How to measure up |
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How to measure up
To work out the amount of electrical underfloor heating cable or mat required, we need to work out how much useable floor space or free floor space (FFS) is available. The FFS space is the total amount of floor space minus the area covered by any fixed objects (or items that need to be secured to the floor) such as:
1. kitchen cabinets, units,
2. bathroom units, baths, toilet etc.
Below are two examples of rooms with calculations to show how much useable floor space is available:-
1. Basic Kitchen
Firstly, work out the total amount of floor area. As the room is a rectangle and is 5m by 4m, you multiply the two, to get 20m2.
Total amount of floor space = 5m x 4m = 20m2.
Then work out the amount of floor space taken up by the fixed objects in the room. In this kitchen we have:
1. 2 x kitchen units,
2. 1 x kitchen island.
Work out the area used by each item, for example the kitchen island is 1m x 0.8m = a total area of 0.8 m2. Once you have calculated the area for each fixed item, add them all together. So for the kitchen layout above we have:-
Area Covered by Fixed Items = 2.04m2 + 1.8m2 + 0.8m2 = 4.64m2
Now work out the amount Free Floor Space or FFS you have - subtract the Area Covered by Fixed Items from the Total amount of floor space. So for the kitchen layout above we have:-
Free Floor Space (FFS) = 20m2 - 4.64m2 = 15.36m2
2. Complex Bathroom
To work out the amount of useable floor space for the bathroom floor plan is very similar to the way we worked out the kitchen. The only difference is we now have a recess in the top right corner. Therefore, first thing to do is calculate the total floor space, the easiest way to do this is to work out the floor space using the length and width, then subtract the area covered by the recess:-
Area not including recess = 4.7m x 3.0m = 14.1m2
Area covered by recess = 1.2m x 1.2m = 1.44m2
Total Amount of floor space = 14.1m2 - 1.44m2 = 12.66m2
Now, calculate the amount of area covered by fixed items:-
Area Covered by Fixed Items = 0.96m2 + 1.8m2 + 1.0m2 =3.76m2
Next, calculate the amount of FFS you have by subtracting the area covered by fixed items from the total amount of floor space:-
Free Floor Space (FFS) = 12.66m2 - 3.76m2 = 8.9m2
Once you have accurately calculated the FFS you can work out how much Heating Mat or Heating Cable you need. Simply calculate between 90 and 95% of the FFS.
This is the amount of heating mat or loose cable you will need.
You should not plan to cover 100% of the FFS as you should leave around 50 mm free all the way around the edge of the room. However, covering less than 90-95% of the FFS, whilst being a cheaper option will mean:
1. the heating system will not operate as effectively - as you will generate a lower wattage
2. you will experience 'cold spots' on the floor
For help choosing the products you require contact sales@underfloorheating4U.co.uk
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