Mounting systems
Underfloor heating is a great way to heat your home or office. But before you buy one and install it yourself, you should be aware of the different installation systems available. A installation system is the system you choose for installing your underfloor heating. There are several ways to install water-based underfloor heating.
Shrink nets
Shrink mesh is a popular choice for installing underfloor heating systems. These systems consist of
flexible mesh panels that are easy to install and can be used with any type of tile or flooring. They provide even heat distribution and good insulation, making them energy-efficient. Shrink mesh is used when there is
no screed yet. The underfloor heating cables or pipes can be easily attached to the shrink mesh with
tie wraps or
quick-release fasteners .
Shrink mesh works by shrinking around the edges of the tile, creating a secure and waterproof seal. It's available in various
sizes, allowing you to choose the mesh that best suits your needs. It's also easy to cut to size, allowing you to customize it to your specific installation. If you're planning to install a new floor in your upcoming construction project or renovation, a shrink mesh underfloor heating system is a good choice.
Stud plates
Studded panels are another popular installation system for underfloor heating. These panels consist of a
sheet of foam insulation with small
studs on the surface. The studs create air pockets that help insulate your floor and prevent heat loss. Furthermore, the studs are filled with durable
insulation material , ensuring they retain their shape. The panels are also
water-resistant, making them ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
The underfloor heating pipes or cables can be
easily pushed between the studs with your
foot or
hand , without the need for additional mounting hardware. This means
no grooves need to be milled in the floor. You can easily
cut the studded panel to size yourself and it can be used for both
wet and
dry construction. Two types of studded panels are available:
studded panels without insulation and with
11mm or
30mm insulation . If you already have good floor insulation, additional insulation is not necessary. The underside of these insulated studded panels consists of
EPS insulation. EPS insulation (expanded polystyrene foam) is a synthetic insulation material, also known as Styrofoam.
Tacker system
Staple-head systems are another option for installing underfloor heating. They are ideal for use with concrete or wooden floors. Staple-head systems are also relatively
affordable, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. With this method of installing underfloor heating, the pipes are attached to
20mm or 30mm thick insulation boards using
staples . This system is ideal if you want to provide a large area with underfloor heating and floor insulation. To allow for floor expansion and contraction, it is important to install
edge insulation on all walls.
Grid foil can be used for installations placed directly on insulation. This grid foil is divided into rectangular sections of
10 cm x 10 cm with an internal grid of
5 cm x 5 cm . This allows for various center-to-center (pipe) spacings for underfloor heating pipes, allowing you to choose whether to use it for supplementary or primary heating.
SlimFit and ThinMat
The
SlimFit and
ThinMat installation systems are specifically designed for underfloor heating. They consist of a
thin, flexible mat that can be installed
quickly and
easily without tools or adhesive. Both are perfect for use with laminate or parquet flooring and can be installed over existing floors without damaging them.
The mats are only
2 mm thick , making them among the thinnest on the market. They also have a
self-adhesive backing , so no glue or screws are required. This makes installation a breeze. Furthermore, SlimFit is
moisture-resistant and suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens. This
SlimFit is specifically designed for
12 mm underfloor heating pipes, and this
ThinMat is specifically designed for
10 mm underfloor heating pipes.
Dry-build insulation boards (DBS14)
The
drywall insulation board (DBS14) is a fastening system specifically designed for underfloor heating. It's a
14 mm thick, drywall insulation board that can be easily cut to size with a knife or saw. The board can be installed quickly and easily without tools or adhesive. It's perfect for use with
laminate or parquet flooring and can be installed over existing floors without damaging them. The board is
moisture-resistant and suitable for use in bathrooms and kitchens. It's also one of the thinnest on the market, making it perfect for use with underfloor heating systems.
Heatboard W insulation boards
The
Heatboard W mounting system is specifically designed for use with water-based underfloor heating systems. It's a great choice for
large rooms or if you have high ceilings. This system consists of two layers: a
flexible metal mesh and an
insulation layer. The mesh distributes heat evenly throughout the room, while the insulation helps maintain a consistent temperature. The
Heatboard W is also
moisture-resistant, making it perfect for use in bathrooms and kitchens. It's easy to install and available in various sizes.
