There’s nothing worse than being cold, especially in your own home, which is why it’s essential to have a quality central heating system to warm you up during the winter months. Underfloor heating is making waves as one of the top choices, and it’s even better when installed alongside a layer of screed.
Underfloor heating and screed work together to provide warmth and comfort throughout entire properties, removing the downfalls of cold spots and reduced space that other traditional methods come with.
So, what actually is underfloor heating and screed, and what are their thermal benefits? Keep reading to find out more.
Understanding underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is a central heating system installed beneath the floor that offers complete warmth throughout a room or entire property. You can choose between two types of systems: water and electric. Water underfloor heating works by warm water flowing through a series of pipes, and electric involves cables or heating mats.
Benefits of underfloor heating
Even heat distribution
One of the main complaints that people have about traditional heating methods like radiators and fireplaces is that they don’t warm up the entire room. The heat is often very limited. However, with underfloor heating, you can rest assured that every corner of your room will be heated up.
Energy efficiency
While underfloor heating systems might cost a little bit more to install initially, the long-term savings are much better compared to traditional methods. This is because they are extremely energy efficient. Underfloor heating uses much less energy to provide you with much more warmth, increasing your comfort and decreasing your bills.
Space saving
When you install a radiator or fireplace in a room, it takes up a lot of space. This reduces your decorating options or the potential to add more furniture to your home. Luckily, underfloor heating removes this disadvantage as it is all beneath the surface, giving you all the space in the room to do what you want with it.
The role of screed in underfloor heating
Screed is a layer often applied above underfloor heating systems, offering a wide range of benefits, including adding a layer of insulation to the floors. It is sometimes also installed above floors without an underfloor heating system to offer a smooth and level surface. There are various types of screed available, with the main one being a sand and cement screed.
Benefits of using screed with underfloor heating
Efficient heat transfer
Screed is applied on top of underfloor heating systems to help with the conductivity and distribution of warmth to the space above. It offers some great heat transfer properties, which ensure you get even warmth throughout every inch of the room, removing the opportunity for cold spots and ensuring it doesn’t take too long to feel comfortable.
Thermal mass properties
Screed isn’t only a good conductor, but it also acts as a thermal mass reservoir. The screed above the underfloor heating absorbs, stores, and then releases heat when needed. This means that when you turn on your underfloor heating system, it has stored warmth from the last time it was on, meaning it can heat up quickly.
Minimizing heat loss
The last thing you want when using your underfloor heating is to lose the warmth as soon as you feel it. Luckily, with a layer of screed in place, you won’t have to worry about this. This is because screed has insulating properties, which create a barrier that retains warmth and contributes significantly to the system’s overall energy efficiency.
Thermal efficiency of underfloor heating and screed
One of the main reasons people opt for underfloor heating paired with screed for the main heating source in their homes is due to their thermal efficiency. However, a few factors can affect the thermal efficiency, such as the flooring materials. For example, materials like tile and stone are good for transferring heat, but carpet is thicker and makes it harder for the warmth to get through.
You can often guarantee a smooth and consistent heat with underfloor heating and screed, ensuring you feel comfortable at all times. Unlike traditional heating methods, you don’t need to put it up to an extremely high temperature to feel warm. You can also feel the warmth in every corner of the room as the heat is evenly distributed. This reduces energy consumption, lowers bills, and increases your comfort.
Energy savings and environmental impact
Underfloor heating has made waves as one of the more sustainable central heating systems on the market. This is because when you turn the system on, whether it’s water or electric, it uses much less energy than other traditional heating methods. This is great for you as it means your monthly energy bills are lower, and you won’t have to dig too deep into your pocket.
There are also some great environmental benefits to using this efficient heating system alongside the screed. Unlike some other methods, it doesn’t release harmful gases into the environment for you to feel warm. Similarly, it doesn’t involve destroying massive parts of our ecosystem, such as wood from rainforests, to gain materials and parts for the installation.
Final thoughts
There’s no doubt that underfloor heating and screed are a match made in heaven. They don’t only offer an oasis of warmth throughout your home, but they also provide you with a sustainable and energy-efficient solution. There are so many benefits to the pair that you can’t deny it’s a great option when choosing a central heating system.
If you’re thinking of having underfloor heating and screed installed in your home, you should consult a professional to do the job for you. Not only will they ensure there are no errors or issues with the system, but they can provide you with a guarantee that will cover all maintenance and repairs in the future.
