DOCSLIB.ORG

Planning Underfloor Heat

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Planning Underfloor Heat MAKING MODERN LIVING POSSIBLE Planning Underfloor Heat DanFoss HeaTing SolUTions Handbook Handbook Planning Underfloor Heat Planning criteria Essential requirements for all calculations: Changes in building methods over the last few decades have brought about lower requirements • Detailed plan of building, construction of outer for heating homes, so that Danfoss underfloor walls, and size and type of windows. heating can meet respective heating requirements These data are essential for calculation of the for even physiologically acceptable surface tem- heating load in accordance with EN 12831. peratures. In some rooms, such as bathrooms, • Information on the type of flooring and its additional heating may be necessary, as areas thermal resistance Rλ,B , since the heat output is under bath and shower cannot be heated and dependent on the floor construction, particularly a higher temperature is required (24° C instead that over screed (in accordance with EN 1264 a of 20° C). In such rooms the underfloor heating 2 thermal resistance of Rλ,B = 0.1 m K/W Rλ,B for maintains the temperature in the floor while other living rooms is specified, in bathrooms Rλ,B = 0.0 heat comes from sources such as wall heating, m2 K/W. Other values up to a maximum of 0.15 heated towel rails, etc. 2 m K/W are to be separately agreed.) Rλ,B = 0.0 m2 K/W. • Building plans, building drawings and all room data have to be shown. After the calculations, the pipe layout and data are included in the building plan. • Danfoss forms for calculations. Standards for The following standards have to be observed when EN 13813 Screed Material and Floor Screeds underfloor heating planning and installing floor heating: Local building regulations. EN 1991 Action on structures Professional information on interface EN 1264 Underfloor Heating, Systems and co-ordination when planning heated Components underfloor constructions (ref: BVF). DIN 4109 Sound Insulation in the Building EN 1264 is crucial for the construction of under- Industry floor heating. With the inclusion of EN 13813 ‘Screed Material and Floor Screeds’ three Basic ISO EN 140-8 Measurement of sound insulation Danfoss constructions are possible. in buildings and building elements Estimated The output tables of Danfoss SpeedUp and Basic The required excess heat source temperature pre-calculations heating systems show output values for various determines the supply temperature which is room temperatures as well as the temperatures of described in more detail in the chapter ‘Calculating the central heating water in relation to different the supply Temperature’. The heat flow densities floor finishes. These tables give calculations of the are distributed evenly over the edge and comfort mean central heating water temperature with zones. The main central heating water tempera- which to run the underfloor heating in order to ture is determined by the type of installation (see achieve the desired output. output tables). 2 VGCTC202 © Danfoss 06/2009 Handbook Planning Underfloor Heat Standard heating load of When making calculations for Danfoss underfloor QN,f: Standard heating load of an underfloor an underfloor heated heating the standard heat load QN,f of the room is heated room [W] room essential. For underfloor heating in multi-storey QH: Heat output calculation buildings the heat gain of the shared floor can be included into the calculations if there are no If the heating system, such as an underfloor restrictions on the work. system, can raise the heat output by raising the The heat output QH is generally calculated from heat source temperature the extra allowance is is the standard heat load of an underfloor heated zero. Thus the calculated temperature output room QH,f plus an extra calculation allowance in equals the standard heat load of an underfloor accordance with EN 4701 Part 3. heated room. QH = (1 + x)* QN,f Thermal insulation to It is important to consider the thermal resistance The heat resistance Rλ.ins with a single insulation avoid downward heat of the insulation below the underfloor heating so layer is calculated as follows: loss that the heat of the underfloor heating radiates mainly upwards. S In accordance with EN 1264, Part 4 there are three ins Rλ,ins = different kinds of floor/storey constructions and λins various minimum heat resistances. with: Thermal Insulation R Ins, min Sins: effective insulation thickness [m] A above rooms with similar use 0.75 m2 K / W λins: thermal conductivity [W/m K] B above rooms with different use*, unheated rooms (e.g. 1.25 m2 K / W cellar) and on ground floor C above external air (-15°C) (e.g. 2.00 m2 K / W garages, passage ways) * e.g. rooms above commercially used premises Maximum surface In accordance with EN 1264 maximum surface temperature and room temperature of 9K (in temperature