What do the following trade packages all have in common? They all have a design and buildability interface with the Underfloor Heating and Subfloor Package!
For a package that is comparatively small (typically between 2-5% of total build cost) this is a high number of interfaces.
Controls. There are a number of different control systems, from simple dial thermostats through to full integrated BMS systems. It is important they communicate with the mechanical and electrical packages on site.
Fire Stopping. For raised timber acoustic floors such as cradle and batten there is a need to maintain the fire compartmentation within the subfloor void, in-line with the project’s fire strategy.
Bathrooms. Bathrooms have fixed furnishings such as toilets and baths, so it is important to know the location of these when creating the underfloor heating design. Podded Bathrooms require care to ensure the threshold datums match the subfloors around.
Drylining. The drylining can be completed at different stages of a project. Sometimes the internal walls will have been constructed, on other occasions these would be built off the top of the screed. So marking out of these walls whilst the UFH is being installed is essential. It is also critical to maintain acoustic separation between the subfloor and the walls to prevent passage of sound.
Primary/Secondary Heating Systems. When designing the heating system to work in harmony with a Air Source Heat Pump, design collaboration is crucial to ensure sustainable running costs for the homeowner. WMS work in conjunction with heat pump manufacturers to ensure this happens.
Facades. Integrating the floor construction with the facades must be taken into consideration at early design stage. It is also important to ensure that thresholds with external balcony’s are designed such that if a level threshold is required, the internal floor construction matches this.
Floor Finishes. Most floor finishes are suitable for use with underfloor heating. It is important you know the tog ratings of each finish as this is important when developing the UFH design. Timber & Vinyl finishes need to be maintained below a maximum surface temperature to avoid damage. The type of subfloor strength and flatness also needs to be coordinated with the individual floor finishes being installed above.
Structural Floors. There are several different structural floors used in construction of buildings. Precast floors often have a camber which the subfloor needs to deal with. All structural floors are installed to a poorer tolerance than the subfloor, therefore the subfloor needs to accommodate this and still deliver the required tighter tolerance. Weight is also a consideration – for example screeded subfloors cannot be used on a slab which is designed for a lighter weight subfloor.
Joinery. Often the UFH manifolds will be concealed within fixed joinery. Early design integration with the joinery design is advisable to filter out any on site trade interface issues. Items of heavy joinery may require localised strengthening of the subfloor beneath, and of course UFH must be left out of these areas.
Kitchens. Knowing the kitchen layout at UFH design stage is vital to avoid installing pipe under the kitchen cabinets and to avoid the pipes getting damaged with any fixings into the floor.
Take care when you plan and procure this package!
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