Rainy June not slowing down Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build
Sun Jun 20, 11:01PM PT – KREM.com Spokane/Coeur d’Alene 1:50 | 1122 views
Underfloor Heating – The Importance Of Having The Right Base
Andy Nevitt, a screed flooring expert from CEMEX UK, the leading building materials provider, talks about what architects, developers and self builders need to know when choosing screeds to use over underfloor heating systems.
Underfloor heating systems have steadily grown in popularity with homeowners over the past decade with the underfloor heating trade association UHMA recording system installation numbers increasing year on year. Once reserved only for bigger developments such as hospitals and schools there has been a growing trend in recent years for house builders and developers to install underfloor systems as a first choice in new homes. They are easy and cost effective to install and can save the homeowner up to 30% on fuel bills compared to traditional hot water systems using radiators.
However, despite its obvious benefits, there are many factors that need to be considered even before deciding to opt for an underfloor heating system. One of the most important decisions is the material which would cover the system and will optimise the effectiveness of the system once installed.
Considerations
Screed has been identified as a perfect partner for underfloor system applications. It encapsulates the under floor heating elements and diffuses the heat across the floor surface providing an even temperature in the room.
Before any architect or contractor specifies or installs an underfloor heating system, it is imperative that they understand which screed is best to use in a given situation and recognise the different methods of floor construction during the design stage.
The contractor should also consider different thickness requirements associated with specific screed types, how much room they have to lay the screed and how the floor will be insulated.
Laying screed
It is vital to install the screed as early as possible in the construction process as the curing and drying of the product is critical to its long term performance. The screed must be laid after the roof; window and external doors have already been installed to protect it from the elements of rain, wind and sun as this can have a detrimental effect on the product. It also ens
1000
ures a more consistent environment for the initial curing. Once the screed has been laid, and depending on whether a self compacting or traditional mix is used, it is essential the product has been left to cure before it is dried.
Traditional v Flowing screeds
The type of screed used will depend on the type of application. The industry has tended to use a traditional Portland cement-based screed as opposed to the flowing variety which has a calcium sulfate binder.
Over recent years architects and contractors have come to realise the benefits of using a flowing screed application compared to the traditional mix as they experience an improved end performance and cost savings.
Flowing Screeds
Combining underfloor heating with flowing screeds offers significant benefits. However, it is essential that the heating system specified has been designed for use with flowing screeds.
Reduced screed thickness: the properties of a flowing screed mean that it can be laid at approximately half the thickness, around 50mm overall thickness compared to 90mm for sand/cement screed. This results in less material but a stronger, more consistent quality and a neater finish.
Quicker application: flowing screed can be laid at a faster rate than a sand /cement screed due to the thinner application and accuracy of placement. A flowing screed will move around the pipe system giving void-free intimate contact that would be difficult to achieve using a sand/cement screed.
Evenness of heat: The close contact of the screed with the heating system allows heat to spread evenly and reach an optimum temperature quicker. Conversely when the heating is switched off, the screed also cools much quicker. The heating system is therefore more responsive and has improved energy efficiency compared to systems using traditional sand/cement screeds.
Time savings: Reduced curing times and its speed and efficiency of application means contractors can shave weeks off a project. Its ability to dry and cure quicker means the area is available sooner to other trades to continue working.
Finish: As flowing screed is self-compacting it also provides a smoother finish and there is also minimal lateral shrinkage because of the calcium sulfate binder.
Traditional Screeds
Traditional screed products should not be forgotten and there are some situations where they are preferable – the construction of wet rooms, commercial kitchens and shower areas are better suited to traditional mixes due to the continual contact with water and then drying out. The physical make-up of flowing screed means a constant contact with water could gradually debond and degrade it.
Finishing Touches
Finally, when the screed has been laid and dried it is best practice to prime or seal the top of the screed before a finish like tile or marble is applied as this will increase the effectiveness and preserve longevity of the screed.
By: Steve Crompton
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
CEMEX is a global building materials company and leading supplier of cement, ready-mixed concrete and aggregates. In the UK, CEMEX also has a significant share of the asphalt, concrete block and mortar markets. The company has a national supply network in the UK with over 500 locations, to ensure that quality building materials is available to customers locally.
If you’ve been keeping up with my blog posts lately you’ll know I’ve come to adding a few news posts from around the web on this subject. I’ve got a couple more today that are new and updated, so let me know what you think of em…
Portland Vacation Rentals 3 Bedrooms Townhome Sleeps 9-12 and 2 …
Cooling Comfort, Ceiling Fans; Air Conditioning. Dining Room, Dining Table Seats. Entertainment, TV/DVD; Big Screen TV. General, No Pets Allowed; Telephone; No Smoking. Home Office, Internet Access. Kitchen, Fully Equipped Kitchen …
Qualified HVAC Residential and Light Commercial Service Technicians
We are seeking qualified HVAC Residential Maintenance Technicians We work on all types of heating and cooling equipment. Here is the original post: Qualified HVAC Residential and Light Commercial Service Technicians.
Fungi blamed for dying pine needles | The Portland Press Herald …
With unseasonably warm weather in early spring followed by a cooling period, buds and early foliage growth on many hardwood trees were damaged. The needles on pine trees, already vulnerable from the fungal infection, may also have lost …
Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.
Have a great day!
Mail this post