ΘFmax temperatures for phsysiological reasons are set comfort zones and bathrooms) or 15K (in edge as follows: zones). Limiting the surface temperature has Comfort zone: 29° C the effect of limiting the heat output of the Edge zone: 35° C underfloor heating. It is an important factor when Bathrooms: ti + 9° C = 33° C deciding whether to choose additional heating. However, with modern insulation the heat output Standard room temperatures of 20 or 24° C in underfloor heating is sufficient in 99 of 100 in bathrooms result in a difference in surface cases. Fluctuation in The position of the heating pipe can further case, average floor temperature is significantly lower temperature (W) influence the output. Depending on the position, than the maximum permitted temperature. varying surface temperatures can occur. Output is higher above the pipes than in between. The max 29°C difference between the maximum and minimum surface temperatures is called fluctuation (W). W W = θF max - θF min Larger distances between pipes cause larger fluctuation. Lower lying pipes slow down the heating system but the ‘long way’ to the surface distributes the temperature evenly, the fluctuation remains small. Since the maximum floor temperature must not be exceeded, larger fluctuation causes greater loss in output than a smaller fluctuation. In the first VGCTC202 © Danfoss 06/2009 3 Handbook Planning Underfloor Heat Characteristic base line The Characteristic base line shows the relation- Since the characteristic base line has idealised ship between the heat flow density and the physical parameters and is valid independent of surface temperature (surface temperature minus the system, no system, kept at the maximum room temperature) when the heated area is permitted surface temperature, can reach an evenly heated (fluctuation = 0). output of more than 100 W/m2 or 175 W/m2 in edge zones. W/m² Consequently the specific heat output q of the 200 floor surface depends on the difference between room and surface temperatures as well as the transferability. The latter is dependent on the 100 room data, including the needs to air the room and is described as heat transfer coefficient αges here 11.1 W/m2K. 50 Heat output q 30 q = αges (θF - θi) 20 θF = Floor temperature °C θ = Room temperature °C 10 i 1 2 5 20 K Mean surface temperature difference Example: At a room temperature of 20° C and a floor With a surface temperature of 9K above room temperature of 27° C a heat output of temperature an output of approx. 100W/m2 is 2 achieved, with an excess temperature of 15K a q = 11.1 W/m K * 7°K (27° C - 20° C) 2 heat output of approx. 175 W/m2. = 77.7 W/m would be achieved. Heat source temperature The mean heat source temperature is a firm with: component of many calculations. It is calculated ΔθH: Excess Heat Source Temperature from the mean value of the supply and return θi: Standard - Inside Temperature temperatures: θm: Heat Source Temperature θm = θi + ΔθH Installation types The heating system Danfoss Basic comprises two The SpeedUp and SpeedUp Eco heating systems different installation types in edge zones and has installation types for the edge and comfort three in comfort zone areas. zones. They differ in pipe distance. System Possible pipe distance in cm BasicRail 8.8 (mean) BasicRail 12 (mean) BasicRail 20 BasicRail 25 BasicRail 30 BasicGrip and BasicClip 10 BasicGrip and BasicClip 15 BasicGrip and BasicClip 20 BasicGrip and BasicClip 25 BasicGrip and BasicClip 30 SpeedUp and SpeedUp Eco 12.5 SpeedUp and SpeedUp Eco 25 4 VGCTC202 © Danfoss 06/2009 Handbook Planning Underfloor Heat Heat output curve The heat output and the fluctuation of the surface with: Limiting curve temperature are dependent on several factors: ΔθH = θV - θR • Floor surface temperature • Room temperature θV - θi In • Pipe distances θR - θi • Thickness and thermal conductivity of the load bearing panels • Lateral heat output with: • Thermal resistance of floor finish θV: Supply temperature • Composition of the layers θR: Return temperature θi: Standard-inside temperature In accordance with EN 1264 all factors combine into the following equation heat flow density q: When keeping to maximum permitted tempera- tures, the above factors will give, apart from fluctuation, limiting curves (calculated according q = K + Δθ to EN 1264, Part 2). The intersections indicate the H H heat flow limits and the limits to excess heat source temperatures. with: q: Heat output [W/m2] 2 KH: Equivalent heat transfer coefficient [W/m K] (official DIN check) ΔθH: Excess heat source temperature Calculated heat flow When doing the calculations for underfloor The data for the heat flow densities of the edge density heating, the calculated heat flow density is to be zones or comfort zones qR and qA can be calcu- worked out as follows in accordance with DIN EN lated from the output diagrams where the excess 1264, Part 3 : temperature of the heat source applies.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Underfloor Heating and Renewables
