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Water Underfloor Heating FAQs

What is water underfloor heating?


Warm water is circulated through a series of pipes laid in the floor at the time of construction. Qual-PEX pipes are of the highest standard and form a continuous loop between two central manifolds.

Each room has its own circuit (zone) and can be individually controlled via a programmable thermostat to maintain the heat in the rooms at the on/off times and temperature settings to suit your lifestyle patterns. 

What are zones?


Zones are individual pipe circuits up to a maximum of 100 linear metres of continuous 16mm Qual-PEX heating pipe laid without joints (or 15 - 20m² depending on the pipe layout): each zone can be independently controlled via thermostat.

For larger heated area is in excess of 20m² a multi-zone manifold kit is used (from 40m² up to 240m²), each zone is laid as a single circuit within the room up to a maximum of 100 linear metres of pipe; multi-zone systems for single rooms can be controlled collectively using a single thermostat.

Multi-zone manifold kits are also used to heat individual rooms. The pipework is laid out within the room as 1 or more circuits, each circuit being no greater than 100 linear metres of pipe or up 20m² depending on the pipe layout. 

Why is underfloor heating better than a radiator system?


A radiator central heating system works primarily by creating convection currents of hot air within the room. Convection currents create a volume of warm air at ceiling level, leaving the floor the coolest part of the room: for tiled floors this can be very uncomfortable to the feet.

Radiators are inefficient and waste much of the heat generated into the room, leaving the seating level below optimum temperature; to compensate for this effect, thermostat settings tend to be increased to adjust for the overall lower ambient temperature.

Finally, radiators are fixed to the walls and immovable, limiting where furniture can be placed. One of the great advantages of underfloor heating is the freedom to position furniture where you want, eliminating the design drawbacks of radiators. 

Why should I choose under floor heating?


Underfloor heating acts like a large, low level radiator gently radiating heat into the room from the feet up, this requires approximately 15% less energy to feel the same level of comfort experienced using traditional radiator convection heating.

The heat source from an underfloor heating system is incorporated within the screed sub-floor; this invisible aspect of underfloor heating makes this form of heating the ideal choice for modern living. Warm water is pumped through a single continuous loop of plastic pipe placed within the cement screed floor. Living areas are free from radiators, leaving a clean interior design and maximum usable wall space.

Furniture can be positioned without the constraint of radiators. The room is an even comfortable temperature with no cold spots. Ceramic and hard finish floors feel warm and welcoming. Individual room temperature control can be provided with programmable room thermostats. 

Why would a water under floor heating system be the better option for my new extension?


For new-build extensions where the sub-floor is planned at the outset, the underfloor heating pipework can be incorporated within the cement screeded subfloor. Underfloor heating is no more expensive to install than a traditional radiator heating system.

Radiators are also unsightly and inefficient, creating convection currents and wasting much of the heat generated into the room. Underfloor heating has the added advantage of allowing the freedom to site furniture wherever you choose, without the restrictions imposed by radiators. 

Can I install a water underfloor heating system in my conservatory?


Under floor heating is ideal for conservatories. To comply with Part L of the building regulations, you must install control’s that allow switching off the under floor heating when not required. Due to the dwarf wall construction of most conservatories there is not much wall space left to accommodate an effective radiator heating system, making underfloor heating the ideal solution. 

How effective will a water under floor heating system be in my conservatory?


Conservatories are an ideal situation for an under floor heating system since the nature of conservatory construction leaves very little wall space to install radiators. Likewise, most conservatories have large glass windows that, even when double-glazed, can lead to very cold rooms. Under floor heating warms the conservatory gradually from beneath, making them useable rooms all year round.

Can I link a water underfloor heating system into my radiator heating?


Yes, we offer a radiator extension kit that will heat up to a maximum of 15m² and comes with a temperature limiting control valve fitted with a sensor element – for more information on the Radiator Extension kit click here.

What guarantee do I get with the water underfloor heating?


The Floor Heating Qual-PEX barrier pipe is manufactured to the highest standard and complies with European standards and comes with a 50-year manufacturer’s defect guarantee. All the other electrical and mechanical components come with the manufacturer’s standard 1 and 2-year guarantees. 

How much does a water underfloor heating system cost?


Each project is unique so there is no set m² price: however, to simplify the process, we have created a series of room kits designed to suit virtually any area you are planning to heat. To help with planning your costs and materials it is very easy to create an online quotation for all the materials you will require for your project, including insulation and flexible tile adhesives.

To save you time simply click online webshop to build your own list of all the components for your project and save the quote back to yourself; when you return, your quote will be saved exactly as you left it, without having to retype it all again.

Can a water underfloor heating system be fitted in any floor construction?


The Floor Heating kits are primarily designed for fitting into a solid screeded cement sub-floor. For timber sub-floors there are several systems available from foil backed insulation boards to aluminium diffuser plates: pipework can also be installed under the timber floor between the joists.

What extra height will the underfloor heating add to my sub-floor?


This will depend on the depth of the insulation used to comply with building regulation U Values - usually 75mm - followed by a 65mm cement screed: all pipework is incorporated within the screed. 

Do I need to be an expert to install the under floor heating system?


Most small to medium size underfloor heating systems can be installed on a DIY basis but it is recommended that a fully qualified electrician be consulted beforehand to advise and connect the electric supply.

Larger areas will need careful planning due to the calculations for the pipe layouts within the rooms and correct siting of the manifold. 

What type of boiler can be used for a water underfloor heating system?


