Underfloor heating can transform your home, providing efficient, even warmth and eliminating the need for bulky radiators. If you’re renovating your home and considering underfloor heating, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, successful installation.
Why Choose Underfloor Heating for a Renovation?
Underfloor heating is an excellent choice for renovations because it:
Maximises space: No need for bulky radiators, giving you more flexibility in design.
Increases comfort: Offers consistent heat distribution, ensuring even warmth across the entire room.
Saves on energy: Often more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods.
But how do you go about installing it during a renovation? Here’s your step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Floor Structure
The first step in any renovation project is assessing your floor structure. Underfloor heating can be installed in most floors, but the approach will vary depending on whether you have:
Concrete floors: Water-based systems work well here, as they’re embedded into the concrete.
Timber floors: Electric systems are ideal as they can be installed on top of the existing floor structure.
It’s crucial to choose the right system for your floor type. Fastwarm offers electric underfloor heating kits that are perfect for timber floors and smaller areas, and water systems that are ideal for larger spaces or new builds.
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Once you’ve chosen the right heating system, prepare the subfloor. For timber floors, ensure they are clean, dry, and free of debris. For concrete floors, ensure the surface is smooth and level.
Key points to keep in mind:
Insulate: Insulation beneath the heating system helps direct heat upwards, improving efficiency.
Level the floor: A flat, level surface ensures the heating system performs optimally.
Step 3: Plan the Layout of Your Heating System
Planning the layout of your heating system is crucial to ensure even heat distribution. Depending on the size and shape of the room, you may need to adjust the spacing of the heating elements.
Tips for an effective layout:
Leave gaps around the edges of the room for expansion.
Ensure the layout provides full coverage without overlapping heating cables or pipes.
For ease of installation and consistency, Fastwarm offers pre-configured electric heating mats that ensure even heat distribution with minimal effort.
Step 4: Install the Heating System
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation. Whether you're using electric mats or water-based pipes, proper installation is key to achieving optimal results.
For electric systems: Lay out the cables or mats and secure them using the provided fixings or adhesive. Ensure the mats are spaced evenly and correctly positioned to avoid hot or cold spots.
For water-based systems: Install the pipes in the pre-planned layout, ensuring they are tightly secured and connected to the manifold. Once installed, the system will need to be pressure-tested to ensure there are no leaks.
Step 5: Install the Flooring
Once your heating system is securely in place, it’s time to install your flooring. Make sure the floor finish you choose is compatible with underfloor heating. Materials such as tile, stone, and engineered wood work best as they conduct heat efficiently.
For maximum efficiency, avoid using thick carpets or heavy underlay, as these can insulate the heat and reduce the system’s performance.
Step 6: Connect and Test the System
Once your floor is installed, it’s time to connect your system to the thermostat and power supply. For electric systems, this will be straightforward, but for water-based systems, ensure that the system is properly filled and pressure-tested.
Turn on the system and test it thoroughly to ensure it’s working correctly. If you're unsure, Fastwarm offers professional support and installation services to help get your system up and running.
Underfloor heating can significantly enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home, especially during a renovation. By following these steps and choosing the right system for your needs, you’ll enjoy a warm, cosy home with minimal hassle.
If you're looking to get started on your renovation project with the best underfloor heating solutions, check out Fastwarm’s underfloor heating kits and expert advice.
