Underfloor Heating Southend

Leaking manifolds are tightened and replaced if necessary, worn washers and seals are replaced.

Underfloor Heating pipes should never cause you any problems. Old systems may suffer from sludge build-ups (a mud-like substance that collects in heating systems over time) and blockages caused by limescale and debris.

These build-ups stop the system from functioning correctly.

A simple Powerflush can clear sludge and remove obstructions.

A Powerflush machine’s attached to the manifold a mix of chemicals is pumped through with water until all sludge and debris are dislodged, dissolved and removed from the pipes.

The old waters disposed of, the systems refilled with clean water and an inhibitor to help prevent any sludge build-ups and blockages occurring again in the future.

Repair/Upgrade

Underfloor Heating is very resilient and will run for a very long time before needing any attention. Pipes set in screed under the floor will last for decades, and it’s only in very extreme circumstances that pipes need to be dug up and repaired.

Most Under Floor Heating problems occur above the ground, and the first thing to go will likely be the pump. Pumps last around 10-15 years, but they do eventually wear out. An engineer can quickly upgrade your old worn out pump. Once a new pump’s fitted, your system will run trouble-free again for many years.

A good indication that your pump needs replacing is cold spots. Areas of your floor that are not heating are either the pump or an airlock.

We use thermal imaging technology to identify the problem instantly. A quick scan of your floor with a thermal imaging camera will reveal all.

• If the issues an airlock the airlocks removed
• If the issues the pump the pumps replaced
• If the issues a burst/punctured pipe (extremely rare), we’ll find a solution

We carry many parts in stock on our vans. In the event we haven’t got the required parts. We can source them locally.

Underfloor Heating repairs are usually inexpensive and straightforward. Whatever issue you’re experiencing, we can fix them for you.

Types Of Underfloor Heating

There are two types of Underfloor heating system wet and electric. Both models have their pros and cons. The best for you will depend on your current heating system, requirements, budget, and property.

Wet VS Electric

Wet systems are more expensive to install but are cheaper to run than electric systems. Wet systems will also last a long time. The pipes will last over 50 years above the ground parts, such as the pump and manifold, will need replacing at some point.

If you have money to invest, then a wet system will be the better choice as it will eventually pay for itself in saved energy bills. Electric underfloor heating is suitable for those that don’t have boiler powered central Heating, those on a budget and when tackling small individual areas.

Every home is different. If you need any help deciding which systems best, speak to one of our engineers who can assess your situation and recommend the best type for you.

Wet

• A pipe runs under the floor circulating hot water, which heats the room
• The hot water comes from the boiler. A manifold takes the hot water and uses a pump to move it through the pipes
• Thermostats control the temperature. It’s possible to control the heat on a room by room basis with a multiple zone system
• Any flooring will work with a wet system. There’s a solution for every kind of flooring
• The wet system can be fitted in virtually any home of any age
• Pipes can run over existing floors, between floorboards or can be built into new floors
• Pipes work with Celotex insulation for maximal heat retention
• Pipes are set into a screed, which heats and insulates, adding to the overall energy efficiency
• For suspended floors, pipes are run between joists which are insulated and screeded
• Aluminium plates that house the pipe are available as a between joist solution for suspended floors
• Solid insulation boards are available for use in conjunction with existing concrete floors. The boards are fully insulated, house the pipe and can be tiled over
• Floating floor panels are available for systems used under laminate flooring
• Last a very long time. Some manufacturers even claim the pipes will last 100+ years
• More expensive to install than electric systems
• Better energy efficiency and cheaper energy bills when compared to electric Underfloor Heating and conventional heating systems

Electric

• Very versatile can be purchased in ready-made mats or loose electrical cable
• Ready-made mats have cable built-in and are rolled out over the floor, great for medium to large areas
• Standard, screed and foiled mats are available to cover every type of flooring situation
• Mats can be permanently screeded into floors (like wet systems)
• When laying vinyl or carpet, thin foil mats are the preferred option
• Loose cables easy to shape works best for small and awkward shaped rooms
• Both types are wired into the mains electricity supply
• Cheaper to install than wet systems
• Less energy-efficient than wet systems
• More expensive to run than wet systems

Underfloor Heating Q&A

How long does Underfloor Heating take to heat up?

The time an Underfloor Heating system takes to warm up depends entirely on the floor type and how well the floors insulated. Pipes set into cold concrete or screed will take longer to heat than pipes set into aluminium plates between floorboards. Expect between 1-8 hours for the floor to heat up. Once heated through the floor will maintain a constant and comfortable temperature and will still radiate heat for a few hours after being switched off.

Is it a good idea to leave Underfloor Heating on all the time?

During winter indeed, spring and autumn may be for a few hours during the day. You’ll have to test to find your preferred range. It’s best to set at a comfortable temperature Underfloor heating can take a few hours to cool down, and if you set it too high, you may have hot, uncomfortable few hours. A constant 18C seems to be the preferred temperature amongst our customers.

Will Underfloor Heating Lift My Floor?

This depends entirely on the floor you have. Laying Underfloor Heating over an existing solid concrete floor will cost a few inches. In most situations, this is ok and even desirable (cold rooms with high ceilings). In older homes with low ceilings, this can be an issue. In this instance, we’ll run the pipes under floorboards, so no heights lost.

Is it possible to Retrofit Underfloor Heating?

In most situations, yes, Underfloor Heating can be fitted to existing properties and combined with renovations and extensions.

What’s the best flooring to use with Underfloor Heating?

Underfloor Heating will work with any type of flooring. However, it is ceramic tiles or stone as they heat up quickly and retain heat, improving the entire system’s overall energy efficiency.

Is Underfloor Heating worth it?

Underfloor Heating is the ultimate in-home comfort. You can’t beat a warm floor. A system will make any room feel cosier. While there are the initial outlay and upheaval of fitting, Underfloor Heating is cheap to run and pretty much maintenance-free, giving you years of hassle-free service.

We also carry out Boiler Servicing and Repairs and offer Air Conditioning services.

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 – 01702 910075

Email – info@tmhughesandson.uk