Underfloor Heating Billericay

Here’s one example of how we would fit a wet Underfloor Heating system with a suspended floor

1. The manifold (an essential component containing various thermostatic valves) is installed in a suitable area where it can be hidden (for example, a cupboard). The manifold draws hot water from your boiler and distributes it under the floor with a circulation pump. The manifold also manages the temperature.
2. Floorboards are removed, and debris between the floorboards is also removed.
3. The joists are cut to accept the Underfloor Heating pipe
4. Celotex insulation’s cut to shape and placed in the gaps between the joists, and the insulation’s taped at the edges
5. Fixings are placed onto the Celotex to accept the pipe
6. The pipes run across the Celotex and through the gaps cut into the joists, clipped into place, so it’s fully secured
7. The pipes connected to the manifold
8. The pipes pressure tested. We ensure it’s fully watertight with no leaks in the pipe, manifold or joints
9. Screeds poured into the gaps between the joists, over the pipe and Celotex
10. Once the screeds set, the floorboards are replaced, and the systems ready to go

Underfloor Heating Servicing/Checks

When having an Annual Boiler Service or a New Boiler Installed, it’s recommended your Underfloor Heating’s also checked to ensure your systems running at its full potential. (If you haven’t had your Underfloor Heating checked in a while, one of our local Billericay engineers could pop over and check your system).

The bulk of an Underfloor Heating system is the pipes that run under the floor. They seldom cause any issues they can; however, they become built-up with central heating sludge. Over time the inevitable rust and limescale generated from circulating water build up into a mud-like substance which heating engineers call ‘sludge’. Sludge settles in pipes and radiators, which include the Underfloor Heating pipes.

The build-up can hinder the flow and, in more extreme cases, can block the Underfloor Heating pipes. We can clear your system with Power Flushing.

A machines attached to your system and chemicals are pumped through until all sludge and debris removed, restoring your Underfloor Heating system to its former glory with maximal heat output. Old waters took away and disposed of safely, and an inhibitor’s added to the new water to prevent further problems.

The manifolds thoroughly checked for leaks and wear and tear. If any joints are leaky their tightened, so they leak no more. All washers and seals are checked if they’re worn, they’re replaced. If the manifold itself is old, it can easily be upgraded to a modern version that’ll work with your existing underfloor pipes.

Underfloor Heating Repairs

The first component to fail on an Underfloor Heating system’s usually the pump which will need replacing 10-15 years after installation. Pump replacement is a simple procedure. An engineer shute off the water supply, disconnects the electric cable undoes the pump and puts a new pump in its place.

Once connected, your Underfloor Heating system will be working at full output again. If there are any areas of your floor that are not heating up, then your pump could be nearing the end of its life.

Either that or there’s an airlock in the system. Removing an airlock is usually a straightforward job also.

Problems with Underfloor Heating are instantly detected with a Thermal Imaging Camera. Thermography shows us parts of the floor that are hot and cold. The cold areas show where the issue is, allowing us to tackle the problem without ripping up the whole floor.

Underfloor Heating is extremely resilient. Most issues occur either in the pump or manifold. Both components are above the ground in, say to access places. Most issues are identified and rectified quickly.

In the event of an Underfloor Heating emergency, we can have an engineer to you within a couple of hours.

Wet System Underfloor Heating

Wet system Underfloor Heating (also known as Water or Hydronic Underfloor Heating) draws hot water from your boiler (via a manifold) and pumps the water through a series of pipes that run under the floor. The pipes are set into a screed, aluminium plates or insulated boards, which are also heated. The combined heat rises, heating your rooms.

Wet Underfloor Heating can be made to work with any floor. Whether it’s set into a new floor, run over the top of an existing concrete floor or run under floorboards, there’s a solution for every flooring type.

When pipes are set into new floors, Celotex insulation’s laid and sealed. Pipe clips are placed at intervals, and the pipes laid in a snake-like fashion across the whole floor. Screeds poured on top, and the pipes a permanently set into the floor.

Often Underfloor Heating’s installed on top of an existing concrete floor. We can use the above option but losing a few inches of the floor isn’t usually an option (except for properties with very high ceilings). In this instance, we’ll use special floor panels with pre-cut grooves for the pipe to sit. Once fitted, wood, tiles, or carpet can be laid on top.

When fitting Underfloor Heating below floorboards, the boards are lifted, and gaps are cut into joists so the pipe can run under the floor. Celotex insulation’s laid between joists. The pipes fitted, then the gaps are filled with screed. Whereas before, you had drafty floorboards, you now have a fully insulated heated floor.

Electric Underfloor Heating

Electric Underfloor Heating uses a powered cable that runs underfloor to produce heat. The cable is available ‘loose’ or pre-shaped on mats that are rolled out over the area. The loose cable is the preferred option for smaller rooms and awkwardly shaped areas as it’s compact and easily shaped.

Electric mats are the preferred option for larger areas as they can be laid quickly. Once installed, they can be screeded in (like wet Heating) or have conventional flooring such as wood or tiles placed on top. The type of electric mat used will depend on whether the floors screeded and the flooring you’ll use on top.

Thinner foil Underfloor Heating mats are recommended when the carpet or vinyl tiles are laid.

Underfloor Heating FAQ’s

What’s cheaper to install Wet or Electric Underfloor Heating?

Electric Underfloor Heating is the easiest and cheapest of both systems when it comes to installation.

What’s cheaper to run Wet or Electric Underfloor Heating?

Wet Underfloor Heating is more energy-efficient, so cheaper to run (lower energy bills)

Is Underfloor Heating Reliable?

Underfloor Heating systems are simple, with very few parts and are therefore very reliable.

Is Underfloor Heating Energy-Efficient?

Yes, wet system Underfloor Heating is between 15-40% more efficient than radiators.

How long do Underfloor Heating Installations take?

Anywhere from a few hours to a few days, it depends on the type of system and size of the installation. We’ll give you an exact time when we write your free no-obligation quote.

How long does Underfloor Heating last?

Fifty years is not unrealistic for both systems. While 100 years is possible for the pipes, the manifold, pump and other connections will certainly need upgrading at this time.

What are the disadvantages of Underfloor Heating?

The floor can take longer to heat a room than traditional radiators (but once heated, the room will stay at a constant temperature using little energy to do so). The system must be designed and fitted properly as making changes under the floor afterwards is difficult.

Hi, I’m Terry, the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Gas Services

Please get in touch to book an appointment or receive a free, no-obligation quote

Call – 01277 800075

Email – info@tmhughesandson.uk