Planning renovations to an existing property can be far more challenging than it might first appear. Every property is different, and issues may arise even after the work begins, as walls are knocked down and internal changes made that could uncover unexpected problems.
Nevertheless, installing an underfloor heating (UFH) system in almost any existing property is easier than ever given the wide choice of modern system types that are now available to help navigate these issues.
Such was the case for one of our customers working on a renovation project in St Andrews, Cardiff. The ancient property still has many of its original features, and because of its historical significance, Building Regulations required that the kitchen/dining area have a new limecrete floor laid to remain in keeping with the rest of the building.
Limecrete floors must remain surrounded by air in order to prevent the floor from crumbling over time. This new 40m2 limecrete screed was being poured on top of a breathable mesh floor, which was also required as part of the system, and could not be penetrated with staples. That’s why Continal’s Technical Advisor recommended using our SpeedTrak® system, which could be stuck down to the mesh, then the SUPERflex™-16 pipework secured using cable ties instead of staples, before the screed was poured on top.
Continal’s SUPERflex™-16 pipe is extremely flexible and has been designed specifically for use as UFH pipe. It has a bend radius of less than 100mm, making installations quick and easy since it is less likely to kink and be damaged during installation than regular pipe. SUPERflex™ has a 50-year lifespan, so installers can fit it safe in the knowledge that it will continue to provide great service for many years to come.
The SpeedTrak® system comprises strips of plastic with a self-adhesive backing that will bond to most floor surfaces, such as the mesh being used in this project. Measuring 1m in length, the strips have 5cm cups formed into the plastic to hold the pipework securely at regular intervals. The pipe is then slotted into these cups, holding them straight and making it easy to fit the pipes in exactly the right place to ensure the most efficient heat outputs across the floor area.
The customer chose Continal as their supplier thanks to the quick turnaround time we were able to provide on their initial quote, as well as the short delivery times for the system itself, which meant that they were able to continue the project with no on-site delays. They also praised our Technical Advisors for their high-quality customer service and the technical knowledge that made sure we chose the right system type for the project.
Continal is a leading design and supply specialist for energy efficient warm water UFH systems and has a wide range of products to suit almost any installation. This is why the Continal’s advisors are able to always recommend the very best system for the application, because they have every possible option available to them.
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.
