In heated floors it is crucial to ensure that heat is transferred optimally and efficiently to the space above, whilst minimising downward heat loss.
Laterlite solutions can be used as a component of various elements of these systems:
HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY SCREED
The screed for a heated floor incorporates the heating elements (water pipes or electrical resistance elements) and must therefore have very good thermal conductivity to enable efficient heat transfer to the spaces above and to improve the warm up time of the system.
Furthermore in hydronic underfloor heating systems, very high conductivity screeds enable the fluid to be circulated at lower temperatures whilst providing the same level of comfort. It also enables the heat to be generated more efficiently (in condensing gas boilers or by geothermal, solar, or heat pump systems etc.) and reduces energy consumption.
Massettomix Paris 2.0 premixed bagged screed is specifically designed for heated floors. It has high conductivity (? = 2.02 W/mK) and can cover an area of up to 150 m2 without joints or mesh reinforcement. It is resistant to compression, and does not require the use of any heating screed admixture. The heating system can be turned on for preconditioning only 7 days after the screed has been laid.
INSULATING SUBFLOOR/SUBSTRATE
The supporting layer for underfloor heating can incorporate service runs such as pipework for other electrical or water services. It can make a significant contribution to reducing downwards heat loss . This is particularly important if the spaces below are unheated.
Insulating subfloors/substrate based on expanded clay from the Latermix Cem range are 10 times more insulating than a traditional or self-levelling mortar and provide effective support for insulating panels.
Laterlite Plus Expanded Clay can also be used in granular form (suggested granule size 2-3) as an insulating levelling layer for dry underfloor heating systems.
ROBUST LOADBEARING INSULATION IN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND (INSULATING HARDCORE)
The use of Laterlite Plus Hydrophobic Expanded Clay as insulating layer for heating systems that are in contact with the ground prevents rising damp and heat loss into the ground. It is recommended as the base layer for heated industrial floors because of the excellent mechanical strength and stability of expanded clay, which make it compatible with heavily loaded floors (factories, warehouses and shopping centres). For further information, please refer to the section on insulation in contact with the ground.
