Underfloor Heating is not the new kid on the block like some imagine it to be, indeed Underfloor Heating’s history can be traced all the way back to the Neolithic period some 9500BC. Early Underfloor Heating systems used drafted smoke from fires which were vented through trenches in the floor.

Later developments produced more and more sophisticated Underfloor Heating solutions including the Roman Hypocaust system at about 500BC. Hypocaust, which means ‘heat from below’  were used for heating public baths and private houses. The floor was raised above the ground by pillars, and spaces were left inside the walls so that hot air and smoke from the fire would pass through these enclosed areas and out of flues in the roof, thereby heating but not polluting the interior of the room.

Nowadays Underfloor Heating is a popular option for homeowners. Though not as prevalent as the traditional panel radiator heating system, Underfloor Heating is extremely popular in new build properties as well as modernisation and home extension projects. Underfloor Heating is now a viable and affordable form of central heating.

UFH can be used alongside the traditional radiator, say for example in a new conservatory. This is what has been done in this particular home extension (see below).

The existing end terrace house was being extended to include a two story extension comprising a new hallway, living room, master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. The new first floor heating was to be provided by traditional radiators including a towel radiator in the bathroom. The ground floor heat would be provided by underfloor heating, supplimented by a wood burning stove.

Before the arrival of the concrete the ground floor was prepared. The installers, Bumford Heating Limited placed special pipe clips on top of the floor insulation and the flexible plastic heating tubes were then clipped into place. Once this was complete, the concrete was poured over the entire floor area.

The heart of the underfloor heating system is the thermostatically controlled manifold (see above), which when connected to a roomstat control the temperature and water flow rate to the zones. Once a room reaches it’s desired temperature a valve shuts off that part of the circuit. The manifold will be connected to the boiler via a circulation pump as the build continues. Check later posts for progress reports.

Once laid, the screeded concrete floor (see above) acts to diffuse the heat across the surface providing an even temperature at the floor surface.

Plans and details of the existing heating system were submitted to BHL and a design was produced for the client. You can see the underfloor heating kit that was specified and used here. Be sure to check back to see the progress in future blog posts.