’s impossible to give an exact amount in this blog, due to the amount of variables involved in underfloor heating on concrete.
Both the installation itself (including equipment and labour) and the running costs will be dependent on the size of your home, how much you use your heating and your energy provider’s rates.
Be reassured by the fact that a concrete floor is one of the most energy-efficient floor types you can have for underfloor heating. That’s because concrete is a superb heat conductor, and so after your floor has been heated, it will stay warm for longer than with other flooring types. The end result? Your energy consumption can be reduced, because your underfloor heating system doesn’t need to run for as long. This can save energy, and lower your energy bills in the long run.
Compared to wood, the solid, flat surface usually provided by a concrete floor can also mean less preparation work is needed before installation, which brings down costs.
Cost-wise, whether you choose electric or hot water underfloor heating can also be a balancing act. If you want to minimise your upfront costs, electric underfloor heating can work out as less expensive than hot water. However, in the long run, hot water underfloor heating can work out cheaper, because it is more energy efficient.
In conclusion, the running cost of underfloor heating on concrete is generally regarded as cost-effective and energy-efficient. However, it is recommended to consider factors like insulation, energy prices and the specific heating system chosen to get an accurate estimation of the running costs.
How long does installation take?
Again, the answer to this question depends on many variables.
The time it takes to install underfloor heating on concrete will depend on the size of your home, the type of heating system, and in many cases, the experience and size of the installation team.
There are rough estimates we can provide. If it’s a small project with a straightforward layout, it may be possible to do the job in just two to three days. That’s a very good turnaround time, and in most cases, you should expect that the project may take up to a week.
If you are installing within a large home or commercial space, expect that the project may take a week or longer, especially when a lot of preparation work and intricate adjustments are required.
To acquire a more accurate estimate on how long the underfloor heating estimate will take, ask your professional installer to take a look at the specific requirements of your home.
Could underfloor heating damage the concrete floor?
So long as preparation and installation are done correctly, there should be no reason why underfloor heating would damage your floor. Concrete is recognised as one of the most robust and durable materials out there. For this reason, it is able to support heavy loads - hence why it is used commonly in all kinds of construction.
That isn’t to say, however, that there aren’t potential issues. If temperature and moisture limits aren't adhered to, there is the possibility that concrete could crack, shrink or expand over time. That’s why it is so important that your underfloor heating is used within the restrictions of what your floor can withstand, and carries all the necessary certifications.
Concrete does absorb moisture, so if your hydronic underfloor heating isn’t installed correctly, there is a chance that excess moisture could cause an issue, especially if your floor already has moisture-related damage.
With the right installation and regulation of your underfloor heating system, the risk of damage can be mitigated and shouldn’t be a concern.
To conclude, if you have a concrete floor, you have one of the most suitable structures for underfloor heating systems.
If in any doubt, you shouldn’t undertake the task alone. Employ the services of a heating systems or construction professional experienced in taking all the right preparation and installation steps.
