ᐅ Inspection of underfloor heating using a thermal imaging camera—insulation needed?
Created on: 17 May 2016 09:38
F
fraubauer
Good day.
Is it possible for an inspector to check an already installed underfloor heating system using a thermal imaging camera?
The apartment is new and not yet furnished.
We would like to know exactly where the heating pipes are installed.
Also, can such a camera detect thermal bridges in winter?
It is currently too warm outside.
Or how could these points be checked at this time?
Thank you
Is it possible for an inspector to check an already installed underfloor heating system using a thermal imaging camera?
The apartment is new and not yet furnished.
We would like to know exactly where the heating pipes are installed.
Also, can such a camera detect thermal bridges in winter?
It is currently too warm outside.
Or how could these points be checked at this time?
Thank you
nordanney schrieb:
Under the kitchen, the underfloor heating is installed as well. Planning extra free areas is pointless.I have to disagree here: if a freestanding island is to be installed, it makes sense to keep that area free so the island can be securely fastened to the floor with screws.
@fraubauer
Generally, the entire floor area is covered with underfloor heating—without a detailed layout plan. The layout should be determined by the professionals based on the energy and heating calculations, specifically how closely the heating pipes are spaced. The builder will rely on the heating installer to install the system according to the current state of the art.
Erika, it is advisable to keep your topics about the builder, experts, and thermal bridges under one post so users can see the connections. Each topic contains related sub-questions. New users or those who haven’t read all your posts may not understand the issue clearly otherwise.
I assume one of us moderators will have to carefully piece everything together later tonight.
P.S.: Questions about insurance or garages on third-party property should, of course—as you have done already—be separated.
@ypg If an island is planned, you can also plan the mounting options in advance, especially since you need to run electrical wiring and so on anyway.
For example, I only left the bathtub area free. Everywhere else, there is underfloor heating installed. A new kitchen can be purchased quickly, and do you have to rebuild it exactly the same way? No, I’d rather have a few more pipes underneath.
What is really necessary is the fireplace/stove and at most a pantry and walk-in closet (if you have one). Otherwise, I would install underfloor heating everywhere—you’ll appreciate that during the cold winter.
But to answer the original question:
Yes, a thermal imaging camera can make everything visible.
Regarding thermal bridges and such, you really need a professional who knows the subject well. Depending on the angle and so forth, the images can look very different, so the results can vary significantly. Also, you need a substantial temperature difference between inside and outside to get meaningful images.
For example, I only left the bathtub area free. Everywhere else, there is underfloor heating installed. A new kitchen can be purchased quickly, and do you have to rebuild it exactly the same way? No, I’d rather have a few more pipes underneath.
What is really necessary is the fireplace/stove and at most a pantry and walk-in closet (if you have one). Otherwise, I would install underfloor heating everywhere—you’ll appreciate that during the cold winter.
But to answer the original question:
Yes, a thermal imaging camera can make everything visible.
Regarding thermal bridges and such, you really need a professional who knows the subject well. Depending on the angle and so forth, the images can look very different, so the results can vary significantly. Also, you need a substantial temperature difference between inside and outside to get meaningful images.
S
Sebastian7917 May 2016 15:45Most kitchens are not planned in such detail at that stage that you can already install fastenings. In our case, only one electrical cable comes out of the floor – of course, the island area is left open.
By the way, our kitchen design would always allow only this particular layout – nobody said it’s a must, but there are also valid reasons why you might not want to do it. And a solid cabinet above a heating surface is just as ineffective as a cabinet placed in front of a traditional radiator.
By the way, our kitchen design would always allow only this particular layout – nobody said it’s a must, but there are also valid reasons why you might not want to do it. And a solid cabinet above a heating surface is just as ineffective as a cabinet placed in front of a traditional radiator.
Yes, opinions vary so much...
Quote:
The Federal Association for Surface Heating and Cooling Systems (BVF) recommends installing floor-integrated heating surfaces in kitchens even under built-in cabinets. The floor areas covered by the cabinets remain thermally inactive due to the very small temperature difference at the surface; practically no heat flows toward the kitchen cabinets. If the kitchen layout or use changes, these formerly covered areas are fully available for heating again without restrictions. Water vapor condensation can occur if the surface temperature falls below the dew point temperature of the water vapor. High moisture loads in kitchens are usually effectively managed by exhaust hoods or by briefly ventilating through windows. Every homeowner knows this, even without understanding the exact physical principles.
Quote:
The Federal Association for Surface Heating and Cooling Systems (BVF) recommends installing floor-integrated heating surfaces in kitchens even under built-in cabinets. The floor areas covered by the cabinets remain thermally inactive due to the very small temperature difference at the surface; practically no heat flows toward the kitchen cabinets. If the kitchen layout or use changes, these formerly covered areas are fully available for heating again without restrictions. Water vapor condensation can occur if the surface temperature falls below the dew point temperature of the water vapor. High moisture loads in kitchens are usually effectively managed by exhaust hoods or by briefly ventilating through windows. Every homeowner knows this, even without understanding the exact physical principles.
@Mycraft
I believe the recommendation you quoted mainly concerns the built-in kitchen units, primarily the main elements installed against the wall.
My concern was only regarding a freestanding island, since it needs to be securely anchored to the floor.
According to the kitchen fitter we consulted, they recommended leaving a recess for this reason only (not for energy purposes), but unfortunately the recess was forgotten. However, the kitchen fitters found an alternative solution so that deep drilling into the tiles was not necessary.
I believe the recommendation you quoted mainly concerns the built-in kitchen units, primarily the main elements installed against the wall.
My concern was only regarding a freestanding island, since it needs to be securely anchored to the floor.
According to the kitchen fitter we consulted, they recommended leaving a recess for this reason only (not for energy purposes), but unfortunately the recess was forgotten. However, the kitchen fitters found an alternative solution so that deep drilling into the tiles was not necessary.
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