How Radiant Underfloor Heating Works
Radiant underfloor heating consists of thermostatically controlled, low wattage heating cables which can be installed under almost all hard floor surfaces. These cables heat up and in turn heat all the surfaces in a room, which radiate heat to gently and uniformly raise the temperature. Your floor literally becomes the heating system.
The principle of radiant floor heating dates back to Roman times and like all good ideas is simple yet very effective and economical, giving you “on demand” heating, providing the most luxurious, even, “wrap around” warmth of any home heating system that is quite different from one heated by hot air.
It is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and open living areas and is the ultimate in toe to head comfort. Being wonderfully warm to walk on in winter and deliciously cool underfoot in summer and is regarded as the most natural, healthy and comfortable form of heating available, as it turns a chilly house into a cosy home.
Types Of Underfloor Heating:
In Screed Concrete Floors
With this underfloor heating system the cables are fixed on top of the floor and embedded in a sand and cement screed which becomes heated. The benefit of this system is its ability to hold the heat and is the best option for rooms that have some flexibility in the height of the floor.
In Slab Concrete Floors
This floor heating system is usually used during construction with concrete slab floors or polished concrete, as the heating cables are fixed to the top layer of the slab reinforcement, prior to the slab being poured. The slab stores heat and literally becomes the heating system. To save energy further in peak hours it can run on energy that has been accumulated during off-peak hours.
Under Tile Floor Heating
This under floor heating system consists of a thin heating cable that is pre-laid on a self-adhesive fibreglass mesh. It sits in the glue or levelling screed which then becomes heated and warms the floor covering. This “on-demand” system is quick to respond to changes in the thermostatic reading, as it is located immediately under the heated surface. It is ideal for an existing floor because it does not change the floor level as a thinner cable is used.
Under Floating Timber Heating
This underfloor heating system consists of a heating cable that is fixed to an insulated panel which ensures that the heat loss downwards is minimised and there is a uniform distribution of heat transfer to the floating timber floor. It is always recommended that you check with your supplier for compatibility with floor heating. If floor heating is installed the thermostat is not to be programmed to go above 27oC, as the timber could warp.
