by Brianna Crandall — December 6, 2010—BSRIA, the U.K. “built environment experts,” has launched a technical guide at the request of the underfloor heating industry to help promote the understanding and application of underfloor heating. While underfloor heating systems that use the latest materials are seen as innovative, there is little appreciation by building services designers of the technological and design issues, says BSRIA.
The new guide, due to be published January 2011, will replace the previous Underfloor Heating: A Designer’s Guide (AG12/2001) and Underfloor Heating Installations: Assessment Standard (AG13/2001). Its objective is to equip engineers with the basics of the technology, and to make them better able to select and apply the most suitable option.
Construction professionals such as designers, architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors and installers will find the guide useful in helping them appreciate the services issues. Facilities managers and other professionals who are interested in the operational performance of underfloor heating will also be interested in this guide, says BSRIA.
The revised guide will reflect the advances in the technology, design methods and applications of underfloor systems that have taken place in the last 10 years, including the growth in cooling applications and the integration of renewable energy. Included in the new edition will be chapters on cooling, energy sources, controls and floor finishes.
BSRIA is a member organization that promotes energy and water efficiency, best practice in construction and effective operation of buildings through advice, testing, instruments, research and guidance. For more information, see the Web site.
