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Adaptable underfloor heating technologies from Schlüter-Systems

Schlüter-Systems, as a leading manufacturer of tile installation products, also offers both conventional underfloor heating (UFH) and an electrical undertile heating alternative suitable for diverse applications: the manufacturer’s two CAD-enabled options for the 21st century – BEKOTEC-THERM and DITRA-HEAT E.

The first is a hydronic system that can be installed in the traditional way beneath different floor finishes throughout the home or in commercial buildings. But unlike many rival UFH systems, BEKOTEC-THERM is based on studded modular panels which are quick and easy to install and offer a low build height with rapid warm up times.  A screed is laid across the pipe runs and, rather than waiting weeks for it to cure, tiling operations can commence as soon as the surface is hard enough to walk on by using Schlüter-Systems’ DITRA uncoupling mat which means BEKOTEC-THERM is ideal for time-critical refurbishment contracts such as in shops and offices.

Then, as an electric powered undertile solution, applications for DITRA-HEAT E are only limited by the imagination: they encompass demisting mirrors, warming walls or seats in spas and showers, and vanity areas or countertops.  DITRA-HEAT further finds applications for flooring and plant shelving in conservatories while the system has been specified widely in prestigious locations such as The Lanesborough Hotel and Langham’s in London.

Schlüter-Systems’ Technical Specifications Consultant, Tony Taylor-Sheriff, commented: “UFH technology has progressed enormously since the Roman Hypocaust, but there is still much that is not understood across the wider construction industry regarding relevant efficiencies and potential problems such as the importance of uncoupling layers, load distribution and vapour management. Our solutions have been developed to help professionals achieve quick and energy efficient installations, with BEKOTEC-THERM, for example, being able to offer the benefit of low temperature flow which makes it ideal for use with heat pumps or other renewable sources of heat. DITRA-HEAT E likewise offers rapid response and is very flexible in use.”

For specifiers and architects, as well as installers of flooring finishes wishing to increase their knowledge of underfloor heating technology, Schlüter-Systems also offers a CPD seminar entitled Specifying Integrated Underfloor Heating Systems which can be delivered online or in person.

With more than 2,300 employees and seven offices across Europe and North America, Schlüter-Systems is the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tiles and natural stone flooring. Schluter-Systems in the UK offers a very wide product portfolio including the Schluter-KERDI range waterproofing membranes, the versatile tilebacker KERDI-BOARD and its underfloor heating solutions.

Schlüter-Systems appoints new Head of Marketing The new Head of Marketing for Schlüter-Systems is David Naylor (pictured) who brings years of experience in the building industry to the innovative manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and natural stone. David’s most recent position as Head of Product Management for George Fischer, a plastic pipe systems specialist. During his career, David has been involved the development of new innovative products, such as Durapipe PLX+, a fuel station pipe system, which is now distributed worldwide, and George Fischer’s Fuseal, a chemical waste drainage system. Also, during his time at Tremco Illbruck, David managed the launch of popular adhesive products such as Shark Bond and PU700.

Heading a team of 5, David explains,

“I look forward to making a positive impact here by helping the business grow and expanding the coverage across the industry. I am also enjoying working with my new team, who have been very supportive. It’s an exciting time to join Schlüter-Systems”.

 

CLICK HERE For further information

  

or call 01530 813396

 

 

 

or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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Schlüter-Systems – Installer show preview

Stand H20 Birmingham NEC – 27-29 June 2023

At this year’s Installer Show, Schlüter-Systems will be focusing on their impressive range of underfloor heating solutions which comprise both electric and hydronic (water-fed) systems.  The new DITRA-HEAT-PS is a peel and stick version of the company’s established electric system. The membrane enables simple, clean and quick installation of electric underfloor heating with a thin layer of pre-applied pressure sensitive adhesive on the underside. The membrane is ideally used with timber and tile backerboard substrates. It is a great solution when tiling on P5 or green chipboard; and will work with other substrates provided they are rigid, even, load bearing, clean and dust-free. Samples will also be available to collect from the Schlüter-Systems stand at The Installer Show and will allow installers to see for themselves how well it sticks.

In addition, Schlüter-Systems will demonstrate Schlüter®-BEKOTEC-THERM, the water-fed underfloor heating solution with low construction height. The modular system results in an energy-efficient heated floor system with low water supply temperatures.

The team will be conducting practical demonstrations throughout the show and there will be a competition to see who can install heating cable into the DITRA-HEAT membrane in the fastest time, with a chance to win £1,000 worth of Schlüter products for your next project.

The sales and technical teams will be on the stand to answer queries and there will be lots of samples to see and take away.

 

CLICK HERE TO Download full information on the show

 

For further information CLICK HERE to visit Schlüter-Systems newly relaunched website

YOU CAN REGISTER FOR THE INSTALLER SHOW HERE

 

 

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Transforming the installation of underfloor heating

First-of-its-kind jointless underfloor heating cable set to transform installation process

 

What: ThermoSphere’s Membrane Heating Cable is the first and only underfloor heating cable that uses TwistedTwin construction and in-line hot-to-cold technology.

