Screed underfloor heating
The perfect solution for any project where a screed compound is already being poured, screed underfloor heating systems are cost-effective, highly efficient and fit neatly into build schedules.

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.
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.
Ease of install
Integrates with standard build process
High heat output
Compatible with most floor coverings
Tile direct
Works well with heat pumps
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information sheets
Looking for more technical information on screed UFH? Take a look at our information sheets.
Sand and cement
Liquid screed
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.
Flow temperature | ||||
Natural stone/tiles | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Vinyl | ||||
14mm engineered board | ||||
2 tog carpet/underlay | ||||
Note: A 10-15% increase in output can be expected when liquid screed is used. |
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.