THE IMPORTANCE OF
UNDERFLOOR HEATING
INSULATION

Understand the importance of insulation for underfloor heating

Learn the different types of underfloor heating insulation available

Find out which insulation materials work best for your underfloor heating system

Save money on your energy bills by optimizing your underfloor heating system

IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE INSULATION WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING?

Insulation is essential for underfloor heating systems as it prevents heat loss from the heated floor into the ground below. Proper insulation helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the room, avoiding hot and cold spots, and reducing energy consumption. Without insulation, heat can escape through the subfloor, causing the system to work harder, resulting in increased energy use to maintain the desired temperature. In addition to reducing heat loss, good insulation protects underfloor heating systems from moisture and dampness, which can damage the heating elements and reduce the system's efficiency. Overall, proper insulation is crucial for the efficient and effective operation of underfloor heating systems, resulting in lower costs and improved comfort in the living space.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INSULATING UNDERFLOOR HEATING?

Insulating underfloor heating brings with it a multitude of benefits, including:

Type of Project:
Electric systems are more popular with renovations and small to medium-sized rooms, whereas water products are more popular in new builds and large areas.

Improved comfort:
Insulated Underfloor Heating ensures optimal heat flow throughout the space, resulting in consistent warmth and eliminating cold spots.

Reduced Environmental Impact:
Underfloor Heating insulation reduces energy consumption and costs, resulting in fewer carbon emissions and a more eco-friendly option.

DO I NEED INSULATION FOR WET AND ELECTRIC UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS?

Yes, insulation is necessary for both wet and electric underfloor heating systems. Insulation helps to prevent heat loss by directing the heat upwards, towards the floor surface, and preventing it from escaping downwards into the subfloor or ground. Without proper insulation, the heating system will need to work harder and consume more energy to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency.

In wet systems, insulation is typically installed below the pipes or tubes to prevent heat from being lost to the subfloor or ground. For electric systems, insulation boards are usually used to prevent heat from passing through to the subfloor and instead directing it upwards towards the floor surface. In both cases, the type and thickness of the insulation will depend on various factors, such as the type of subfloor, the level of insulation already present, and the desired level of efficiency.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EKOBOARDS AND THERMOPANEL BOARDS?

Ekoboard and Thermopanel Boards are both made from XPS insulation and have excellent insulating and compression properties. However, Thermopanel has an additional cement/mesh layer on each side of the insulation board, which makes it more rigid than Ekoboard. This makes it an ideal choice for uneven non-solid floors, such as old floorboards.

On the other hand, if you have a solid floor like concrete, plywood, or chipboard, Ekoboard is perfect as it provides the required rigidity and insulation. It comes in various thicknesses, ranging from 6mm to 50mm.

In summary, both Ekoboard and Thermopanel are excellent insulation choices, but the former is ideal for solid floors, while the latter is suitable for uneven non-solid floors.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST INSULATION FOR YOUR UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEM?

For our UltraTec Under Tile Heating Cables and MD Underfloor Heating Mats, we always recommend that either our Ekoboard XPS Insulation Boards or Thermopanel Insulation Boards are used.

The Ekoboard insulation boards are suitable providing that the floor base is level, load-bearing and there is no movement in the floor.

If there is a chance of movement, or the floor is uneven we would recommend Thermopanel Insulation Boards are used as an alternative to Ekoboard.

With insulation board thicknesses available from 6mm to 50mm, the insulation boards you choose for use in your project will depend on the depth you have available. The greater the depth of insulation, the more efficient it becomes - though of course any insulation whatever the thickness is better than no insulation.