Design of heat insulated floors

In the modern building sphere there are several ways of heating supply. The traditional option for Russia is the radiator heating. The main difference of this type of heating is that the liquid or gas heat carrier is heated in the boiler plant and then served through the system of pipes to the heating units and then the heat is distributed along the premises.

Different types of radiators and convectors may be used as heaters. The design of radiators may significantly differ. The mounting method of the heaters is also different: wall-mounted units, under windows mounted heaters and under floor mounted radiators.

Panel heating or heat insulated floors is considered as another commonly-used method of heating. Heat-insulated floors are divided into two types:

Electrical heat insulated floors are the first type. Heating cables or heating pads are used as radiators. Heating pads are produced in rolls and may also be wall-mounted or assembled on the wall. Electrical heat insulated floors are mostly used in small premises, for example, in flats or small cottages. As the price on energy rises every year the use of such floors in large premises is not appropriate.

The second type of the heat insulated floors is the type where water or aqueous solutions of salts are used as heat carriers. This type of heating is widely used both for dwelling houses and offices. They may also be used for swimming pools. Heat which is transferred from such floors heats air equally and provides no temperature stratification throughout the height of the premise. The feeling of heating coming from the floors makes the life more comfortable.

Heat insulated floors shall be installed according to the projects made by the qualified specialists. Sometimes this piece of advice is neglected. It means that the customer pays double both at the stage of assembly and operation.

The engineering process of the heat insulated shall be divided into several steps. The first step is the choice of the floor – electrically or water heated. Heat insulated floors of water type require the choice of the heat carrier. It may be water or aqueous solution of salts.

Nonfreezing liquids or antifreezes became widely used in country houses. Their freezing temperature is quite lower than that of water, that’s why there is no need to be afraid of heating supply switch-offs and consequent freezing of the whole system. It should be noted that the heat capacity of nonfreezing liquids is lower than that of water. This property shall be taken into account when calculating boiler facilities.

The next engineering step is the choice of the type and thickness of the couplings and isolation both over and below the heating elements. Foamed polymer plates, for example, plates made of urethane foam are used to prevent form the heat loss. The upper layer over the heated floor is a sand-cement screed. The thickness of the screed is calculated. A floor covering may be put above.

Another step in the course of engineering is the choice of material and size of the pipes for water-type of the heated floors. The thickness of the screed upper layer and the pipe-lines diameter influence the heat flow from the heat carrier into the premise as well the temperature on the floor surface which is regulated as per specification code 60.13330.2012 “Heating, air conditioning and ventilation”.

There are also temperature limits of the heat carrier which is used in the heating systems. These limits refer to the comfortable temperature of the floor surface and possible conditions when the concrete screed may get cracked.

These points are not limited by the tasks which are solved when the panel heating facilities are engineered. A well engineered system generates comfortable temperature in your house or office.

Our top-ranked specialists will help you find the engineering solutions for your projects.