Can UFH mats be used externally

[foamcutter]

I have a project coming up where we are creating a bench seat in a garden area.
We thought it cool :smilewinkgrin: if we could have the seat warmed for people seating out late in the evening?

If it can be used externally how long would it take to warm up?

TIA

 

[Ajax123]

I have a project coming up where we are creating a bench seat in a garden area.
We thought it cool :smilewinkgrin: if we could have the seat warmed for people seating out late in the evening?

If it can be used externally how long would it take to warm up?

TIA

I know that Rehau UFH have put underfloor in sever football pitches and some other sporting venues. Think this is to keep off the snow and ice rather than to keep people warm but it shows it is doable. Uponor and Velta have developed systems suitable for runways and the like for similar reason. These are all warm water systems. I guess the problem would be that in a small area such as a garden bench you would not have enough thermal mass to overcome the effects of atmospheric conditions when you would need it so the temperature would need to be pretty high to give much effect. Not sure if there is an electric system suitable but this would seem a better option - bit like the electric blanket on your bed which stays relatively cold untill you insulate it with your body so it can build up a bit of heat. Maybe U-Heat might be able to give you an answer? I noticed they are site sponsors.

 

[foamcutter]

Ajax thanks for the reply.
It's not really a bench seat more like this below.

I never thought about loosing heat from the seat to the atmosphere, especially on a cool evening. If the seat was concrete or block it might have some thermal mass but our idea was to a cut polystyrene seat covered in mesh and render then an UFH mat and mosaic on top. Very little thermal mass there.
Yes the client could simply use a cushion or throw but it would be nice to see if this idea would work.
Cheers

 

[Ajax123]

Ajax thanks for the reply.
It's not really a bench seat more like this below.

I never thought about loosing heat from the seat to the atmosphere, especially on a cool evening. If the seat was concrete or block it might have some thermal mass but our idea was to a cut polystyrene seat covered in mesh and render then an UFH mat and mosaic on top. Very little thermal mass there.
Yes the client could simply use a cushion or throw but it would be nice to see if this idea would work.
Cheers

no reason why it should not work. Still think an electric system would be best. It would not be required to act like an underfloor heating system so as I said would be the electric bed blamket principle. Obviously you'd need to look at the saftey aspect i.e. electric outdoors. Problem is I don't know any suppliers who would be able to stock this sort of gear. Interesting idea though so I will ask around and get back tomorrow. there are very few "brand new" ideas so if no on has thought of it before you may be onto a new line in patio furniture. You should patent it....

 

[foamcutter]

Cheers Ajax.

The thermostat and regulator/control mounting might be an issue too.

Getting a Patent might be harder than trying to get the seat to heat up ;-)

 

[pjrich]

We do install electric underfloor heating outside, mostly used for clearing of snow & ice from paths, ramps, driveways, etc.

All Elektra heating cables are IPX7 rated and if protected by an RCD then installation will be fully compliant with regs.

We have many different controllers which can be configured to control the heating the desired way, Elektra

Please contact me if you would like some further details.

Warm Regards,

 

[foamcutter]

Thanks Peter for the reply and link.