We get asked a lot of the same questions. We offer the opportunity to answer your questions as fully as we can here in case you have not been able to get in touch with us as yet.
No – in most cases, you do not need planning permission to install underfloor heating in an existing building. UFH is considered a “permitted development” as it is an internal alteration to the property (similar to changing radiators or redoing plumbing). It doesn’t alter the external appearance of your home, so planning authorities aren’t typically concerned. However, if your building is listed or in a conservation area, you should check if any special consent is needed for internal modifications (usually, UFH is fine, but it’s good to verify). For new-build properties, the underfloor heating would be part of the normal building plans. While planning permission isn’t required, building regulations do apply – especially regarding insulation and the heating system’s efficiency. Rest assured, RFS designs all underfloor heating installations to meet or exceed building regulation requirements. We also provide any necessary certifications upon completion. So, you can enjoy your new heated floors without any red tape worries.
Before we undertake floor milling or any work that involves your existing floors, we will consult with you and survey the area to identify any known under-floor services (pipes, electrical conduits, etc.). It is the homeowner’s responsibility to inform us of any installations they are aware of – for example, if you know of electric underfloor heating mats, or plumbing/electrics embedded in a particular area. In our experience, most standard ground floors are just concrete or screed with no surprises, but occasionally there could be radiator pipes or an old lead water main, etc. We take precautions such as using scanning tools to detect metal objects before cutting. If a hidden service is struck that wasn’t identifiable or disclosed, we will work with you to make any necessary repairs, but generally such scenarios are rare. The best approach is information upfront: we rely on the client (and building plans, if available) to tell us about anything that might be under the floor. With good planning, floor milling for UFH can proceed safely. We have successfully milled hundreds of square meters of flooring without issues, thanks to careful prep and our team’s experience.
Underfloor heating can be more economical to run than traditional radiator systems, provided your system is well-designed and your property is adequately insulated. Here’s why: UFH operates effectively at lower water temperatures (around 35-45°C) compared to radiators (which often require 60-70°C). Because your boiler or heat pump isn’t working as hard to produce higher temperatures, it uses less energywarmup.com. Additionally, the heat distribution is uniform and can often be zoned room-by-room, so you avoid overheating some areas and wasting energy. Many homeowners find they are comfortable with the thermostat set a degree or two lower with UFH, because the radiant warmth from the floor “feels” warm even if the air temperature is slightly less – that also saves fuel. According to research by Warmup, a well-run underfloor heating system can reduce heating costs by up to 15-20% on averagewarmup.comwarmup.com, and possibly more in certain scenarios (they cite up to 35% in optimal conditions). Realistically, your savings will depend on your insulation levels, energy tariffs, and how you use the system (smart controls can enhance savings by timing the heat efficiently). Beyond the direct savings, there’s also the intangible “health dividend”: UFH’s gentle heat can reduce dust circulation, potentially lessening allergies and illness, which we’d say is a life improvement if not a monetary one! So yes, underfloor heating can save you money and often does, while keeping you very comfortable. We’ll design your system for maximum efficiency.
We want you to have complete peace of mind with your new underfloor heating. All the components we use come with substantial manufacturers’ warranties. The most important part – the pipework under the floor – is extremely durable. In fact, the pipes carry warranties up to 75 years (a lifetime guarantee) because they are expected to last as long as the building itself. They are made of multilayer plastic that won’t corrode or degrade under normal conditions. For the above-ground parts, such as the manifold, pump, and controls, typical warranties range from 2 to 5 years for electrical components and up to 25 years for some manifold brands. For example, Ambiente (one of our suppliers) provides a 5-year warranty on its manifolds and pump packs, and lifetime on pipes. We will provide you a breakdown of your system’s warranty coverage in our documentation. Additionally, RFS offers a workmanship guarantee – if any issue arises from our installation process, we will fix it. Underfloor heating systems are low-maintenance, but we’re always here if you have questions or need assistance down the line. Rest assured, with RFS you’re investing in a heating system that is built to last for decades.
Depending on the floor type, the system can typically be used within a few weeks after installation. We provide specific drying and start-up guidelines for your setup.
For a single-family home or apartment, our underfloor heating system can be fully installed in just one to two days, ready for connection to your heating source.
Yes! Floor milling is a cost-effective solution that allows us to install underfloor heating without completely removing the existing screed or floor covering.
