Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: Schluter -BEKOTEC-THERM
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 October 2005
Specifiers find solution at 100% Detail
Show
Schluter-Systems were inundated with enquiries at the 100% Detail Show from influential architects and specifiers about the revolutionary new underfloor heating system, Schluter -BEKOTEC-THERM.
Exhibiting for the first time at the 100% Detail show at Earls Court, Schluter-Systems were inundated with enquiries from influential architects and specifiers about the revolutionary new underfloor heating system, Schluter -BEKOTEC-THERM In the past, architects and specifiers have been wary of opting for a tiled surface over underfloor heating, because of problems with tiles cracking, splitting and debonding
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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However, visitors to the Schluter stand found the solution to be an energy-efficient and quick-reacting system with especially low supply temperatures, that also protects the tiles.
Technical Manager Ian Knifton says: "A few visitors had seen from pre-exhibition publicity that Schluter -BEKOTEC-THERM was going to be on display, and had gone to the show especially to find out more about it.
"Other specifiers and architects who visited the stand didn't know about this new solution to an old problem, so went away having learned about something that was going to be of real benefit in their designs".
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One of the exhibition days was open to the general public, and Ian Knifton says a number of people embarking on self-build and major refurbishment projects were also keen to find out about the differences between conventional systems, and the new complete, modular solution.
"With conventional heated screeds, the screed and ceramic surface expand and contract at different rates during temperature changes, and that often damages the tiles.
Also, the relatively large screed mass requires a great amount of heating energy, making conventional systems slow to respond to temperature changes".
But the new system, based on the popular studded screed panel, Schluter-BEKOTEC, in conjunction with matching heating and control technology, solves all those disadvantages in one modular assembly.
Stress build-up due to shrinkage is successfully combated by micro-fine cracks which form around the studs in the screed.
Therefore there is no curling, and movement joints are not needed in the screed.
Once the screed is ready to bear weight, an uncoupling membrane is installed, and ceramic tiles or natural stone are then fixed directly on top.
And because the whole assembly has a very low construction height, the screed mass to be heated or cooled is comparatively small, meaning the radiant heated floor is easily regulated and can be operated with low supply temperatures.
The studs are configured in such a way that Schluter's new heating pipes can be installed at regular intervals.
Conventional screed mortar covers the studs and pipes by a minimum of 8mm, and a maximum of 25mm.
The co-ordinated electronic components, giving quick and accurate heating control, are also available in wireless versions.
Schluter -BEKOTEC-THERM is the latest system to join Schluter's extensive range of complete tiling solutions, which includes movement joints, waterproofing and uncoupling membranes, transition profiles, edge protection and finishing profiles. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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