The NHBC Foundation has issued new guidance outlining the best practice for the installation of underfloor heating.

In recent years, the number of new homes with underfloor heating has increased because it helps to free up wall space and can have energy efficiency advantages.

Underfloor heating can also be particularly well suited to retirement housing where there is a requirement to maintain constant warm temperatures.

However, this is a relatively unfamiliar technology with many potential risks. For example, the pipework is concealed, therefore there is a risk of damage from subsequent building work or drilling into the floor should the builder not possess accurate information on the layout of the system.

Furthermore, installation is often undertaken before the residents’ final furniture layout and preferences for carpets or rugs, have been decided, which may result in restricted heat transfer.

‘Underfloor heating: a guide for housebuilders’ set out several recommendations to ensure that the underfloor heating is as effective as possible.

These range from ensuring the pipework distribution is planned properly to maintain an even temperature throughout each room, to recommend that installation takes place after external doors and windows have been fitted and once the home is watertight to mitigate the risk of frost damage.

Head of Research and Innovation at NHBC, Neil Smith, commented: “Underfloor heating systems offer many advantages in new homes, including improved aesthetics and comfort levels. It also has a part to play in improving energy efficiency, provided the system is correctly designed and installed and set to operate properly.

“This best practice guidance is aimed at helping smaller companies in particular to get things right and ensure that systems deliver all of their advantages in practice whilst avoiding potential problems.”

He added that they are grateful to the building services industry experts at BSRIA for their support in developing the guide.