Does Underfloor Heating Work With Polished Concrete Flooring?

Achieving Cosy Underfloor Heating with Polished Concrete Floors

Does underfloor heating work with polished concrete flooring? If you’re picturing cold, cavernous spaces, banish that thought! Many people believe polished concrete is cold underfoot and this causes them to worry that their home will take a long time to heat up, or that it will be permanently chilly. The good news is that, if installed correctly, polished concrete and underfloor heating are an excellent combination for a warm and comfy home. In this blog, we’ll explain how.

At DirectStone, we’ve been installing polished concrete floors for over 20 years. In that time, we’ve become experts in integrating underfloor heating systems successfully. We understand how polished concrete and underfloor heating work together, so we’re well placed to answer your concerns.

Debunking the ‘Cold Concrete’ Myth

While it’s the case that concrete can be cold underfoot, it may be more helpful to think of it like a battery for heat. Concrete has the advantage of having excellent ‘thermal mass‘. This means it can absorb and store heat energy incredibly efficiently.

When paired with underfloor heating, polished concrete soaks up the warmth, gently radiating it back into your room for hours, even after the heating switches off. This consistent, slow release of heat is what creates that comfortable, even warmth we all crave during the winter months.

Radiant heating creates heat waves that travel outwards and warm solid objects directly. It’s the same experience as warming yourself in front of a fire. UFH uses radiant heat to turn your entire floor into a large, gentle radiator, providing consistent, even warmth from the ground up. This is far more efficient and comfortable than simply heating the air, which is what traditional radiators do.

Installation Tips for Polished Concrete UFH

Here’s what it’s important to know about installing UFH with polished concrete:

• Curing Time – After the concrete is poured and the UFH system is in place, you’ll need to allow the concrete to cure for up to 28 days. This allows the concrete to gain strength and reach its optimal moisture level. It’s a critical step to prevent damage to both the concrete and the heating system.
• Why Waiting is Essential – Turning on the UFH too early can cause the concrete to dry out too quickly. This rapid drying can lead to shrinkage and cracking, which can spoil the appearance of your polished floor and potentially damage the heating system embedded within.
• Gradual Heating Up – Once the curing period is complete, it’s time to introduce heat – but gently! Start by increasing the water temperature by just 1°C per day. This gradual warming prevents thermal shock, which can also cause cracking. Aim for a maximum water temperature of 30°C to ensure the concrete and the UFH system aren’t stressed.

The exact curing time can vary depending on factors like the type of concrete used, the thickness of the slab, and the ambient temperature and humidity. Your concrete installer will be able to give you specific guidance on curing times and heating procedures.

Renovations

Don’t worry if you’re renovating an existing space – UFH with polished concrete is still a viable option! If you have a concrete floor, you may be able to install a low-profile UFH system. This creates a modern, heated floor without significantly raising the floor height.

Our clients are often worried about losing the instant control that they enjoy with radiators, but modern underfloor heating systems offer sophisticated control options.

Smart Thermostats and Zoning:

• UFH systems are usually paired with smart thermostats. These allow you to programme heating schedules room-by-room, so you’re able to optimise warmth where and when you need it.
• Divide your home into heating zones (e.g., living areas, bedrooms). Heat these zones independently to match your family routine – warmer living areas during the day, cooler bedrooms at night, for example.
• Smart thermostats can be controlled via apps, giving you control at all times.

Response Times and Fine-Tuning:

• While UFH heat-up times are slower than radiators, modern systems are designed to be far more responsive and energy efficient.
• With zoning and smart controls, you can effectively manage heat-up times in specific rooms.
• You’ll be able to fine-tune your heating schedules to find the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency for your home and lifestyle.

Beyond Warm Floors – 5 Benefits of UFH with Polished Concrete

While the joy of walking barefoot on a warm floor year-round is undeniable, combining underfloor heating (UFH) with polished concrete offers even more:

• Minimalist Design – If you love clean lines and uncluttered spaces, this is the perfect pairing. UFH eliminates radiators, giving you more freedom to design your space and arrange furniture without restrictions.
• Superior Heat Distribution – Unlike traditional radiators that heat the air, UFH provides radiant heat that warms objects directly. This results in a more consistent and comfortable temperature throughout your room.
• Healthier Air Quality – UFH retains moisture in the air, preventing that dry, stuffy feeling often associated with central heating. It also reduces dust circulation, which is a major advantage for allergy sufferers.
• Improved Indoor Air Quality – UFH systems generate less dust and allergens, promoting a cleaner and healthier home environment.
• Peaceful Silence – No more clanking radiators or gurgling pipes. UFH operates silently, creating a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere in your home.

About DirectStone – Your Polished Concrete Experts