Method Statement. The One Stop Solution for Underfloor Heating. General Site preparation by others: Work areas to receive UFH must be watertight, dry, clean and clear of any debris or moveable obstructions. Any required builders holes, channels or conduits for the transition of the UFH piping must be completed. Any special fixing points, intrusions or excluded areas to be clearly marked onto the floor areas. E.g. Bathroom suite anchor points, kitchen unit islands. A mains water supply to be located not more than 25metres away from each manifold. This is for the purpose of filling and testing the UFH system. All other tradesmen are to be excluded from working in or passing through the installation areas until the system is handed over. Preparation for screed system by others: The floor slab is to be level and complete Base insulation to be laid and fixed on a tightly butted pattern over all areas to receive UFH, this is to include areas for the pipe runs to the manifold. Note: it is the responsibility of the client to ensure that any insulation meets the building specifications and current building regulations. Our fixing method requires at least 25mm Celotex/Kingspan or 50mm HDN to ensure that the UFH pipe remains in place. Please advise us if an alternative insulation is to be used so we can discuss alternative fixing methods. Insulation must be dry and mud and dust free to ensure that the clip rail adheres. Preparation for plate system by others: Counter battens to be laid, typically 80mmx28mm (3inchx1inch) deep set at 400mm centres. NB If the joists are set at 400mm centres then the battens can be laid along the top of the joists. To allow transition of the UFH piping, any building holes or joist notches previously specified, are to be completed prior to Heated Floors arrival. Alternatively, labour from relevant trades must be available during the installation period to assist as required. Insulation to be laid prior to Heated Floors arrival on site. The insulation should be installed in such a way that it will butt up tight to the UFH plates as to avoid any air gaps. An efficient method is to install a specified hard insulation such as cellotex between each joist, then to lay additional layer/s of Rockwool soft insulation over so as to eliminate any space between the hard insulation and the top of each joist. This should allow the aluminium plates to sit snug without any substantial air gap below, thus increasing the efficiency of the UFH system. Note: It is the client s responsibility to ensure that any insulation materials used meet current building regulations.
Installation Method First Fix: Manifolds: These are assembled and wall mounted, allowing for 700mm 800mm from the top of the manifold to the floor. Fixings Screed: Clip rail is interlocked and layed at 90 to the di rection of the pipe run. Pipe transitions are calculated so as not to cross over pipes. Fixings Plate: The aluminium plates, typically sized 1200mm x 390mm, are layed in a close pattern parallel with the joists or counter battens. The trays are layed so they do no overlap to reduce noise. Installation Method Second Fix: Pipework: The underfloor heating pipe is layed either onto insulation for a screed system or secured into the aluminium trays for a plate system. The pipe is layed in accordance with the pipe layout drawing at 200mm centres and generally set 150mm from the walls. Additional fixings, pipe clips for screed system and nail clips for a plate system, are used to secure the pipe. Each continuous loop is connected to the manifold by way of compression fittings. Primary Test: The underfloor heating pipe and manifolds are subject to an air test to confirm the integrity of the system. It is recommended that the system is left under pressure during the screeding or floor laying process. Once the test is complete, it is the responsibility of the client to protect the pipe from damage. Installation Method Third Fix: Pump Pack: Where specified, a pump and mixer pack is fitted to the manifold assembly and the mixing valve set to minimum. Manifolds: Manifolds are inspected for any outward signs of damage and the flow rates are set. Secondary Test: The underfloor heating system is filled with water from the mains supply and air is purged from the system. Important. The system should only be filled with water prior to being connected to the overall plumbing and heating system. If there is a danger of freezing or the site being left empty during a cold period, the underfloor heating system should not be filled with water. Damage due to freezing is not covered by Heated Floors warranty.