    How to heat your home in the best possible way with underfloor heating and renewables We believe that choosing the right heating system Freedom to choose An expertly-designed UFH system gives you the freedom to choose – where to put your for your home should be simple and stress free, so furniture and how to set the temperature of each room to suit your lifestyle. we take care of every detail to provide confidence, comfort and peace of mind. Feel the difference Designed for your home As the only heating company awarded a Whatever the age, size or construction of UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2018 WINNER Distinction from the Institute of Customer your home, chances are it’s suitable for Service, you can trust Nu-Heat to provide underfloor heating (UFH). Our experts will you with all the support you need, from initial go further to ensure precise performance discussions with your dedicated Account of your heating system. If you choose Nu-Heat UFH for your home, you can expect to: Manager to tips on controlling your heating Whether you’re planning a new build, from our Technical Support team. Feel the difference with a consistent, even Pocket the difference with low running costs Tailor the difference with a bespoke, tackling an extension or giving your existing heat across your whole floor – no more cold from your efficient heating solution – no whole-house heating solution tailored Our award-winning products and customer home a complete overhaul, we design your feet or draughty, cold rooms. more wasted energy. to your property’s build type – no more service, along with our unbeatable expertise heating system to be a perfect fit.
    [Show full text]
  • Domestic Heat Pumps a Best Practice Guide
    Domestic Heat Pumps A Best Practice Guide Introduction The number of heat pumps installed in the UK has increased significantly over the past few years with around 20,0001 domestic heat pumps installed every year. This is expected to increase further due to rising fuel costs, government policy and the shift towards a more decarbonised grid. Therefore the potential market for heat pumps is huge. Scope and purpose However, for heat pumps to reach their full The purpose of this MCS Best Practice Heat potential it is vitally important that end users, Pump Guide is to support designers and particularly householders can make an informed installers of domestic scale heat pumps in choice and have confidence that once installed the selection, installation and commissioning their system will deliver on any benefits claimed of such heat pumps, including smaller in the contract. commercial scale, to ensure optimum performance for all parties involved but From an installation point of view, this can be especially the consumer. It also tries to achieved by applying best practice throughout improve the interface between installer and the whole customer journey. From pre-sales, consumer in encouraging information flow design and installation to commissioning such as performance estimates and the and handover. implications of consumer law. As an installer, this MCS Best Practice Heat MCS intends to issue specific advice for Pump Guide aims to assist you with all of consumers as a separate document. these stages. Consequently this guide primarily focuses
    [Show full text]
  • Underfloor Heating Systems Are 100 W/M2 for Concrete Floors and 70 W/M2 for Timber Suspended Floors
    INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ONE LARGE ZONE Unit 1 79 Friar Street Worcester WR1 2NT Tel: 01905 616 928 Fax:01905 611 240 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.underfloorheatingsystems.co.uk 1. Installation Read this entire document first! Pipe distance for concrete floor is c/c 200 mm to c/c 250 mm and for timber suspended floors c/c 200 mm. Pipe to be 100 mm from the walls. Always go with flow to the cold spots first. See hand sketch for typical layout. Max loop length is 110 m. Max loop length is 110 m. If the pipe comes in a 200 m coil, it is sometimes much easier to work with the pipe if cut in half, ie 2 pcs of 100 m coils. Also we recommend two people for fitting the pipe, one person that holds the coil and another person to clip the pipe into the insulation. Fix the pipe to the insulation with the clips provided. You need approximate 1 to 2 clips per metre of pipe. The manifold and control pack should always be located centrally in the building. The PRT room thermostat timer controls the pump. Note, see system layout provided in this document for typical layout. Also, see wiring diagram provided. The system needs to have independent control from the boiler, ie S-plan system with a two port valve. Try to use all the pipework supplied. You will usually have waste. The pipe is marked every metre so you know when it is time to go back to the manifold.
