Underfloor Heating - is there much difference in Brands?

[Fatboy]

Hi Everyone,

We're about to kick off a major extension/renovation, and fitting underfloor heating throughout the ground floor (existing house needs the slabs dug up anyway, so seems the ideal time to fit with the pipes in the new poured concrete slabs) - i've got quotes in from 4 suppliers, they all seem similar on paper, all very similar pricewise, so I was wondering if anyone on here had any experience of them, or anything that marks out their offereing as technically better than the others?

Polypipe - I used their overlay system in my last house, they were realy good to deal with, very helpful tech support,

Nu-Heat - heard them mentioned a lot on here, seem similar to polypipe

Wunda - again, seem similar to the others, cheapest price, but not by enough to make much differnece to the overall build cost!

Fastwarm - similar to the others, but I did like the fact that the quote included a layout diagram so I could see how they'd interpreted what I asked for

I'm partly thinking that one of the bigger name long established companies are more likely to be around for spares etc. in 20 years, but then other than the pipes in the screed, it's not a big deal if bigger bits of the system need replacing wholesale 2 decades down the line

[WyrleyD]

Just be aware that the heating pipes should be on insulated board on top of the concrete screed then covered in heat transferring latex mix over the pipes for the most efficient operation of underfloor heating.

[Patio]

Used polypipe stuff myself in last 2 properties and no problem at all

Just on that basis I'd stick to what I know if it was me

[UTH]

Can only speak for Wunda

Entire ground floor UFH, the system works very well, the app is great and the few times I’ve needed help on the phone they have been absolutely excellent.

Feel free to ask any questions, will try and answer.

[DorsetSparky]

We've got Wavin. Works really well, good room controllers, good app, good support.

[mdw]

I put in a nuheat system 20 years ago in a 4 floor Victorian. Great system to live with, would I DIY a whole house system like that whilst living in the house, no. However the modern overlay systems are probably easier to install than the osb, spreader plate and ply system.

[Pheo]

I used generic stuff from UFH store. Works fine - couldn’t see the difference personally.

Single zone from extension has been in place for 7 years without a problem (grundfos pump).

UFH fitted in trays under suspended timber floor two years ago, no issues with that so far either. Again grundfos pump on the distributor.

Personally therefore not convinced you need a brand unless you need design support or similar, a specialist system etc.

[caziques]

WyrleyD said:

Just be aware that the heating pipes should be on insulated board on top of the concrete screed then covered in heat transferring latex mix over the pipes for the most efficient operation of underfloor heating.

No.

Best way is to simply install the pipes before the concrete floor is poured. Assuming a 100mm depth, easiest way is to staple to polystyrene - very slightly more efficient way is tie to mesh about midway.

When embedded in concrete, don't try and put too much energy in per square metre. 2kW per 10 square metres is more than enough.

ETA. Use standard 12/16 pipe in the floor. PERT is fine (polyethylene), PEX is crosslinked polyethylene, unnecessary and cannot be recycled.

Edited by caziques on Sunday 5th October 05:50