Who: ThermoSphere, a leading British-based electrical heating manufacturer, has been using its technical expertise to drive innovation for over 25 years.

Why: Many faults occur around the cold tail joint of the heating cable because the joints, which are normally heat-shrink wrapped, are three times thicker than the cable. Installation of thicker cables requires installers to chase out concrete and cut into the membrane and insulation. This risks damaging the cables, joints, waterproofing layer barrier and reputation with customers. ThermoSphere’s new Membrane Heating Cable prevents the need to cut the membrane, insulation and flooring.

 How: ThermoSphere have incorporated the hot-to-cold joint connections into the primary manufacturing process, creating invisible joints and a cable that’s uniform in thickness from end-to-end. This drastically improves the installation process, with many benefits to the installer:

  • One-step cable installation saves time and effort, and speeds up and simplifies the installation process.
  • Stops cable failure by removing the number one fault in underfloor heating installations.
  • Preserves the waterproofing layer of the decoupling membrane.
  • Allows for quick quality workmanship with an automatically flush finish ready for tiling.
  • Compatible with all membranes on the market so installers can rely on trusted products.

CLICK HERE

For more information on cable specifications, pricing and to

get your hands on ThermoSphere’s new Membrane Heating Cable

 

 

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Electric heating hots up

Flexible electric heating is becoming more and more popular in response to the UK’s homes becoming increasingly airtight. Jenny Smith, product marketing manager at Vent-Axia, explains how advances in technology make it an attractive option.

The UK’s heating industry has been in a period of transition ever since the introduction of Part L ‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’ in 2000 which has driven energy efficiency developments to lower carbon emissions and meet UK carbon targets.
At the same time the UK has had to adjust to declining oil and gas reserves. Historically the UK has been fuel rich in the form of gas, but with this in decline electricity generated via other sources becomes vital as we search for a secure and de-carbonised energy supply.
As a result manufacturers of electric heating have developed systems that meet the comfort needs of households and energy efficiency demands of legislation. In addition, increasingly air tight homes mean that heating demands reduce, making flexible electric heating with new controls an attractive option.
Electric heating offers an affordable heating solution for households with low capital and installation costs. The flexibility of the units is an added financial bonus since heaters can be installed as stand-alone heaters or as larger systems.
Using electricity as a fuel the technology is ideal for rural households that are off the gas grid. Meanwhile electric heaters cause little installation disruption since they don’t require the pipework needed by traditional boiler heating systems.
Free of the installation headache of flue siting and pipework, electric heating also has the flexibility to be installed almost anywhere in a room so households locate the heaters where best suits their needs. Almost maintenance free with no moving parts, with electric heating households have the comfort of not needing to worry about costly annual boiler checks.
Ultimately, as we move towards zero carbon homes and a decarbonised energy supply electric heating will become the heating technology of choice. Manufacturers, like Vent-Axia, are ahead of the curve as they prepare for this transition by developing products that meet both the demand and the needs of the market.
This next generation of electric heating offers greater flexibility to households since electric heating quickly warms a room and technological developments mean that accurate controls ensure high energy efficiency.
The new advanced electric heating systems incorporate highly sensitive, integral thermostatic controls. For instance, Vent-Axia’s Opal range of energy efficient aluminium radiators feature dynamic fluid with high thermal inertia and are slim and stylish in design. Featuring controllers that are fully programmable this type of electric heating system offers closer energy management, thus saving money for homeowners.
Ideal for both new build and refurbishment projects the newest electric heating features on-board energy monitors allowing occupiers to see exactly how much energy is being used to heat a room, and thus make an informed decision on thermal comfort.
The inclusion of highly sensitive silent operating digital controlled thermostats accurate to +/- 0.5° allows electric heating to act quickly to maintain consistent room temperature levels, reducing temperature overrun and minimising energy consumption. Allowing homeowners to manage the warmth in their homes to meet their needs the radiators are easy to operate coming with seven heating programs and three temperature settings for comfort, economy and frost protection.
Households can now expect improved efficiency and control across a wide range of electric heating technology. Towel rails are traditionally marketed to homeowners for their aesthetics rather than efficiency. However, the next generation of heated towel rails now quickly and efficiently warms and drys towels while adding to the overall style, temperature and comfort of a room. Vent-Axia’s new range features high quality white or chrome finishes with ten different models, split into flat, curved and designer styles, allowing customers to choose exactly the right towel rails to suit their individual home.
As ever, control is central to the range, with the towel rails featuring an advanced controller offering five heat outputs. Providing an eco-mode ideal for use when drying towels to ensure minimal energy use, the controller turns the rail on full power for 30 minutes and then reduces the output to the user setting for a further 90 minutes, before turning the towel rail off. As a result households have warm dry towels without wasting energy, bringing greater comfort to the towel user but also adding to the overall temperature and comfort of the room.
As we move towards zero carbon homes and a decarbonised energy supply electric heating is set to become the heating technology of choice. Already boasting improved efficiency and control, electric heating offers contractors a technology that promises their customers the operational control, comfort and style they desire.
For further information on all products and services offered by Vent-Axia telephone 0844 856 0590

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