Retrofitting underfloor heating

Whether it’s a desire to contribute to a more sustainable future, save money on heating bills, or create a more comfortable home, there are plenty of reasons for homeowners to retrofit underfloor heating (UFH).

In recent years, installers have seen huge growth in the demand for UFH as systems have been adopted in both new build and retrofitted into older properties. In practice, this makes it one of the fastest-growing segments of the market.

When it comes to retrofit applications in particular, low-profile overlay systems such as JG LowFit, from the JG Underfloor heating range, enable installers to retrofit underfloor heating across an entire home.

It’s easy to see why retrofitting underfloor heating can seem like a complex task, with disruption being a typical concern – particularly if floors need to be dug up. Installers will naturally want to make the process as straightforward as possible, delivering the best levels of service to their customers with the minimum level of disruption. This is where low-profile systems come in.

Compatible with all traditional and modern heat sources – from boilers through to heat pumps – UFH is easy to integrate, while variations in systems make for simple installation with both solid and timber floor constructions. As a low-profile system, JG LowFit is particularly suited to retrofit underfloor heating projects, enabling installers to lay systems over existing subfloor structures, while keeping increases in floor height to a minimum.

In practice, the versatility and unobtrusive nature of JG LowFit makes retrofitting underfloor heating a practical and accessible solution for the majority of homes, unlocking sustainable and effective home heating, while seamlessly integrating into modern interiors.

An interlocking castellated panel system, alongside foil and mesh panels, from JG LowFit equip installers with the flexibility to tackle the specific challenges of the jobs they face.

JG LowFit Castellated Panels are available in two sizes, 16 and 20mm, and designed to accommodate 12 and 15mm pipe respectively, while providing the flexibility to accommodate castellation spacing of 50, 100, 150 or 200mm. As a screeded system, it is designed for ground-floor application, where the panels can be installed directly onto the existing subfloor.

Where installers are working on timber floor constructions, the JG LowFit Foiled and Fibre Mesh Panel systems provide an ideal solution when retrofitting underfloor heating. The lightweight panels make them easy to install, and the pre-grooved surface makes running pipe loops easy. The mesh panel allows for direct tiling, further reducing the floor height build-up, and the foil-faced option is designed to work effectively with natural stone, with increased heat dispersion through its reflective surface.

When installing a new heating system into a property, planning and preparation is key. From figuring out the pipework configuration and manifold location through to choosing floor finishes and integrating system controls, there are lots of considerations to make.

Here, choosing leading products such as JG LowFit and working with an established manufacturer like JG Underfloor can pay dividends for installers. As well as using individual components that are expertly designed and tested – and backed by guarantees – installers can reduce installation time, complexity and disruption by choosing a low-profile system from the JG LowFit range.

Alongside the products themselves, JG Underfloor provides practical advice and support. This includes assistance with system selection, planning and pricing, ensuring the individual characteristics of projects are considered to deliver the best results. Plus, to get installers started with retrofitting underfloor heating, the JG Underfloor team has created a eGuide filled with advice and tips.

While the practical benefits of low-profile underfloor heating systems are clear for both installers and homeowners, choosing a proven system from JG LowFit represents a step towards a more sustainable future.

Unlocking the same benefits as traditional underfloor heating systems, homeowners will notice improved levels of comfort and even realise reductions in their heating bills – due largely to the lower operating temperature of UFH systems. It is this factor that also makes UFH a sustainable choice for modern homes, with the potential to enhance operational benefits through integration with highly efficient heat sources such as heat pumps.

With JG LowFit, sustainable and energy efficient heating systems aren’t reserved for new build homes but are easily achievable through the retrofitting of low-profile underfloor heating systems.