This depends on a few factors: whether your project is a new build or retrofit, the type of existing floor, how much height you can afford to lose, and your budget. Here’s a quick guide:
If you’re building a new house or extension with new floors, the traditional in-screed UFH is often best. We can lay insulation and pipes before screeding – it’s efficient and cost-effective for new construction.
If you have an existing solid floor (concrete) and you don’t want to raise floor levels, our floor milling retrofit method is ideal. We cut channels in the slab for the pipes, so you get UFH with no increase in floor height. This is perfect for ground floors of existing homes where digging up the whole slab isn’t desirable.
If you have an existing floor but floor milling isn’t an option (e.g., on an upper timber floor, or you prefer not to cut into the slab), then a low-profile overlay system is the way to go. These add only a small build-up (typically 15-20mm) and can be laid over concrete or wooden subfloors. They’re great for renovations when you can tweak heights slightly (perhaps plane a door or add a small threshold).
For upper floors (2nd story, etc.) with wooden joists, we can also use between-joist UFH systems or low-profile panels on top of the floorboards, depending on access.
If you only want to heat a small area (like just a bathroom), sometimes electric underfloor heating mats could be considered as an alternative to water UFH, especially if linking to the wet system is impractical. We primarily specialize in hydronic (water) systems at RFS, but we can advise if an electric system makes sense for a particular spot.
In essence, we offer a bespoke solution for every client. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss these options, evaluate your site conditions, and recommend the optimal system. We won’t force a one-size-fits-all approach; our goal is to choose the underfloor heating method that provides you the most benefit with the least compromise. Many projects even use a combination (for example, traditional UFH on the ground floor slab, and low-profile UFH on an upstairs retrofit). We have the expertise in all these systems – floor milling retrofits, traditional screeded floors, and modern overlay panels – so you can trust us to implement the right one for you.
Floor milling is a great way to add ufh to your home or work space when you can’t build up your existing floor due to height issues. If you are adding a new extension and would like to have it throughout your downstairs but have solid floors and want to avoid raising floors this is a perfect solution. With energy prices soaring ufh is becoming more popular and can have great benefits to the environment and saving money on your energy bills.Â
Reasons why floor milling is a good underfloor heating solution;
No! Our system is installed using industrial vacuum extraction, ensuring a completely dust-free and clean process.
Flow screed sets quickly, allowing your project to progress efficiently. Light foot traffic is possible within 24 hours, and partition walls can be installed after 5 days. However, full curing depends on the depth and drying conditions.
Yes! Flow screed is the ideal material for underfloor heating (UFH) because it fully encapsulates the heating pipes, providing even heat distribution and maximizing energy efficiency.
Cracks in flow screed can be prevented by proper preparation, controlling drying conditions, and using expansion joints where necessary. We also recommend following manufacturer guidelines for underfloor heating start-up.
No, when installed correctly, Flow Screed is safe and durable. It enhances floor stability and reduces the risk of movement-related damage.
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of Flow Screed is that it self-levels, providing a smooth, even surface for flooring installation.
Latex or self-levelling flooring is a liquid-like compound that spreads evenly over a surface, filling in low spots and imperfections to create a smooth, level base for flooring installations. It contains latex additives for extra flexibility and strength and is ideal for use over concrete, screed, and some timber subfloors.
Drying times vary based on thickness and environmental conditions. Most latex/self-levelling compounds set within 3 – 4 hours and can be walked on in 6 hours. However, it’s best to wait 24 – 48 hours before laying the final floor covering to ensure complete curing.
Yes! Latex/self-levelling compounds are perfect for underfloor heating as they fully encapsulate the heating pipes, improving heat distribution and efficiency. Their flexibility also reduces the risk of cracking due to thermal expansion.
Yes, proper preparation is crucial. The floor must be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or debris. In most cases, we recommend applying a primer to enhance adhesion and prevent moisture absorption for the best results.
No, latex/self-levelling flooring is designed to be flexible and crack-resistant. Unlike traditional cement-based screeds, its latex content helps prevent shrinkage and cracking, making it a durable and long-lasting solution.
We typically cut 18-20mm depending on floor, so a minimum floor thickness of 25mm is required for installation.
