UNDER FLOOR HEATING

Under Floor Heating is installed in the screed at the time of building. This is the most cost effective heating system, if installed in conjunction with insulation.
This system of floor heating utilizes the fabric of the building for the purpose of thermal storage, thus slowly releasing the heat for the 3-4 months that the system is in operation. The under floor heaters are only installed when the internal walls have been plastered and the areas are ready for screeding. All fixed units such as baths, toilets, washbasins, cupboards and kitchen units must be marked out clearly on the floor to eliminate the chance of later damage to the heating system when these units are fitted. Clearly mark conduits and water pipes on the floor. After installation of heating cables it is essential that they are protected from any damage or displacement.

Floor preparation:

Our quotation is based on the assumption that the floor slab will be clean and clear of all movable objects. The floor surface must be reasonably smooth and thoroughly cleaned before the heating can be installed. Old cement remains on the floor may cause the screeding to loosen and crack, thus causing possible damage to elements. The slab must be dry before the elements are installed.

Screeding:
After installation of the heater cables, the floors are ready for screeding. This must be done immediately. It is essential that the heater cables are protected from any damage or displacement. Avoid walking on the heater cables during screeding. The ideal screed thickness is 25mm, no less than 15mm and no more than 40mm otherwise the heating system will not operate effectively. To avoid air pockets the screed must be thoroughly compacted. The heating system must not be switched on for at least 3 weeks after screeding to prevent premature curing.

CUT-IN UNDER FLOOR HEATING

This system was specially designed for laminated wooden floor covering and glued carpet floor covering where Under Tile and Under Carpet heating cannot be used. The cut-in floor heating can however be used in conjunction with all other floor covering i.e. tile, marble, and carpet.

Particular advantages:

• A more cost-effective installation without compromising material quality.
• Heating element is cut into screed and therefore does not alter floor levels. Under Tile lifts the floor level by 3 - 5 mm. The system is more robust than Under Tile installation.
• Other contractors can work on top of the heating system without damaging the heating wires, whereas Under Tile heating wires are susceptible to mechanical damage if not covered immediately after installation.
• Better distribution of heat as wires are spaced further apart than for Under Tile heating.
• Where the Cut-In Floor heating system is installed under a tiled floor the floor tiles can be replaced at a later stage without damaging the heating system whereas the Under Tile heating would be completely destroyed.
• Cut-in Under Floor heating wires are installed at practically the same level as Under Tile heating. Electricity consumption and heating time is the same as that of Under Tile heating.