How To Fit Underfloor Heating

Many people simply believe that solely tiles can be their flooring of choice with an underfloor heating system.

Though tiles are ideal in certain rooms, they are not best suited for the flooring of an entire home, and you can use laminate, LVT, and wooden flooring.

Each type of flooring has its own characteristics which have to be considered when fitting the underfloor heating system.

Once you have decided which type of flooring you want, the task of getting the heated floor up and running can be straightforward.

In this guide, we will look at the different types of flooring, how to fit an underfloor heating system, and how to fit one with certain types of flooring.

The Different Types Of Flooring

When you do begin to think about what type of flooring you want, it is vital to follow the guidelines for that specific type of flooring. For instance, some types of flooring can simply be easier to install than others.

For laminate flooring, the planks can click together while wooden flooring can be glued down though both should have an expansion gap to prevent warping.

Then there is LVT flooring, which is considered a superb thermal conductor and can be made to look like wooden flooring. The right underlay is also crucial to ensure that the flooring retains the heat effectively.

How To Fit Underfloor Heating

A primary consideration for a wet underfloor heating system such as Wundatherm Premium+ boards boards is to ensure that the existing floor finish is removed to accommodate it.

How you pull up the floor will also depend on the flooring as it could be fixed down or use clicking planks that effectively lock together and should be removed just as easily.

Pull Up The Flooring

First, remove the perimeter trim starting with the row of flooring closest to the wall. Laminate flooring which uses planks that click together should be relatively easy to remove, just as it is to install.

An entire row of flooring may be removed in one piece which can mean the entire room’s flooring can be pulled up quickly and efficiently.

Lay Down The Pipes

Follow the instructions and make sure to pay attention to the pipe layout drawing which will be tailored to the type of flooring you decide on.

Clean the subfloor thoroughly, lay down your insulation, and position the manifold on the wall as close as you can to the circuits as this will mean it can be plumbed similarly to a radiator.

A qualified plumber would also be ideal to perform the final connection of the heating system to the central heating network and main water supply.

Cover With Screed

A layer of screed tends to be used when fitting an underfloor heating system as this helps with insulation and effective heat transfer.

The insulation should be lying completely flat on the subfloor before the screed is applied as cracks may allow the heat to escape.

You could use either a fast-flowing liquid screed to be pumped or a semi-dry screed that can be trowelled. Whichever screed you decide to use, it should be given the time to dry naturally which could take as long as a week.

The Considerations For Fitting Flooring

Check for any unevenness in the subfloor and use a floor levelling compound if necessary. This is to ensure that the floor heats evenly as any gaps could allow the heat to escape. The subfloor should also be clean and damp-proof.

How To Fit LVT Flooring

Make sure you take the time to acclimatise your LVT flooring by leaving the boxes of flooring in the intended room at the room’s normal temperature for 48 hours before fitting.

Use an LVT underlay for the right support, and you could use a self-adhesive LVT underlay that has anti-slip properties. Ensure an even gap between the wall and the LVT board with 7 to 10 mm spacers.

The actual installation of LVT flooring should be straightforward with click vinyl tiles and Duo Board would be advisable to provide a stable base to work on.

How To Fit Wooden Flooring

As with LVT flooring, you need to acclimatise wooden flooring too to maintain the moisture levels and this should be for at least a week under normal living conditions.

You will need room for expansion with solid wood flooring and a gap of around 10 to 12 mm would be required on the perimeter of the installation.

A solid wood flooring could be installed over two different subfloor types; concrete or plywood.

When installing the solid wood flooring, check each floorboard, and you can use randomly placed joints for less waste and an impressive look.

How To Fit Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring either uses a tongue and groove or a click-fitting system and the underlay can differ too.

A wooden subfloor should use fibreboard underlay for superb heat insulation while a concrete subfloor needs a damp-proof membrane such as foam or fibreboard.

Start in the corner of your longest wall and lay the laminate flooring with the tongue edge lying against the wall.

Next, place 10 to 12 mm spacers to create an expansion gap between the board and the wall with two spacers along the length and one across the width of the board.

Now the fixing can begin though ensure that the alignment of the flooring is exact, and you will be required to cut the final board to fit the remaining gap.

Final Thoughts

The type of flooring you decide on should work for your home for the aesthetic look you desire and have the heating properties you want.

This may differ depending on the room as you may need water-resistant flooring such as LVT in the bathroom and kitchen with more versatile flooring in other places.

It should be a simple task to fit the underfloor heating once you consult an expert and follow the instructions.