If you are installing a UFH system do you know what’s the best screed for underfloor heating?
At Clockwork Underfloor Heating we work with our sister company, Clockwork Screed, to install screed underfloor heating systems. Here we provide some useful information to help you decide what’s the best screed for underfloor heating.
What is screed underfloor heating?
Screed underfloor heating is an underfloor heating system that is covered by a layer of screed. The screed enhances the performance of the UFH system, protects the pipework, and produces a smooth level surface for vinyl, laminate, engineered wood or other floor covering.
Specifiers of screed for underfloor heating can choose between a traditional screed mix of sand and cement, or a cementitious liquid screed.
Types of underfloor heating systems
Underfloor heating systems are categorised as either wet systems or dry.
Wet UFH systems are made of a network of pipes heated by water from a boiler or heat pump, operated by the central heating system. Dry UFH systems are electric-powered heating cables, ribbons and films. They can be loose-wired or mat systems.
Screed underfloor heating is suitable for both wet and dry system installations. It is widely argued that screed facilitates the best output of heat from the UFH system due to its thermal conductivity properties and thin application. Traditional sand and cement screeds need to be applied more thickly and aren’t as effective in transferring heat to the room.
Cemfloor liquid floor screed
Clockwork Underfloor Heating uses Cemfloor for screed underfloor heating installations, supplied and installed by Clockwork Screed.
Cemfloor is a high performance free-flowing, cementitious liquid screed that offers exceptional thermal conductivity. It can be laid as thinly as 25mm, to a total thickness of between 40mm and 50mm for underfloor heating systems. This saves material costs and enhances the responsiveness of the UFH system.
The screed is pumped onto the floor. It then self-compacts around the pipework without creating voids from which heat could escape. Cemfloor also self-levels to produce a smooth, level floor over the underfloor heating system, ready for a final floor covering.
Cemfloor is quick to install; an installation team can cover up to 1000m² a day. It also dries very quickly, allowing footfall within 24 to 48 hours so that other contractors can gain access to the site.
Screed underfloor heating considerations
For contractors and property owners, screed underfloor heating considerations include:
- Insulation – poured insulation applied before the underfloor heating system is installed is essential for preventing the downward loss of heat, and therefore maximising heat output and an even distribution throughout the room.
- Preparation – all pipework must be fully secured to avoid floating when the screed is applied.
- Conditions – it is advisable to install the screed when ambient temperatures are between 5°C and 25°
- Drying time – before the underfloor heating system can be used at high temperatures, the screed must be fully cured. After at least 14 days from installation, a gradual heating cycle is recommended to force-dry the screed.
Choose Clockwork Underfloor Heating for screed UFH installations
Clockwork Underfloor Heating has decades of experience in screed, poured insulation and underfloor heating installations.
Get in touch to find out more about our services.
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.