    [Show full text]
  • Comparative Study for Underfloor Heating System Using Boiler Or Heat Pump
    An-Najah National University Faculty of Graduate Studies Comparative Study for Underfloor Heating System using Boiler or Heat Pump By Hussein Ishaq Hussein Awad Supervisor Dr. Abdelrahim Abu Safa This Thesis is Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Clean Energy and Conservation Strategy, Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine. 2014 iii DEDICATION To my father soul …. To my mother, brothers and sisters……. To my wife, daughter…… To my uncles & Grand Father…… To all friends and colleagues……… To everyone working in this field…… To all of them, I dedicate this work. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to say a word to thank all people who helped me to complete this study, although it is impossible to include all of them here. All appreciations go to my supervisor, Dr. Abdelrahim Abusafa for his exceptional guidance and insightful comments and observations throughout the implementation of this project. My thanks and appreciations go to the staff of Clean Energy and Conservation Strategy Engineering Master Program in An- Najah National University, especially Dr. Imad Ibrik, Prof. Marwan Mahmoud & Dr. Mohammad Sayed for their valuable suggestions and assistance. This project would not have been possible without the endless support and contributions from my family, especially my mother for her kindness, my wife for here encouragement and patience, my brothers and sisters for their support, also for my friends especially Eng. Azeez Arafeh, Eng. Islam Shabaneh & Eng. Ra’fat Naser Al-Deen, and colleagues for their useful help, and to everyone who contributed to complete this effort.
    [Show full text]
  • Underfloor Heating Systems :///Users//Downloads/ LDS7 FINAL.Pdf
    CI/SfB (53) First Issue April 2019 Underfloor Heating Systems :///Users//Downloads/ LDS7_FINAL.pdf SUPERIOR HEATING SOLUTIONS SINCE 1980 2 Firebird Envirofloor™ Underfloor Heating Systems An economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating and hot water systems. Firebird Products Ltd are market-leading manufacturers of heating products with a proven track record built on the global supply of heating systems. Established in Ireland in 1980, the Firebird name has become synonymous with performance, quality and innovative design. At the forefront of technology, Firebird are committed to providing cost-effective, energy-efficient heating solutions that not only meet, but easily exceed today’s stringent legislative requirements. Historically an oil-fired boiler manufacturer, the product range has been expanded to include air source heat pumps, biomass boilers & stoves, solar thermal systems and underfloor heating systems. @firebirdboilers www.firebird.uk.com 3 Underfloor Heating Systems Underfloor heating is not a new concept and dates back to Roman times when hot gasses from a fire or furnace passed through a network of flues under the floor of the building. From the 1960’s onwards, various modern systems have been introduced which include expensive to run electric underfloor heating and steel pipes, which had expensive material costs. In 1975 plastic underfloor heating pipe was introduced into the UK which greatly reduced the material cost and allowed wider access to this highly efficient way of heating. Suitable for both new build and renovation projects, Envirofloor underfloor heating systems are ‘wet’ underfloor heating is the most efficient way suitable for a wide range of ground and upper to provide space heating as it is up to 25% more floor constructions.
    [Show full text]
  • Life Cycle Assessment of Novel Heat Exchanger for Dry Cooling of Power
    Applied Energy 271 (2020) 115227 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Applied Energy journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apenergy Life cycle assessment of novel heat exchanger for dry cooling of power T plants based on encapsulated phase change materials ⁎ Lige Zhanga, Sabrina Spatarib,c, Ying Suna, a Drexel University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA b Drexel University, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA c Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Haifa 32000, Israel HIGHLIGHTS GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT • An air-cooled heat exchanger with high coefficient of performance (COP) is developed. • The novel heat exchanger (HX) is based on encapsulated phase change material (EPCM). • The EPCM HX is compared with wet cooling tower (WCT) and air-cooled condenser (ACC) • Compared with the WCT, the EPCM HX reduces 13.3% GHG emission and 72% water usage. • The EPCM HX achieves 2.5 × COP compared to ACCs at 11.5% reduced cost. ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Cooling systems in power plants account for approximately 40% of total freshwater withdrawals in the U.S. Due Power plant cooling to dwindling access to freshwater resources worldwide, continued operation of wet cooling systems poses a Dry cooling technology significant engineering challenge. To reduce water consumption, a novel air-cooled heat exchanger hasbeen Phase change materials developed
    [Show full text]
  • Floor Heating and Cooling Systems
    Energy Systems Floor heating and cooling systems System solutions for everything you need in heating Living full of energy The larger the area that radiates heat the more effective and economical its heating effect will be. The ideal room temperature using a floor heating system is 1 ºC to 2 ºC lower than for systems using conventional radiators. 2 Heating and cooling systems for convenient all-round comfort The demand for high-quality living Floor heating for a better quality of life spaces in both existing and new buildings is increasing all the time, and When choosing a suitable floor heating and this in turn creates an expectation of cooling system for modernisation or new state-of-the-art temperature control construction projects, the ultimate aim is to create a comfortable home environment. Whether it is for residential buildings, In addition, it will need to make optimal use offices and commercial premises, industrial of the available energy to ensure that the facilities, sports halls or open spaces – systems operate efficiently. what used to be exceptional is now the norm: heating and cooling systems opti- The level of thermal comfort experienced mised to individual needs and cleverly by every individual will depend on both designed to keep up with changing objective and subjective parameters. demands. It is therefore hardly surprising Measurable values include such factors as that the majority of planners and building air temperature, speed of air movement, owners looking for modern and advanced air exchange rate and air humidity. A high system solutions are now choosing floor level of thermal comfort is produced by heating and cooling systems.
