Underfloor heating systems with screed floors produce highly efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly comfort in residential and commercial buildings.
Introduction to underfloor heating systems for screed floors
Clockwork Underfloor Heating designs, supplies and installs underfloor heating systems for screed floors.
When specifying underfloor heating (UFH), property developers, main contractors and architects are likely to pair UFH systems with screed floors. This is because screed floors, particularly liquid screed floors that can be thinly laid, optimise the performance of the UFH system.
Let’s explore the compatibility of underfloor heating systems for screed floors.
Why choose a screed floor for underfloor heating
There are several reasons why choosing a screed floor for underfloor heating reaps benefits:
- A screed floor distributes heat from the UFH system equally across a room. The flowing nature of liquid screed is particularly effective for heat distribution because it is poured onto the pipework so doesn’t create air gaps from which heat could escape
- In optimising heat transfer, screed allows the underfloor heating system to operate at lower temperatures than traditional radiators which keeps energy consumption and associated costs down
Screed provides a smooth, durable base for a final floor finish. Liquid screed self-levels to produce a workable subfloor, which reduces labour requirements and costs compared to other types of screed.
Types of screed suitable for underfloor heating
There are three main types of screed for underfloor heating:
- Traditional sand and cement screed is applied as a semi-dry mortar. Although it is known for its strength and durability, traditional sand and cement screed doesn’t encapsulate UFH pipework which can result in air voids that impact the efficiency of the underfloor heating system.
- Anhydrite screeds are calcium sulphate screeds that provide sufficient thermal conductivity and can be poured directly onto the UFH system.
Although anhydrite screeds dry more quickly than traditional screeds, they produce a laitance (chalk-like dust) on the surface, so require sanding before a final floor finish can be laid. Anhydrite screeds are also gypsum based (a soft, naturally occurring sulphate mineral) so can’t be used in areas with contact to water such as kitchens or bathrooms where UFH systems are very popular.
- Cementitious liquid screed, as supplied by our sister company Clockwork Screed, is highly robust and durable, and offers excellent thermal conductivity. It can be laid at a thickness of just 25mm to maximise even heat distribution. Cementitious liquid screed dries exceptionally quickly, and is self-levelling and self-compacting which prevents voids forming around pipework.
Key components of a screed underfloor heating system
The key components of a screed underfloor heating system include insulation, the heating pipes or cables, a manifold (for water UFH systems) that controls the water flow from the boiler or heat pump to the pipes, a thermostat, the screed subfloor and expansion joints.
Heat travels from the boiler or heat pump through the manifold to the pipes. When warm, the screed layer directs the heat upwards through the finished floor. The insulation is essential for optimising performance and efficiency.
Cost considerations and project planning
When considering the cost of UFH, this is the rule of thumb to start from:
- Wet underfloor heating systems (run from a boiler or heat pump) are more expensive to install but cheaper to run.
- Electric (dry) systems are cheaper to install but more expensive to run.
To provide the most suitable UFH system for each customer’s needs, at Clockwork UFH we work to our 4 Step Process which involves
- Design and planning
- Laying insulation
- Installing the underfloor heating
- Pouring liquid screed.
Clockwork UFH – underfloor heating specialists
Speak to Clockwork UFH, your reputable underfloor heating specialist, for more information about underfloor heating systems for screed floors, or to discuss your upcoming 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.
