Month: April 2019

Heating accounts for a significant portion of utility costs in the UK. Taking steps to reduce this figure not only lowers energy costs, but also helps meet carbon targets that the government has committed to. But trying to determine the most economical method can be overwhelming. Here we’ll look at cost-effective options to heat your home and keep your energy costs down.

Upgrade to a More Energy-Efficient Boiler

Central heating systems are the most common form of heating in the UK. A boiler heats up water, which is then pumped through pipes to radiators that snake through a house. Replacing an older boiler with a more efficient one can help save on energy costs in the long run.

The cost for a gas boiler replacement typically runs about £2,300 and includes the disposal of your old unit as well as any necessary wiring to get the system working. Replacements have a higher initial cost, but information from Energy Saving Trust estimates that it can save up to £315 a year in energy costs for a detached house. Upgraded boilers that are paired with a room thermostat further minimise energy consumption.

Install Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating systems work by heating the entire floor through piping found underneath. Unlike central heating radiators that take up valuable wall space, underfloor heating is completely out of sight and is an effective option to heat an entire home with no cold spots.

There are two different types available:

• Electric underfloor heating: These systems consist of a series of electric wires that are installed beneath your flooring. The wires are connected to a mains supply and the temperature can be regulated using a thermostat. Electric systems run between 25 to 31 degrees on average and can be installed anywhere near a power supply.
• Water underfloor heating: These systems consist of a series of pipes that are connected to your boiler. Warm water is then circulated through the pipes to heat the flooring above. Water systems can be installed in any room with temperatures running between 27 to 31 degrees. The downside is that installations are a lot more involved so they’re typically reserved for newer home builds.

Costs for either can vary depending on the size of the area and complexity of the installation.

Electric systems are generally a preferred choice for retrofits and can cost several hundred pounds for a small room. However, you’ll also need to factor in the cost for heater controls, screed, and insulation boards. Installation costs will also be higher if you decide to hire a professional.

Water underfloor heating offers a highly efficient heating system, especially when paired with a modern condensing boiler. The cost to heat a room per year is significantly lower than its electric underfloor counterpart. But installation costs are also a lot higher, as these systems can easily cost into the thousands of pounds.

If you’re looking for the most economical way to heat your home, then underfloor heating systems are the obvious answer. The potential long-term savings make these systems well worth the initial investment.

To find out more about our underfloor heating services or to request a quote for your project, contact UK Screeds today.

Floor coatings are often applied on commercial and industrial surfaces to create a long lasting finish. The most common application is for warehouses, as floor coatings minimise wear from the constant shuffling of workers and equipment. Epoxy and polyurethane are the most common materials used for floor coatings. They both create a highly durable surface and require little to no maintenance once applied.

However, each has their own distinct differences, so it can be difficult deciding between the two. Here we’ll look at some of the key differences between epoxy and polyurethane floor coatings, and how to choose the right finish for your project.

Epoxy Floor Coating

Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer available in three different formulations. Each allows for varying degrees of thickness depending on the application. Epoxy reacts by creating a strong chemical bond with many types of substrates when properly mixed and applied. Because of its exceptional durability, epoxy is frequently used to resurface worn concrete.

The best formulations are high solids and 100% solids. 100% solids have little to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be mixed with different aggregates when resurfacing concrete. High solids are extremely hard and thick, which creates a high impact-resistant surface. These epoxies are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings due to their durability.

Epoxy offers numerous advantages as a floor coating, but one of the downsides is that it will eventually chalk and fade. Exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods of time also results in the formulation turning yellow or amber.

Polyurethane Floor Coating

Polyurethane is a highly flexible and elastic material that is more scratch-resistant than epoxy. The extra durability means that polyurethane is often the preferred choice for heavy traffic areas, such as parking structures. Even though polyurethane coatings are typically only two to three mils in thickness, the material offers more flexibility than epoxy. This makes them well suited in environments where the flooring can expand or contract due to temperature changes.

Another advantage that polyurethane has over epoxy is that it has a higher resistance to chemicals, such as petroleum products and solvents. Polyurethane is also more UV stable meaning that it won’t yellow like epoxy does even when exposed to sunlight.

Polyurethane is certainly appealing, but one of the downsides is that it doesn’t bond well to substrates like concrete. It also doesn’t work well as a resurfacing agent due to its thin thickness.

Both epoxy and polyurethane have clear advantages and disadvantages. So which one should you choose? When it comes to deciding between the two, there’s no clear winner. It all depends on factors like the environment you’re working in and what you need from your new surface.

One option is to consider using both materials for maximum strength. For example, you could apply epoxy floor coating to your surface then finish it with a clear coat of polyurethane to protect it. Whichever option you choose, be sure to do your research ahead of time or consult with one of our experts for recommendations based on your requirements.

To find out more about epoxy and polyurethane floor coatings or to request a quote for your project, contact UK Screeds today.