    [Show full text]
  • Underfloor Heating Installation Guide Installation and Maintenance Guide Installation and Maintenance Guide
    UNDERFLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION GUIDE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE CHAPTER 8 - UNDER FLOOR HEATING (UFH) 8.1 General Guidelines Thermal resistance of wood varies with the species but is in the order of 0.13m2 K/W. Wood naturally reduces heat transfer through the whole floor construction and thus wood flooring should only be considered over an UFH installation with full prior consultation with the heating engineer. Please also note that most Ted Todd engineered floors are supplied with a moisture content (MC) of between 8% - 10%. After a period of time under an UFH installation the MC of the wood may drop to 6%-8% or lower. This could cause some shrinkage in the floor boards. Similarly, if the UFH system is switched off after installation (such as in the summer) the M/C of the floorboards may rise again causing some width expansion. For this reason, the MC of the wood floor must be carefully checked before installation and if necessary, extra acclimatisation should take place. Similarly, allowance should be considered for some expansion of the wood in case the heating system is switched off and the site’s humidity rises again. All of our engineered floors are suitable for installations with UFH systems. You must check with the manufacturer of the UFH system to ensure that the system can be properly controlled to ensure the maximum temperature of the timber floor (at any point) will not exceed 27°C. All installations of Ted Todd wood floors over UFH systems must be accompanied by the installation of the Ted Todd Fidbox monitoring system allowing the temperature and humidity of the wood floor and sub-floor to be monitored and recorded.
    [Show full text]
  • Solar Thermal from Timóleon
    Introduction to Solar Thermal from Timoleon to Solar Thermal from Introduction Solar Thermal from Timóleon 2014 TN21 Solar Thermal Timóleon Solar Thermal Systems are able to collect the sun’s energy so that it can be used for both heating and hot water. All Timóleon hot water systems enable the homeowner to benefit from RHI payments as well as making significant savings on their energy costs. Energy from the sun Solar thermal is very effective as an alternative energy source. In the UK we receive up to 1200kWh (units) of solar energy per square metre of land each year with Contents energy available even on a cloudy day. Compare this to the annual heating and hot water consumption of a 3 bed house of about 10,000kWh and it is clear that solar can make a significant saving to the energy costs if collected and efficiently used. Introduction to Solar Thermal pages 2-3 The energy collected from solar thermal can be very useful however during the spring, autumn and winter this is often at a low temperature. For this to be useful the underfloor heating needs to run at low water temperatures and have a control Hot water system that is able to make intuitive decisions based on how cold it is and the pages 4-7 temperature of the stored water. This delays the need to use a boiler or heat pump until there is no useful energy available from the solar panels. Timóleon’s SunCylinder does just that, enabling up to 40% of the total house heating load Heating / Hot Water to come from solar thermal energy.
