New initiative promotes benefits of underfloor heating and hardwood floors

The Underfloor Heating Manufacturers’ Association is to work with a producer of hardwood floors to promote better understanding of the synergy between the two products. The objective is to achieve designs that are right first time and a more realistic costing. UHMA and Junckers will mount a joint initiative to improve communication within the professional team. Mike Lamb, chairman of UHMA, says, ‘Architects, builders and others will be persuaded to give higher priority to releasing information that is vital to both the underfloor heating designer and the flooring specialist in achieving a cost-efficient solution.’ Michael Sharkey, managing director of Junckers, explains, ‘The question we are asked most often is whether Junckers boards are suitable for underfloor heating. John Knight explains that the combination of underfloor heating and solid hardwood floors works well, but that the permutations are not infinite. The type of flooring has to be chosen early — and finally. Later changes could create difficulties — such as the floor section height being insufficient, with no room for adequate insulation and the heat output required being unachievable. In particular, sports halls present a particular set of problems — largely relating to multiple use, such as sporting activity, examinations in schools and colleges and ‘theatre’ use. Architects, consultants and local authorities will be targeted by UHMA and Junckers to ensure a better exchange of information.

Related links:

• www.uhma.org.uk