CrossTeam Properties Offers Advice on Home and Garden Improvements

With all the underfloor heating systems that are currently available on the market, one of the options that is oftentimes overlooked is heating mats.  This method employs mats or heating pads consisting of wires that generate heat as an electrical current is passed through them. This heat then travels up through the floor, heating the room.

Although this is a great DIY underfloor heating project for the avid Do-It-Yourself’er, you should still employ the services of a certified electrician in order to connect this system to the home’s electrical source.  Here are some preparatory steps to take prior to contacting the electrician for the final hook-up procedure:

Step #1 – Make sure the floor is clean and then lay out the mat making sure that it fits the space it is intended for.

Step #2 – Check the manufacturer’s specifications for preparing the “thinset” (adhesive mortar) and then spread it over the area using a trowel.

Step #3 – Spread the mat out over the thinset, pressing it down using a grout float (usually made from rubber).  Make sure that the heating mat is placed into the thinset.

Step #4 – Install the flooring you have chosen.  Remember that if you are using stone or tile to insert the floor sensors about 12 inches in from the edges prior to laying down the thinset and continuing.

Step #5 – Contact a certified electrical contractor in order to connect the heating mat to the underfloor heating thermostat , which they will then wire into your circuit breaker.

Underfloor heating systems are not some new technology that has been recently developed.  In fact they date back over 1000 years to Korea.  There are two ways to approach the installation of an underfloor heating system – either hire a professional contractor or do it yourself as a DIY underfloor heating project.  There is a lot to consider when you are deciding which route to take, but if you are mechanically inclined, the DIY course of action can be beneficial.

In the UK, DIY underfloor heating projects have become quite popular for a number of reasons.  However, the primary reason is because it is more cost-effective to do it yourself – and that means a lot today considering how unstable the economy has become in the past couple of years.  Just be aware that some underfloor heating kits are easier to install than others, so do your homework and research this before you jump into the project.  Remember that failing to plan could mean that you are planning to fail.

Search the internet to find the highest quality and type of underfloor heating systems at the best values and compare several underfloor heating kits.  One of the key benefits of using the internet while searching for the right system is that it enables you to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type of underfloor heating system as well as comparing the costs.  This will help you decide on the type of system (electric, film heating, hot water, or mat) that you want to install.

One of the best ways a DIYer can update the look of an older home is by removing the artex from the ceiling. Artex is the UK trade name used to describe a water-based surface coating that allows the surface to be textured. Because artex applied before the mid 1980s may contain asbestos, before embarking on a DIY removal, it is advisable to seek the advice of an asbestos specialist.

If the artex in your home or building proves asbestos-free, then removing it won’t be difficult. However, it is a good idea to remember that often artex was used to cover an already-damaged ceiling, so be prepared for what you find – there may be re-plastering involved or, worse-case scenario, the need to replace the whole ceiling.

Before you set about removing the artex, make sure you’ve set up the right working conditions. It’s important that you don’t find yourself straining to reach where you’re working, so be sure to have a step ladders that is of sufficient height or create a work platform from which to work.

There are two basic methods for removing artex: with a purpose-made textured coating remover or with steam via a wallpaper steamer. (Please note: steaming works on unpainted artex only.) Using the purpose-made solution is by far the easiest, but if you choose steam removal, be sure to take care not to damage your ceiling.

If removal isn’t possible or you prefer not to remove it, artex can also be plastered over.

Have you heard of electric underfloor heating?  If you’re like most people, you may be thinking that it is an amenity that only the rich and famous have.  Well, you couldn’t be more wrong.  Today, electric floor heating is a viable and affordable solution to heating your home during the cold winter months.  In fact, it is increasingly popular.

Underfloor heating is a noiseless and efficient way of heating your house.  Because you can’t see the system at all – no radiators, no vents – it also is a chic and stylish way to heat your home.  Though underfloor heating has been used since the Roman Empire, advances in technology have made it an affordable option for everyone, not just the elite.

Electric underfloor heating systems have grown in popularity over the last couple of years primarily because everyone is concerned about rising heating costs and energy efficiency.  Unlike radiators, underfloor heating systems will warm an entire room evenly rather than just a single corner.  This will reduce damage to furniture, paint, and wallpaper throughout your home as well.

Additionally, because there is no bulky radiator to deal with, you can arrange your furniture any way you like.  With warm floors, the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to home design. You can use anything you want – cement, natural stone, marble, tile, and just about any other floor covering.

When electric underfloor heating systems are installed properly, they require very little maintenance.  They rarely break down and are most conducive to households with members that have allergies, breathing issues, and other sensitivities.

One of the primary methods employed in underfloor heating systems involves using circulating hot water in order to heat up the floor and the room.  These are referred to as water underfloor heating or wet underfloor heating technologies.  With a hot water heating system, pipes are laid beneath the floor and hot water is circulated through them in order to produce the desired heating for the room or rooms it is being installed in.

You can have the installation done professionally or you can take this on as a DIY underfloor heating project as there are numerous underfloor heating kits currently available on the market.  If your DIY savvy is not that sharp, you should consult with a professional contractor that is experienced in hot water underfloor heating installation.  In the UK and other European countries, water pipes that are 15 or 16 mm in diameter are normally used although some companies will use anywhere from 10 mm to 18 mm.

Despite the fact that wet underfloor heating systems may be a bit more costly to install than other systems, they can increase your home’s energy efficiency by as much as 10% to 40%.  In any event, you will see a noticeable reduction in your monthly utility bills because it takes less generated heat to operate these types of systems.  As with other types of underfloor heating systems, you can install an underfloor heating thermostat in any room so that you can heat a specific room only when others are not in use.

