Trench heaters: installation challenges and how to overcome them

3 May 2024 Cariad Marketing

Trench heaters are gaining traction as effective heating systems in homes and public buildings. There are many advantages of installing a trench heating system, and trench heaters are especially effective when installed in front of large areas of glass, such as bifold windows, patio doors and in conservatories. In the commercial world, it’s a very popular method of heating offices with floor to ceiling glass walls as it provides a ‘heat curtain’ that prevents drafts and keeps the space warm.

At the moment, trench heating is less well known as a heating system for homes, but as more and more new builds and home renovations incorporate bifold doors into their design, the more likely it is that trench heating will be more widely considered as a heating option. In this blog, we look at the challenges of installing trench heating.

Creating the trench

The most labour-intensive part of the installation is going to be creating the trench. For new builds, this isn’t going to be a problem as the trench can be incorporated as part of the build. But if you’re installing a new heating system in an existing building, you will need to excavate a new trench.
The size of the trench will depend on the size of the trench heater itself. The recommendation is that you need to leave a small gap between the heater and the trench to give you a bit of leeway – the width of the trench needs to allow around a half centimetre on either side of the heater, and the depth needs to incorporate the heater and the grille, which must be flush with the floor.

Therefore, before you start creating the trench, you need to know the dimensions of your chosen trench heaters and grilles first. You have the choice of Standard Trench Heating, Micro Canal heating or the more powerful Hybrid Trench Heating, so if you’re unsure which is best, get professional advice about the most effective system for your needs.

And remember that trench grills don’t have to be boring – there’s a huge range of wooden and metal grilles available. The biggest challenge could be choosing the one you like best!

Installing the trench heaters

Installing a trench heating system is similar to installing conventional radiators. You will need to connect them to the hot water supply as well as install a control system, so if you are confident enough to install a central heating system, installing trench heaters shouldn’t be a problem.
However, if you aren’t confident about the installation process, contact the experts who will be happy to help you.

Installing the trench grilles

Once the trench has been created and the heater installed, the only thing left to do is lay the grilles to create a floor covering on top, and this couldn’t be easier. The grilles will be delivered in a roll which makes positioning them on top of the trench and laying them down a straightforward process. They have to be easy to lay down and take up because you’ll need to get into the trench from time to time for cleaning and maintenance.

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Perfect for every space

At The Trench Grille Centre, we have a wide range of high-quality grilles that have been carefully designed to add a sense of warmth and style to your space..

Our Linear Stainless Steel grille adds a touch of modern elegance, while the Linear Snap Profile in natural aluminium combines contemporary style with durability. For a timeless, classic look, explore our Natural Wood Roll-Up options in Ash, Beech, Oak, and Sapeli.

If you prefer a sleek and clean finish, our Roll-up Closed Profile grilles in natural aluminium and satin stainless steel are perfect choices. For a touch of opulence, consider our Roll-up Double T-Bar options in black, gold, natural aluminium, and satin stainless steel.

Elevate your space’s ambiance and comfort with our trench heating grilles, each meticulously designed to provide not only exceptional heating performance but also a touch of sophistication. Upgrade your interiors with The Trench Grille Centre and experience warmth and style like never before.

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