    [Show full text]
  • Installation Manual
    Carbon Heating Film • Easy to install. • Can be used as a sole room heating source (when cover at list 70% of the floor). • Does not circulate pollutants, dust, dirt, allergens or dry air. • May be installed on wall, ceiling, under laminate, engineered wood floors or tile. • Brings soothing warmth to specific rooms or cold areas. • Reduces energy up to 60% compared to forced air heating systems. • Maintenance free, strong and durable. • Complements your home heating system making rooms more comfortable. Read through this entire manual before starting installation. • All electrical connections must be made by a licensed electrician in accordance with national and local codes and standards. • Always join multiple heating film lines in parallel ONLY (never in series). • Always make sure to check the heating film before, during, and after installation of the floor covering. • Each thermostat requires a dedicated circuit at the breaker box. • Must not be installed in damp or wet areas as defined by the National Electrical Code. • Do not fold or wrinkle the heating film, walk on it unnecessarily, or drop heavy or sharp objects on it. • Never overlap the heating film. • Do not install electrical wires or pipes in the floor with the film. • Be sure underlayment contains no cellulose. • Install film only when room temperature is above freezing. • Leave a 6-inch space between film and fireplaces, chimneys, or hot water pipes. • Never use any type of insulation material on top of the heating film. • Do not install the healing mats directly over a foil backed insulation material. • When installing carpet a low tog underlay should be installed followed by a good quality hessian backed carpet.
    [Show full text]
  • Warmafloor – Flawless Underfloor Heating and Cooling at Your Fingertips
    Flawless underfloor heating and cooling at your fingertips warmafloor.co.uk 1 Contents Greater expertise at every turn 4 Delivering more than warmth 8 Underfloor cooling 10 Sustainability 11 Warmafloor on site 12 Warmafloor components 14 Superior Pipe 15 Warmafloor Manifolds 16 Intelligent control – Inteliq 18 Underfloor systems and floor types 20 Solid Floor Screeded Systems 22 Structural Concrete Floor Systems 25 Floating Floor System 27 Batten / Sprung Floor Systems 28 Suspended Floor Systems 29 Raised Access Floor System 30 Bespoke Systems 31 Screeds over underfloor heating 32 Next steps with Warmafloor 34 2 Tel 01489 581787 [email protected] A warm welcome to Warmafloor For 30 years, Warmafloor has been commission and provide ongoing at the forefront of the UK’s surface support to every system, because heating and cooling industry. Three it gives us total control and our decades over which we have invested customers total assurance. in research and development, introduced valuable innovation, The things that matter to customers shared our knowledge and partnered – efficiency, quality, consistency, hundreds of successful projects. sustainability, flexibility and personal service – matter equally to us. And That we are Britain’s leading that is why Warmafloor systems are underfloor heating specialist is no installed in landmark buildings in accident. Our quest is, and always almost every sector across the UK. has been, to be the best. As you’ll see, when it comes to So we focus completely on underfloor underfloor, we know a touch more. heating and cooling systems and provide a unique wall-to-wall solution Call: 01489 581787 to deliver excellence.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidelines for Using Hardwood Floors Over Underfloor Heating (.Pdf)
    GUIDELINES FOR USING HARDWOOD FLOORS OVER UNDERFLOOR HEATING While Abovo Wood engineered hardwood floors are ideally suited to both underfloor and regular radiant heating systems, there are a few simple rules that every hardwood floor owner has to follow in order to achieve product longevity. GAPPING AND CHECKING It is worth noting that all wood floors will have some movement due to moisture variation. Temperature and its changes do not harm the wood floor directly, however, it does affect its moisture content. As the temperature goes up, the moisture content in boards generally goes down and vice versa. Therefore, setting high room temperatures can lower the moisture content in wood floors and cause gaps between the boards. Engineered hardwood flooring is designed to be stable and resistant to moisture variations, however, some seasonal gapping between boards is normal and to be expected. Always inform your contractor or the company that installs your underfloor heating system that you are planning to have engineered hardwood floors and ask for their instructions and recommendations too. SIMPLE RULES Temperature Humidity 1. Starting underfloor heating – When just starting 1. Prior to installation, the sub-floor must be underfloor heating, be extra cautious. dried for about 2 weeks. The maximum daily temperature increase is 5°C per day. After 3–4 days, when a comfortable 2. Sub-floor humidity – Concrete sub-floors must room temperature is reached, maintain the same have a moisture level no higher than 2% at the temperature of your radiant heating for a week. This time of installation. Sub-floor humidity together is important to acclimatize and strengthen the wood with a quality wood floor installation (glued-down and glue used for installation.
    [Show full text]