Underfloor Heating Retrofit in a Historic Dublin Home

An underfloor heating retrofit can transform older properties by improving comfort, reducing energy waste, and preserving the character of the building. This project demonstrates how modern underfloor heating technology can be successfully installed in a historic home without compromising its original architectural features.

In partnership with AAA Construction, the team at UFH Solutions delivered a Tongue & Groove Board underfloor heating system that provided efficient heating on the upper floors while protecting the home's historic details and improving overall living comfort.

Project Overview

This beautiful Victorian property underwent a deep retrofit as part of a wider home improvement project.

The homeowners wanted to modernise their heating system by installing underfloor heating on the first and second floors. However, they faced several challenges that are common in heritage and retrofit properties:

• Preserving original architectural features;

• Avoiding structural disruption;

• Improving heating efficiency in rooms with high ceilings;

• Removing bulky radiators to create more usable space;

• Maintaining the character of the historic property.

Many homeowners assume underfloor heating is only suitable for new builds. This project proved that a carefully selected underfloor heating retrofit system can be an excellent solution for older homes as well.

The Challenge: Installing Underfloor Heating in a Period Property

Retrofitting a heating system into a historic home requires careful planning and the right products.

One of the main concerns was the preservation of the decorative coving located on the ceilings of the ground floor. Any significant structural changes to the upper floors could potentially cause cracking or damage to these original features.

The property also featured high ceilings, which can make traditional radiator systems less efficient. Heat naturally rises, meaning rooms often require more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Additionally, the homeowners wanted to remove radiators entirely to create a cleaner interior design and maximise available wall space.

The challenge was clear: deliver efficient heating without compromising the building's structure, appearance, or heritage value.

The Solution: Tongue & Groove Boards Underfloor Heating System

After assessing the project requirements, UFH Solutions recommended the Tongue & Groove Boards underfloor heating system.

This solution was specifically chosen because it offers excellent performance in retrofit applications while minimising disruption during installation.

Why Tongue & Groove Boards Were the Ideal Choice

The system offered several key advantages:

• Only 18mm floor build-up

• Ideal for upper-floor installations

• Dry installation method with no screed required

• Fast and clean installation process

• Foil diffuser technology for improved heat transfer

• Rapid heat-up times

• Room-by-room heating control and zoning

• Compatible with multiple floor finishes

• Eliminates the need for traditional radiators

These benefits made it particularly suitable for a heritage property where preserving existing features was a priority.

Installation Process

Working alongside AAA Construction, a specialist retrofit contractor with extensive experience in renovation projects, the UFH Solutions team completed the installation across the first and second floors.

The low-profile design of the Tongue & Groove Boards allowed the heating system to be installed without affecting the decorative coving below.

Because the system uses a dry-install method, there was no need for wet screed, reducing mess, speeding up installation, and minimising disruption for the homeowners.

The result was a straightforward installation process that maintained the integrity of the building while delivering a modern heating solution.

Performance Results

Following completion, the underfloor heating system successfully addressed every challenge presented by the property.

1. Preservation of Historic Features

The original coving remained fully protected throughout the installation process, preserving an important part of the home's architectural character.

2. Improved Heating Efficiency

The foil diffuser technology helped deliver consistent heat distribution throughout the rooms, overcoming the heating challenges typically associated with high ceilings.

3. Increased Comfort

The homeowners now benefit from even, comfortable heat throughout the upper floors without cold spots commonly associated with traditional radiator systems.

4. More Space and Better Design

By removing radiators, valuable wall space was freed up, creating greater flexibility for furniture placement and enhancing the overall interior aesthetic.

5. Faster Installation

The dry-install system significantly reduced installation time and disruption compared with traditional underfloor heating methods.

What AAA Construction Had to Say

According to Aaron O'Connor, Director of AAA Construction:

"Tongue & Groove Boards met all challenges posed, offering the perfect system for this retrofit application. It protected the ground floor coving, heated the high-ceiling rooms efficiently, created more wall space by removing radiators, and delivered excellent productivity and ease of installation."

This feedback highlights the practical benefits of choosing the right underfloor heating solution for retrofit projects.

Why Underfloor Heating Retrofits Are Becoming More Popular

As homeowners look for ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort, underfloor heating retrofits are becoming increasingly common across Ireland.

Modern low-profile systems make it possible to install underfloor heating in:

• Victorian homes

• Georgian properties

• Period renovations

• Upper-floor retrofits

• Home extensions

• Whole-house refurbishment projects

With advances in installation methods and product design, homeowners no longer need to choose between preserving character and achieving modern comfort.

Is Underfloor Heating Suitable for Older Homes?

Yes. Modern retrofit systems such as Tongue & Groove Boards are specifically designed to make underfloor heating suitable for older properties.

When correctly specified, these systems can:

• Improve energy efficiency

• Deliver consistent room temperatures

• Reduce reliance on radiators

• Preserve original building features

• Increase comfort throughout the home

• Support modern heating controls and zoning

This Palmerston Road project demonstrates that even historic properties can benefit from modern underfloor heating technology without compromising their heritage value.

Conclusion

This underfloor heating retrofit showcases how innovative heating solutions can solve complex renovation challenges.

By combining the Tongue & Groove Boards system with expert installation from UFH Solutions and AAA Construction, the project successfully preserved the home's historic features while delivering modern comfort, improved efficiency, and a cleaner interior design.

For homeowners considering a retrofit project, this case study highlights that underfloor heating is not only possible in older homes—it can often be one of the most effective heating solutions available.

Whether you're renovating a period property, upgrading an older home, or planning a deep retrofit, our experts can help you choose the right system for your project.

Contact UFH Solutions today for expert advice and a tailored heating solution.