Rex Ingram, chairman of UHMA, the Underfloor Heating Manufacturers Association, says once underfloor heating is in place any mistakes are costly to rectify so it is necessary to have the right pipes for the job.
Demand for underfloor heating is increasing day by day. In a green-aware Britain sales are rising nationally across the whole heating market from individual homes to schools and offices, hospitals and other large public buildings.

Major developers are also taking interest at last and more and more merchants across the country are supplying an ever-growing range of products.

With changes in SAP ratings following in the wake of a Europe-wide study that confirms underfloor heating is more efficient than radiators, demand is likely to soar still higher. That demand will draw into the market ever more companies and an ever-increasing range of products

So, how are you to select the right system? How do you pick out reliable products from a bewildering array of types - and prices?

It is important to get it right, because once the system is concealed beneath the floor - or in many cases integrated into it - any fault is likely to be a big one.
There is a solution, but first a little background.

Highest standards
The Underfloor Heating Manufacturers' Association (UHMA) was formed in 1996 to promote the highest possible standards of materials and system design and application.
Full membership of UHMA is open to organisations which design and supply radiant floor heating systems and components.

The aims of UHMA are clear and simple, the association seeks to ensure that this new industry is technically sound, with systems based on field-proven materials and professional standards of design and installation.

Here's how we ensure those standards are being maintained.
Manufacturers of warm water systems applying for full membership are required to comply with
BS.EN 1264 (Parts 1-2)

The Standards listed in BS EN 1264 Part 4 : 2001 are as follows:
a) BS.EN 1057 Copper tubes, seamless, round, soft temper.
b BS.EN.ISO.15874-1:2001 Polypropylene (PP) tubes
c) BS.EN.ISO.15875-1:2001 Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PE-X) Tubes
d) BS.EN.ISO.15875-1:2001 Polybutylene (PB) tubes

Do the pipes you use meet these standards? If they are supplied by a UHMA member you can be certain they do.

Of course, we realise that technology is ever-changing and there may be brands of pipe that are safe and reliable but don't meet the standards because they're manufactured from a non-compliant material. So we are perfectly happy to look at applications from manufacturers of such systems - provided they can be shown to conform with either Part 1 of BS7291 or the performance criteria set out in DIN4726 as evidenced by a Test Certificate issued by an accredited Test House.

Applicants also have to satisfy the approvals committee that they are capable of designing systems to meet specific project criteria - and are, therefore, able to supply the trade with any technical support it may need. Finally we take a look at their accounts to make sure that they are financially, as well as technically sound.

Pretty straightforward isn't it? So, if your supplier isn't a member of UHMA ask him why not.
As I said, technology is ever-changing and standards change too. UHMA has an active voice in the committees that draft new British and European Standards affecting the design, materials and installation of underfloor heating systems. Through our links with EU-RAY (our European equivalent) we play a similar role on the international scene. If there are changes in the pipeline - and there are - UHMA members will be the first to know.

Insisting on UHMA-branded products will give you quality you can rely on today and tomorrow.