Timoleon has provided a long-awaited answer to the problem of integrating underfloor heating and cooling systems into acoustic constructions.

The company is the first to offer a complete spectrum of systems matched to robust standard details (RSDs) for all types of acoustic construction. Timoleon’s TX 100 publication will provide a guide through the maze for architects, builders and other professionals, who are often confused by the lack of clear guidance on how to combine radiant floor heating and cooling technology with acoustic floors.

Acoustic constructions are now a common feature of both residential and commercial buildings, where floors and walls must be built to a predictable noise transmission level, so that occupants can enjoy quiet living and working conditions.

Such buildings can also benefit enormously from underfloor heating, not only to enhance the living environment, but also to improve energy efficiency.

Until now combining the two technologies has not been easy. Part E of the Building Regulations shows how internal walls and floors must provide resistance to the passage of sound. The performance standards for the constructions are set out in Part E with compliance being granted by passing a pre-completion test (PCT) for each individual construction. However PCTs can be avoided if an RSD is adopted.

Specific RSDs have been established for each construction and underfloor heating can be incorporated into an RSD construction provided that:

  • No fixings or staples penetrate or break the separating resilient layer used in a construction
  • In a floating floor treatment the underfloor heating does not connect the structural floor with any of the floating floor elements, thereby bridging the resilient layer

However, there is a wide variety of RSD constructions and there has been a great deal of confusion as to how effective the underfloor heating system will be when used with each individual variant.

Timoleon’s TX 100 publication covers all floor heating techniques including floating floors and shows how each can be successfully adapted to an acoustic RSD. It is truly comprehensive – there are no fewer that 11 RSDs for concrete floor constructions and a further five for wooden floors.

Clarity of RSD is one side of the acoustic structure coin; the other is a versatile range of top quality underfloor heating solutions. Timoleon products are ideal for this type of application. Three basic solutions are available.

The Metis ClipPlate system has been purpose designed to avoid using fixings and staples in the floor, thus avoiding the need for a PCT. Metis comprises a series of interlocking sheets with an integrated 10mm expanded polystyrene insulation layer. The castellations in the panel provide grip for the pipe, while also providing protection from site traffic and when the screed being laid.

Metis can be installed over any subfloor. Where floor build-up is limited the integrated 10mm EPS provides some thermal resistance even when the product is laid over an uninsulated floor. The panel is designed to allow pipes to be installed at spacings as close as 50mm and at 45° and 90° bends, thus providing additional flexibility.

The Timoleon Aether FoilBoard system can be laid between timber battens or as a floating floor. FoilBoard panels are manufactured from expanded polystyrene insulation with pre-bonded soft temper aluminium that can be easily trimmed on site. The panels are designed so that when a floor deck is laid over and fixed to the battens it will be in direct contact with the heat diffuser, ensuring good thermal transfer.

The nature of the FoilBoard panel to transfer heat efficiently increases performance by over 30% compared to systems that do not use heat diffusers.