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WHAT IS UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
Quite simply underfloor heating is a system that uses pipes below the floor to circulate warm water producing a heat source capable of heating the air above it to any required temperature.
Underfloor Heating (UFH) is a form of radiant heating meaning that the heat emitted from the floor warms people and other objects in rooms rather than directly heating the air as is the case with radiators (convection heating).
One of the key advantages of radiant heating systems is a much decreased circulation of air inside the room and the corresponding spreading of airborne particles.
It is now widely agreed by architects, developers and homeowners alike that underfloor heating is the system of choice for both domestic and commercial properties and developments.
ADVANTAGES
Complete control
UFH offers the homeowner the ability to set the temperature in individual rooms or zones independently using programmable room thermostats allowing complete control and comfort.
For example, in a typical domestic setting some rooms such as the kitchen and living room are used more frequently than other rooms. Why heat rooms that aren't being used? By installing independent controls in each of the rooms the homeowner can choose which areas they want to heat, when they want to heat them and for how long. This reduces the amount of energy used by eliminating unnecessary heating where it is not required.
Energy Saving
Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular as an energy efficient heating option as it uses low temperature water, typically around 35-50oC, compared to a typical radiator system which uses high temperature water, around 70-80oC or more.
Due to the large surface area that is heated it can still achieve the same output levels or temperatures as a radiator system but it does so by using less energy making it a more cost effective option also.
Free up your walls!
How often are you forced to to place furniture in a certain position because you cannot place it directly in front of a radiator? Underfloor heating allows the homeowner complete freedom when planning or designing the interior layout of a room due to the removal of radiators.
Improved Air Quality & Well Being
As UFH is a form of radiant heating rather than convection heating it means that harmful bacteria and pollen cannot circulate as freely resulting in an improved air quality within your home. This is a major benefit to asthma sufferers or those with allergies.
Complete control
UFH offers the homeowner the ability to set the temperature in individual rooms or zones independently using programmable room thermostats allowing complete control and comfort.
For example, in a typical domestic setting some rooms such as the kitchen and living room are used more frequently than other rooms. Why heat rooms that aren't being used? By installing independent controls in each of the rooms the homeowner can choose which areas they want to heat, when they want to heat them and for how long. This reduces the amount of energy used by eliminating unnecessary heating where it is not required.
Energy Saving
Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular as an energy efficient heating option as it uses low temperature water, typically around 35-50oC, compared to a typical radiator system which uses high temperature water, around 70-80oC or more.
Due to the large surface area that is heated it can still achieve the same output levels or temperatures as a radiator system but it does so by using less energy making it a more cost effective option also.
Free up your walls!
How often are you forced to to place furniture in a certain position because you cannot place it directly in front of a radiator? Underfloor heating allows the homeowner complete freedom when planning or designing the interior layout of a room due to the removal of radiators.
Improved Air Quality & Well Being
As UFH is a form of radiant heating rather than convection heating it means that harmful bacteria and pollen cannot circulate as freely resulting in an improved air quality within your home. This is a major benefit to asthma sufferers or those with allergies.
Applications
Underfloor heating is very flexible and simple to install. It can be easily added to an existing building, perhaps as part of a conservatory or kitchen extension, or it can be installed as the main heating system for a new build project either domestic or commercial.
It can be used alongside traditional radiators or as the sole heating system for a property using either a traditional boiler or any of the emerging renewable heat sources such as ground source and air source heat pumps.
A number of factors will influence the decision over which components are required for any given type of application. Some of these factors include the number of rooms to be heated, the size of the rooms and the floor construction of the property.
To get the best out of your underfloor heating system it is important that you have the system properly specified by a professional or company that specialises in UFH system design. If you do not already have these why not let us take care of this for you? We can provide a full system design including CAD pipe layout from your set of plans or drawings.
Applications
Underfloor heating is very flexible and simple to install. It can be easily added to an existing building, perhaps as part of a conservatory or kitchen extension, or it can be installed as the main heating system for a new build project either domestic or commercial.
It can be used alongside traditional radiators or as the sole heating system for a property using either a traditional boiler or any of the emerging renewable heat sources such as ground source and air source heat pumps.
A number of factors will influence the decision over which components are required for any given type of application. Some of these factors include the number of rooms to be heated, the size of the rooms and the floor construction of the property.
To get the best out of your underfloor heating system it is important that you have the system properly specified by a professional or company that specialises in UFH system design. If you do not already have these why not let us take care of this for you? We can provide a full system design including CAD pipe layout from your set of plans or drawings.
METHODS
Staple
Simple and easy-to-lay underfloor heating system for screeded floors
- Simple to install
- Flexible
- Suitable for all screeded floors
The staple system provides a quick, flexible and simple method of installing underfloor heating in a screeded floor. The pipe is easily held using staples. The staples have a barbed end which fixes into the insulation.
To speed up the process further, a pipe stapler is available making installation even easier and faster. In preparation for certain screeds & polythene sheet/membrane may be required over the insulation prior to stapling the pipe. Please seek advice from insulation and screeding manufacturer’s/suppliers.
