Top Tips for Installing Underfloor Heating: from JG Underfloor
NEED ADVICE?Top Tips for Installing Underfloor Heating: from JG Underfloor
Plumbing and heating installers understand the critical role of staying ahead of the curve in their installations. To achieve this, keeping informed about industry trends and opting for top-notch solutions from reputable manufacturers is paramount. This principle holds especially true for underfloor heating systems (UFH). With homeowners increasingly seeking to enhance property efficiency, interior comfort, and reduce operational costs, investments in UFH are on the rise nationwide. It is therefore only natural that installers are dedicating more time to installing UFH, including retrofitting systems into existing homes. Whether you're an established UFH installer or just embarking on this journey, the experts at JG Underfloor have compiled some handy advice to ensure installation success.
Thorough preparation
Before you begin a UFH project, it's crucial for installers to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the property in question. Understanding key details such as floor construction and the heat source feeding the system is essential for project success. For example, your floor construction, whether that’s solid or timber, will help you to determine the best type of UFH system and installation method.
1. Compatibility of heat sources
Selecting the right heat source is paramount. UFH seamlessly integrates with both traditional boilers and modern heat pumps, making it a versatile heating solution for most homes. Heat pumps, operating at lower temperatures, offer heightened efficiency although upfront costs for the system and its installation is higher. Companies installing heat pumps should be MCS certified which ensures the product and works completed is of the highest standard and allows homeowners relief on some of these upfront costs by enabling energy grants such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Boilers, on the other hand, are commonplace in most homes. Installers are required to correctly size the boiler and balance the heating system so that it operates at maximum efficiency.
2. Floor construction, type and insulation
Solid floors, typically on the ground floor, can benefit from overlay systems like those in the JG LowFit range, reducing disruption as there is no need to dig up floors. Additionally, these low-profile UFH systems can be used to minimise floor height build-up, particularly advantageous on renovation projects.
Timber floors, typically found upstairs, can be less time-consuming and easier to install. To meet specific requirements of the project, overlay panels that sit within the floor joists, or spreader plates can be used to achieve the best result.
Whilst final floor height is a crucial consideration, the final floor finish is important too, as different types of floor covering can impact system performance.
3. Optimal manifold location
The manifold plays a pivotal role in a UFH system, distributing water to each zone at the correct temperature. It serves as the heart of the system, connecting the heat source to the underfloor pipework. Proper placement of the manifold is crucial, ideally positioned at the system's centre to ensure consistent temperature distribution and optimal performance. By carefully considering the placement of the manifold from the earliest stages of installation, installers can ensure an efficient and effective UFH system.
Partnering with trusted manufacturers
Consistency in planning and preparation is key to overcoming installation challenges. Partnering with reputable manufacturers like JG Underfloor, part of the RWC family of brands, ensures access to high-quality UFH systems for a variety of applications. Plus, their technical team can provide comprehensive support throughout projects, from free CAD design to on-site assistance, ensuring successful installations every time.