Works by others: PLUMBING The underfloor heating will need to be integrated into the overall plumbing and heating system. This is usually achieved by way of an extended S plan. Each manifold will need flow and return connections to the heat source. Note: where the compact manifold control unit has been fitted, isolation valves and a 2-port zone valve will need to be supplied and fitted prior to the manifold assembly. Any pumps as supplied by Heated Floors are for the sole purpose of circulation through the underfloor heating pipe and do not negate the requirement for a primary pump. AIR VENTING Prior to first use, ensure that the underfloor heating system is filled with water. The flow and return isolation valves to the manifold should only be opened when the boiler circuit is clear of any air. Any remaining air trapped within the underfloor heating system must be vented. An automatic air vent is fitted to aid this process.. ELECTRICAL WORKS All electrical works including siting and wiring back to the manifold wiring centre, all room thermostats, wiring of zone valves and pumps and connecting so that the boiler and main pumps fire and run on demand from the UFH system, installing and setting of a time clock to control the UFH system, wiring the mini actuators and connecting via a wiring centre to the designated room thermostats, and all mains power feeds etc. SCREEDING The screed should be allowed to cure as normal and the UFH should not be used to speed up this process. If a pumped flow screed is used, care must be taken to ensure that the UFH pipe stays securely fixed in place. If the pipes become loose and begin to move the screed process should stop until the pipes have been secured. Note: Consult your screeding company with regards to any expansion joint requirements.
Initial set up: Ensure the system is fully connected and integrated to the plumbing and heating system i.e. that all plumbing and heating works are complete, all electrical wiring is finished and that all controls are installed. Ensure the floor screed and floor finish is fully cured. Check that the heating system is filled with cold water (see pressure testing and filling) Set the mixing valve to minimum. The flow and return isolation valves should be opened only when the boiler heating circuit is clear of any air. Open all isolation valves. Turn the thermostat or, in the case of individual room control, all the thermostats to maximum Start the boiler or heat source, main pump and the underfloor heating system. NB. Check that the master time switch is set to constant or is in an on period. Any remaining trapped air will need to be vented, do not allow the pump to run dry. Balance the underfloor heating system to achieve an even flow rate through each loop. This is typically 2 litres per minute. To balance, gently and one at a time, unscrew the collar that secures the thermal actuator to the manifold and remove it. Using the key supplied, turn the lock shield valve very slightly to adjust the flow. Repeat as necessary, taking great care not to cross any actuators. Where actuators are not fitted, use the key as directed above, adjusting each loop at a time. After the initial start up, the flow temperature should be gradually increased to the design temperature. This should be done over a period of several weeks to minimise any shrinkage to the floor. The following settings should be observed: Screed solid floors 40-45 c and timber floors 45-50 c. The settings can be adjusted to provide comfort Use the flow and return temperature gauges at the manifold to obtain a clear reading. Also consult any suppliers of floor coverings as to their recommendations. Finally, adjust all thermostats to the desired temperature typically 20 to 21 c Remember, a maximum floor surface temperature of 29 c shoul d be observed with a lower setting of 27 c for timber. This may require a lower flow temperature, for example 40 c
It is the client s responsibility to ensure all works meet and comply with current building regulations and best practice. CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY: 1. PLUMBING CONNECTIONS (BY OTHERS) All connecting pipe work between the manifold assembly and the main heating system is to be flushed through prior to final connection. Failure to comply can lead to debris deposits within the pump, mixing valve, and manifold. Resulting damage will not be covered by our warranty. 2. AIR VENTING (BY OTHERS) Prior to first use, ensure that the underfloor heating system is filled with water. The flow and return isolation valves to the manifold should only be opened when the boiler circuit is clear of any air. Any remaining air trapped within the underfloor heating system must be vented. An automatic air vent is fitted to aid this process. 3. CONTROLS Whilst Heated Floors supply loose controls as part of our package, these require installation and testing by a qualified professional. It is the client s responsibility to ensure that the appointed professional is experienced in heating controls. Heated Floors cannot accept responsibility for installation works by other trades. In our experience, most underfloor heating faults are due to incorrectly wired controls. All electrical components are warranted on a replacement only basis. 4. DAMAGE As installed by Heated Floors, underfloor heating pipe is layed in continuous loops with connections at the manifold/s. the whole system is pressure tested for leaks. Once layed, it is the client s responsibility to protect the pipes from damage. Screeding or decking should take place as soon as possible after installation and the client must insure that the pipe is protected during this process. Until screeding or decking is complete other trades must be excluded from all piped areas. 5. FREEZING If there is a danger of freezing then the water within the system should be drained out of the manifold and all valves left open. Damage due to freezing is not covered by our warranty. I, the undersigned, confirm the order of the supply / and installation* of the underfloor heating system for the project detailed below. *Delete as appropriate. Heated floors Ref: Supply Q0. Install Q0.. Project Name:. Signed.. Print Name. Company.. Position