As already mentioned, a Begetube floor heating system is an integral part of the building structure. It is much easier to resolve all design issues prior to going on site as it invariably saves time and money. Especially important is the layout of bathrooms and kitchens, as the pipework will have been designed to avoid fixed units such as toilet pans, baths and kitchen units.
Any changes to the layout after the screed is laid will be a very costly exercise.
Programme in sufficient time for installation of the floor heating, with ideally a clear area free of other trades while the work is in progress.
Arrange to have the screed laid as soon as possible after the pipe system has been laid and tested, Begetube floor heating pipe is very robust but heavy traffic over the pipes should be avoided.
Floor heating is generally installed early in the build programme, and of course should always be filled to pressure test prior to screeding. It will therefore be some time before the boiler and controls can provide heat to the system. It is advisable to add sufficient anti-freeze to the test fill to prevent damage should the build programme run over the winter months. A pressure test certificate should be signed by the project manager or another responsible person.
Depending on the type of structure, there may not be any internal walls to mount the manifold onto during first fix. It is a simple job to construct a temporary mounting board in the correct position to fix the manifold to, this can be dismantled once the internal walls are constructed.
At this stage the first fix control wiring and delivery pipework can be installed, reference to the Begetube wiring and piping diagrams for the project will quickly guide the installer as to the correct method.
After the installation of boiler, delivery pipes and controls the system should be fired up and commissioned. First firing should be with a flow temperature into the floor no higher than 25ºC or 15ºC above the temperature of the unheated screed, whichever is the higher. (BS EN 1264 part 4)
Balancing of the system circuits can now be carried out to the design requirements, followed by a complete check of all controls to ensure that they operate in the correct sequence.
The end user should be instructed in the operation of the system and given all relevant documentation, this should include the pressure test and commissioning report.
