UNDERFLOOR HEATING
www.heatingandventilating.net
Overlay boards present new UFH opportunities
Giles Coombes, Polypipe Building Products’ underfloor heating product manager, talks about the latest developments in underfloor heating and the efficiency benefits of overfloor systems
The latest development in overlay systems will see increased efficiency for both installers and customers
S
aving money, saving time and saving the environment are three of the biggest benefits of the underfloor heating for homeowners – and the market has been growing in the UK as a result. According to the latest market research, the sector continued to be one of the fastest growing of the UK heating industry, accounting for around 7.7% share by value in 2019.
The focus on energy efficiency and the environment has supported demand for underfloor heating systems. Water-based underfloor heating is around 25% more efficient than radiators when used with a condensing boiler and up to 40% more efficient when running from a heat pump.
Product developments have made underfloor heating systems easier to install, making them more appealing for the retrofit market. This has led to the emergence of systems which can be laid over
existing floors - minimising disruption and speeding up installation.
The latest development in overlay systems will see increased efficiency for both installers and customers with a new system that is considerably lighter and easier to install than previous incarnations. The new Overlay Plus system, from Polypipe, for example, is eight times lighter than the standard gypsum board previously used (1.2kg compared to 10kg per board). This means that a pack of 10 boards weighs less than 15kg, packaged in cardboard box and shrink wrapped for ease of transport. This latest innovation will mean time saving for installers and more efficiency in energy-consumption for customers. It also loses less energy when in operation and produces 85 watts per square metre compared to 75 for previous systems Apart from the low weight of the product,
installation is also made easier as there is no need for any power tools – a Stanley knife is enough to cut the flooring to shape. There is less dust and mess produced than when using a handsaw or jigsaw to cut boards to shape during installation. Tiles can be fitted directly on top of the boards without chipboard floor deck being laid first. Another benefit is with the installation itself. It can be securely fitted using only adhesive – rather than fixed with screws. The option to use screws or screed is still available but, unlike other systems, it can be glued. Optimised self levelling compounds to ensure a best in class installation can also be supplied. The pipes are laid in pre-grooved panels sandwiched between the structural floor and the floor covering. Installation is simple without adding significant floor height gain or requiring the excavation of the existing floor.
!" September 2020
www.heatingandventilating.net
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