Is retrofit underfloor heating a good idea?
If all these stars align then retrofit underfloor heating is an option. (If not then choosing radiators may be a better bet for your project.) An overlay system like this one can be good if you can't dig down to retrofit underfloor heating.
Can underfloor heating be installed in an existing house?
Many UFH systems are considered once a home is already built. Traditionally underfloor heating has only been installed at the new-build stage, but with the introduction of a range of retrofit solutions, it is now possible to install UFH into existing houses. What is retrofitting?
How to retrofit radiant floor heat in existing homes?
3 Places to Retrofit Radiant Floor Heat in Existing Homes 1 Radiant Heat in First-Floor Living Spaces#N#Richard feeds the PEX tubing to heating contractor John Perry, who pushes... 2 Warming Up Second-Floor Bathrooms and Bedrooms#N#Perry uses a rubber mallet to tap the PEX into the aluminum track. By... 3 Creating a Heated Basement Floor More ...
What is retrofitting a heating system?
Retrofitting of other heating systems usually means more laborious work including removal of old floors (not just the floor finish but the whole floor), refitting of new ones and finally, installation of pipework and boilers in case of hydronic systems. This again increases the overall cost of the renovation.
What are the benefits of retrofitting underfloor heating?
UFH is a long-term return on investment solution for heating your project that maximises floor space and increases the value of your home
What is retrofitting?
Retrofitting is the term used when a product, component or system is added after the initial manufacture stage. Retrofitting UFH is the process of adding underfloor heating to a building or space after the manufacture/build has already taken place.
What is grooved cement board?
This system is a grooved cement board UFH that is ideal for retrofit application. It is designed for hard floor finishes such as tiles and wood flooring—they can be laid directly on top of the installed system. The board are provided in two pre-routered panels—straight boards and return panels but this depends on the pipework pattern design.
Why is planning and preparation important for retrofitting UFH systems?
Planning and preparation are key for retrofit UFH systems. This is because the pipework will mostly run within pre-grooved channels—the means of securing the pipe. This is different from a screeded system in a new-build project because the pipe layout is more flexible.
What is Ambisolo made of?
The AmbiSolo system is made of a 12mm UFH pipe with a plastic castellated panel. This is all covered with 20mm of reinforced levelling compound.
Why do homes have no underfloor heating?
However, for a variety of reasons, many homes are built without underfloor heating – this could be due to cost, specification or even awareness of the benefits over traditional radiator systems. Many UFH systems are considered once a home is already built. Traditionally underfloor heating has only been installed at the new-build stage, ...
What is Ambideck 18?
Our latest addition, The AmbiDeck 18 system really does give the best of both worlds – it provides a low-profile underfloor heating system, which incorporates an insulation layer and can be tiled directly onto .AmbiDeck 18 consists of a high-density XPS insulation panel, 18mm thick. The face of the panel is cement-coated, making it rigid and durable.
HOW CAN I CONTROL UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
The ease of fitting an electric underfloor heating systems has allowed millions of homeowners to install a warm, comfortable and highly controllable heating in individual rooms or as a whole house heating systems.
What is retrofitting a heating system?
Retrofitting of other heating systems usually means more laborious work including removal of old floors (not just the floor finish but the whole floor), refitting of new ones and finally, installation of pipework and boilers in case of hydronic systems. This again increases the overall cost of the renovation.
What is retrofitting a house?
First of all, let’s begin with a definition – retrofitting. Retrofitting means the process of adding components to already existing projects. In this context, we mean installing underfloor heating onto existing floors when renovating a room or a house. Electric underfloor heating is well-suited to retrofit projects. In this section we are going to answer the questions:
Can you control underfloor heating with a thermostat?
Underfloor heating can be controlled with any thermostat. The increase in technology in thermostatic control systems has allowed the heating systems to work automatically without you needing to manually control them. The Warmup 4iE Smart WiFi Thermostat learns your habits, knows when you are in and can even predict when you are coming back home, adjusting the temperature accordingly. With the MyHeating app to go with the thermostat, you can control the heating in your home from a remote location. A smart thermostat does not only increase the overall comfort but decreases energy usage, as your heating is on for less time and only when you need it, leading to cost savings.
Can you refit an underfloor heating system?
As discussed earlier, many people confuse the terms ‘refit’ and ‘retrofit’. For those ones who nevertheless are looking to actually refit the system, we must say that an electric underfloor heating system should only be fitted once. It is not possible to take up an existing system and refit it into a different room. This is due to a number of issues:
Is underfloor heating easy to install?
The installation of the electric underfloor heating system is also quick, easy and clean. However, it is important to involve a qualified and certified electrician in the project to ensure that the electrical distribution is designed and carried out correctly.
Can electric underfloor heating be installed on existing floors?
In other words, fitting underfloor heating onto existing floors means removing the existing floor covering, adding insulation boards (if necessary), installing the heater on them and then laying down a new floor covering above the heating system. It is very difficult to lift up the existing floor finish and lay the same floor back again after the installation of an underfloor heating system. It goes without saying that most of the floor finishes such as tiles are doomed to get damaged when lifting the floor up. Electric underfloor heating is, therefore, a perfect option for people who are wishing to change their floors whilst renovating because the heater is very thin and does not raise the floor height visibly.
How to retrofit radiant floor heating without disturbing existing floor?
The best way to retrofit radiant floor heating without disturbing an existing floor is to do it from below, against the underside of the subfloor. In most houses, the only place to do this is on a first floor where joist bays are open to the space below.
How does radiant heat work?
Unlike rising hot air, radiant heat travels in all directions, warming cooler objects around it. Delivered via warm water in plastic tubing installed in a floor, radiant floor heating moves out from there, making the room feel warm and comfortable.
What is needed for radiant floor heating?
A radiant floor heating system needs a hot-water supply, a connection between the tubing and the plumbing, and a pump to move the water from one to the other. In a first-floor retrofit, all these either already exist or are easy to locate nearby.
How does a TOH project house work?
The TOH project house has a manifold in the basement where all the tubing originates and returns. It connects to a circulator pump. Each room's tubing feeds into the manifold's supply, loops around under the floor, and reconnects at the return. Every room or zone has a separate thermostat; turning it up sends warm water to the room, raising the room temperature. Turning it down shuts the water off.
Why do you need insulation under tubing?
Insulation beneath the tubing is critical to keeping the heat moving up into the floor, rather than dispersing every which way. At the project house, the crew will spray foam insulation over the tubing between the joists, forming a tight seal.
What panels can go over a subfloor?
Fortunately there are products—Uponor's Quik Trak, Viega's Climate Panel, and Rehau's Raupanel are some—that keep the added height below ¾ inch. According to Rehau project manager John Kimball, these panels can go over most any subfloor—planks, plywood, OSB, or even concrete—as long as it's level and in sound condition.
How hot does a manifold water heater get?
The manifold gets its hot water from the boiler, which has a special mixing valve that's set to deliver water at no higher than 140 degrees F. This limit, explains Richard, ensures that the floor's surface doesn't rise above 85 degrees, which can break down tile mastics and warp wood.
