Underfloor heating
A total solution
T
he industry as a whole has come to appreciate the use of underfloor heating in a wide variety of settings. From school halls to garden centres and
from conference halls to churches, the value of underfloor heating as a versatile and efficient solution is well known. What is also increasingly being recognised is how well underfloor heating can be teamed with other heating solutions to create a total solution which exactly meets the needs of each project. Every property is different, and so, we would argue, every heating system should be individually planned too. The holistic approach to heating, particularly combining underfloor heating with radiators, fan convectors, towel warmers and even electric heating is definitely gaining ground. As a manufacturer which offers all of these options, we are, perhaps, uniquely placed to offer unbiased advice, and we certainly do get asked for this. Just over 30% of the requests we receive for advice and technical support with underfloor heating system design now involve the use of more than one type of heating product. Siting the heating in the floor is particularly useful in
larger spaces which perform more than one function. This is why the education sector, for example, was one of the first to adopt systems such as Myson Floortec. Keeping the walls free of heating appliances makes it easier to accommodate the frequent movement of furniture and equipment which is needed to adapt the same space for use for assemblies, indoor sports, dining and events; making it easier to transition from one session to another on the school timetable.
32 September 2017
GET THE RIGHT PIPE MATERIAL
Myson ULOW-E2 and Floortec underfloor heating in St Helena's Church South Scarle
T
Underfloor heating has much to offer commercial settings, especially when paired with other heating forms, argues Myson product manager Michelle Taylor
Smaller classrooms and administrative offices, however, still benefit greatly from the use of radiators, while in some rooms, such as school kitchens, the use of over door fan convectors such as Myson’s Hi-Line makes excellent use of limited space. Lessons learnt in heating educational spaces have transferred very readily to other commercial sectors. We look at every aspect of a building before making a
recommendation for a total solution. If the property has a mixture of larger, more open spaces and smaller individual rooms, a combined total solution will probably be the best option. This can be applied to all sorts of properties; hotels with conference facilities, bedrooms and offices may need a different type of product for each area. Similarly, large office reception areas, open plan offices and boardrooms will naturally suit underfloor heating, while smaller corporate interiors will be beautifully served by sleek flat panel radiators. Retail units will also frequently have one or more large open spaces, with a suite of smaller offices for behind the scenes business activity. The principles of specifying remain the same; take into
consideration the property’s construction, levels of insulation, windows and doors, room sizes and ceiling heights and then perform a heat loss calculation to determine output required for a comfortable environment. The room sizes will certainly give a good indication as to whether a mixture of heating methods will offer the best solution. Usage will also be a good indicator. In retail settings and offices, with regular fixed hours in which the property is occupied, you may want a slightly different approach from a hotel, which may be occupied 24 hours, but not always at full capacity. The needs of the end user must always be considered. Creating an efficient total solution and ensuring that it
is well controlled is essential, as you will always want to deliver warmth with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. If you choose a manufacturer who understands the system as a whole, they can provide all the components you need and will be able to assist with system design advice and technical support. If you can obtain everything you need from a single source, you can also be confident all your chosen products are fully compatible and are tried and tested in practice. Underfloor heating, thanks to its versatility and the
freedom that it gives to architects and interior designers to fully achieve their design vision for each property, will clearly be an increasing part of many of the heating systems that we will plan in the future.
oby Howard-Willis of JG Speedfit has the following advice on what characteristics to look for when choosing adequate pipe material for underfloor heating projects. Compared with more traditional heating methods, UFH installations come with their own unique set of challenges. As UFH projects are becoming more and more common, it pays for installers to be aware of material options that are available to streamline the installation process. Historically, copper pipes have been most popular among installers, but recent advancements in technology have resulted in a growing shift towards plastic. The term plastic actually refers to a specially engineered material, with characteristics that make these pipes suitable for central heating systems,
Plastic pipes are particularly effective for UFH projects
hot and cold water supply, and most other plumbing applications. They have become popular for domestic projects due to their strength, flexibility and ease of use as they are available in different coil sizes. Plastic pipes are particularly
effective for UFH installations. This is where the Layflat pipe is growing in popularity. The characteristics of Layflat, namely its flexibility, resistance to high temperatures and water pressures, and compliance with quality standards such as BS7291, make it the best choice for UFH installers. While installing underfloor heating, the installer has to lay the pipes in patterns on the floor that will eventually be screeded over. In these instances, pipes tend to follow two main patterns; serpentine or counterflow. Using Layflat makes the job easier, quicker and more efficient as it is very flexible and easy to manoeuvre into the required pattern, making installation a lot simpler. An added bonus is that leftover material can be used for other plumbing jobs. This is key because it is available in all UK domestic pipe sizes from 10mm to 28mm, in coil lengths ranging from 25m to 300m. Using the same pipe for UFH and plumbing increases the commercial viability of plumbers and reduces wastage.
www.heatingandventilating.net
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