Failed Underfloor Heating Systems
I am looking and reporting on more underfloor heating systems.
This is because..
Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular and many people now want them retro fitted over their existing sub- floors.
Typically, 15- 20mm trays, in MDF or polystyrene that is glued to the sub- floor
Fitting underfloor heating trays (these hold the water pipes) requires a similar skill and subfloor requirements as when fitting flooring i.e sub floors should be flat, dry and dust free and the underfloor heating trays must not move. The pipes must not be able to move either.
Only specialist levelling compounds should be used to encapsulate the water pipes and the heating engineer or builder often does not understand these strict requirements.
Nor bothers to read the installation guide.
As a result, to many of these systems are failing.
In my opinion before installing a retro fitted under floor heating system.
The heating engineer or builder should first check what the choice of finished flooring is to be, and then,
Check the floor finish requirement for:
- Flatness
- Dryness
- Rigidity
The heating engineer or builder is then better informed when choosing what under floor heating system to specify to the client.
Once the system is chosen.
This is so important, but so often not done, READ THE INSTALLATION GUIDE! and follow the guidance to the nth degree.
If in doubt or not confident contact the various manufacturers technical departments, they will only be to pleased to help free of charge.
The system and final flooring will not fail if the all aspects of the installation has been carried out as per the manufacturers guidance.