Retrofit underfloor heating: a solution for every project

When it comes to plumbing and heating, one of the primary reasons homeowners choose to undertake home renovation projects is to improve the efficiency of their properties. That’s no surprise when you consider that energy bills have risen by around 30% in recent years, and improvements to energy efficiency can deliver big savings on monthly bills and have a positive effect on the environment.

But it’s not all about efficiency. Home renovations can lead to improvements in functionality and the usability of interior spaces; they can improve the appearance of rooms; increase property value; and make homes more comfortable and easier to manage.

With all of these factors in mind, it’s easy to see why installers have seen a surge in requests for retrofit underfloor heating (UFH) systems in recent years.

By retrofitting UFH into existing homes, internal spaces can be transformed. Not only do they become easier and more efficient to heat but having heating systems hidden beneath the floors can have a tangible impact on the use of each space. That’s because radiators are no longer required to take up wall space, giving homeowners the freedom to design interior spaces without the fear that they’ll be blocking heat.

Aside from the practicalities of UFH, professionally installed systems can also deliver tangible efficiencies, too. When switching from radiator systems, for example, underfloor heating can reduce energy consumption by as much as 20%. In turn, this could slash energy bills for homeowners, as well as make a significant dent in the volume of emissions produced. 

The benefits of underfloor heating can be realised in almost every style of property, largely thanks to the versatility and variety of retrofit underfloor heating systems available. Innovative systems, including JG LowFit by JG Underfloor, even make installation straightforward for professionals, enabling them to deliver reliable, efficient and high-performing systems for customers.

Low profile systems allow for underfloor heating (UFH) to be retrofitted into properties by being overlaid on existing concrete or timber floors. This eliminates the need to dig up flooring, which makes UFH more affordable to adopt, but crucially minimises disruption within the property. The majority of systems, including JG LowFit, are also designed to work seamlessly with a whole host of floor coverings, allowing homeowners to decorate their homes as they wish, without compromising system performance. However, there are different options that offer better performance depending on the floor covering, so always check with the UFH manufacturer.

Even where homeowners decide only to adopt UFH in specific parts of their house – such as new extensions – installers can utilise the existing heat source to drive a bolt-on underfloor heating system. When considering a bolt-on system, there are a few factors to bear in mind. This includes making sure the existing heat source is able to deliver the required heat output to meet demand alongside the existing heating system and determining that the manifold location will be suitable for any further additions down the line. 

While UFH systems can suit all common flooring constructions – including screed and timber subfloors – installers will need to consider the different requirements of each to maximise the potential of every retrofitted underfloor heating installation.

Compared to timber floors, screed floor solutions require additional steps during installation to ensure the best results are achieved. Solid floors require an extra layer of insulation to prevent heat being lost through the floor, as well as an expansion strip around the outside of the floor to account for the expansion and contraction of the screed once the system is in operation.

UFH installations on timber floors, however, are generally more straightforward – but careful system selection is still required to avoid issues around changes in floor height. With choices of overlay panels, panels that sit within the floor joists, and spreader plates that can be installed either above or below the joists, installers have several options to achieve the specific needs of each project. 

Regardless of the type of underfloor heating that is retrofitted, each system needs a final floor covering. This is a particularly important to consider on any project, where appearances can be just as crucial as performance and functionality.

Whether it be ceramic and stone, timber, vinyl and linoleum or carpet, there is a perfect finish for every homeowner. Some can conduct heat better than others, but all are compatible with underfloor heating – especially when installed by a professional who can make the necessary adjustments to heat output as required.

The most effective flooring materials for UFH are ceramic and stone tiles. This is because their low thermal resistance allows the heat from the underfloor network of pipes to transfer easily into the room. So, as well as providing a warm feeling underfoot, rooms with these flooring materials can look the part while maximising UFH performance. Similarly, timber and vinyl floors deliver good heat transfer, making them another good pairing for retrofit UFH.

At the other end of the scale is carpet, which has a high heat resistance. Traditionally, this has been a perfect choice for homeowners, helping to keep floors warm when warmth has come from fireplaces or radiators. When heat is rising from the floor, however, carpet can get in the way. But that doesn’t mean to say installers can’t find a solution to this conundrum. As long as the combined tog value of the carpet and underlay is below 2.5, UFH will still function well for homeowners.

At a time when more people are investing in their homes rather than relocating, retrofitting underfloor heating is an important offering for installers which ticks every box – from functionality and efficiency through to appearance and usability.