Underfloor heating is an ideal heating solution for extensions and conservatories. Professional Builder follows an installation of a Grant Uflex UFH system from design to handover.
Underfloor heating systems have been a common fixture in households for quite some time but in recent years their popularity has seen a substantial surge. A wet underfloor heating system transforms the entire floor into a surface that can radiate heat uniformly upward, ensuring even distribution of warmth throughout the space or room. This stands in sharp contrast to radiators, which rely on convection currents to disperse heat in a room, often resulting in cold spots or drafts.
Underfloor heating is particularly well-suited to conservatories and extensions because it can be integrated during the floor installation process. These spaces are often neglected in the winter due to their tendency to be too cold. However, with underfloor heating, a conservatory can become a consistently warm area throughout the year. Installing an underfloor heating system in a conservatory offers the same benefits as in other rooms, including straightforward installation, enhanced energy efficiency and a sleek, unobtrusive appearance.
Options like the Uflex MINI low-profile underfloor heating system can be retrofitted in existing conservatories, while systems like the Uflex underfloor heating system, which is integrated into the floor, can be installed in new conservatories.
This Grant Uflex underfloor heating (UFH) installation shows the process of fitting the system from start to finish and demonstrates how manufacturers support installers with their UFH projects. For instance, you can send the initial plans of your project to designrequest@grantuk.com and then Grant UK’s in-house Design Team will complete a heat load calculation and produce a formal quotation which lists the bill of materials for the installation. Here is what happens once the quotation is approved:
Step 1: Place the order with a local merchant referencing the unique Design Project Number supplied by Grant UK’s Design Team. When Grant UK receive the confirmed order, their Team will then transfer the project list into a scaled underfloor heating schematic using a CAD programme. A PDF of this schematic is issued with appropriate pipe cutting list and flow rates and an A3 hard copy accompanies the order. Also included in this drawings pack are the wiring and plumbing schematics for the system as well as the setup/commissioning information.
Step 2: Once you have your design and received your UFH order on site, prepare the required floor area and fix the edge insulation strip continuously around all internal and external wall edges.
Step 3: Cut and lay the floor insulation over the entire floor area butting up to the edge insulation, then tape all adjoining sections of floor insulation to prevent screed slipping through the joints.
Step 4: Lay a membrane on top of the floor insulation (this is only required if using a liquid screed) and stick the edge insulation skirt onto the insulation board or membrane as required.
Step 5: Using the design supplied by Grant UK, mark the system layout onto the prepared floor area and measure the maximum length of the Uflex pipe required for each loop to ensure even distribution across the floor area.
Step 6: Fit the manifold in the required location as per the design specification. Once fitted, thread the first pipe coil end behind the return manifold and connect onto the manifold flow port.
Step 7: Using the marked floor area, start to lay the pipe so that the flow direction is from the manifold to the coldest area of the room first. Clip the Uflex pipe into place using a stapler working back towards the return port of the manifold to complete each loop.
Step 8: Once the pipework is complete and each loop pressure tested, a screed can then be laid up to a thickness of 75mm depending on the screed type being used, and then left to dry for the required time. The controls can then be installed, and actuators fitted on to the manifold. The heat source can then be connected, and the underfloor system commissioned.
For further information about Grant UK’s underfloor heating range, visit Underfloor Heating Systems – Deliver Comfort Throughout Your Home – Grant UK.
Pump action
Want to find out more about heat pumps and their installation? The technology has long been identified as a renewable energy source that can contribute to our net zero ambitions, and they’re a lucrative potential business opportunity for the skilled trades. Professional Builder explored the topic in a recent podcast where we put the questions to Stuart McWhinnie of Grant UK. To listen to the episode visit Episode 7 – The time for heat pump action is now – Professional Builder (probuildermag.co.uk).
