underfloor heating

[monkey5]

evening all.

ive been asked to install some underfloor heating in a kitchen, to be honest ive never done any before and not sure where to start. the floor to be laid on top will be laminate and concrete underneath. its a "L" shape kitchen approx 6M x 2M x 1.2M (going tomorrow to have a proper measure up), this is the size which will need to be heated ie the walkable area.

any advice will be much apprieciated.

also would it be powered from a fcu or need its own circuit?

cheers wayne

 

[Lurch]

Underfloor heating will be 100-150W per square metre so that gives you a guide for what to run it from. Generally a spur off of the local ring is ample.

As for fitting it, the internet is awash with guides for fitting UFH, and also the manufacturers sites often have the instructions available. It really is basically just a case of RTFM and you're fine.

 

[NozSpark]

Sorry, but I can't get my head around those dimensions!

You will have to check with the manufacturer if their kits are suitable for installation under laminate, but you will prob have to cover the kit with self leveler, laminate underlay and then the laminate flooring...

As for if it needs it's own circuit, that depends on the area and wattage of the kit! A lot of the Warmup kits sold by Tops etc are the lower end wattage, some of the more powerful ones are 200w/m2..

 

[monkey5]

this is a rough diagram of kitchen area

floor plan.pdf

 

[monkey5]

are the mats just a case of rolling out then attaching to power and thermostat?

 

[Lurch]

are the mats just a case of rolling out then attaching to power and thermostat?

Basically, yes.

Read some instructions, there's loads of UFH kits on eBay as well if you're struggling.

 

[green-hornet]

Underfloor heating will be 100-150W per square metre so that gives you a guide for what to run it from. Generally a spur off of the local ring is ample.As for fitting it, the internet is awash with guides for fitting UFH, and also the manufacturers sites often have the instructions available. It really is basically just a case of RTFM and you're fine.

Until manufacturers give a full 10 year gaurantee I refuse to fit underfloor heating.

Many times it is fitted under a very expensive floor which, when a fault is found has to be taken up for any repairs.Madness I say.

The Romans were very good at underfloor heating, unfortunately we do not have the capabilities in the current times to duplicate that success.

Building control would never allow it.

Regardless of any adverts it is 100% inefficient as a heat source, given that in this country we are charged so much for basic fuel.

 

[tom1]

Until manufacturers give a full 10 year gaurantee I refuse to fit underfloor heating.Many times it is fitted under a very expensive floor which, when a fault is found has to be taken up for any repairs.Madness I say.

The Romans were very good at underfloor heating, unfortunately we do not have the capabilities in the current times to duplicate that success.

Building control would never allow it.

Regardless of any adverts it is 100% inefficient as a heat source, given that in this country we are charged so much for basic fuel.

warm up do ten year

 

[batty]

Don't forget to minus area under units as they are not needed.

Batty

 

[Lurch]

warm up do ten year

Looks like someone is now fitting UFH!

 

[Bez]

Dont forget to check continuity with manufacturers figures before you fit it, and IR.

Will need RCD protection too.

 

[Apache]

Someone on here said they got the homeowner to confirm it was heating up (and therefore working) before the floor was fitted. If it's damaged when the floor is laid you can't get the blame!

 

[NozSpark]

The ones that I have fitted have a 15 year warranty...

however that only covers the heating element which is usually under a floor covering which costs far more than the kit....so if it goes wrong I think they'd be disconnected!!

If they had that much confidence in their product they'd cover any tiling / floor covering!

 

[Bez]

Someone on here said they got the homeowner to confirm it was heating up (and therefore working) before the floor was fitted. If it's damaged when the floor is laid you can't get the blame!

I suppose that would work too. Always best to check the resistance of the mat with given figures, saving you the time wiring in if it's faulty.

 

[NozSpark]

You need to test it a good few times...

Before unrolling

After fitting (but before tiling)

After tiling

and then maybe again after fitting of furniture / sanitary ware

 

[Bez]

Concur

 

[kme]

Testing the mat itself is only part of the job.

Remember to also test the thermostat which goes into the floor, as aseperate probe.

Do NOT use insulation tester - you`ll kill it!

Standard mutlimeter on Kohm range - connect up, then hold the probe in your hand. After a few seconds, you`ll see readings altering (usually dropping). Check start reading is within MFRs tolerances (in the destructions). If something is going to not work; usually, in my experience, its the probe.

KME

 

[ianmacd]

The onles I was looking at (rayotec) do not need a thermostat in the floor if fitted in a bathroom, just a remote air thermostat. They can be fitted under most floor coverings.

 

[kme]

SOME of the mats, if used in bathroom, need a "chicken wire" earthed mesh laid above them, before the flooring is laid......

 

[ianmacd]

Indeed they do. The rayotec ones say they do on their site but I contacted them about it and they are now incorporated into the mat.