Underfloor Heating FAQ 

We supply Underfloor Heating for all floor types, new and existing. We design based on property types and we have trusted Underfloor Partners, to aid in supplying you with the best products at the best prices. Interested? Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance, or simply fill out our step-by-step ENQUIRY FORM and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

Wet Underfloor Heating is a low-temperature heating system that uses less energy than traditional radiators. Using less energy can save you money on running costs, subject to the correct system and design. The potential benefits can be endless, so speak to one of our team today

Wet Underfloor Heating uses less energy and is cheaper to run than Electric Underfloor Heating. Wet Underfloor Heating is perfect for larger areas and multiple zoning, however, Electric can be better suited to smaller areas of up to 10m² such as bathrooms or small kitchen areas.

Yes, subject to availability and geographical location. Please CONTACT US to discuss.

Yes, working with our trusted partners in the industry, we can offer a full design service, with CAD layout designs on order, subject to information and drawings received. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Your Heat Source is where your energy comes from to heat your Underfloor Heating system. The two most popular Heat Source examples in the UK are Gas Boilers and Air Source Heat Pumps. Click this Link for information on Heat Pumps – Air Source Heat Humps

Here at JH Underfloor Heating, we can supply hard-wired and wireless (cable-free) thermostats, for new and existing applications. Once you have chosen between hard-wired, or wireless, you can then decide on how to control your Underfloor Heating, via standard home control, or the added benefit of controlling from your smart devices, either mobile phone or tablet. We also supply controls to work with home automation. CONTACT US if you need any further guidance

Zoning your Underfloor heating system is having the option of independently controlling each area of your home, where Underfloor heating may be installed. For example, if you have 3 separate rooms that are of adequate size, this would be classed as 3 zones, therefore 3 independent thermostats are required.

When zoning multiple floors, this process is repeated, with each floor having its own manifold and wiring centre.

CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

As a general design rule, avoiding Underfloor Heating under Bathroom and Kitchen units, Kitchen islands and fitted furniture is common practice, as there are zero benefits. We do, however, fulfil customer requirements and if you do require Underfloor in obscure places, do not hesitate to let us know! CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Yes, here at JH Underfloor Heating, we can supply bespoke single area packs that can work within your existing system CONTACT US for further guidance.

Key design information can determine the advice we give when it comes to anti-freeze. CONTACT US to discuss this further.

Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance on warranties.

When fitting Wet Underfloor Heating to UK industry-standard DIN 4726, we expect a minimum 50-year lifespan on the pipe alone. Controls and other items may differ however, these items can be serviceable, to prolong lifespan. Here at JH Underfloor Heating, however, we recommend you seek guidance from an industry professional before servicing your system. As a side note, radiators only have a life expectancy of between 8-12 years, before they start to lose efficiency.

Yes, with 68 branches spread across the UK, you’re never too far away from a James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies Depot. We can also offer parcel and pallet delivery, subject to charges.

Yes, subject to charges before ordering your materials. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

We have a vast stock range of Underfloor Heating products and have products readily available, with same-day collection or next day, subject to stock availability. Please note, however, our standard lead time is 3/5, especially for larger projects that require a design. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance, or refer to our company RETURNS POLICY

Air Source Heat Pumps are predominantly low-temperature heating sources. You may not need a mixing valve, however, please refer to your chosen Heat Pump manufacture instructions for clarification, as some Heat Pumps can have high-temperature capabilities, therefore one may be required to uphold manufacture warranties. Click this Link for information on Heat Pumps – JH LOW CARBON

A separate pump is required to meet the demands of the Heating circuits and pump the flow of water around your system. As the Underfloor pipes may cover large areas, with vast pipe lengths, you need your separate pump to cope with demands. If you have various pumps on your heating setup, you may need Hydronic separation for your system to work efficiently. CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Manifolds can be from 2-12 ports.

Any more ports will put stress on your system, therefore overworking the pump and potentially not heating areas furthest away. Projects that require more than 12 circuits aren't an issue and we will design accordingly, by splitting the system to adopt the extra requirements.

