Chances are that you are one of these people who has their slippers by the bed or maybe you don’t venture downstairs until you at least have socks on. This however is no longer a problem.
The current trend for homes in the UK is to take up those sad, tattered, stained carpets and replace them with wooden flooring for a more designer New York loft style, which though attractive and far easier to clean than carpeting, unfortunately cannot provide any warmth.
Underfloor Heating is the 21st Century answer to this problem. The Gas Trading Company uses Underfloor Heating which complies with British and International Standards.
We use a push-fit system suitable for the plumbing of hot and cold water services and central heating applications, including pressurised and combi systems. Performance specifications are well within those required for most central heating and water supply systems including:
- Mains fed and indirect cold water systems
- Vented and unvented hot water systems
- Vented central heating systems
- Sealed central heating systems provided temperatures and pressures comply with BS7291 Parts 1 and 3 Class S
- Underfloor heating
Underfloor Heating System is suitable for almost any floor finish including Ceramic Tiles, Carpet, Vinyl & Laminate. Since the floor covering is essentially part of the heating system, the thermal resistance or insulation ability of the floor finish will affect the output from the floor. The higher the resistance, the lower the heating effect and the longer the warm up time. The most suitable coverings are those with low thermal resistance, normally referred to as the R-Value or TOG Value. The recommended maximum R-Value is 0.15m K/W (1 .5 TOG) and the table below gives some typical values.
Ceramic Floor Tiles Ceramic tiles work well with UFH as they provide minimal resistance to heat transfer. To avoid cracking of the tiles flexible adhesive and edge joints should be used to accept the expansion. Check that the adhesive is suitable for use with UFH. Carpets Carpet and underlay represent higher levels of resistance to heat transfer. Avoid the use of felt, corks and thick rubber underlay as their insulation properties reduce the heat output of the system. If the carpet adhesive is to be used, make sure it is suitable for temperatures up to 40 degrees centigrade.
Plastic/Vinyl Tiles Plastic based flooring also works well with UFH as there is generally minimal resistance to heat transfer. It is important that the covering and adhesive used is suitable for use up to temperatures of 40 degrees centigrade. This reduces the risk of softening and loss of. adhesion.
Timber/Wooden Floors Timber floor coverings work well with UFH. However, as a natural material, it is important to follow up the recommendation of the floor manufacturer regarding installation and initial start up.
Timber floors should generally have a moisture content greater than 10% and when installing with a screeded floor the screed must be fully cured before the covering is installed. Following curing the system should be run for approx 2 weeks with the materials in the area before installation occurs. This reduces the moisture in the area and allows the materials to acclimatise.
We are Happy to provide a free, no obligation survey and quotation,
Just call (freephone) 01737 224425
