Which Radiant Heating System for a Loft Conversion?

Wall heating and cooling on the sloping ceiling

By converting the loft, the living space of a house can be extended, sometimes considerably. Living in such a converted attic can also be very attractive. However, the nature of the space places special demands on heating and climate control. Wall heating with drywall plasterboard on the sloping ceiling offers many advantages here.

When fitting out the attic, it is common to plan large open spaces in order to emphasise the special characteristics of the roof truss. Window openings installed subsequently often reach down to the floor to provide the room with sufficient daylight. This leaves little room for traditional wall-mounted radiators.

Underfloor heating can be a suitable heating solution if the attic floor's structural integrity allows it to be installed. However, conventional underfloor heating systems with thermal insulation and heating screed can place a considerable additional load onto the attic floor.

When considering ceiling heating for a loft conversion, the area of the horizontal ceiling section - if any - is often insufficient to provide adequate heating.

In contrast, the wall surfaces in the attic are disproportionately large in relation to the room size. They are also not obstructed by furniture, which can hinder heat radiation. Wall heating on sloping ceilings utilises and supports the special features of the room. Furthermore, wall-mounted radiant heating offers energy-saving benefits compared to radiators and significant potential for reducing energy costs. Particularly noteworthy for attic rooms, which can heat up quickly in summer: when combined with a reversible heat pump, this system allows for ceiling cooling via the thermally activated sloping ceiling.