Hydronic Systems Information
Underfloor heating systems can also called Hydronic systems, especially in the United States. Most underfloor heating systems would use either PEX, PEX/AL/PEX, PB or PERT pipe for the wet underfloor heating pipework.
Copper pipework are not used for modern wet underfloor heating systems as the copper would react with the screed and would result in damaged pipe.
Water underfloor heating systems will work with most heating sources, ie boilers, solar, wood burning stoves, heat pumps, etc. These heat sources can be operated by gas, oil, coal, electricity, solar, wood or bio-fuels.
Underfloor heating water is very good for the indoor air quality as dust is not circulated and the heat is at floor level for the highest comfort levels available.
Underfloor heating systems is often used in areas where the floor can get wet, ie bathrooms, en-suite, swimming pools, etc. When using underfloor heating by the swimming pool it is important to remember that the underfloor heating will mainly dry the floor, not heat the room. A fan heater for the swimming pool is still required.
For an existing property underfloor heating can still be fitted. The first solution is to dig up the concrete floor and fit insulation, underfloor heating pipework and screed again.
If the floor construction is a timber suspended floor then the floor boards can be lifted and the water underfloor heating insulation fitted between the joists on top of high density insulation. The underfloor heating pipework is fitted between the joists and an infill is fitted in the air gap.
Another solution for an existing floor is to fit 50 mm battens on top of the existing floor. Then 30 mm insulation between the battens and fill the 20 mm air gap with a lightweight sand/cement mix. The underfloor heating pipe work would fit on top of the underfloor heating insulation.
Finally we do offer a 25 mm pre-grooved insulation panel. The underfloor heating pipe can be fitted into the panel and a floating floor is fitted on top of the panel. Additional insulation is required below the underfloor heating panel.