Underfloor heating (UFH) works by transforming the entire floor area into a large, low-temperature heat emitter. While the core principle remains the same, options have developed far beyond the simple pipe-and-screed system, with up to 60 variants now available. Each one has been carefully developed to fit different floor constructions, making it vital to choose the right system for your project.
This wide variety means there is a perfect solution for every scenario, but sifting through the options can be daunting. To simplify your choice, we’ve grouped the systems into the main product categories below, detailing their best applications, key pros and cons, and cost considerations. Read on to find out more, or use our UFH selector tool for a quick recommendation.
Screed underfloor heating
Best application: New-builds & extensions
System overview: One of the original and most familiar types of UFH systems, installing a screed system involves laying UFH pipe before pouring a screed compound on top. Screed systems offer great heat retention and are cost and time-effective for new-build and extension scenarios, where a screed is already being poured.
Cost: Typically the most budget-friendly option for large, new-build projects.
Benefits: Highly robust, great heat retention and extremely efficient once up to temperature.
Considerations: If not already part of the project scope, this system requires a dedicated screed-pour which can cause delays with additional drying time.
Suspended timber underfloor heating
Best application: Any timber-floor scenario: renovation or new-build
System overview: From diffuser plates that can be installed from below, to complete structural solutions that combine the floor-deck and underfloor heating components in one, suspended timber UFH systems are an effective and efficient solution. These systems are great for both renovation and new-build timber-floor scenarios, as they make use of existing joists to reduce height-build up, simplify installation, and in some cases even provide a floor-deck and heating system in one.
Cost: Depending on the system you go for – mid-high. Though all have the potential to be more cost-efficient in the right scenario. Eg. Integrated structural boards may cost more upfront, but you could save on labour and material costs elsewhere in your project.
Benefits: Little to no additional floor height, fast warm-up times, quick, dry installation option for joisted structures.
Considerations: Additional insulation may be required between joists to minimise downward heat-losses.
Low profile underfloor heating
Best application: Renovation
System overview: Specially designed to be easily installed over an existing subfloor, low-profile underfloor heating is the go-to solution for powerful and efficient heat output in renovation projects as it eliminates the need to excavate the floor. Depending on your choice of system, they can add as little as 15mm of floor height, making retrofitting UFH simple without compromising on performance.
Cost: Generally higher upfront cost than a screed system, because additional materials are supplied to simplify and speed up install time.
Benefits: Minimal height build-up, simple & quick installation, quick response times – on par with radiator systems.
Considerations: Higher upfront material costs
Floating underfloor heating
Best application: Renovations where floor weight is a concern or a completely dry install is needed
System overview: ‘Floating’ underfloor heating systems are installed on top of an existing subfloor without an additional adhesive, screed, or mortar. They are typically lightweight, modular panels that clip or lock together, resulting in an extremely light and completely dry installation. Floating systems are a great option for both new-build and renovation scenarios where a traditional solid floor isn’t suitable, such as in older buildings with strict weight limits.
Cost: Dependant on system or panel type, generally similar to low-profile systems
Benefits: Extremely light-weight, quick & dry installation.
Considerations: Can sometimes offer limited floor finish options, proper sub-floor preparations are vital.
Acoustic underfloor heating
Best application: Apartment buildings, flats, or multi-storey commercial buildings requiring sound insulation compliance (Part E).
System overview: Need to reduce noise levels in line with Building Regulations Part E sound insulation requirements? An acoustic underfloor heating system might be the solution. These systems feature integrated sound proofing to minimise the transmission of sound whilst still providing fast heat transfer, for comfortable and quiet results. Systems normally combine acoustic flooring materials, such as a dense ISO Rubber, with underfloor heating to maximise sound reduction without impacting heat transfer or system performance.
Cost: The highest material cost due to the integrated specialist components.
Benefits: Meets strict soundproofing regulations, combines heating and sound insulation in one layer.
Considerations: Highest cost system type, may require slightly more floor build-up than a standard low-profile system.
Electric underfloor heating
Best application: Small rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, or small extensions.
System overview: Finally, electric underfloor heating systems utilise electric cable to generate warmth, rather than circulating heated water through pipes like a traditional warm water underfloor heating system. The two most popular forms of electric UFH are mat and cable systems. Mat systems are pre-spaced and attached to a mesh backing, while cable systems include loose cables to allow for more precise heat placement. These systems are great for use in smaller, intermittently used rooms, like kitchens, bathrooms and small extensions, because of the higher running costs associated with electricity when compared to gas.
Cost: Lowest upfront cost but highest running cost, as electricity is more expensive than gas.
Benefits: Lowest upfront cost, fastest heat-up time, simplest installation (often suitable for a competent DIYer).
Considerations: Higher running costs, not suitable as a whole-house heating solution, or as the primary heat source for large or frequently used rooms.
Choosing the right underfloor heating system for you
Now that you’ve got a good idea of the systems available to you, now is the time to choose the right one for you. A quick and simple way to do this, is by using our underfloor heating selector tool, which uses a few quick questions to select the right system for you and your project.
FAQs
What’s the best type of underfloor heating?
Which type of underfloor heating is “best” depends on the requirements of your project. For example, for a renovation with solid floors and minimal insulation, an overlay system like LoPro®Max would mean simple installation and optimal performance. However, in a new-build, timber-frame scenario, a structural system like Nu-Deck® would be the most time and cost effective installation option. To find the best solution for you, try using our UFH selector tool.
What’s the newest underfloor heating technology?
Underfloor heating is always growing and adapting to create new solutions for the modern home. The most recent innovation in underfloor heating is the integrated structural board, which combines underfloor heating and a floor-deck in one.
What’s the cheapest type of underfloor heating?
Electric underfloor heating has the lowest upfront cost, however it can result in higher running costs later down the line. The “cheapest” underfloor heating, long term, that will give you the best return on your investment, will always be a well-designed and specified system that runs efficiently and returns low running costs.
Which type of underfloor heating heats up the fastest?
Because of the nature of its heat source, electric underfloor heating provides the quickest response times. However, once again, this comes with higher running costs. Generally, of the warm-water underfloor heating systems available, overlay systems, like LoPro®Max, have the fastest warm-up times, on par with that of radiators.