Floor surface temperatures when fitting underfloor heating

When fitting underfloor heating the floor surface temperature will vary. In this article to go over some statistics for your benefit.

Table 1 - Floor Surface Temperatures

4.1    Ceramic Floor Tiles

Ceramics work well with underfloor heating. They have a nil or very low TOG value and offer very little thermal resistance to heat transfer.   
To avoid cracking of the tiles flexible adhesive and grout should be used.  Check that the adhesive and grout is suitable for use with underfloor heating.

4.2    Carpets

Carpet and underlay have a higher TOG value. The thicker the carpet and underlay the TOG value and the greater resistance to heat transfer.
Be careful when choosing underlay as their insulation properties reduce the heat output
of the floor.  Make sure underlay it is suitable for underfloor heating
If carpet adhesive is to be used, make sure it is suitable for temperatures up to 40°C.  If gripper rails are used make sure you don't nail to deep and puncture the pipes!

4.3    Plastic/Vinyl Tiles

Plastic floors tiles and coverings generally work well.  They have a low TOG value and
offer very little thermal resistance to heat transfer.
It is important to check with the retailer or manufacturer that the covering and adhesives are suitable for use with underfloor heating

4.4    Timber/Wooden Floors

Timber floor coverings work well with underfloor heating However, as a natural material, it is important to follow the recommendation of the floor manufacturer regarding installation and initial start up. Timber floors should generally not have a moisture content greater than 10%.
When installing with a screeded floor the screed must be fully cured before the covering is installed. Following curing the system should be run for approximately 2 weeks with the materials in the area before installation occurs. This reduces the moisture in the area and allows the material to acclimatise.
We advise that specific information should be obtained from the proposed covering supplier or manufacturer to assess the suitability of the covering for underfloor heating.

Table 3 Ceramic Tiles

R-value 0.00m²K/W (0.0TOG)

Maximum floor temperatures

Occupied areas         = 290C

Bathrooms                  = 330C

Peripheral areas       = 350C    

Output tables to BS EN1264 specification UFH1 16mm OD PE-RT pipes in 75mm floor screed (50mm coverage above pipes).

Table 4 Parquet floor

R-value 0.05m²K/W (0.5TOG)                

Maximum floor temperatures

Occupied areas        = 290C

Bathrooms                 = 330C

Peripheral areas       = 350C    

Output tables to BS EN1264 specification UFH1 16mm OD PE-RT pipes in 75mm floor screed (50mm coverage above pipes).

Table 5 Carpeted floor

R-value 0.10m²K/W (1.0TOG)                 

Maximum floor temperatures

Occupied areas        = 290C
 
Bathrooms                 = 330C

Peripheral areas       = 350C   

Output tables to BS EN1264 specification UFH1 16mm OD PE-RT pipes in 75mm floor screed (50mm coverage above pipes).

Table 6 Deep pile carpet, wood floor

R-value 0.15m²K/W (1.5TOG)

Occupied areas        = 290C

Bathrooms                 = 330C

Peripheral areas       = 350C   

Output tables to BS EN1264 specification UFH1 16mm OD PE-RT pipes in 75mm floor screed (50mm coverage above pipes).

For more information contact Underfloor Heating 1 today.