Underfloor dry screed underfloor heating (UFH) is a popular and energy efficient way of heating a building. It works by pumping heated water through a network of pipes under the floor. This heats the floor and radiates the warmth throughout the room. It is very easy to install and is becoming more commonplace in new build properties as well as renovation and refurbishment projects. However, UFH does have an impact on the types of screed used and how they dry so it’s important to consider this carefully when designing and installing a floor.

Dry Screed Underfloor Heating: Installation Tips and Techniques

In order to allow the UFH system to operate effectively, the floor needs to be a certain thickness. This can be a problem with traditional screeds which are not able to encapsulate the pipes properly. A solution to this is to use a free flowing screed such as Gyvlon. These can be poured to up to 40mm thick. UFH can then be installed over this without the need for a dpm layer as with traditional screeds.

As with any flooring project it’s very important to choose a contractor that has the experience of both underfloor heating and screeding. This ensures that the process is managed correctly and can help avoid problems such as shrinkage, cracking and crazing.

It is also worth bearing in mind that a well ventilated room with warm air will help speed up the drying time. However, it is important to allow the screed a week or so to dry before deploying the UFH system. It is not advisable to try and accelerate this process by turning on the system as this can negatively affect the quality of the floor.