Will Underfloor Heating Raise My Floor?
Underfloor heating has become an increasingly popular choice in Cheshire homes, offering efficient and evenly distributed heat while eliminating the need for bulky, unsightly radiators. Simply put, no matter whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or looking to upgrade your heating system, underfloor heating can be a great option. However, one question we frequently hear from homeowners is: “Will underfloor heating raise my floor, and by how much?”
In this guide, we’ll explore the impact underfloor heating can have on your floor height, factors influencing this, and how to mitigate any potential issues. Whether you’re considering electric or water-based systems, we’ll break down what you can expect, so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What types of underfloor heating are available?
There are two types of underfloor heating systems, and each has a different impact on floor height:
- Electric underfloor heating (dry system)
- Water-based underfloor heating (wet system)
Understanding the distinctions between the two systems is important, as each has its own installation process, materials, and impact on your existing or new floors.
Electric underfloor heating (dry system)
Electric underfloor heating uses a network of electrical wires, mats, or cables to heat your floors. This type of system is popular in UK homes because it is relatively easy to install and has a minimal effect on floor heights.
This is because the heating mats or wires typically range from 2mm to 4mm in thickness. Because the mats are so thin, they don’t significantly raise the floor level.
Water-based underfloor heating (wet system)
Water-based underfloor heating uses pipes installed under the floor that circulate hot water from your boiler or heat pump. While incredibly efficient and capable of covering large areas, this type of underfloor heating system is more likely to increase your floor height by 15mm to 70mm, which is quite significant in comparison to dry systems which is often just 3mm to 6mm, including any additional adhesive or levelling compound needed beneath the flooring.
For this reason, wet underfloor heating systems are best suited for new builds or larger renovation projects where you can easily accommodate the extra height.
Factors that influence floor height
Alongside your choice of underfloor heating system, the extent to which your floor might be raised depends on several other factors too, including the type of system, the subfloor, and the chosen flooring material.
Subfloor type
Your subfloor – whether it’s concrete, timber, or a suspended floor – will determine the method of installation and, subsequently, how much the underfloor heating will raise your floor.
In most UK homes, concrete subfloors are common in ground-floor rooms. For wet systems, pipes need to be embedded into the screed, which can significantly raise the floor. For electric systems, the heating mats are usually laid on top of insulation, which adds only a small height increase.
In homes with timber or suspended floors, wet underfloor heating may require more prep, such as installing low-profile panels between the joists to avoid raising the floor level too much. Electric systems can be installed using a similar method, with cables placed between joists or directly under the flooring.
Insulation
In the UK, energy efficiency regulations require the use of insulation beneath any underfloor heating system to reduce heat loss and increase efficiency.
Foil-faced insulation boards are commonly used in electric underfloor heating systems, and because they are thin (6mm-10mm), they have minimal impact on floor height.
On the other hand, rigid foam insulation boards that are often used in wet systems to prevent heat loss into the subfloor are thicker.
Screed or overlay system
For wet systems installed in new builds or major renovations, pipes are embedded into a layer of screed which can be anywhere from 40mm to 100mm thick, significantly raising your floor.
For retrofits, however, many homeowners choose low-profile wet systems, which reduce the height increase to around 15mm to 30mm as the panels are designed to sit directly on top of the existing floor.
Flooring material
Tiles
Popular in bathrooms and kitchens, tiles usually add around 10mm to 15mm, but the adhesive used to fix the tiles can add an extra 2mm to 5mm.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is relatively thin, which makes it a good option for minimising the total height increase.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is extremely thin (2mm to 4mm), making it ideal for electric underfloor heating installations where floor height is a concern.
Will underfloor heating raise my floor in a new build?
If you’re building a new home in the UK, the good news is accommodating underfloor heating is relatively straightforward as new builds are designed to take modern heating systems into account. As such, the floor level can be planned from the outset to include the necessary insulation and pipework or electric mats.
Further, builders can adjust the door thresholds and skirting boards during construction, meaning the added height won’t disrupt other parts of the building.
Will underfloor heating raise my floor in my existing home?
For homeowners looking to retrofit underfloor heating into their existing home, managing floor height can be more challenging, but there are plenty of solutions available to reduce the impact.
Many homeowners choose low-profile wet systems for retrofits as they use slim pipes and panels that sit on top of the existing floor. But even for electric systems the mats are thin and flexible enough to be installed directly under the existing floor or with a thin insulation layer, causing very little impact on floor height.
If you’re concerned about matching up with other floor levels in your home, you can install underfloor heating only in specific rooms (like the bathrooms or kitchens), where small height differences won’t be noticeable.
Top tips for minimising floor height increases
If you want the benefits of underfloor heating without a significant increase in floor height, here are some practical tips:
1. Use low-profile heating systems
As mentioned earlier, low-profile wet systems can significantly reduce the height impact as they’re specifically designed for retrofits and involve thin pipes and panels that sit on top of your existing floor.
2. Electric systems for minimal impact
If you’re adding underfloor heating to a single room or a smaller space, electric systems are typically the best choice to avoid raising the floor as the cables or mats are very thin and only add around 3mm to 6mm when installed.
3. Choose thin flooring
Using thinner flooring materials, such as vinyl or laminate will help keep the floor heigh increase to a minimum. For example, vinyl adds only 2mm-4mm, whereas tile and stone can add significantly more height.
4. Re-level other floors
If underfloor heating raises the floor in one part of you home, and you want to avoid noticeable transitions, you might consider levelling the other floors in adjacent rooms. This can be done with thin insulation boards or additional layers of screed.
5. Install transition strips
Transition strips installed between rooms can be used to great effect to create a smooth change from one floor height to another, especially when underfloor heating is only installed in specific rooms, like bathrooms or kitchens.
6. Ask about flush installation
Ask your installer if it is possible to create a flush installation by embedding the pipes or cables within the subfloor. This method is particularly effective in new builds but may require more extensive work in retrofits.
7. Create a step
In older properties where floor levels already vary, many homeowners opt to create intentional step changes between rooms. This isn’t just a practical addition to accommodate increased floor heigh but can also add visual interest and differentiate spaces.
Final thoughts: Will underfloor heating raise my floor?
Yes, underfloor heating can raise your floor. In particular, wet systems typically raise the floor more than electric systems, but low-profile solutions can minimise the impact in retrofits.
Despite concerns about floor height, it’s worth noting that underfloor heating offers several advantages that often outweigh the small increase in floor level:
- Improved energy efficiency – Underfloor heating systems, particularly wet systems connected to modern condensing boilers or heat pumps, can operate at lower temperatures while providing consistent warmth. The result? Lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions!
- Enhanced comfort – While radiators create hot and cold spots, underfloor heating systems distribute heat evenly across the room.
- Increase property value – Well integrated systems that don’t disrupt the overall aesthetic or functionality of your home can be a valuable investment that increases your properties value.
If you’re a homeowner in Cheshire considering underfloor heating but concerned about the potential floor heigh increase, the best course of action is to speak to an experienced underfloor heating installer who can provide advice specific to your home’s structure and your preferences. They can suggest the most suitable systems and installation methods.
For more information or if you would like a professional consultation, get in touch with us at Add Heat, and we’ll be happy to assist you.