UNDERFLOOR HEATING HEIGHT MATTERS
ThermoSphere provides a handy guide to floor build-ups and height with underfloor heating systems.
When looking into installing underfloor heating (UFH), one of the top three most common questions asked is ‘how thick is underfloor heating?’ In this article we’ll break some myths surrounding UFH and floor height, with particular focus on electric underfloor heating.
https://www.thermosphere.com/products/floor-heating WHAT DO WE MEAN BY
FLOOR HEIGHT? For this article, when we talk about floor height, we will be referring to the build-up required between the substrate (concrete or timber) and the floor finish with adhesive, including tiles, wood, carpet and so on. A bit like focusing on the sandwich filling rather than the two slices of bread.
WHAT TYPE OF UNDERFLOOR
HEATING SYSTEM IS BEST? Electric underfloor heating systems are thinner than water-based systems. The diameter of the heating cable varies between manufacturer and the type of electric UFH system you choose. Where certain systems appear to have a thinner heating cable, an important point to note is the diameter of the cold tail joint. Why? This will impact the floor height as it needs to be buried under the flexible tile adhesive. So, the thicker the cold tail joint, the more depth of tile adhesive you’ll need which will increase the height of the floor build up. However, you can dig a ‘trench’ out of the insulation layer to lay the cold tail joint in.
Retrofit projects such as conservatories, bathroom upgrades and wet rooms are all ideal for electric underfloor heating as it can easily be fitted to the existing subfloor without the need to dig out more depth.
DON'T REMOVE
INSULATION BOARD! If you’re looking to reduce the height of the build-up, it’s imperative not to remove the insulation board. This is because when you install underfloor heating without insulation board, the heating cable will warm both the layer below and the layer above at the same rate. This means it will take twice as long for the floor to heat up to the required temperature because you’ll be losing heat energy downwards. As it is taking longer to reach the desired temperature, the electric underfloor heating system will cost much more to run. Including insulation board can make the entire system up to 50% more efficient.
https://www.thermosphere.com/products/accessories
When quoting insulation board, we usually recommend an insulation board with a minimum thickness of around 10mm. This also tends to be the industry average.
QUESTIONS ABOUT UFH BUILD-UPS? For illustrations of build-ups, or if you have any questions about your next underfloor heating project, please head to ThermoSphere’s website or contact the team who are always on hand with helpful advice that can save you both time and money.
https://www.thermosphere.com/blog/how-thick-is-underfloor-heating
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ThermoSphere Membrane 1. Tile 2. Tile adhesive 3. Membrane 4. Tile adhesive 5. Uncoated insulation board 6. Tile adhesive 7. Concrete substrate. Height: 21mm (Excluding the substrate, layer 1 and 2).
ThermoSphere Mesh 1. Tile 2. Tile adhesive 3. Mesh 4. Uncoated insulation board 5. Tile adhesive 6. Concrete substrate. Height: 17mm (Excluding the substrate, layer 1 and 2).
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