Coordinating with other trades is an important part of a successful renovation or build. We are very flexible and happy to liaise with your builder, electrician, plumber, or flooring installer to ensure everything goes smoothly. Generally, for underfloor heating installations, our work needs to be done at a specific stage: usually after the initial first-fix plumbing and electrical work (so that any pipes/wires in the floor are in place) but before the final floor finishes are laid. We often get priority when it’s time to install the UFH because once our pipework is down and screeded over, it shouldn’t be disturbed. Other heavy trades (like plastering, or moving heavy appliances) should ideally be done either before our install or after the screed has fully cured. We’ll communicate our timeline clearly. If we’re milling floors, we’ll want the area cleared and won’t want other work happening simultaneously to maintain safety (and to keep the process dust-free). In summary, we ask that during our installation, other trades step back from the area, but we complete our work quickly to keep your project on schedule. We can also perform our work in phases (room by room) if you need to keep parts of the property functional. Our goal is to be team players on any job site – our customers often compliment us on our cooperative approach.
Currently, in the UK there are no direct government grants specifically for retrofitting water-based underfloor heating. Most government incentive programs (like the past Green Home Grant, etc.) have focused on insulation and renewable energy sources (solar panels, heat pumps) rather than the heat distribution system itself. Underfloor heating has clear efficiency benefits, but it’s not usually subsidized on its own. That said, if you are installing a heat pump (which is a renewable heating system), some grant or funding schemes might indirectly cover or encourage underfloor heating because UFH improves the performance of heat pumps. For example, the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which closed to new applicants in March 2022, provided payments for renewable heat generation (heat pumps, biomass) – people who took that up often installed UFH to maximize efficiency. Looking forward, new schemes come and go, so it’s worth checking the latest from bodies like the Energy Saving Trust. As of now, we advise clients to budget for underfloor heating without expecting grants. RFS does strive to make our services cost-competitive, and the long-term savings on energy bills will help offset the installation cost over time. We also accept various payment plans to help spread the cost if needed. Always feel free to ask us – we stay informed on industry developments and can point you to any new incentives if they arise.
Yes, absolutely. While a lot of our work is in private homes, we have significant experience with commercial projects too. Our team has installed underfloor heating and floor finishes for high-end hotels, restaurants, offices, schools, and industrial units. The general principles of underfloor heating are the same, but commercial/industrial projects often have unique challenges like larger floor areas, higher heating loads, or specific building use-cases (e.g., a warehouse vs. an office). We are equipped to scale up our services – for instance, using multiple teams to cover large square meterage efficiently, or deploying industrial-grade screed pumps for huge pours. We also understand the importance of timelines and coordination on commercial sites; we can work out-of-hours or in sections to fit a project schedule. For industrial floors (like workshops or garages), we ensure the UFH design accommodates heavier floor loads and perhaps thicker screeds. We use manifold systems that can handle many circuits and sophisticated controls (including BMS integration if needed) for large buildings. So, whether it’s a small shop floor or a multi-story office building, Radiant Flooring Systems can deliver. We bring the same precision and quality to commercial jobs as we do to homes. During our initial meeting, we’ll capture all requirements and plan accordingly. And since we are Health & Safety conscious, we have the necessary training and insurance to operate on construction sites safely. Many commercial clients appreciate that underfloor heating not only provides comfort but also keeps premises tidy (no radiators taking up space or posing a safety hazard). We’re proud to have helped businesses improve their environments with our heating and flooring solutions.
Our primary service area is South East England. We are based in Crawley, West Sussex, and routinely serve customers across West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, and South London. For example, we’ve done projects in Crawley, Horsham, Brighton, Worthing, Chichester, Guildford, Croydon, Sevenoaks, and Tunbridge Wells, among others. Generally, we say roughly a 50-70 mile radius from Crawley – which can include parts of Hampshire, Essex, and even Berkshire or Hertfordshire for the right project. We’re willing to travel about 1.5 to 2 hours for larger jobs, which means places like North London, Luton, Salisbury, Bournemouth could be in range as well. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just ask! If it’s a bit beyond our normal range and we can’t take it on, we might be able to recommend a trusted partner closer to you. But in most cases within the South East, we’ll happily come to you. We combine the reach of a regional contractor with the personal touch of a local business. So don’t hesitate to reach out – your dream of a warm floor might be closer than you think.
Dan
This is a very difficult answer to quantify. Every job is different due to many factors that we have to take into account before we can quote.Â
Â
They are just the main factors. This is why it is very important that we visit your site and perform a thorough survey.
Generally the same process, but any factors that are unique will be picked up and dealt with during a survey.
It depends on what suits the client best and what your needs are – It is a totally bespoke process in every case.
Flooring can be installed once the screed has reached the required moisture level for your chosen finish. We can conduct moisture tests to confirm when it’s ready.
