As we have worked extensively on home extensions in London, we are often privy to the next new and exciting gadget that has been designed to improve the look and feel of an interior. With the increased time spent at home and the decline in holidays abroad, why not make your home as luxurious as a hotel? Installing a ground floor extension in London is already a hugely beneficial project, but there are a few additions we think you should seriously consider. In this post, we wanted to highlight why underfloor heating has become so popular amongst homeowners across the UK.

Why do homeowners love underfloor heating?

The concept of underfloor heating has been around for millennia and was incredibly popular during the Roman Era. Modern day underfloor heating is a stand-out feature that can now be seen in hotels and high-end properties. With affordable options now on the market, it can be installed in most homes, adding value to any property. It allows heat to be evenly radiated from the floor, rather than waiting for a radiator to slowly warm up every corner of the room. Therefore, it is ideal to leave it at a lower temperature for longer periods of time. You won’t have to suffer with frosty toes in the morning anymore!

A radiator typically runs hotter than required in order to adequately heat an entire room, whereas underfloor heating is a sleek solution that leaves no cold spots. This means it is an incredibly energy efficient solution compared to radiators, especially when installed under thermal massing. When installed in concrete or screed (solid flooring), as this is a form of thermal massing that means heat is better retained throughout the day. It takes longer for heat to dissipate from the material, whereas radiators cool down quickly. Another great thing about underfloor heating is that you don’t have to have it in every room. Bathrooms are the most popular room to have this feature in, followed by kitchens, as they work perfectly with tiles. Those who opt for this feature are most likely not in it for the cost-efficiency, as you’d only save around £20 a year on gas/electric, but rather the incredible level of comfort it provides.

It provides relief to anyone in your home that suffers from allergies, as it prevents the build-up of dust, mould, and dust mites. It stops the circulation of dust, and floors are no longer left with cold spots that could accumulate bacteria. Due to the system being entirely hidden under the flooring, there is no clutter taking up any precious wall or floor space, making it perfect for open plan living. Furthermore, it’s safer as you eradicate the risk of your children touching scorching hot radiators or hitting their head on the appliance while running around.

Dry underfloor heating system (electric)

Electric systems are a popular option amongst homeowners looking to renovate their property, whether they’re extending a ground floor, converting a loft, or refurbishing a room. This is because it reaps the benefits mentioned above, whilst being the most accessible option. You have the choice of ready-made mats that slot together and can be installed without a specialist, or loose wires that are installed by a specialist.

The pre-formed mats are relatively affordable due to its mass-production. There are different shapes and sizes available on the market so they can fit into awkward spaces. On the other hand, loose wires/coils can reach every inch of a room. This type of underfloor heating requires very little maintenance, with most companies backing it with a lifetime guarantee. There’s a huge range of finishes available from carpet to vinyl to laminate, so you’re bound to find something that suits your interior.

A dry system can be isolated to heat certain parts of a room, which is perfect for creating zones in an open plan space. It is recommended to install multiple thermostats so these zones can be controlled separately for purpose. This would pair well with an existing smart home system.

When adding this feature to existing floors, you must keep in mind that it will increase the overall height of your floors. You may feel this the most if you have low ceilings as every little counts. It can also cause a massive upheaval, which is fine if you’re already undertaking a project in that particular room. It is not recommended to install this feature under existing wood floors as timber is an insulating material that would be difficult to completely warm up and can be prone to warping. The process of lifting the wood planks to place the system can cause damage to the timber and require replacement of existing pieces. If installing the panels without a specialist, be wary to follow the instructions manual vigilantly as it is possible to damage these during the process.

Wet underfloor heating system (water-based)

An alternate option to electric heating, is a water-based underfloor heating system. This is a network of pipes that can be installed under any type of flooring, covering the entire floor area. This is reliant on gas and requires a lot of floor space to fit the pipes, making it very complicated and expensive to install. Although it is a costly system to install, it is low maintenance and highly energy efficient compared to radiators.

This type of heating can be installed in the solid floors of a new build or large refurbishment, making it a permanent option sitting within the concrete or screed of a property. It can also be installed in suspended floors, perfect for those that want to keep their natural timber flooring. This is fitted between the joists and battens above the insulation and under the flooring. Lastly, floating floors are the quickest to install as they sit above the existing floor. This option is great for renovations but would raise floor levels significantly. Pipes are inserted into prefabricated panels that rest within insulation.

If you’re undertaking a new build, we think this is a fantastic option as the system won’t be expensive to install, compared to adding onto an existing property. The specialist will not have to cause an upheaval and try to position the network correctly with the existing pipes. Walls and existing flooring are no longer an obstacle; therefore, it would only be a relatively small additional cost to your overall build.

In conclusion, both systems are amazingly efficient at heating up a home compared to the standard radiator. It’s entirely up to preference and the situation you find yourself in. Some differences are in the cost of installation, along with the space it may take up during a renovation.

If you would like to discuss your home renovation project with us, our friendly team would love to hear from you! We can be contacted on 02070432378 or you can email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book a free telephone consultation here, for a time that best suits you. We will be able to discuss your project in detail and offer an accurate quote for the works.