GAIA - First Floor Underfloor Heating – Your Questions, Answered
When it comes to underfloor heating, many people assume it’s suitable for the ground-floor only. However, that’s not actually the case!
In recent years, underfloor heating has been increasingly used as a heating system for whole buildings, installed to deliver even, consistent warmth on the ground floor, first floor and even in a loft conversion.
But, as first floor underfloor heating is still a less common practice, you may have a few questions about including it in your project – including which system is most suitable, can it be retrofitted and does it work with joisted floors.
So, in this blog we’re answering the most popular questions that architects, contractors, M&E consultants, builders and developers may have about underfloor heating on the first floor.
Can you install electric underfloor heating on the first floor?
Yes! Electric underfloor heating is an ideal system for first floor heating.
Electric underfloor heating consists of mats or cables which are installed beneath the floor and connected to the electricity supply. When switched on, they heat the floor, warming a room from the ground up.
Both mats and individual cables (often paired with a decoupling membrane) are lightweight, thin and discreet, meaning they have minimal impact on floor height which is perfect for first floors where space may be limited. Plus, its easy installation process means it can be simply factored into the build.
Electric underfloor heating is also the ideal future-proof system as it meets the requirements of electrification – a government-supported ambition to move the heating industry towards electricity and away from fossil fuel gas heating. This is key for developers working on projects which may take around five to 10 years to complete and need to meet the needs and regulations of today and the future.
Can you install wet underfloor heating on the first floor?
Despite what some may think – yes!
It was previously believed that wet – or hydronic – underfloor heating was unsuitable for the upper floors due to its impact on floor height. This is because wet underfloor heating can sometimes require additional work during installation, resulting in expensive excavation or raising the floor to an unacceptable level.
However, new low-profile systems mean that wet underfloor heating is a great heating system for the first floor of a building.
A low-profile grooved overlay system is the most suitable wet underfloor heating option for the first floor. The slim grooved overlay boards can be installed over an existing level solid substrate, with the wet underfloor heating pipe placed inside the grooves. As this requires minimal floor build up, it has little impact on floor height.
The boards are made from EPS insulation with an aluminium foil layer which helps evenly dissipate heat. The pre-formed grooves ensure uniform spacing for easier installation and even warmth, as well as helping to achieve the recommended heating output for the first floor.
We’ve worked on a number of projects which feature low-profile wet underfloor heating upstairs, including Redcliffe Place in Tunbridge Wells for which we provided a grooved insulation system that encased the pipe and reduced installation time.
Just like electric underfloor heating, wet systems are also an ideal future-proof solution for long-term projects as they can be paired with heat pumps to help meet the electrification ambition, as well as adhere to the energy efficiency rules of the Future Homes Standard.
Wet underfloor heating into grooved overlay upstairs
Wet underfloor heating into screed downstairs
Can you retrofit underfloor heating on the first floor?
Underfloor heating is great for first floor retrofit projects.
Electric underfloor heating is the more common choice for first floor retrofit projects as it’s typically more low profile, so requires limited disruption to the existing floor height – and it’s quick and easy to install.
Due to a more complex installation process, wet underfloor heating is typically better for new-build projects, especially on the first floor. But, if a complete renovation is taking place, installation of low-profile wet underfloor heating can be factored into the renovation process to cause less disruption.
Can underfloor heating be used with joisted floors?
Underfloor heating can be installed on wooden joisted floors which are typically used in the upstairs of a building.
Wet underfloor heating can be installed with aluminium plates which are made to be installed with timber joisted floors. The plates can be placed between the joists to support the pipework. They have pre-formed grooves which hold and evenly space a 16mm wet underfloor heating pipe beneath the floor.
We recently completed a project for Hambridge Homes – Pearsall Terrace in Crystal Palace – which featured a bespoke aluminium plate system. The standard size is typically 400mm, but we delivered an aluminium plate system for 600mm joists of the upper floors of the plots.
Can underfloor heating be used with carpet on the first floor?
Developers, builders and contractors may want to ensure the heating system installed is compatible with the design choices their clients may make – and carpet is a popular option for the first floor of many projects, especially in bedrooms.
Underfloor heating is suitable for use with a wide range of flooring options, including carpets.
Low-tog carpets are the most suitable and we recommend both the carpet and the underlay come to less than 1.5 tog combined.
Underfloor heating can also be used with tiles, vinyl and wood flooring which may be used in bathrooms, bedrooms or hallways on upper floors.
Looking for underfloor heating?
If you’re seeking underfloor heating for your project – whether that’s for the first floor or anywhere else within the project – our helpful team are always on hand to help.
We design, supply, commission and install wet (hydronic) and electric (dry) underfloor heating for developers, architects, contractors, M&E consultants and builders across the UK and Ireland.
With experience working on a wide range of projects – new builds or retrofits, residential or commercial – we can help you find the right heating system for your project.
Get in touch today to find out more.