Underfloor heating is an increasingly popular choice over traditional radiators and heaters for new build properties across the UK. Particularly when paired with screed floors, UFH systems provide the comfort and energy efficiency that UK property owners now expect.
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.
Wet underfloor heating screed
So what is wet underfloor heating screed?
Wet underfloor heating screed is a thin layer of concrete or mortar that is poured over an underfloor heating system to create a smooth floor, ready for a final floor finish such as vinyl, wood or tiles.
What does screed do in a UFH system?
It is widely believed that screed optimises the output of heat from a UFH system, allowing the floor to heat evenly with excellent response times.
The screed encases and protects the pipework, and acts as a thermal mass that absorbs the heat from the UFH system and then releases it gradually to all areas of the room.
Types of screed used over UFH
The two main types of screed used over UFH are traditional sand and cement screed, and liquid screed.
Traditional sand and cement screed takes longer to install than liquid screed and is prone to air pockets when it is not adequately compacted. These air pockets allow heat to escape which impacts the efficiency of the underfloor heating system.
Liquid screed, as supplied by Clockwork Underfloor Heating through our sister company Clockwork Screed, is now preferred by a large majority of screed installers because of its speedy installation and superior thermal conductivity. Once pumped, its liquid form allows the screed to self-level to produce an even floor. It then self-compacts around the pipework to avoid the formation of air pockets.
Best screed for underfloor heating in new builds
When choosing between a traditional sand and cement screed and a liquid screed, liquid screed is usually favoured for new build underfloor heating.
- Liquid screed can be laid more thinly which saves on material costs for multiple rooms, and it dries very quickly so avoids delays and allows other contractors onto site
- The speed at which liquid screed can be installed makes it ideal for new build developments. It can be pumped into multiple rooms in one visit where it self-levels to produce a smooth floor, minimising labour costs
- Liquid screed provides better thermal conductivity than traditional screed.
Four step process for underfloor heating screed new build UK
Clockwork Underfloor Heating works to a four step process for the installation of underfloor heating with screed in new build properties:
- Design and planning
We design a bespoke underfloor heating system with screed floor that will best suit your needs, using CAD (computer aided design) software
- Lay insulation
Before installing the UFH system, we install high quality insulation to prevent heat loss down into the subfloor
- Install underfloor heating
Our skilled teams install the underfloor heating system using the finest quality components
- Pour liquid screed
We pour liquid screed over the UFH pipework to produce a smooth, level surface ready for a final floor finish.
Speak to Clockwork Underfloor Heating about your new build underfloor heating project
Get in touch with Clockwork Underfloor Heating for a no obligation discussion about underfloor heating for your new build project.
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.
