Background to UFH

	Insulation
	Floor Finishes
	Heat Sources

Loops of pipe are fitted in the floor, running from and back to a manifold. The loops are pressure tested and then floors are laid.

Water from the boiler is allowed into the floor circuits at the manifold, to achieve the correct circulation temperature. Room thermostats control temperatures in each room, as desired. Overnight and at other low demand periods – depending on the system – the rooms are maintained at a 'set back' temperature – to ensure good temperature response from the system the next day.

Insulation

Underfloor Heating works best in well insulated buildings, any building built to the current Building Regulations is ideal for underfloor heating. Floor insulation is crucial and the Building Regulations requirement of 0.25W/m 2 is the minimum requirement.

Further general information is given below:

• The insulation should be between the concrete ground slab (oversite) and the screed. This means that just the screed is heated and not the whole ground slab
• The thickness of insulation required is not less than the amount calculated to meet Building Regulations
• 10mm edge insulation should be fitted against external walls to prevent thermal bridging (screeded floors)
• Polyurethane materials have a greater thermal insulation performance than polystyrene and so can be used at lower thickness.
• On intermediate timber suspended floors, fibre insulation is used between joists and particular attention must be given at the ends to avoid through draughts
• With intermediate beam/block floors it is advisable to insulate the floor, to avoid heating the full supporting structure. Generally an approx. 25mm thick layer of polyurethane insulation is put in place prior to fixing any pipe loops.

Where a refurbishment is being undertaken, we advise you to improve the insulation characteristics as much as you can. Letus know the insulation measures you can take, and we will undertake the heat loss calculation accordingly.