You want to switch to the comfort of underfloor heating. An excellent choice that ensures a pleasant, even heat and a lower energy bill. Your installer recommends milling the pipes directly into the existing underfloor heating: the fastest and most efficient method. But then the question arises: who carries out that specialist milling work? And what exactly does that mean?
It is often thought that the installer ‘does this for a while’, but the milling of underfloor heating is a separate profession. It requires specific, expensive equipment and the right technique to carry out the work quickly, accurately and, above all, cleanly.
Is your screed suitable for milling work?
Before we can start a milling machine at all, the basis must be good. The most frequently asked and most important question is, is my floor suitable? Fortunately, in most cases, but a check is important.
Suitable screeds:
- Sand cement: The most common screed in the Netherlands and ideal for milling.
- Anhydrite: Also a very suitable, plaster-bound floor. Sometimes requires a different milling method, but gives a perfect result.
- Existing tiled floors: Often we can mill directly through a well-adhering tile floor. This will save you the demolition work of the old floor.
Unsuitable (or difficult) floors:
- Wooden floors: This cannot be milled. Other systems exist for this.
- Structural concrete: The load-bearing concrete floor of a building is too hard and should not be milled in for safety reasons. There should be a screed (sand-cement) on it.
- Unstable or torn floors: If the screed is loose or severely damaged, it must first be repaired or replaced.
The checklist for the home: You can already make a first estimate yourself:
- The thickness check: A screed of at least 3 centimeters thickness must be present. The slots are about 1.7 to 2 cm deep.
- The knock-check: Knock on the floor in different places. Does it sound solid everywhere? Or do you hear hollow noises that may indicate a loose screed?
- The year of construction-check: Homes built after 1980 almost always have a suitable screed. For older homes, an additional inspection is often wise.
The process in practice, who does what?
A successful project is all about clear agreements. The milling of underfloor heating is a collaboration between you, your installer and US as a milling specialist.
Stage 1: preparation (by you or your installer) Before we arrive, there are a few things that need to be done. This is usually coordinated with the plumber or installer.
- The room should be completely empty and broom clean.
- The exact location of the distributor (The coupling point) is determined.
Phase 2: milling (our expertise) This is where we take over. Our role is to create the perfect foundation for the installer.
- Step 1: inspection & milling plan: We finally inspect the floor and draw out the milling plan. Usually this is a "snail shell pattern" for the most efficient heat distribution.
- Step 2: low-dust milling: This is our specialty. Our advanced milling machine is coupled with a powerful industrial vacuum cleaner. This sucks up 99% of the released dust directly. The result is a quick operation with minimal inconvenience to you and the rest of the home.
- Step 3: Delivery: After a few hours, the work is ready. We deliver a floor with a perfectly milled slot pattern, completely dust-free and ready for the next step.
Stage 3: installation (by your installer) After our departure, the way is clear for your plumber or installer. He finds the perfect basis to immediately continue with his craft:
- Laying the flexible heating pipes in the slots made by us.
- Connecting the pipes to the distributor.
- Connecting the system to the central heating boiler or heat pump.
- Testing the system for pressure and watertightness.
The advantages of a specialist milling partner
Why should you or your installer outsource the milling work to a specialist like WijSlopenNu?
- Speed & efficiency: We are fully equipped for this work. A living room that may take an all-round installer a whole day, we often mill in one morning.
- Minimal nuisance: Dust is the biggest enemy of any renovation. Our investment in professional dust extraction guarantees a clean working environment. This is essential, especially in inhabited houses.
- Precision and quality: We guarantee the right depth and a perfect pattern. This is crucial for even heat release and the longevity of your system.
- Unburdening the installer: Your plumber does not need to purchase and maintain an expensive milling machine. He can focus on his own expertise, which benefits the entire project.
What does the specialist milling work cost?
Transparency is important. The total investment for your underfloor heating consists of two separate components:
- The costs for the specialist milling work: Our offer is crystal clear and includes the inspection, the drawn milling plan and the low-dust milling of the slots.
- The costs for the installer: Your plumber's quote includes the materials (pipes, distributor) and labor for connecting and commissioning the system.
By separating these tasks, you pay a fair, specialist price for both parts.
The best basis for your comfort
A flawlessly working underfloor heating starts with a perfect milled foundation. By choosing a specialist in this crucial preparatory work, you assure yourself of a quick, clean and high-quality result. WijSlopenNu is your partner for creating that perfect foundation.
Do you have plans for underfloor heating and already have an installer in mind? Request a free quote from us for skilful and low-dust milling of your floor. We take care of the perfect preparation.
Are you a plumber or installer looking for a reliable, efficient partner for all your milling work? Contact us and find out how our specialized service can speed up and improve your projects.