What is underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating provides the most comfortable even warmth of any heating system. It is economical to run and virtually maintenance free. Underfloor heating basically means that your floor becomes one large (very low temperature) radiator.
The floor area is typically warmed to between 25 degrees and 28 degrees, providing an even distribution of heat at only slightly higher than room temperature. The system is controlled by one or more thermostats which signal the pump pack when heat is required.
(Put pic of heated house from speedfit catalogue)


How does it work?
In concrete floors, the pipe is laid on insulation and then covered with a screed on which can be laid almost any type of floor covering.
For timber floors, spreader plates are laid between the joists and the floor decking or on the underside of the floor. The pipe is pushed into the grooves on the plates.
Overlay system:
Overlay system is installed over the existing floor and only 18mm in depth, overlay allows floor heating to be installed where traditional underfloor systems would require expensive excavation or would require the floor to be raised to an unacceptable level. Overlay is a dense fibrous panel used for heavyweight floor coverings such as ceramics and solid wood which can both be fitted and secured directly to the panels.

Is it suitable for your home?
Underfloor heating can be used with almost any kind of flooring or floor covering with a wide range of boilers.
It is adaptable to all types of floor construction, including screed, power floated and timber joists. It’s suitable for use with most floor finishes, including ceramic tiles, timber and carpets. The only floor finish we would not recommend are felt underlay and some heavy carpets. Some floor finishes heat faster than others however, so this needs to be borne in mind when calculating heat outputs.

Benefits:

• Lower fuel bills – under floor heating can save you up to 15% off your fuel bills (especially when using the latest condensing boiler).
• Health and safety – underfloor heating means even distribution of heat so no cold draughts at floor level, dust and air movement is minimised – great for allergy sufferers. No scalding on radiators or sharp edges.
• Freedom for interior design – with underfloor heating radiators and pipes become unnecessary, it is more pleasing to the eye and leaves your home free for interior design.
• Underfloor heating is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of heating your property.