UHMA AND JUNCKERS IN JOINT INITIATIVE

UHMA AND JUNCKERS UNITE IN BID TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

The Underfloor Heating Manufacturers' Association (UHMA) is to work with a leading producer of hardwood floors to promote better understanding of the natural synergy between the two products.

The objective is to achieve right-first time designs and more realistic costing.

UHMA Chairman Mike Lamb reports that the Association and Junckers Ltd will mount a joint initiative aimed at improving communication within the professional team.

“Architects, builders and others,” says the Chairman, “will be persuaded to give higher priority to releasing information that's vital to both the underfloor heating designer and the flooring specialist in achieving a cost-efficient solution.”

Rising demand makes the need for action more urgent.

" The question we are asked most often”, says Junckers Managing Director, Michael Sharkey, "is: are Junckers boards suitable for underflloor heating? The answer is YES!

However, Junckers recognises that translating that simple affirmative into working partnerships, combining total comfort with the beauty of solid wood, requires specialist knowledge on the part of both flooring specialist and the underfloor heating design and installation team. UHMA Members can provide the skills and experience required.”

Harmony

Builders and architects could do much more to smooth the path to harmony between flooring and heating system as UHMA's John Knight explains:

"Underfloor heating and solid hardwood floors are now combined in all kinds of projects including homes, offices, dance studios, community centres and, of course, sports halls.

The combination works well, but the permutations are not infinite. The type of flooring to be used has to be chosen early and finally! Changes late in the day

can create potential difficulties for the underfloor heating team - the floor section height may be insufficient, with no room for adequate insulation and the heat output may be unachievable.

Sports halls present their own particular set of problems - largely relating to multiple use. The specifier should consider how heating system, flooring and type of use will interface.

If the hall is really only ever going to be used for sports, a heat out put of 40 to 50 W/m2 should be adequate. But, if it's a school hall that's also going to be used for exams and by the wider community, a higher output may be required. These kind of decisions need to be made before it's too late!"

Architects, consultants and local authorities will be targeted by UHMA and Junckers to ensure a better exchange of information.

Underfloor heating makes a perfect partner for all the latest lean, green technology including condensing boilers, solar power, heat pumps and CHP. UHMA is already talking to the Carbon Trust and a number of other key groups including Government departments to make sure that the industry's huge potential for the national good is fully realised.

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