The ability to mix and match different system types is a key benefit of underfloor heating (UFH), as it means installers can design and fit the most energy efficient system that exactly meets the requirements of any building project.
Continal Underfloor Heating recently supported an installer on a large refurbishment project consisting of multiple terraced cottages in London. Because of the configuration of the properties, the customer wanted to create a system using a mixture of a traditional UFH screed and a low-profile overfloor system that could be tiled directly onto.
Different floor heights within the properties were an additional challenge to tackle during the system design stage, in order to create a single, seamless system that offered exactly what the customer needed across the various different floor areas.
Unlike some UFH suppliers, at Continal we offer a complete range of UFH systems ranging from overfloor, solid floor and suspended options, so that whatever the project, we can offer unbiased advice on the best system types available for that particular building, and not just a choice of those we offer.
For this project, we solved the issue of different floor build up heights by specifying a traditional screed system, combined with our TileFix® overfloor product. Continal’s screed system comprises SUPERflex™ 12mm and 16mm pipe - an extremely flexible pipe designed by Continal specifically for use with UFH systems. The pipe has a bend radius of less than 100mm, making installations quick and easy with less chance of kinking.
SUPERflex™ has an over 50-year working life, so installers can fit it and walk away, safe in the knowledge that they’ll have no call backs or pipe problems post installation.
The flexibility of the SUPERflex™-16 pipe also means it works perfectly with Continal’s SpeedTrak® screed fixing system, which we also specified as part of this system. The SpeedTrak® fixing system is simply stuck to the insulation using an integral adhesive layer, without any need for specialist tools or equipment. The pipe can then be simply clipped into place on the pre-laid track, which has clips at 5cm intervals to make installation quick and easy.
The SpeedTrak® system is extremely cost-effective, as well as offering all the ease of installation of a traditional UFH system with high-quality, tried-and-tested components.
For the areas in the terraced cottages where the customer wanted a tiled floor finish, we specified TileFix® – the only system that installers can tile directly onto, with a low profile from just 18mm.
TileFix® has a fast-response, high compressive strength, making it ideal for renovation, new build, whole house and single room projects. The system is designed to accept direct tiling with a flexible tile adhesive and is typically installed over existing solid or timber deck floors. Because there is no need to first install a chipboard sublayer, TileFix® keeps floor build-up heights to an absolute minimum.
The system is designed to accept ceramic, porcelain, marble and stone tiles, using a suitable tile adhesive. The universal TileFix® panels provide pipe routing for return loops and distribution, ensuring simple installation.
The installer working on the project has chosen Continal as his UFH supplier a number of times before, returning to Continal repeatedly thanks to our in-depth understanding of UFH systems, as well as our fast turnaround time on quotes and our comprehensive product range.
Every project we work on is assigned to a specific Technical Sales Adviser, so that the customer will always have the same point-of-contact whenever they have a query. We support our customers right from the very first enquiry, through to system commissioning and beyond. Our team is always at the end of the phone to help, and will even liaise with our customers’ contractors and engineers to make sure the entire project runs smoothly.
Continal has been a leading UK design and supply specialist for energy-efficient warm-water UFH for more than 25 years. The company’s full range of UFH systems for solid floors, overfloor applications and joisted floors, as well as a full portfolio of controls and accessories, can be found at www.continal.co.uk.