Under tile heating refers to underfloor heating systems that are installed between the floor and the tiles. Typical systems are either hydronic (water based) or electric. They work by heating the tile from within the cementing, between a wooden or concrete base and the tiles themselves.

Different types of under tile heating systems

There are a few different types of under tile heating kits available. The right one to choose is based upon a few different factors, including the size of your space, the amount of heat you want the system to provide, and whether you are installing the under tile heating system in an internal or external room.

The first type is a loose wire or cable kit, which comes as a roll of cable on a drum. You mark out your floor, and space the cable according to however you see fit. The second type is the cable mat system, which works exactly as the loose wire kit, except that the cables have been embedded into matting and spaced for you. Cable mats come in different watts per metres squared. For instance, 150 watts per m2 is a good choice for an internal room, while 200 watts per m2 is better for something like a conservatory.

The use of underfloor heating insulation

When installing an under tile heating system, it also is a good idea to use underfloor heating insulation in the form of tile backer insulation boards, which block the heat from penetrating into the wooden or concrete sub-floor.

Underfloor heating systems have become quite popular with British homeowners. When you look at new builds in architectural magazines, you rarely see radiators anywhere. Many homeowners also look to installing underfloor heating systems as a way to update their older homes. But are underfloor heating systems really better than radiators? Underfloor heating specialists such as floorheatingonline.com can advise you on which heating system to choose, including the type of flooring you have in your room.

How is the heat distributed?

Traditional, wall-hung radiators distribute the heat via air, working from the ceiling downwards, whereas underfloor heating systems work from the floor upwards, with the heat penetrating through the flooring and into the room. This means much of the success of a floor heating system depends upon the type of flooring in a room. Timber flooring, thick carpets with underlay, or laminate all respond differently.

Which is more expensive to install?

Radiators are by far the cheaper option when it comes to installation. However, a large number of DIY builders are opting for underfloor heating instead for several reasons.

What makes underfloor heating more attractive than radiators?

With an underfloor heating system, the heat radiates upwards slowly, creating a more comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. Unlike with radiators, there are no hot spots, cold spots or drafts created. Also, the absence of radiators makes the room more attractive, eliminates a dust problem, and gives more flexibility in room design and furniture layout. Also, underfloor heating systems are considered to be more energy-efficient when operated at low temperatures.

When considering the style of garden gazebo you want for your garden, it may be worth opting for a very natural look in order for it to blend in well.  Many people are considering thatched gazebos, which are based on the style of huts from Africa and allow the structure to blend in with plants and trees in the garden.

In opting for a thatched gazebo, you will not be compromising on style or size, as they are available in the same range of sizes and styles as standard gazebos. The thatched versions are permanent structures with a wood gazebo frame, in keeping with the natural style.

Many of these gazebos have built in seating. An average sized structure can seat between 8 and 10 people around the wooden table (which is also included), making it ideal for entertaining during the summer months.  The thatched style will help to keep the heat off, providing a cooler shelter during the hottest days of the year.

Thatched garden gazebos can be raised, with a small set of steps running up to the seating area, or they can be constructed so they are flush with ground level, depending upon your needs.  This style of gazebo will last for many years and can be constructed yourself if you prefer, as the gazebo frame can be purchased in a kit form, with the pieces already cut to size. Comprehensive instructions are included, and the gazebo can be constructed in a fairly short period of time.

Undertaking DIY projects can be both a hugely satisfying and cost-effective method of property development. Common types of DIY work include painting and decorating, fitting a bathroom or kitchen, wallpapering, plastering and even installing under-floor heating. Depending on your level of knowledge or skill, some work may be best left to professionals, such as plumbing and electrical work.

Before setting out on a DIY project, it is worth considering what the intended effect is to be. For example, to enhance the value of a building, it may be worthwhile to invest in highly decorative furniture or more stylistic enhancements, whereas a more functional living space may benefit most from down-to-earth pieces.

Planning the DIY project before starting, including costing all the aspects, from equipment, material and any professional expertise, reduces the risk of having to leave work unfinished for lack of funds. It can be easy to make the common mistake of getting drawn into the details of the work and lose track of the larger picture. Working from a pre-defined plan helps to keep things properly on track and within budget.

You can derive inspiration from reading in catalogues, or online, about various types of DIY projects that others have done. Reading about how others have completed similar projects can also be very useful to avoid common pitfalls.

Some jobs cannot be done at certain times of the year: painting outside walls, for example, is best done in dry conditions. This is essential to consider before starting.

A good way to find someone to install your underfloor heating system is to make enquiries among people you know who have had similar work done. They will be able to recommend someone who was realistically priced and was a good workman.  If this is not an option then there are several other ways to find an installer.

The telephone book will have advertisements for installers and these will show which sort of systems they fit. Some may fit all types of underfloor heating while others may specialize in certain systems. For example, some may only deal with solar powered underfloor heating systems. Another place that will be able to help in your search for an installer is your local do it yourself store which will probably have a list of people who can do the work.

Should none of these options help you to find someone to install your underfloor heating then the internet is a good way to find an installer in your area. This can often give you a choice of two or three different people to do the job. When you have decided on your installer, it is always advisable to ask them for references so that you can be sure that you are getting someone who has the relevant experience, and that you are not getting a workman who is not an expert in the field you require. This is also a good reason for going the personal recommendation route wherever possible.