Underfloor heating ticks all the boxes!

When it comes to heating, there is no single off-the-peg solution that suits every situation and it is no longer a case of considering the individual components in isolation. Now the emphasis is on looking at the whole project design and mixing and matching various systems to achieve the most appropriate overall solution.

This is being driven by the building regulations which, in turn, are taking account of the sustainability agenda, energy use and reduction of CO2 emissions in buildings. As a consequence, suppliers that provide total designed solutions rather than individual
products are in a winning position.

Underfloor heating (UFH) – whether wet or electric – is well placed to be part of a holistic design solution. It scores well in terms of environmental performance and is regarded as economical, ultra-efficient and comfortable.

Simple to install and control, UFH wastes no heat at ceiling level and frees up valuable wall space, providing complete design freedom. Wet systems circulate water at low temperatures through a series of continuous pipe loops laid within a screed, or between timber joists, beneath the floor surface. Electric systems consist either of cables laid within the screed or cable mats laid on top of existing subfloors.

Importantly, UFH has the ability to tick the boxes when it comes to working with renewable energy and sustainable solutions yet it cannot do this in isolation. It must be considered in terms of the other components that make up the floor such as insulation, screed and floor coverings as well as in relation to the energy source, the overall specification of the building and level of sustainability being sought.

In this market, it is increasingly important for companies to deliver a one-stop-shop, solution-driven service that ‘bolts’ together multiple products to deliver true value to the client. And value, in these terms, represents more than price and product; it is about customer service and certainty with one point of contact, bespoke design, shortening of the build programme, ease of installation, compliance with regulations and end-user appeal, plus a warranty based on the knowledge that the company is well established and is still likely to be in existence in ten years time.

Gaia offers total solutions for any sized project. Gaia’s approach is one that includes design and installation of wet and electric underfloor heating, along with comprehensive specification advice. This year as Gaia celebrated 30 years in business they launched the new Gaia Decoupling Membrane and Heating Cable system and the new Smart Thermostat with no need for a hub, ticking even more boxes!

For further information contact Gaia, call 01359 242 400 email info@gaia.co.uk or visit www.gaia.co.uk.