Electric Underfloor Heating as Primary heat source under Engineered Wood?

[grumpyjohn01]

Hi all, Looking for advice, I am an experienced electrician and have been asked by a customer to install electric underfloor heating throughout a converted victorian chapel as a primary heat source. The customer is open to all options. I am intending to have a professional appraisal from a heating engineer regarding heat loss calcs etc but already have my doubts as to suitability. I have only ever installed heat mats as supplementary heating in kitchens & bathrooms and have had no particular problems though I do recognise that careful installation is paramount. My doubts extend to the durability of such a system as well as issues regarding control of the system to get efficient results. Any advice from members as to good products to use in the event of this idea getting the go ahead and what sort of life expectancy? Is there a system specifically designed for such an application? Thanks John

 

[Uheat – Jake]

Hello John,

Sounds like a big project!

Firstly what floor finishes are they having? This will play a big part in either 140w/m2, 160w/m2 or 200w/m2. A primary heating source under tiles is usually 160w/m2 however with it being an old property a 200w/m2 mat would be more suitable with either a 6mm or 10mm insulation board.

If the end user is going for a Laminate, Wood, Vinyl or Carpet we can only go for a 140w/m2 heating mat which we state will act as a primary heating source within a normal room. So a room with insulation around it and little heat loss.

We've also got the option of a 17w/m electric inscreed heating cable if you have the option for a Kingspan / Celotex and then 50mm liquid screed?

If installed correctly you shouldn't have any problems with the heating cable hence why we offer a lifetime warranty on our undertile heating mat range. The only problems that may occur over time is a thermostat going faulty or a floor sensor packing up on you, however both these are very rare.

If I can help any futher or if you'd like a quote for the materials feel free to give me a call on the number below.

 

[grumpyjohn01]

Thanks very much for your quick & helpful reply. Haven't had definitive info on floor finishes yet but I think it will be engineered wood in some areas and tile in others. Am going to await the results of the heating engineer's report and will be in touch if we are going to proceed with this. Thanks again John