SIP Floors and Decking

Benefits of Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating provides consistent heat distribution across the entire floor surface, it eliminates cold spots and temperature variations, creating a more comfortable indoor environment.

Underfloor heating can be more energy-efficient compared to traditional heating systems such as radiators. Radiant heat warms the room from the floor up, allowing for lower operating temperatures and reduced heat loss helping the airtight SIP system perform.

Lower operating temperatures and improved heat distribution can lead to reduced energy consumption, resulting in lower heating bills over time. It can be especially cost-effective with well insulated SIP homes.

Unlike radiators underfloor heating systems are hidden beneath the floor, freeing up wall space and allowing for more flexible interior design options.  Add this together with SIP wall build ups and there is a huge potential to create more habitable living space.

No radiators enhances the aesthetics of a room. It provides a clean, clutter-free look, allowing furniture and decor to be placed freely without the need to work around heating equipment.

Underfloor heating reduces the circulation of airborne allergens, as it doesn’t rely on forced air. This can contribute to better indoor air quality, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.  Add in a Mechanical Heat Recovery System (MVHR) and you are really improving the internal air quality, we would highly recommend this with an airtight SIP home.

Underfloor heating systems operate silently, eliminating the noise associated with traditional heating systems. Limit the air popping in radiators or whooshing or the system when they start up.

Underfloor heating systems can be divided into zones, allowing for individual control of the heating in different zones within the home. This can lead to further energy savings.

Underfloor heating systems are typically durable and have a long lifespan. They require minimal maintenance compared to some other heating systems.

Walking on a heated floor can be a luxurious and comfortable experience, especially during cold winter months.  Fantastic for those with cold feet or little ones who refuse to wear socks!!

Underfloor heating can add value to a property and make it more appealing to potential buyers or renters. 

In conjunction with a SIP build underfloor heating and other measures such as MVHR and or solar really help ensure that your dwelling complies with the current regulations for energy compliance.

What is an I-Joist

An I-joist (also known as engineered timber joist, I-beam), is a type of structurally engineered timber product commonly used for flooring in residential construction. It is designed to provide strength and stiffness to floor and roof framing systems.

I-joists typically consist of an “I” shaped cross-section which are made by combining OSB or plywood web with solid timber or laminated veneer timber flanges. The flanges are usually oriented vertically, while the web runs horizontally between them.

This design maximizes the strength-to-weight ratio of the joist.internal view of an i-joist

The use of I-joists offers several advantages in construction, including consistent strength, dimensional stability, and the ability to span longer distances compared to traditional solid wood joists. I-joists are known for their efficiency, as they can provide the same structural performance with less material than traditional joists.

Advantages of I-Joists Versus Timber Joists.

What are Metal Open Web Joists

Metal open web joists (MOW) have long been used in the UK construction industry and are continually growing in popularity with architects, specifiers, home builders and contractors.

Internal view of a Metal Open Web Joist

They share the same basic elements as trussed rafters – structural timbers joined with pressed-steel nail plates to create a rigid frame. Not surprisingly then, many of the UK’s manufacturers of Metal open web joists are also trussed rafter manufacturers.

With the increasing specification of mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) systems and smart home systems adding to the services occupying the floor zone, Metal open web joists are very much the go to product when building a Timber Frame home.

Advantages of Metal Open Web Joists versus I-Joists and solid timber joists

Based on previous projects our clients preference is the MOW joist as it allows for greater spans meaning less structure and provides far more efficiencies for follow on trades when installing M&E systems such as MVHR and smart home systems.

Still need assistance?

If our frequently asked questions do not answer your enquiry, please do get in touch with us so that we can assist you further.  Contact Us

You may also find relevant information on our group site at www.sbukgroup.co.uk