The Benefits of Underfloor Heating for New Construction Projects 

Building your dream home or working on a larger, new-build commercial or residential development? An underfloor heating system is the perfect heating solution for these types of projects. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the many benefits of floor heating for new-builds, exploring which system will be best for your needs. You’ll find out: 

• What makes UFH so good for construction projects 
• Whether an electric or water system would be more suitable  
• The best system to use with concrete screeded floors 
• Which floor heating systems offer a dry installation method 
• The benefits of a hybrid heating solution for new-build homes 

What are the benefits of floor heating for a construction project? 

One of the best things about building a property from the ground-up means you can really consider how the space will work for your needs in the long-term, including its method of heating. Choosing the right heating solution for new-build projects is a crucial decision and should be made as early in the design process as possible. 

Underfloor heating is a cleaner, more sustainable heating system than traditional heating options and are the perfect choice for construction projects. Floor heating means you can design your dream home without being restricted by a central heating system’s bulky radiators and heating pipes. And alongside this enhanced feeling of space, you can also enjoy the enhanced efficiency of UFH too: floor heating uses less energy to reach ideal comfort temperatures than traditional heating options whilst producing the same level of comfort. This kind of energy-saving technology can also result in big savings on your bills too. 

When specifying a UFH system for a new-build property, you can take the size and installation requirements of the system into account during those early design stages of the project; working out the space’s ideal heating zones and setting the building’s ceiling heights in relation to the floor heating system. Find out more about the benefits of UFH for new-build projects in our in-depth buying guide. 

Which type of system is best for a new-build home? 

Water underfloor heating systems are recommended for use as the primary heat source in new-build homes or larger developments such as office complexes, hotels and apartment buildings. These systems provide warmth for the whole property, allowing you to create distinct heating zones which can be controlled independently to each other. For instance, if you were to install a water system throughout an apartment block, each user would have the ability to regulate their home’s temperature and heat schedule. You can learn more about multi-zone heating in our expert article.  

Water UFH also has the great benefit of being fully compatible with low-carbon heat sources such as ground or air-source heat pumps, making your construction project even more sustainable and providing even lower running costs. 

Electric systems are typically recommended as a secondary heating solution for new-build projects: providing instant warmth in a property’s bathrooms or its kitchen for example, to work alongside the building’s primary heating method.  

Want to find the best Warmup system for your needs? Get a free instant quote today. Simply enter a few details about your project and we’ll show you which  

Which floor heating system is best for screeded subfloors? 

Water systems pump heated water through heating pipes either fitted within a concrete screed as part of the subfloors of the property itself or within UFH panels installed on top of the subfloors. Screeded floor heating systems are a popular choice for construction projects as the system can be fitted as part of the fabrication of the building.  

The Nexxa System is a great water floor heating solution for such applications. This system uses unique castellation panels in which to securely locate and hold the floor heating pipes in place and its innovative panels require less screeding than other systems – meaning it can reduce the structural load on the building. The Nexxa System can be personalised for your project’s requirements through its three panel options: the Nexxa System for pre-insulated floors, the Nexxa Peel and Stick System featuring a self-adhesive backing and the Nexxa Insulating and Acoustic System which features in-built insulation. 

Looking for an electric system to install within a concrete screed? The Inscreed Cable System has been designed for installation in screeds with a thickness of 50mm to 100mm. The slower heat-up and cool-down times of this system makes it suitable for rooms in constant use, as the screed can be used as a form of storage heater. 

Are there water UFH systems available for non-screeded floors?  

Yes, there are. We offer a range of water systems that offer a ‘dry’ installation method for construction projects, with no need for screeding.  

The VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System is a great choice for new-build construction projects. With in-built high-quality insulation, the low-profile Ultra-12 offers true ease-of-use and will have little impact on floor heights. It uses dedicated panel types meaning it is ideal for rooms of any size and shape whilst offering a hassle-free installation. 

Can you use more than one type of heating system in a construction project? 

Electric and water UFH systems can be used together in the same project, so if you’re considering installing an electric floor heater in just one or two rooms to use alongside the property’s primary water underfloor heating solution, we have you covered. 

The DCM-PRO Heated Decoupling System is ideal for use with tiled floors in bathrooms and kitchens as its decoupling attributes can prevent damage to these floor finishes caused by lateral subfloor movement. DCM-PRO is available with two membrane options and two heating cable options. The standard wattage heating cable provides a flexible heat output of between 112.5 W/m² to 225 W/m² whilst the low wattage cable is ideal for use in energy-efficient building with low levels of heat loss or projects powered by solar energy. 

You can also use a floor heating system to work in conjunction with central heating systems too. This flexible approach to heating can work well for large new-build projects with complex requirements. Want to find out more about the benefits of a hybrid heating solution? Read our article to discover everything you need to know.  

Can Warmup help specify my project’s heating solution?  

Interested in underfloor heating for your upcoming construction? Get in touch with Warmup’s Projects Division who can advise you on which system, or systems, will provide the best heating solution for your requirements. The Projects team can walk you through every step of the heating specification process, from initial consultation to detailed system layouts.