Ian Crampton, business development manager of Polypipe Terrain, advises it is important to find the right manufacturer before putting down underfloor heating
Modern underfloor heating (UFH) technology has developed to the point where it can match, and often better, the more
traditional choices in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

It is flexible, and this makes it well suited to a range of applications - from mixed-use developments and medical centres, through to colleges, industrial buildings and offices. It is also easy to specify, simple to install, effective in use and can be guaranteed to provide reliable, long-term performance.

Yet some people still have their doubts about this technology - usually because of unfamiliarity. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to dispel those doubts, and make sure you get the best out of a UFH system.

The first step is to choose a system manufacturer that can
provide a design service and technical support. This may seem obvious, but it can pay significant dividends. UFH is flexible and has the ability to create greater room comfort by providing a uniform floor temperature of about 27˚C. But system design must take account of any unusually shaped spaces, as well as other factors such as insulation, heat loss through walls and the proximity of windows.
Whether it is a new build, or a refurbishment project, no two heating systems will be the same, so it is essential to get the design right and make sure your system supplier has the means to help you achieve this.

Only a properly designed and specified system will combine effective control of the overall heating with flexible control of the individual zones. Similarly, only a properly designed system will enable you to provide the right amount of heat for the project in a way that is both cost effective and energy efficient. So, it really will pay to work with a manufacturer which can provide help with this stage of the process if you need it.

The second recommendation is always to choose a manufacturer that is a member of UHMA (the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association). If you do, you can be sure that you are dealing with a credible supplier and save yourself problems further down the line.


You can also be sure that a supplier that's products are manufactured and approved to British Standard, or one which also has approvals by BBA and WRAS is worth dealing with. People often view such approvals as little more than a logo on a letterhead, but they are there for a reason and provide a guarantee of quality for the products in question. ­Guarantees are also important.

Twenty years might seem like a reasonable guarantee period, but the better manufacturers will happily offer 50 years on something like the piping, reflecting the confidence they have in their product.

When it comes to the system itself, you must choose one that is compatible with modern heat sources, such as high-efficiency condensing boilers, or heat pumps with COPs of 5:1. When working at optimum efficiency many of these produce lower-temperature water than traditional methods, so UFH is frequently the emitter of choice - the one that can distribute the heat throughout the required space most efficiently.

When comparing quotes for a system, it is also crucial that you examine every part of the design. Things like pipe-spacing and
circuit length can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the finished system, but some providers will try to cut corners and save money. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the proposed system and, again, deal with a manufacturer which can answer those questions in detail. Ideally, you should also go for a UK-manufactured system.

This should maximise availability and prevent installation being delayed by missing components that are difficult to track down.

Remember, too, that no manufacturer makes every component in the system itself. Using components from specialist suppliers is perfectly acceptable, but only as long as those components are made by reputable companies (preferably market leaders).

Once the system is in place the UFH can generally be covered with various floor finishes, such as carpet, tiles or wood. Any reputable manufacturer will provide guidance on this.

Designing, specifying and installing a UFH system need not be difficult.


The message is simply to choose a system from a manufacturer that will work with you at every stage of the project. That way you can be sure of getting the right result, which will give you the confidence to choose UFH for your next project too.