Archetech Issue 53 2021 | Page 37

UNDERFLOOR HEATING TICKS ALL THE BOXES !
HEATING , VENTILATION & INSULATION
UNDERFLOOR HEATING TICKS ALL THE BOXES !
By Steven Rooney , Sales Director at Gaia Underfloor Heating
When it comes to heating , there is no single off-the-peg solution that suits every situation and it is no longer a case of considering the individual components in isolation . Now the emphasis is on looking at the whole project design and mixing and matching various systems to achieve the most appropriate overall solution .
This is being driven by the building regulations which , in turn , are taking account of the sustainability agenda , energy use and reduction of CO2 emissions in buildings . As a consequence , suppliers that provide total designed solutions rather than individual products are in a winning position .
Underfloor heating ( UFH ) - whether wet or electric – is well placed to be part of a holistic design solution . It scores well in terms of environmental performance and is regarded as economical , ultra-efficient and comfortable .
Simple to install and control , UFH wastes no heat at ceiling level and frees up valuable wall space , providing complete design freedom . Wet systems circulate water at low temperatures through a series of continuous pipe loops laid within a screed , or between timber joists , beneath the floor surface . Electric systems consist either of cables laid within the screed or cable mats laid on top of existing subfloors .
Importantly , UFH has the ability to tick the boxes when it comes to working with renewable energy and sustainable solutions yet it cannot do this in isolation . It must be considered in terms of the other components that make up the floor such as insulation , screed and floor coverings as well as in relation to the energy source , the overall specification of the building and level of sustainability being sought .
In this market , it is increasingly important for companies to deliver a one-stop-shop , solution-driven service that ‘ bolts ’ together multiple products to deliver true value to the client . And value , in these terms , represents more than price and product ; it is about customer service and certainty with one point of contact , bespoke design , shortening of the build programme , ease of installation , compliance with regulations and end-user appeal , plus a warranty based on the knowledge that the company is well established and is still likely to be in existence in ten years time .
For further information contact Gaia , call 01359 242 400 email info @ gaia . co . uk or visit www . gaia . co . uk .
JACKON ’ S BUILDING SYSTEMS FOR THE UK MARKET
JACKON Building Systems are revolutionising the UK construction market . The company has over 60 years ’ experience in EPS and XPS manufacturing . There are two separate products – JACKODUR ATLAS Extruded Polystyrene ( XPS ) insulation and formwork system for constructing foundation slabs for energy-efficient houses . THERMOMUR insulating concrete formwork system ( ICF ) comprises a robust pre-formed block manufactured from Expanded Polystyrene ( EPS ) with a hollow core , which is filled with poured concrete during construction .
Powerful - Stylish - Reliable - Silent
The systems enable fast and easy installation on site , bringing the advantages of very high insulation levels , elimination of thermal bridging , air tightness , moisture and mould resistance and acoustic insulation . When used together the JACKON systems can achieve u-values of 0.15 or even lower on insulated slabs and external walls - JACKON is 100 % ready for the Future Homes Standard ! The products have BBA approval and Passivhaus certification , as well as mortgage , insurance and planning acceptance . For the benefit of architects , JACKON also have CPD presentations available covering both systems .
For further information visit www . jackon-insulation . co . uk
PAGE 37 - ARCHETECH