Underfloor Heating Installation and Repair in Cheshire

Wet underfloor heating systems

Wet systems circulate warm water through pipework laid beneath the floor, connected to your boiler in a similar way to radiators. They're generally more cost-effective to run for larger areas and suit new build or extension projects where the floor is being constructed from scratch, allowing the pipework to be properly laid and insulated underneath.

Electric underfloor heating systems

Electric systems use heating cables or mats laid beneath the floor finish, connected to a dedicated electrical supply rather than the central heating system. They're often better suited to smaller areas like bathrooms, since installation is generally simpler and doesn't require connecting into existing heating pipework, though running costs per square metre are typically higher than wet systems.

Installation considerations

• Floor buildup and insulation, since underfloor heating needs proper insulation beneath it to direct heat upward into the room rather than losing it downward
• Floor finish compatibility, since some flooring materials conduct and retain heat better than others, affecting the system's overall performance
• For wet systems, connecting properly into your existing heating system and ensuring the boiler has adequate capacity for the additional zone

Repairing underfloor heating

Faults can include zones not heating evenly, a system that's stopped working in a specific area, or control issues with the thermostat. Wet system repairs sometimes require locating a leak within the pipe loop itself, which needs careful detection given the pipework is embedded within the floor structure and not visible or easily accessible.