underfloor heating

There are two types of underfloor heating - wet systems where warm water circulates through polyethylene pipes and electric systems which is electric matting.  Both methods are installed within the floor or wall structure.  Except for very small areas, IHS supply wet systems only - they are far more energy and cost efficient.

You may not require a complete underfloor heating system but simply wish to install it in your kitchen, conservatory or extension.  In this case, we offer pre-made Add-On kits specially designed for single areas.  These are available as both wet and dry systems.

conventional or underfloor heating?

Conventional systems mainly provide convection heat that circulates through the air that surrounds objects in a building.  Radiant heat warms objects and the general fabric of the building, including people, just like the sun's heat projects on the earth's surface.

Conventional Heating System	Underfloor Heating System

Underfloor heating eliminates uncomfortable hot or cold air flows around a room and gives even comfortable heating.  The warmest part of the room is next to the floor - not the ceiling.

The heat produced from underfloor or wall heating comprises 70% radiant heat and 30% convection heat.  

Floor heating is as close as you can get to the ideal heating curve.

benefits of underfloor heating

• Clean and hygienic
• Even warmth and comfort it gives throughout your home or workplace ensuring a pleasant living or working environment.  Due to the even heat distribution, temperatures are slightly lower than you would have with a conventional heating system.  The actual air temperature can be reduced by 1ºC to 2ºC compared to conventional systems. This adds to the overall comfort level and gives energy savings of between 15% and 50% depending on ceiling height.  The higher the ceiling, the more energy is saved.
• No dust circulation - excellent for people who suffer from asthma or allergies
• Environmentally friendly especially when used with ground source heat pumps, solar panels and condensing boilers
• Vandal proof
• Complete freedom for innovative interior design - no unsightly radiators
• Ease and speed of installation
• Easy to regulate due to compact manifolds
• Little or no maintenance

suitable floor finishes

Remember - all new houses have moisture - get the heating running beforehand.  It's good for the entire fabric of the building.

To achieve optimal heat output and temperatures, you require good contact between the floor structure and floor covering with no air gaps.

Generally, thick cork and soft woods are not suitable for floor heating.  Watch out for some of the new laminate boards and how they're fixed to the floor.  If the underlay is too thick, it will insulate your floor and block heat output.  Underlay should not exceed 2mm.

All stone, slate, ceramic and quarry tiles allow excellent heat transfer and output when laid on concrete and screed.

Linoleum and vinyl should be no thicker than 5mm. 
Note:  when gluing lino/amtigo to the concrete or screed, ensure the concrete or screed is dry and all moisture is eliminated.  It may be beneficial to have the heating running to help dry out the floor.  Failure to do this can cause condensation to the underside of the flooring.

All carpets are suitable, however, the total carpet thickness should not exceed 12mm. If the carpet has a foam backing it should be no more than 3mm thick.  The function of underlay is to prevent wear and tear on the underside of the carpet.  A thinner type of no more than 3mm should be used with no air pockets being allowed to develop.  The carpet can be laid loose, tensioned or glued to the floor - if glued, the heat output is higher.

Hardwood flooring: wood should have a moisture content of no higher than 10%.  The total wood thickness should not exceed 22mm.  Ensure the concrete or biscuit is dry and all moisture is eliminated prior to applying ANY wood finish.  Start up the heating to dry out the concrete or screed. You should refer to floor suppliers' guidelines for advice on applying adhesive.

floor construction

There are numerous different floor constructions and at IHS we have suggested methods of installing underfloor heating for almost every construction situation. 

Concrete and screed: due to the low temperatures produced from the heat pump, concrete and screeds are the ideal combination with geothermal heat pumps.  Basically by dumping this low temperature water into the thermal mass, which is in turn the heat emitter, the building itself becomes the buffer and heat sink.

Joisted floors with underfloor heating:  Using a conventional boiler with underfloor heating presents no difficulty as the temperature output is 70C and any of the above mentioned floor coverings can be used.   

If a heat pump is the main heat source, the temperature output is lower - approximately 45C.  In this case, Lewis Plates can be installed on the joisted floor to allow screed to be poured thus creating a higher thermal mass.  If this option doesn't suit, a hardwood floor covering over the full joisted area can be used provided there is no sub-floor. (The heat from the heat pump can penetrate through hard wood due to the fact that it doesn't require a chipboard subfloor which would absorb most of the heat). 

For a detailed explaination of the options available select your floor type:

If you don't see what you need, please contact us.

ihs pipe

Aluflex, similar to other brands on the UK market, has a PEX plastic outer layer with an aluminium middle layer and a PEX inner layer.  It's a more rigid pipe and once bent, stays in place.  However, this pipe only has a ten-year guarantee compared to a fifty-year guarantee using IHS standard or heavy duty pipe.  

NB! Aluflex pipe is being used in concrete floor structures - IHS do NOT recommend this due to the fact that aluminium does not have the same stretch ability as the PEX outer and inner layer.  This could give problems with concrete floors when the floor cracks, however it is very suitable for the aluminium plate system and for connecting radiators.

why IHS?

• All pipe and manifolds designed by Invisible Heating Systems
• IHS Compact Manifolds are self-regulating, fully integrated, visibly compact, simple to install, easy to regulate and competitively priced
• IHS PE-RT Pipe has a fifty-year guarantee; IHS Manifolds have a five-year guarantee
• Unlimited design and heat loss calculation guarantee
• In-house CAD layout included in the package.  Full technical manual with wiring and plumbing schematics also included
• Recommended installers throughout UK; Systems also available on supply only basis
• Excellent after-sales service
• Only UK company with a CE mark on both its pipe and fittings
• Full insurance-backed design service with each underfloor heating system supplied

cad drawings

Whether it's a self build house, a hospital or a district housing heating system, every one of our completed projects is supplied with a full colour CAD drawing.  Our CAD drawings are produced in-house by a member of our skilled design team; they're tailored to suit each individual project and contains all the wiring and plumbing schematics to suit whatever type of boiler configuration you have.

The CAD drawing is your system guarantee supplied by us - our guarantee that you'll have an underfloor system that delivers what we promise.  Click here to see PDF example of a typical CAD drawing.