Virtually any type of boiler works with water under floor heating.

Can a water underfloor heating system work with heat pumps?


Heat pumps give a constant low heat temperature; the low temperatures generated by heat pumps combine perfectly with the low temperature requirements of a water under floor heating system. 

Are there any special tools required for the underfloor heating installation?


Qual-PEX plastic pipe should not be cut with a hacksaw, this will leave burrs on the inside wall of the pipe. The only tool you will require is a pipe cutter which can be found on the website - click here for more information. 

Is there any special adhesive I need to use with an underfloor heating system?


Yes, a flexible floor tile adhesive will be required. The special polymers added to flexible adhesives will make allowances for any tile floor movements through heat expansion and contraction - you will also need a flexible grout.

For more information on flexible tile adhesives and grouts click here. 

What type of flooring works best with a water underfloor heating system?


Different floor coverings have different levels of thermal resistance (a measure of the insulation properties of materials); these values are known as the R-value, also referred to as the TOG rating: simply put, the higher the TOG values the higher the thermal resistance.

Harder and denser floor coverings like ceramic or stone tiles are the most efficient as all have very low TOG values, and as such, less of an insulating effect over the underfloor heating, allowing a rapid transfer of heat energy thorough their structure to give optimum performance. 

I am considering a vinyl floor; will this work effectively with underfloor heating?


Vinyl flooring types generally have a low TOG rating and as such offer little thermal resistance to the heat transfer - these floor types will work very efficiently with underfloor heating; however, we recommend you check with the retailer or manufacture as to the suitability for use of their product with under floor heating

Can I fit laminate and wood flooring on top of the underfloor heating?


Yes, laminate, engineered wood and timber floors work well with underfloor heating, however the depth of the board should be considered, as this will have an impact on the overall performance.

We recommend you check with the retailer or manufacture as to the suitability for use of their product with under floor heating: for best performance, TOG values should not exceed 1.5 togs. Don’t forget to check the TOG rating on the underlay this should be less than 0.5 togs. 

Can I fit carpets on top of the underfloor heating?


Yes, you can have carpets. We recommend you check with the retailer or manufacture to confirm the suitability of their carpets for use with underfloor heating.

The total TOG value (carpet & underlay) should not exceed 2.0 togs. Don’t forget to check the tog rating on the underlay, these can have a significant impact on the performance of the under floor heating, slowing the heat through the materials and into the room. 

Will the underfloor heating system damage my flooring or carpets?


The low surface temperature that an under floor heating system generates should never reach a temperature that could cause damage to your floor surfaces.

Is it more expensive to install compared with a radiator system?


In new build houses, when fixed within solid screed floors, it is no more expensive than a radiator system. This would be the same argument for new-build extensions where the sub-floor is planned at the outset, allowing the floor makeup to incorporate the pipework within the cement screed subfloor.

Is underfloor heating more efficient than radiators?


Yes. Radiant energy emitted by the floor is partly reflected by each surface and partly absorbed. Where it is absorbed, that surface becomes a secondary emitter. After a while, all surfaces become secondary emitters. Furnishings themselves radiate energy and the room becomes evenly and uniformly warmed. The energy reaches into every corner of the room - no cold spots, no hot ceilings and no cold feet. The result is a warmer room temperature from floor to sitting level that feels more comfortable, allowing you to run the heating system at a lower temperature, saving approximately 20% on your energy costs. If connected to a new dual temperature condensing boiler, or heat pump, your savings will be even greater.

Is a water under floor heating system economical to run?


Yes, users enjoy savings of up to 20% for domestic and as high as 50% for commercial users.

What fuel does an underfloor heating system run on?


You can use any kind of fuel to warm the water that circulates through the under floor heating pipes.

Do I need to be an expert to install the system?


A water underfloor heating system can be sucessfully installed by a competent DIYer with plumbing experience provided that an understanding of pipe runs and manifold placement has been previously planned in advance. 

Connecting the pipes to the manifold, pressure testing and connectivity to a boiler will be required by a suitably qualified plumber; a qualified electrican will also be required to make the electrical connections and issue the necessary certificates in accordance with current wiring regulations. 

Is there a need for pressure testing before screeding?


The Qual-PEX pipe is laid as a series of continuous loops (circuits), with no joints, within the cement screed sub-floor, the system should be pressure tested before screeding and left tested while screeding. If any damage was caused while screeding it is straightforward to pressure check the system.

My boiler has a circulation pump; why do I need another one on the manifold?


The pump in the boiler circulates hot water to the radiators and the underfloor heating manifolds. The pump on the manifold is positioned downstream of the mixing valve to pump water around the pipework.

When the temperature of the water reaches the point set on the mixing valve it closes, isolating the under floor heating from the boiler; When this happens the manifold pump keeps the floor heating water pumping around the system. 

Who connects the manifold to the boiler or heat source?


Any competent plumber or heating engineer can do this.

Do I need a qualified electrician to wire the system up?


Yes, to comply with Part P electrical wiring regulations, you should always use a qualified electrician for any wiring to wire all the under floor heating. It also needs to be wired in a way that gives you separate control of your under floor heating and hot water.

How can I control the under floor heating to come on and go off?


Each installation is thermostatically controlled using a digital interface to monitor the underfloor heating system within your temperature settings.

A wide choice of market leading brands of thermostat are available and all have 4 on/off settings within any 24-hour period, allowing complete control of the floor heating to suit your lifestyle and come with either a 2 or 3-year manufacturer's guarantee.

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