Staple
Simple and easy-to-lay underfloor heating system for screeded floors
- Simple to install
- Flexible
- Suitable for all screeded floors
The staple system provides a quick, flexible and simple method of installing underfloor heating in a screeded floor. The pipe is easily held using staples. The staples have a barbed end which fixes into the insulation.
To speed up the process further, a pipe stapler is available making installation even easier and faster. In preparation for certain screeds & polythene sheet/membrane may be required over the insulation prior to stapling the pipe. Please seek advice from insulation and screeding manufacturer’s/suppliers.
Warmboard Overfloor Panel 18MM (600MM X 800MM)
WARM-¬BOARD utilises an 18mm high density dry screed board, which acts as a heat conducting surface, transferring the heat from the pipes to the heated floor above. Once up to temperature, it delivers sufficient heat output to provide warm and even ambient temperatures within the living space. The best floor coverings to combine with the WARM-¬BOARD, are hard surfaces such as stone and tile, as they offer the least resistance to heat transfer compared to carpets. The main benefit of the WARM‐BOARD, is the option for the direct application of tiles, as it can be applied directly with the use of flexible adhesive. However, in most instances, a 6mm ply cover is recommended prior to tiling. When floor coverings such as carpet are to be fitted, the system design must factor in the extra heat output that will be needed; this loss in output needs to be negated by increasing the flow temperature.
WARM-BOARD uses a unique patent pending End Support system, which helps to secure and support both the floor covering above, and the pipe work within. WARM-¬BOARD can be fitted directly above concrete or floorboards in both retro fit and new construction applications, with the potential for the direct application of tiles to the board; with its versatility, it offers a quick and easy installed solution.
The WARM-¬BOARD 12mm MULTI-¬PEX 5 layer pipe, is laid from the chosen manifold location in a serpentine pattern, and secured at pre-¬grooved 150mm* pipe centres within the WARM--BOARD. The pipe is then supported by the End Support with its self-¬retaining pipe locking system, enabling a quick one man installation.
Warmboard Overfloor Panel 18MM (600MM X 800MM)
WARM-¬BOARD utilises an 18mm high density dry screed board, which acts as a heat conducting surface, transferring the heat from the pipes to the heated floor above. Once up to temperature, it delivers sufficient heat output to provide warm and even ambient temperatures within the living space. The best floor coverings to combine with the WARM-¬BOARD, are hard surfaces such as stone and tile, as they offer the least resistance to heat transfer compared to carpets. The main benefit of the WARM‐BOARD, is the option for the direct application of tiles, as it can be applied directly with the use of flexible adhesive. However, in most instances, a 6mm ply cover is recommended prior to tiling. When floor coverings such as carpet are to be fitted, the system design must factor in the extra heat output that will be needed; this loss in output needs to be negated by increasing the flow temperature.
WARM-BOARD uses a unique patent pending End Support system, which helps to secure and support both the floor covering above, and the pipe work within. WARM-¬BOARD can be fitted directly above concrete or floorboards in both retro fit and new construction applications, with the potential for the direct application of tiles to the board; with its versatility, it offers a quick and easy installed solution.
The WARM-¬BOARD 12mm MULTI-¬PEX 5 layer pipe, is laid from the chosen manifold location in a serpentine pattern, and secured at pre-¬grooved 150mm* pipe centres within the WARM--BOARD. The pipe is then supported by the End Support with its self-¬retaining pipe locking system, enabling a quick one man installation.
FAQs
Here are a number of the most frequently asked questions about underfloor heating. However if there is something that you are still unsure about and cannot find the information on these pages please feel free to
contact us.
- WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE UFH INSTEAD OF RADIATORS?
There are many benefits to be gained from installing underfloor heating instead of radiators. As underfloor heating operates at temperatures of around 35oC-50oC versus a radiator system operating at 70oC-80oC the amount of energy is far less resulting in lower running costs. A correctly designed underfloor heating system system in a fully insulated property can save up to 40% on running costs.
Other benefits including greater comfort due to the radiant nature of the heat and the freedom to layout and decorate rooms without the need to consider radiators consuming wall space.
- CAN I HAVE UFH & RADIATORS IN THE SAME PROPERTY?
Absolutely. It is quite common to see underfloor heating installed on the ground floor with radiators installed on the first floor.
However, with the reduction in cost in recent years and the many benefits of installing underfloor heating it is becoming increasingly popular to install it throughout where possible.
- WHAT TYPES OF FLOOR COVERING CAN BE USED WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
Most typical floor coverings are suitable for use with underfloor heating. The best conductors of the heat from the underfloor heating are typically stone and ceramic tiles. Timber and laminate floor coverings are also very popular. It is also possible to use carpet with underfloor heating but it is recommended that the combined tog value for the carpet and underlay does not exceed 2.5. Anything above this may impact on the amount of heat that is emitted.
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info@aquae-heatingandplumbing.com info@aquae-heatingandplumbing.com 07448 441055 07448 441055
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