One of the most frequent questions we get asked from customers wishing to retro-fit underfloor heating (UFH) is what is best/most cost effective, excavate the existing floor or add a board system?
Whilst costs can vary hugely by area, tradesman etc., we've compiled a list of comparative costs for each type of UFH install and labour etc. on a typical approx. 75m2 project:
Excavating the floor
|
Item |
Description |
£+vat |
|---|---|---|
|
Building work |
Excavate existing concrete floor to 150mm |
1000 |
|
Disposal |
Skips for rubble |
450 |
|
Insulation |
75m2 @ 100mm PIR insulation + DPM |
800 |
|
DPM |
1200 gauge damp proof membrane |
100 |
|
UFH Kit |
UFH kit inc. 3 thermostats & controls |
850 |
|
UFH Install |
Installation of UFH kit |
650 |
|
Screed |
65mm sand/cement screed |
1150 |
|
Total |
|
5000 |
Pros
Insulation to modern building regulations, UFH in thick screed – the best for heat output.
Cons
Time duration of work, upheaval, building site conditions, higher expense and noise.
RENOV18 board system
|
Item |
Description |
£+vat |
|---|---|---|
|
UFH kit |
RENOV18 Retro Fit UFH system inc. controls |
2600 |
|
Insulation |
Airtec foil |
180 |
|
UFH Install |
Installation of UFH kit |
1200 |
|
Self Levelling |
75m2 @ 3mm self levelling compound/install |
500 |
|
Total |
|
4480 |
Pros
Cheaper than excavation, faster installation and less upheaval
Cons
Less insulation in the floor construction, slightly less heat output
Conclusion
Whilst we've done our very best to show all of the variables, each customer must decide for themselves which is the best method. Can you cope with the upheaval? Do you want to spend the extra for a well insulated floor?
In both cases the UFH will be sufficient to heat the room(s).
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