Heating up and cooling down protocol for underfloor heating
Why is the heating-up and cooling-down protocol so important with underfloor heating?
When installing a By EPI seamless floor over a floor with underfloor heating, following the heating up and cooling down protocol is essential. Why? Because the underlying screed – often of sand cement or anhydrite – is sensitive to thermal movement.
What happens without protocol?
Once underfloor heating is put into use, the screed expands due to heat. If this happens too quickly or irregularly, cracks can appear in the subfloor. And because a By EPI floor finish is subfloor-following, these cracks can also become visible in the finishing floor.
What does the heating up and cooling down protocol do?
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It gradually brings the floor up to temperature.
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The screed gets used to the temperature changes and any stresses become apparent in a timely manner.
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This prevents stress cracks or damage even before the EPI floor finish is applied.
We recommend the official heating The official heating and cooling protocol of the Industrial Board for the Construction Industry. to follow. This will ensure that you prepare the floor properly for installation.
Heat pumps & the firing protocol
Even with heat pump-based underfloor heating, it is important to follow the heating-up and cooling-down protocol carefully. Although heat pumps operate at lower temperatures, the possibility of thermal stress in the subfloor remains. Without controlled heating up, cracks can still appear in the screed and therefore in your screed.
For more information, see TBA’s knowledge paper.
Summary:
The firing protocol is not a formality, it is a crucial step in creating a strong and durable foundation for your Superbase®, Corestone Nature® or Quartz R® seamless floor. A floor made for life, begins with a substrate that is ready for it.
