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Why choose screed UFH?

Screed underfloor heating systems are the go-to choice for those working on a ground-floor new-build or extension. As it is typically factored into the build schedule anyway, screeding over underfloor heating is cost and time effective.

Screed systems offer great flexibility for both the homeowner and installer. Providing high heat outputs when paired with both either a heat pumps and or boilers, and compatible with most floor coverings, screed systems work in almost any project.

When paired with our signature Nu-Heat design, screed systems can offer great heat outputs up to 100 W per m2. Our expert design package elevates the performance of your system by calculating the room-by-room heat losses of your project to optimise pipe-layouts and flow rates for maximum efficiency, especially important when pairing with a low temperature heat source like a heat pump.

Why choose screed UFH

Where are screed systems used?

Screed underfloor heating systems are frequently used in two primary project types:

  • New-builds: Screed systems are most commonly used in new-build scenarios. Offering seamless integration into your construction schedule, as screeding is often a standard part of the building process.
  • Extensions: Similar to new-builds, extensions often require screed to be poured as part of creating the floor construction, allowing underfloor heating to be seamlessly installed as part of this process.

Our diverse range of screed systems cater to various project types and floor constructions, from contemporary new builds to historic renovations. To determine the best solution for your specific needs, consult with one our expert Account Managers.

Where are screed underfloor heating systems used

Features & benefits

Ease of install

Integrates with standard build process

High heat output

Compatible with most floor coverings

Tile direct

Works well with heat pumps

Screed underfloor heating CGI

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Considerations when installing screed UFH

As screed systems are commonly used in new-build scenarios, it’s likely the project will be complying with Building Regulations, meaning additional considerations are minimal. However, some factors that you may want to consider are:

  • Type of screed: To ensure optimal performance from your UFH system, consult one of our experts to decide whether pumped liquid, limecrete or sand and cement screed is the right option for you.
  • Expert Installation: Involving an expert screeder helps ensure optimal UFH performance and final floor finish.
  • A Tailored Solution: With a wide range of screed systems available, choosing the right one for your project is an important part of the process. By sharing just a few project details, we can help you identify the perfect system.
Installing Screed Underfloor Heating

Top screeds for underfloor heating systems

When it comes to screed, there are three commonly used options. Each has its strengths and selecting the right one for your project can significantly improve the performance of your UFH system:

Sand and cement

Perfect for standard-sized projects

With relatively low levels of preparation required, mixed on-site and laid simply by trowling, sand and cement screed is a great option for most average sized projects.

Sand and cement screed underfloor heating

Liquid screed

Efficient to lay in large projects

If you’re working on a larger project, then a pumped liquid screed is probably your best option. It’s simple application and self-levelling qualities mean it can cover large areas quickly.

Liquid screed underfloor heating

Limecrete

Solution for historic renovations

Limecrete screed is a specialist solution suited to heritage or listed properties. Designed for improved breathability, this screed is great for preventing moisture build-up.

Limecrete install

Not sure screed UFH is the one? We’ll help you find the right system.

Call us on 01404 549770 to speak to a specialist, or use the underfloor heating selector tool to explore more of our products.

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Screed UFH case studies

Real people. Real projects. See the types of properties that screed UFH has been installed in and find out if the homeowners feel the difference.

There’s never any question about performance, their systems are always proven to work and perform perfectly.

Dan and Nina Rowland use screed UFH in their sustainable, multi-story new build.

Eco-build with underfloor heating

Sand and cement screed performance with different floor coverings

Different floor covering materials can impact how an underfloor heating system heats a room and may be sensitive to heat.

When we design your system, we’ll consider insulating floor coverings like carpet and protect sensitive floor coverings such as wood or vinyl. For optimal heat output, pair screed systems with highly conductive floor finishes like natural stone and tile.

Available heat flow (W/m2)
Flow temperature
40°C
45°C
50°C
55°C
Natural stone/tiles
66
85
104 (limit 100)
124 (limit 100)
Vinyl
66 (limit 75)
85 (limit 75)
104 (limit 75)
124 (limit 75)
14mm engineered board
41
54
67
80 (limit 75)
2 tog carpet/underlay
39
50
61
72
Note: A 10-15% increase in output can be expected when liquid screed is used.

Why Nu-Heat?

