Installing Underfloor Heating on Upper Levels

Wet underfloor heating isn’t just for the ground floor of the home. With the right solution tailored to your property’s configuration, you can enjoy the benefits of underfloor heating in your bedrooms and landings!

Can You Have Underfloor Heating Upstairs?

You can have wet underfloor heating installed upstairs, even if the upper levels are on suspended wooden floorboards. There are several design solutions available, made to accommodate several different subfloor types.

It’s a common myth that only electric underfloor heating systems can be installed on upper levels of a home. Part of this is because of the assumption that underfloor heating has to be laid inside a concrete floor screed in order to be effective. But the following design solutions do not require any floor screed to cover the pipes.

First is the between-joist system, where the underfloor heating pipes run between the joists of suspended wooden floors. Using heat spreader plates, this heat is distributed as evenly as possible. The advantage of this system is that it does not increase the floor height beyond a few millimetres. The disadvantage is that it requires tightly fitted insulation to prevent airflow and heat from spreading downwards.

Can Underfloor Heating go on Top of Floorboards?

Yes. A backer board system has underfloor heating pipes fitted into thin boards of floor insulation. This can then be covered with carpet, wood, or a thin self-levelling compound for the adhesion of tiles.

This system does increase the floor height, but the design of the floor insulation allows this to be minimal, whilst securely holding the hot water pipes. This is by far the most popular option when installing wet underfloor heating upstairs. The disadvantage is that it makes the floorboards harder to access once installed.

What About the Underfloor Heating Manifold?

An underfloor heating manifold is essential to ensuring effective distribution of heating throughout the home. In small properties with few heating zones, like a one-bed terraced house, a single manifold can handle multiple floors.

In larger homes with multiple heating zones, an appropriate underfloor heating manifold placement may be necessary. This will ensure both floors of the home receive an equal distribution of hot water across the zones they manage.

Are There Complications to be Aware of?

With older properties that have suspended wooden floors, low ceilings, or a lack of space for between-joist heating may obscure your plans to have wet underfloor heating. In these cases, we would recommend getting a consultation to determine which option is best for you. Use the contact form below to get in touch with us and discuss your plans.