UNDERFLOOR HEATING HOT STUFF


Hygienic and efficient, underfloor heating is the is the perfect complement to tile and stone, says UFCM.


Whether dealing with construction, refurbishment or fit-out, air quality and hygiene have become even more important considerations since the pandemic.


Given these new requirements for consistent and improved hygiene and interior air quality it’s prudent for designers looking at large internal spaces to specify the more hygienic option of underfloor heating (UFH).


The consistent ambient temperature within a water-based UFH solution, offers efficient performance at reduced flow temperatures compared to traditional wall radiators, resulting in reduced energy usage and overheads.


Underfloor heating is adaptable enough to be used with a number of different floorcoverings – but harder surfaces offer better conductivity and better heat output rates.


Although a high-quality underfloor heating system will turn stone, ceramic marble or flagstone floors into warm surfaces – it is vital that the final installation of the floor structure is stable and rigid. Using the best materials and following the best installation guidance will provide amazing results.


Stone and ceramic


Stone and ceramic tiles are among the best options for underfloor heating as they are the most thermally conductive of all floorcoverings, allowing the energy to transfer quickly to the floor’s surface.


Increasing the thickness of the tile will have little effect on the heat output, but it will slightly increase the time taken for the tile to heat up.


When laying tiles over underfloor heating, the main criteria for the successful installation of ceramic tile or stone floor finishes is a stable, level subfloor. Tiling over underfloor heating is relatively straightforward once the subfloor is level.


With stone and ceramic tiles, it is advisable to use a decoupling membrane and flexible adhesive to reduce the potential for any hairline expansion cracks. Limestone, slate and marble will all work well with UFH, with slate being the ideal for conducting heat.


UFH systems


The wide range of underfloor heating designs available on the market provides options compatible with every floor type.


Solid floors Solid floor underfloor heating is ideal for newbuild projects. Lightweight plastic floor panels can be installed quickly and easily before being covered with screed and the floorcovering is added on top. Tile, carpet, wood or laminate can be installed as the overall floorcovering.


— 28 — Overlay systems


Overlay systems can be fitted over existing floors and are an option for renovating or as a later addition to new- build projects. The different overlay options suit different floorcoverings.


Overlay systems are ideal for heavyweight floorcoverings such as ceramic tiles, UFCM supplies the Overlay Plus system which is eight times lighter than standard gypsum board making it easier and faster to install and can be tiled directly onto.


Experts


An underfloor heating specialist should be able to offer computer modelling which will detail heat loss to allow a consistent and efficient temperature throughout the building. The program used by UFCM assesses all the relevant data including U values and Tog ratings of materials.


UFCM is a specialist in underfloor heating solutions and offers the highest standard and most comprehensive level of design and technical expertise.


UFCM invests heavily in research and new product development to create some of the best solutions in the construction industry today, from multi-occupancy and commercial to leisure, education and healthcare.


The specialist technical team will be on hand to guide you through your project and can provide you with all the technical information, data sheets and installation guides you may need to help you plan it down to the last detail.


www.ufcm.co.uk www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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