Product category:
Floors
News Release from: Schluter-Systems | Subject: Conservatory pack
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 December 2005
Conservatory pack fast-tracks underfloor
heating
World market-leader in tiling solutions, Schluter-Systems, has launched a special version of its popular underfloor heating system, just for conservatories and small extensions.
Unique system protects floors and cuts installation time World market-leader in tiling solutions, Schluter-Systems, has launched a special version of its popular underfloor heating system, just for conservatories and small extensions
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Providing an entire underfloor heating system in one complete package, the new 'Schluter-BEKOTEC-THERM Conservatory Pack' comprises a modular screed assembly, control technology, pipes and pump for a floor of up to 16 square-metres.
A small extension like a conservatory does not need such an intricate system as that required for a whole house or the type of commercial applications that the original Schluter-BEKOTEC-THERM is currently being used in.
So the new conservatory pack was developed, which can easily be connected either directly to a boiler or onto an existing radiator network.
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Stone floor cracking or debonding from substrate
Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schluter - Systems, says very often stone floors crack or debond because installers have not fitted an uncoupling membrane, or movement joints correctly
It offers the same benefits of the larger system - namely tile protection technology, and fast-tracking the entire installation process as well.
Says Schluter Technical Manager Ian Knifton: "Tiles fixed over conventional heated screeds in conservatories, have, in the past, sometimes suffered cracking, buckling and debonding.".
Temperature changes within the screed mass of conventional underfloor heating installations - whether water or electric - lead to the screed moving at a different rate from the tile or stone surface.
The rigid surface simply cannot cope with the degree of movement, and the tiles crack or debond.
"Also, the relatively large screed mass requires a great amount of heating energy, which can make conventional systems slow to respond to temperature changes." Schluter-BEKOTEC-THERM specifically addresses those disadvantages, with its unique combination of studded screed panels and matching heating and control technology, giving an energy-efficient and quick reacting radiant heated floor system, with especially low supply temperatures.
Stress build-up due to shrinkage is successfully combated by micro-fine cracks, which form around the studs.
And because the whole assembly has an overall height of just 52mm - with standard screed mortar covering the pipes and studs by a minimum of 8mm and maximum of 25mm - the screed mass to be heated is relatively small.
This means the floor heating is easier to regulate and can be operated at a lower temperature range than traditional methods.
And tests have shown that the heating cycle is a lot quicker than traditional systems:.
* The heating was switched on at 10.00 a.m.
with a floor temperature of 16 degrees.
* at 10.10 a.m.
the surface temperature was 18.5 degrees.
* at 10.20 a.m.
the temperature was 19.5 degrees.
* at 10.30 a.m.
the temperature was 21 degrees.
* at 10.40 a.m.
the temperature was 22.5 degrees.
The studded panels are easily cut to size, and interlock into each other on top of a load-bearing substrate or any insulation layer that may be required.
The studs form a grid pattern, and the heating pipes simply clamp between the studs.
The combined pump and blending systems are easy to connect, making the entire installation process very quick and easy.
According to BS standards, a traditional sand-cement screed of 65mm needs 28 days to dry and cure.
Then the underfloor heating has to run for several days, and cooled, before tiling.
But with Schluter-BEKOTEC-THERM, bonding an uncoupling membrane to it means ceramic or natural stone tiles can be installed as soon as the screed can be walked on.
Schluter has been involved with installations where the screed has been laid on a Friday, and the tiling commenced on the Monday.
And the heating can be turned on seven days after that. Request a free brochure from Schluter-Systems ...
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