Underfloor Heating in Basement Renovations

Converting an unfinished basement into an extra living area is a great way to maximise the functionality of a property. If you’re considering undertaking this kind of project in your home, then deciding on the right heating solution is of paramount importance. So, in this guide we’ll investigate how underfloor heating will ensure a warm and comfortable space all year-round. You’ll learn more about:

• The benefits of floor heating in basements
• Some of the key building issues you’ll have to think about when renovating a basement
• Whether electric or water UFH is better for your home
• The best heating system for iceberg basements
• The costs of underfloor heating and basement refurbs

What are the benefits of underfloor heating for basement refurbishment projects?

Underfloor heating offers a more energy-efficient heating solution for basements than more traditional options because it warms the room from the ground up and into the objects within the space directly, with an even level of gentle warmth. If you’re converting this space into a large living-dining area, workspace or utility room, then removing the need for cumbersome wall-based radiators will also make your finished room feel much bigger – something which is especially important in smaller basement remodels. And, because basements are typically the coldest and/or dampest areas of a property, the radiant heat technology of underfloor heating will also improve its air quality. 

Find out more about heating basements with a floor heating system in our in-depth buying guide.

What factors do I need to consider before installing a new heating system in a basement?

Renovating a basement is a labour-intensive process and there are a few key things you should consider before specifying a new heating system. It’s also worth noting that you will probably need to apply for planning permission for a basement conversion project as there may be legal requirements for things like ceiling height, windows, fire exits and more.

Insulation

Since basements are naturally cooler than the rest of the house, good quality insulation is essential. Make sure to insulate the space’s walls, ceiling, and floor before you install a UFH system to reduce heat loss and improve the system’s responsiveness.

Moisture Levels

As a subterranean space, basements are naturally prone to dampness so it’s important to make sure the room is dry before you begin any work. Check for cracks in the foundation or any signs of water infiltration and consider installing a vapor barrier or other waterproofing materials with the floor heating system to prevent moisture from affecting its performance.

Airflow

Ventilation is important for air quality and an unfinished basement may be without windows. If this is the case, then you should consider including a new ventilation system as part of your plans.

Flooring Type

The type of flooring you plan to use in your basement can impact the efficiency of underfloor heating. Tile, stone, and concrete floor finishes  are ideal for underfloor systems as they retain heat well.

Is a water or electric floor heating system better for me?

One the main concerns you may have about purchasing a floor heating system for your basement is its impact on the space’s ceiling height. Existing basements will typically have lower ceilings than the rest of the property so it’s important to choose a system that features a low-profile design that won’t raise the floor level too much.

If you’re converting a basement into a full living space, a water underfloor heating system would be a great choice. Water UFH systems pump heated water through pipes installed beneath the floor and are more energy-efficient for larger areas with low long-term running costs. The VLo line of low-profile water floor heating systems have been specifically designed for home renovation projects and will have a negligible impact on floor levels.

For smaller basement remodels – for instance if you’re just converting a basement space into a laundry room and/or storage area – electric floor heaters provide a great option. These systems are simple and affordable to install and are best used as a secondary heating solution in a property. The DCM-PRO System is especially suitable for use in basements featuring tiled floor finishes due to its decoupling attributes, which can prevent cracks from forming on the floor’s surface due to lateral subfloor movement.  Available as a loose electrical heating cable and anti-fracture membrane combination, DCM-PRO is available with two membrane options and two heating cable types: the Standard Wattage Heating Cable providing a flexible heat output of between 112.5 W/m² to 225 W/m² whilst the Low Wattage Heating Cable provides an output of between 41.3 W/m² – 82.5 W/m², making it ideal for use in solar-powered properties.

All floor heating systems can be controlled with a system-dedicated thermostat, meaning you can treat your basement as a separate heating zone isolated from the rest of the property. You can learn more about the benefits of multi-zone heating in our expert guide.

Which type of heating system is best for an iceberg basement?

For large-scale, ‘iceberg’ basement remodels – wherein the new basement area may be as large or perhaps even larger than the house above – a water UFH system will always be recommended.

Adding only 18mm to the floor build up, Warmup’s VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System is ideal for larger basement redevelopment projects. It offers a dry installation method, with no need for screed and features a recycled fleece decoupling layer on the base of the panels over which a variety of floor finishes can be laid over; including tiles which can be bonded directly to the system. The VLo Ultra-12 is suitable for basements of any size and it and can work with both traditional boilers and heat pumps.

How much will a new heating system cost for my basement remodel?

Basement remodelling projects can be expensive but they will almost certainly increase the valuation of a property so it’s worth the outlaying costs. It goes with saying that all basement renovations should be undertaken by fully qualified experts and likewise, that all floor heating systems should be fitted by installers who have worked with underfloor heating before.

Water UFH systems will take longer and cost more to install than electric floor heaters however their enhanced energy performance will also alleviate these upfront costs. You can expect to pay in the region of £300 – 400 a day for a qualified floor heating installer whilst the cost of purchasing a system will depend on the size and scope of your project. You can find exact pricing of a Warmup heating system for your upcoming basement renovation using our online quoting tool. Simply enter a few details of the project and we’ll show you the best system for your needs and will tell you precisely how much it will cost to buy. A Warmup water system can be delivered directly to your site whilst our range of electric UFH systems can be purchased in-person at our network of retail partners.