15mm and 16mm pipe lengths are 100mtrs; smaller bore pipe is 80mtrs. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Minimum 150mm, regardless of Heat Source and 100mm is an option dependent on the property type, location, and Heat Source. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Yes, it is highly recommended to form a DPM over your insulation prior to pipes being laid. If you do not do this, your screed has the potential of soaking up your screed, therefore making the insulation unfit for purpose.

Liquid Anhydrite screeds are extremely popular and can be installed with minimal depth; around 40mm. Due to the reinforced fibres within liquid screeds, heat can be absorbed and conducted equally, improving the efficiency of your system. Option two is Concrete/Sand & Cement Screeds, with a typical depth between 65mm/90mm.

A typical build up example is: 100mm insulation on top of your subbase, DPM, pipes and screed.

Please be aware that whatever screed you choose, the depths will affect your heating and cooling times. CONTACT US for further guidance.

Some overlay boards may allow you to tile directly on top, using flexible adhesive, evenly spread for seamless heat conduction. Your second options are flexible levelling screeds and floor-grade plywood. Please be aware however that Plywood is an insulator and is a poor heat conductor, so may not be suitable for your property. CONTACT US for further guidance.

Yes, subject to your flooring suppliers' recommendations. Your chosen floor finishes can affect the performance and the way we design your Underfloor Heating system. The textiles industry measure heat retention in ‘TOG (Thermal Overall Grade)’ and TOG rating of 1.5 is advisable not to be exceeded, which includes any underlay. You must specify floor finishes to JH Underfloor Heating and most importantly advise your flooring supplier that your chosen floors are working with Underfloor Heating. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance, or simply fill out our step-by-step ENQUIRY FORM and we will get back to you within 48 hours.

Adhering to manufacturer instructions prior to commencing floor coverings, leaks should not happen. Any common faults will be serviceable and exposed for repair, for example, the Underfloor Heating Manifold. CONTACT US for further guidance.

Yes, under BS7593 and the new 2022 legislation, it is recommended you treat your system with an inhibitor to prolong the system, then Biocide to prevent bacterial build-up, with low-temperature Heating. You could also install a separate magnetic filter. CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

You may have a system installed where different flow rates can hinder system performance and efficiencies, for example, a typical property with Underfloor Downstairs and Radiators upstairs. Hydronic separation can be in the form of a Low Loss Header, or close coupled tees, and should be built into a standard design check by your chosen contractor, although not yet regulated. If you would like any further guidance, please don’t hesitate to CONTACT US.

It is advised that in the depths of cold outside temperatures, an underfloor heating system should be always kept on. In saying this, however, it should be at different temperatures depending on usage and activity in the house. This is because underfloor heating can take two to three hours to warm up, so it is best practice, to not completely turn your Wet Underfloor Heating off, like a traditional radiator system.

CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Underfloor Heating can be switched off during Summer when the outside temperature is warm enough. This is because it takes longer to warm up and cool down than a traditional radiator system, for example, therefore making it harder to adjust your settings when the outside temperature can be warming your home already.

CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Your Underfloor Heating Zone Valve opens and closes on demand and independently controls your Underfloor Heating system, within your home. When closed, it reserves energy from the Heat Source, by not letting water pass through into the system.

An Underfloor Heating Wiring Centre is a vital part of your system and makes the wiring process so much easier. Your pump, zone valve, controls and actuators wire into your wiring centre and is the central brain, so your Underfloor Heating works when requested via your main controller/thermostat.

CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Actuators are fitted to your Underfloor Heating Manifold and they electrically open and close your circuits when you have various underfloor heating zones in your home. If you have one zone, actuators are not required. CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Yes, please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance regarding low-voltage controls.

A Manifold is the central distribution point for your Underfloor Heating. You have a flow and return for each circuit and each port distributes your warm water to the relevant heating zone. We refer to each flow and return as an Underfloor Heating circuit. The manifold is then connected to your Heat Source.

Your Underfloor heating mixing valve is a thermostatic setting, so your Underfloor can run at the correct temperatures. For help setting up your Underfloor, please refer to our Manufacture instructions, or CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

They usually range from 25-degree centigrade to 60 degrees centigrade and can be set accordingly. CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.

Here at James Hargreaves, we can supply various pipe types – PEX, Pert, Aluminium Lined and Polybutylene Barrier. Please CONTACT US if you need any further guidance.