A Simple Solution To Retro-Fit Underfloor Heating From Solfex
- Move existing boiler from old utility room wall to dining room.
- Mount boiler and heating components on plywood panel in new heating cupboard in kitchen
- Reconfigure pipework in ceiling and floor
- Install Solfex underfloor heating in new kitchen area
- Replace existing vented hot water cylinder with slim-line unvented cylinder
- Build cupboard to house new hot water cylinder
This project required extensive work to the existing heating system, installation of underfloor heating, upgrade to the hot water cylinder and new heating controls and components. Also, we created cupboard spaces for the all the components.
First we faced an issue. Before installing the Solfex underfloor heating, the existing two-year-old Worcester Bosch boiler needed moving. The boiler originally hung on a wall in the utility, however this wall needed removing to create the open-plan space the customer desired. We resited the boiler at the opposite end of the new open-plan kitchen-diner, in a cupboard constructed to house the heating components.
The system pipework required extensive reconstruction in the floor and the ceiling because the boiler moved. We installed the heating components underneath the boiler which includes three zone valves (heating, hot water, and underfloor heating) controlled via a Hive thermostat control system. We mounted the boiler and heating components on a single sheet of plywood, because this softens the harshness of the bare wall at the back of the cupboard.
Installing Solfex
At the base of the new cupboard we fitted the new underfloor heating manifold, supplied by Solfex, the retro-fit underfloor heating system we used on this project. This underfloor heating system uses unique boards with pre-formed pipe channels that slot together across the floor-space. Next, we fix the boards to the existing floor and then glue the sides of the Solfex boards together. The heating pipe loop sits in the pipe channel to keep the pipe locked in position and provide even heat across the floor. We fit boards on top of the pipes ready for the final flooring of choice. You can find out more from Solfex here.
Finally, this project required a replacement and relocation to the existing vented cylinder. We moved the cylinder from the loft to the bathroom, where we constructed a cupboard around the new cylinder and pipework. The unvented cylinder vastly improved hot water flow and pressure to all taps and showers.
Read our blog on underfloor heating considerations here
At Parkstone Heating we pride ourselves on taking on a challenge. For more information, or if you would like a quote please contact us here.