Underfloor Heating

[barry1010]

I know nothing about underfloor heating or buildings.
My kitchen floor has floorboards with a void underneath approx 3' deep. I don't know if that is standard.
I would love to install underfloor heating when the kitchen is revamped in a few months time. Is this possible or would the heat be lost in the void? I know heat rises.

[davebro]

I have underfloor heating - it's called "the flat downstairs"!

[davebro]

Seriously tho' - I think you would need a lot of insulation UNDER the heating tubes.

[douglas9401]

https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation-boards/applications/floor-insulation-boards

[davebro]

https://www.nu-heat.co.uk/blog/underfloor-heating-options-for-first-floors/#:~:text=Underfloor%20heating%20can%20be%20installed,ground%20or%20upper%20floor%20levels.

[Ryzen]

Are you looking at a wet or dry..electric.. system?

[barry1010]

No preference, Ryzen.

[ladybirder]

I have gas underfloor heating installed in my flat and it is fabulous. So cheap to run, no radiators stuck on the walls. If you can have it, do. Make sure your property is well insulated of course.

[barry1010]

That's the problem, ladybirder, insulating a 3ft void.

[The Builder]

A 3 foot void under a suspended floor is quite normal, Barry.
Do read DaveBro's link to Nu-Heat. Nu-Heat are probably the market leader for U/F heating systems. I got my entire system from them and installed it myself, (air-source heat pump/underfloor heating, and unvented hot water cylinder.)

They'll assess the property and draw up a complete system. I'd never done one before, so I was well pleased that they were only a phone call away for any help I needed in installing.

I have solid floors... a much cheaper system.
Suspended timber means you need to fit their "metal heat-spreader plates" first. Those things make it more costly.
I won't go into all the fitting details here because it's all in their detailed guides.
Yes, the insulation is fitted first. Usually between the joists. Then the spreader plates. Then the pipework, and the finished floor.

Usually "Celotex" or "Kingspan" board insulation.

That's for a "wet" system. A dry, electric system could be used. Possibly cheaper to install, but would still need the same insulation.
I guess an electric system would cost more to run though.
A wet system can run from any regular boiler, just like radiators.

Don't worry about heat losses in the void. With 3 feet to spare, you can put in as much insulation as you can afford.

[jno]

I'd have thought anyone able to give The Builder advice was well worth a try!

[The Builder]

Jno... thank you for that :o)))

I'll learn from anybody. I'm not too proud.
I always like to take on something I've never tried before. The building trade can be terribly repetitive if you keep re-inventing the same old wheel :o)

[barry1010]

Thanks all, very informative and much to think about. I am relieved that the void is normal, though :)