Screed floors and underfloor heating systems are mutually beneficial. Combined, they produce a highly effective hardwearing floor and responsive UFH system. But what does it cost for underfloor heating for screed floors in the UK?
Underfloor heating for new builds
It is believed that 75 – 85% of the UK’s underfloor heating installations are commissioned for new build properties rather than retrofit projects. Many of these are installed with a screed floor.
There are several reasons why underfloor heating with screed floors is preferred for new builds:
- Screed floors enhance the performance of underfloor heating systems, and improve energy efficiency, which is essential for new build projects. The liquid screed installed by Clockwork Underfloor Heating offers exceptional thermal conductivity. It also self-compacts, so prevents air pockets from forming around the pipes which could cause heat to escape
- It’s cheaper to install underfloor heating during construction than as a retrofit project. The insulation, pipework and screed can be installed as part of the general floor build-up process, before bathrooms, kitchens and general fixtures go in. Retrofitting would involve lifting floors and having to work around existing structures which takes longer and is therefore more expensive
- Building regulations demand high insulation standards which ensure new homes retain heat effectively. Screed underfloor heating provides the energy efficiency, performance and responsiveness associated with those standards
- Underfloor heating is designed to work at lower temperatures than radiators which supports the drive towards wider adoption of renewable energy options such as air and ground source heat pumps
- Energy efficiencies and lower operating temperatures make underfloor heating with screed floors ideal for the typically large, open plan design of new build properties.
Why screed floors for underfloor heating?
A screed floor is laid in new builds and renovations to create a smooth, hardwearing surface for the application of a final floor finish. Clockwork Underfloor Heating works with our sister company Clockwork Screed to lay screed floors for our UFH customers, using a cementitious liquid screed.
Liquid screed enhances the performance of the underfloor heating system. It could be argued it becomes part of the UFH, due to its thin application and excellent thermal conductivity. The thermal mass of the screed provides an even distribution of heat. Liquid screed also self-compacts so prevents voids developing around the pipework which would impact the retention and circulation of heat.
The cost of underfloor heating for screed floors in the UK
The cost of underfloor heating for screed floors depends firstly on whether the UFH system is wet (run through the boiler or renewable alternative) or dry (electric).
Wet underfloor heating is more expensive to install, but running costs are lower. Therefore, dry UFH systems are cheaper to install but will cost more to run.
While UFH installation costs vary across the UK, installation is usually around 40-50% of the cost of the UFH system.
Another key factor that affects cost is whether the underfloor heating and screed floor are being installed in a new build property, or for a renovation or extension.
Cost breakdown per m² for UFH supply and installation
Screed underfloor heating costs in a new build
For the average new build residential property, a bespoke wet UFH screed system can cost around £22 per m² + VAT. This excludes the screed and installation costs. The screed typically costs a similar amount of around £21.50 per m² + VAT.
In total, a new build screed floor and UFH system will therefore cost between £70 and £120 per m² to supply and install.
Screed underfloor heating costs in a renovation
When retrofitting a screed underfloor heating system, the costs are higher for several reasons.
In a new build, the floor is fully accessible, and the insulation and pipework are straightforward. The restructuring of existing layouts is not necessary. A retrofit is likely to require the removal of the existing flooring, adjustments to the door and skirting heights, and maybe an upgrade of the boiler to accommodate the additional heating areas.
Retrofitting a screed underfloor heating system is likely to cost between £95 and £190 per m².
Clockwork Underfloor Heating for high performance underfloor heating systems for screed floors
Clockwork Underfloor Heating supplies and installs high performance underfloor heating systems for screed floors across the UK. We offer decades of experience, providing guidance to residential and commercial customers whenever it is required. Find out more about our design, planning and installation process here.
Get in touch with Clockwork UFH to discuss the installation of a bespoke underfloor heating system and screed floor for your property.
Plan, Insulate, Heat and Screed
Our 4 Step Process
1
Planning & design
2
Lay insulation
3
Install underfloor heating
4
Pour liquid floor screed
PROJECT FOCUS
High end Residential, Manchester
We planned and installed an underfloor heating system into a contemporary home in Manchester. Not only that, we finished the installation with a smooth, even and high quality liquid floor screed.
Our team worked with the end user’s architect, ensuring the home benefitted with a visually striking but also inherently comfortable and environmentally conscious heating solution.
The client now enjoys an enhanced living experience, reduced energy bills, and an aesthetically uncompromised living space that flows through the whole house.
See What Our
Customers Say
“From our initial consultations to the flawless installation, Clockwork’s team demonstrated not just technical prowess, but a nuanced understanding of architectural essentials.
Their underfloor heating system effortlessly merged into our designs, preserving every ounce of spatial aesthetics while embedding an unperceivable, yet palpably comforting warmth throughout the residence.
In Clockwork, I found more than a solution provider; I discovered collaborators who understand, respect, and enhance the architectural journey. Their integrative approach, precision, and unyielding commitment to quality have made them my go-to partners for all underfloor heating needs.”
D. Smith
Architect, Cheshire
Why work with us
For your Underfloor Heating Project?
Expertise in underfloor heating: Specialists in underfloor heating installation for residential and commercial needs.
Unique advantages: Providing distinct benefits over traditional heating methods to both homeowners and businesses.
One-stop solution: Offering a comprehensive four-step process (Plan, Insulate, Heat, & Screed) for a streamlined underfloor heating solution.
Collaborative approach: In partnership with our sister company, Clockwork Screed, ensuring a unified solution for insulation, underfloor heating, and screeding.
Simplified project management: Eliminating the complexity of dealing with multiple suppliers, facilitating a smoother and hassle-free project execution for architects, contractors, and homeowners.
