Underfloor heating options - first floor, renovation project

m_stan

I am looking at underfloor heating for a renovation project and considering the options for doing this. The ground floor is no problem as all the floors are coming up and a concrete subfloor being laid.

It's the first floor I'm struggling with.

If I have to re-enforce the existing joists to support the weight of the new floor with screed, there will be some expense and hassle involved - including having to engage an engineer etc. Is anyone familiar with alternative light-weight solutions that would avoid the need for heavy screed and therefore floor joist enforcing? Anything simple I can lay between the existing joists that will avoid the need for screed?

I've Googled this and can see several options but I'm looking to hear from someone who's actually done it on a renovation project and can speak to the results.

m_stan

Come on! Surely someone here has some advice on this?! I would have thought this was an issue countless people have come across in the past?

sydthebeat

m_stan wrote: »

I am looking at underfloor heating for a renovation project and considering the options for doing this. The ground floor is no problem as all the floors are coming up and a concrete subfloor being laid.

It's the first floor I'm struggling with.

If I have to re-enforce the existing joists to support the weight of the new floor with screed, there will be some expense and hassle involved - including having to engage an engineer etc. Is anyone familiar with alternative light-weight solutions that would avoid the need for heavy screed and therefore floor joist enforcing? Anything simple I can lay between the existing joists that will avoid the need for screed?

I've Googled this and can see several options but I'm looking to hear from someone who's actually done it on a renovation project and can speak to the results.

http://www.systemlink.ie/underfloor-timber-floors.asp

2 seconds on google unearthed this.

m_stan

thanks for the tip. And now back to the original question - has anybody done something similar and can speak to the success or otherwise of having actually done it?

Thx

kevymoss

Hi,

Yeah I have completed this on numerous occasions. It has worked well

thanks
Kevin

m_stan

Thanks Kevin. Did you do it as an installer or an end user? What products did you use, and did it negate the need for joist reinforcement entirely?

kevymoss

Hi stan

I completed as an installer.
In terms of products I am not sure what you mean and I dont think I can mention any names on this board?

In terms of joist reinforcement there where a few options.

1 - Between the joists, a 50mm polyurethane insulation board is cut for a tight fit. It is advisable to use scrap battens from the building site to support the insulation from below.

The pipe is then clipped on the insulation with our special pipe clips. Then the floor boards are laid on top of the joists. Be careful not to leave too much air space between the insulation boards and floor boards (25mm is recommended). The joists need to be notched where needed for pipe runs.

2- A rigid foil can be used underneath the floor boards

I have other methods and makes etc so PM would prob be best to avoid breaking board rules!

thanks
kevin

PatcyMcl

I used the lightweight cement and it was still too heavey. If I did it over, I'd go with the prefab plywood subfloor panels with grooves for hydronoic heat PEX tubing. This is a great way to go.