The heating specialists

The experts in bespoke underfloor heating and integrated renewables for over 33 years.
30 years

Bespoke heating design

Our underfloor heating systems are designed and overseen by our experts, to meet the specific needs of your project.
Bespoke heating design

Award-winning service

With our award-winning customer service and support, we ensure you get the best underfloor heating system for your project.
Award-winning service

Lifetime tech support

We offer lifetime tech support on our underfloor heating systems, so you can rest easy knowing we are always on hand to help.
Lifetime tech support

Want to find out more about screed UFH?

We’re here to answer all your questions and help you choose the right heating system for your project.

Screed UFH FAQs

As we’re regularly asked about underfloor heating (UFH) and screed, we thought it would be helpful to share some of the most common questions, along with our recommendations for minimum screed depths and drying times.

What is the minimum screed depth for underfloor heating?

The minimum screed thickness you should use for warm water underfloor heating systems is:

  • Minimum depth of 65mm for hand-mixed screed
  • Minimum depth of 50mm for liquid screed

How does screed depth affect underfloor heating?

For a domestic property, it’s best not to exceed a screed thickness of 65mm. This would have an impact on the property’s SAP rating, as the additional screed depth means the underfloor heating system will have to work harder to heat up.

Screed underfloor heating systems’ heat up and cool down times are similar. How long that will be depends on the water temperature, the amount of insulation, and the resistance of the chosen floor covering e.g. tiles heat up quickest.

A typical underfloor heating system using screed and run by a boiler would take approximately one hour to heat up.

How long does screed take to dry before fitting the floor covering?

The minimum time you have to leave underfloor heating screed to dry depends on the type of screed you are using.

Hand mixed screed for underfloor heating

The recommended drying times for hand mixed screed are 1 day per mm for the first 50mm, then 2 days per mm for every mm over 50mm. So, for a 65mm underfloor heating screed there would be a recommended drying time of 80 days.

In practice, 4 weeks is a sensible minimum drying time to leave hand mixed underfloor heating screeds.

Liquid (self-levelling) screed

Drying times are significantly reduced by using a liquid screed, such as LoPro QuickSet self-levelling compound. Not only is the minimum screed thickness less, but liquid screed has better drying characteristics and can be dried using dehumidifiers.

Are there any specialist underfloor heating screeds that Nu-Heat recommends?

A denser substance of liquid screed can be just 50mm in depth when used with UFH, rather than the 65mm depth needed with a cement-based screed. For our retrofit LoPro systems, we recommend our LoPro QuickSet self-levelling compound.

The density of liquid screed means it is also a good heat conductor, aiding the heat transfer around the tube and enhancing efficiency. This is particularly good when combining UFH with a heat pump – it maximises the thermal output of the UFH system, allowing the heat pump to work at a lower temperature, improving its Coefficient of Performance (CoP).

If you’re unsure about using underfloor heating screed, our friendly team can help you on 01404515867.

Is insulation needed beneath underfloor heating screed?

Insulation is a crucial consideration for underfloor heating. There should always be insulation below the underfloor heating pipe to resist the heat going downwards. As you would expect, you need as much heat as possible to flow upwards and into the room.

  • Floors must be insulated to Part L – 70mm of PIR (Celotex or Kingspan are examples) for ground floors.
  • Floors over heated areas should be insulated with 30mm PIR or equivalent.

The position of insulation in the floor is important too. Traditionally, insulation is laid and a concrete slab is cast above it. With underfloor heating, the slab should be below the insulation where possible, so that the mass of material to be heated is less.

This positioning of insulation improves underfloor heating response times and reduces any downward heat losses. It is much easier to have the build specified in this way than having to make allowances in the heating design process.

If possible, additional insulation should be used on any external walls when installing underfloor heating.

Can UFH be used on any type of floor substrate and what are the considerations?

Nu-Heat offers a wide range of underfloor heating systems suitable for all types of projects. The choice of system is usually influenced by the overall building construction and is dependent on several factors including:

  • Floor substructure
  • Available height build-up
  • Any weight restrictions
  • Required floor heat output
  • Acoustic requirement
  • Joist spacing (if applicable)

The key to a solution that performs is to choose the right UFH system to suit the construction. For example, a sand and cement or liquid screed over a solid concrete of beam and block floor, or a plated UFH system between a suspended timber joisted floor. If you’re unsure which system to choose, Nu-Heat can visit your home and help you choose the best type for you.