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Floor screeding in progress, showing piles of traditional screed and semi exposed underfloor heating pipes

Underfloor Heating Screed: An Expert Overview

Underfloor heating screed is a specialised type of floor screed designed to be used in conjunction with underfloor heating systems. It provides an efficient, even distribution of heat and ensures a smooth, level surface for the final floor covering. As a floor screeding expert, I will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, applications, and installation process of underfloor heating screed.

What is Underfloor Heating Screed?

Underfloor heating screed is typically a cement-based or anhydrite screed that encapsulates the heating pipes or cables of an underfloor heating system. The screed acts as a thermal mass, absorbing and distributing the heat evenly across the floor surface. This ensures efficient heat transfer and enhances the overall performance of the heating system.

Key Benefits

Efficient Heat Distribution

Underfloor heating screed provides excellent thermal conductivity, ensuring that heat is evenly distributed across the entire floor surface. This results in a more comfortable and consistent room temperature.

Energy Efficiency

The even heat distribution achieved with underfloor heating screed allows the heating system to operate at lower temperatures compared to traditional radiators. This can lead to significant energy savings and lower heating costs.

Comfort and Aesthetics

Underfloor heating screed eliminates the need for visible radiators, providing more design freedom and a cleaner aesthetic. It also creates a warm and comfortable floor surface, enhancing the overall living environment.

Versatility

Underfloor heating screed is suitable for use with various types of floor coverings, including tiles, vinyl, laminate, and carpet. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.

Durability

When properly installed, underfloor heating screed provides a durable and long-lasting flooring solution. It protects the heating elements and ensures the longevity of the entire heating system.

Improved Air Quality

Underfloor heating reduces the circulation of dust and allergens, contributing to better indoor air quality compared to traditional heating systems that rely on convection.

Applications

Underfloor heating screed is ideal for a variety of settings:

  • Residential Properties: Homes and apartments where comfort and energy efficiency are priorities.
  • Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail spaces, and public buildings that benefit from a clean, uncluttered appearance.
  • Industrial Facilities: Warehouses and workshops where underfloor heating can provide an efficient heating solution.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics that require a hygienic and comfortable environment.
  • Educational Institutions: Schools and universities that can benefit from energy-efficient heating systems.

Your local underfloor heating installation specialists

Supply & install

The complete underfloor heating package

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Underfloor heating, Floor screed & Gas boilers

We supply and install EVERYTHING required for underfloor heating installation. From DPM, Radon barrier, insulation and floor screed materials through to the gas boiler itself.

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Supply materials

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Underfloor heating installation

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Underfloor heating screed

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Gas boiler installation

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Underfloor heating installation

Underfloor heating installation by our sister company Liberty Plumbing Solutions

Expert / friendly help and advice

Let us help you through the often complicated process of choosing the correct underfloor heating products to suit your project and budget. We can advise, supply and install underfloor heating products.

Speak to Tristan or Liam about your screed requirements on 01933 716018 or fill out the contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Floor screeding in progress, showing piles of traditional screed and semi exposed underfloor heating pipes
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Buy Floor Screed Materials

Heat and Screed store are leading UK suppliers of Floor screed products, underfloor heating systems, epoxy resin flooring. Leading brands ThermoSphere, DCP and Baron

Installation Process

The installation of underfloor heating screed involves several key steps to ensure a high-quality finish:

1. Subfloor Preparation

The subfloor is thoroughly cleaned, and any debris, dust, or contaminants are removed. Insulation boards are often laid to enhance thermal efficiency and prevent heat loss to the subfloor.

2. Laying the Heating System

The underfloor heating pipes or cables are laid out according to the system design. Care is taken to ensure even spacing and secure fixing to prevent movement during the screed application.

3. Installing a DPM

A damping layer, such as a polythene sheet, is installed over the heating system to protect it from moisture and to provide a barrier between the heating elements and the screed.

4. Pouring the Screed

The underfloor heating screed is mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and poured over the heating system. It is spread evenly and levelled to ensure a smooth surface. In the case of self-levelling screed, minimal manual intervention is required.

5. Curing

The screed is allowed to cure for the specified period, which can vary based on the type of screed used and environmental conditions. Proper curing is essential to achieve the desired strength and thermal conductivity.

6. Heating System Commissioning

Once the screed has cured, the underfloor heating system is commissioned. This involves gradually increasing the temperature to ensure the screed and heating elements perform optimally.

Floor screeding case studies
Professional floor screed services in Northamptonshire

Our floor screed services. Click images for more information

Screed contractors installing liquid screed poured directly from a large cement mixer truck for new warehouse flooring

Liquid Screed

Floor screed contractor working with traditional screed on a house extension project

Traditional screed

Interior fast drying screed used at a new build in Northamptonshire

Fast drying screed

Floor screeding in progress, showing piles of traditional screed and semi exposed underfloor heating pipes

Underfloor heating screed

Floor screed contractor, installing fibre reinforced screed at a warehouse – Bedford

Fibre reinforced screed

Self-levelling screed delivered through a pipe on an underfloor heating installation

Self-Levelling screed

Areas we cover

Based in the Midlands, our floor screeding team covers Northampton, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Peterborough and Leicester. In addition, we will travel to most areas in the South of England, including London.
We cover all areas of Northamptonshire.

Midlands floor screeding

Areas we cover

Based in the Midlands, our floor screeding team covers Northampton, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Peterborough and Leicester. In addition, we will travel to most areas in the South of England, including London.
We cover all areas of Northamptonshire.