Home is where the heart is, and to ensure this is the case, you want a home you get a warm feeling about when you walk into it. This means having a home that is not only comfortable, but one that doesn’t provide you with endless high energy bills that cost you an arm and a leg.
To achieve this, you might want to consider some sustainable home renovations, starting with installing an underfloor heating system topped with a layer of floor screeding.
Need more information on the two? Don’t worry. We have you covered in this comprehensive guide to help make your home more sustainable through these simple renovations.
What is underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating is a central heating system designed to provide your home with complete warmth and comfort. You can choose from two different types of systems: electric or hydronic.
Electric underfloor heating systems are best used when you want to introduce heating into just a singular room. They are installed below your floors using cables or heating mats. Once turned on, they will work together to give every square inch of the room a beautiful warmth.
Hydronic (or water) underfloor heating systems work the same way as electric systems but with different components and energy. These are the most energy-efficient systems and are best used when you want to warm up the entire home. It involves a series of pipes or tubes connected below your floors, and warm water flows through them when turned on.
Benefits of underfloor heating
Underfloor heating systems are beginning to become the number one choice for heating in homes worldwide, and that’s because they come with a wide range of advantages:
Comfort
One of the main problems homeowners face with using radiators or fireplaces as their main source of heating is that they only cover a certain area of a room.
If you have the heating on and go to the other side of the room, you might still feel cold. However, with underfloor heating, it covers all areas of the room, ensuring you feel warm and comfortable wherever you are.
Energy efficiency
If you want to keep costs down and conserve energy for the planet, then underfloor heating is the one for you. It uses much less energy than your traditional heating methods, and you get to experience much more warmth at the same time.
This means fewer dollars out of your pocket and peace of mind you’re being more eco-conscious.
Space saving
An issue with a central heating system like a radiator is that it takes up so much room in your home. It stops you from placing your favorite piece of furniture near it because you don’t want to cover the warmth or potentially damage the furniture.
Underfloor heating is out of sight and out of mind, meaning you get a lot more space to make use of without worrying about any consequences.
What is floor screeding?
Floor screed is a mixture placed on top of your property’s substrate to provide it with a strong and durable layer. It smooths out and levels your floors, so you can add the material of your choice on top, whether it’s carpet, wood, or tile.
Screed is often made out of a mixture of cement, sand, and water, but there are other variations that might be used based on your property’s needs. They work perfectly with underfloor heating systems as they not only protect them, but work as great insulators at the same time.
Benefits of screed
Just like underfloor heating systems, screed comes with a wide range of benefits as well:
Even heat distribution
When paired with an underfloor heating system, screed helps ensure you get the most out of your warmth. If it’s installed correctly, it works as a great insulator, ensuring the heating travels upwards safely and efficiently.
It prevents any cold spots from occurring and helps you feel comfortable in your home year-round.
Level surface for flooring
The last thing you want is to feel dizzy in your own home because you feel like you’re constantly moving up and down on unlevel surfaces. A layer of screed applied to your substrate gets rid of any uneven areas and smooths out your floors before you apply the material of your choice. It also makes the home look better, as there are no hills or slopes that might appear as eye sores.
Strength and durability
One of the great things about screed is that it benefits the entire home. This is because it’s an incredibly strong and durable material. This prevents the chance of any holes or cracks occurring in your floors and having to pay for repairs. If installed by a proper technician, your level of screed will stay perfect for at least a decade, meaning you can enjoy your home stress-free.
Practical tips for sustainable renovations
We’ve already mentioned two additions to your home that will make it more comfortable and sustainable at the same time. However, if you’re looking to add several eco-conscious renovations to your property, there are some types you might want to follow:
- Assess the suitability of any form of renovation for your home. For example, if you want to add underfloor heating and screed, ensure you have the right structure and capacity to do so.
- Only work with trained professionals who know how to get the job done. This includes people like architects, engineers, and contractors.
- Ensure you have the budget to make the changes you want done. Take into consideration your finances and any potential cost savings at the same time.
- Keep in mind that some sustainable renovations might require maintenance and upkeep. For example, hydronic underfloor heating systems might need regular bleeding to prevent any air bubbles.
Final thoughts
Living sustainably is a great thing, especially if it’s combined with a high level of comfort at the same time. By making small changes to your home, such as installing an underfloor heating system with a layer of screed, you can feel happy with your property, and rest assured, you’ll be cozy all year round. Just ensure you work with a trained professional who can guarantee a seamless result.