If you’re installing underfloor heating screed (UFH), a suitable screed is crucial. It needs to be the right composition and have a high level of thermal conductivity, especially when heated, to enable effective heat transfer from the plastic water pipes or pre-formed cable mats. It should also be installed correctly to avoid the screeds fracturing around the pipe and to improve its durability.
Typical types of UFH screed are dry or liquid screeds, which are made up of a traditional cement sand mix with additives such as fibers to prevent cracking and help to speed up drying times. Alternatively, self-levelling screeds are poured or pumped on site and spread to the required level themselves.
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The subfloor, typically a concrete slab or beam & block floor, is first insulated with a thermal insulation layer, such as mineral wool or polystyrene. This is followed by the UFH pipework, either in the form of a pre-formed cable mat or plastic pipes fixed to insulation boards. The pipework is fixed to the insulation using clips and rails and the system is then covered with an overlay of a breathable underfloor membrane, such as a tyvek cover sheet.
For an electric in-screed UFH system, it’s important to ensure that any sharp bends in the pipework loops leading to and from the manifold are avoided. This will minimise the number of joints which could limit the flow of water from the manifold and result in the cables becoming damaged as they heat up.