Under Tile Heating

What Is Under Tile Heating

Bathroom heating and ventilation include a series of fixtures, both fixed and portable such as radiators, heaters, and bathroom extractor fans. Depending on the size of the bathroom and installation requirements, each feature boasts its own set of pros and cons. 

Underfloor heating (also known as UFH) is a very convenient solution that keeps the feet constantly warm while reducing electricity bills. Its compatibility with renewable heating sources makes it worthy of consideration for anyone trying to improve their residence's sustainability levels.

Types of Radiant Floor Heating

There are two essential types of underfloor heating systems:

• Wet, or warm water underfloor heating (both buried and surface-mounted)
• Electric under tile heating

Buried Warm Water Underfloor Heating

Warm-water systems are based on pipes buried into the floor screed. The screed is then easily covered with the selected finishing. In place of typical bathroom heaters, the whole floor slab surface does the job of warming the space. A manifold that controls the zoned system can be easily stored inside a cupboard. 

The most significant advantage of warm water underfloor heating systems is their energy efficiency, accompanied by low running costs.

However, installing such a system requires a complete reconstruction of the existing floor structure. For that reason, it presents the best solution for new buildings and renovations. 

Surface Mounted Warm Water Underfloor Heating

In cases where remaking the entire floor composition is not an option, the solution lies in alternative systems. Surface-mounted underfloor heating comprises insulated panels. The pipes run through channels that can be laid on top of the existing floor structure.

Insulated panels raise the existing floor height to 1.5cm. The rest of the operating process is the same as with buried under tile heating systems.

Surface-mounted heating is easy to fit and maintain. Its disadvantage can be a higher price tag compared to other alternatives.

Electric Under Tile Heating

Similarly to surface-mounted heating, electric systems also require no major remodelling, but without raising floor levels either. It can be installed independently and presents a popular choice for heating individual rooms and bathrooms. 

Electric systems consist of mats with cables that can connect to the home's electrical circuit. The UFH mats are thin, affordable, easy to place within tile adhesive, and operated via thermostats.

On the con side, their cost of running is noticeably higher compared to bathroom heat lamps and similar heating systems.  

Wet vs Dry Under Tile Heating 

Electric systems are installed directly under the top floor covering, independent from the central heating system. Wet systems use warm water and plastic pipes fitted underneath the floor, and require a connection to the central heating source. 

Wet systems require major remodelling, which makes them best to install in new developments and over the entire floor plan. Dry electric systems can be easily fixed and cover the needs of a single room, bathroom or toilet. 

Best Flooring for Underfloor Heating

In terms of compatibility and heat-conducting properties, ceramic tiles are by far the best flooring for underfloor heating. Ceramic tiles can quickly bring the heat up to the surface and preserve it well. An alternative to the ceramics is raisin flooring, less conductive but otherwise equally compatible. Other great options include stone and wooden flooring. 

Concrete can work, but its heat conductive is inferior, which means the floors will be cooler than those of resin or ceramics. 

Things to Consider When Buying Under Tile Heating

The chosen heating system determines the type of insulation required.

For instance, UHF systems can be placed directly onto pre-installed foam or polystyrene insulation. At the same time, some solid floors already feature incorporated insulation in the form of high-density panels that render the base for the heating pipes.

In open-plan areas with high ceilings, UFH is an exceptionally effective solution. The radiated heat creates even room temperature, reducing moisture levels, draughts, and airborne allergens.

Under tile heating is an excellent choice for bathroom floor heating and kitchen floor heating. It fits well with hard flooring while leaving wall space for additional storage.

Radiators can be easily combined with an underfloor system. One of the best ways to warm a one-storey home is to install underfloor heating on the ground floor and radiators upstairs.

If you need assistance to find the right under tile heating solution for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.