Focus on the floor finish

Products: TileFix®-25, AluPlas®-16, Quantum digital wired thermostats

Homeowners deciding to update their homes are placing increasing importance on their choice of floor finish, especially when carrying out high-quality and extensive property renovations such as installing a new underfloor heating (UFH) system.

One such customer who approached Continal recently was about to begin a refurbishment project in Fernham, Oxfordshire, where they were renovating a converted barn.

The customer was looking for a high-end finish on the project to reflect the period charm and character of the former barn, and as a result they wanted a range of finishes including hardwood floors, tiles in the bathrooms, and carpet in the bedrooms.

Because the floors of the existing property were not level, Continal’s Technical Expert Harry King recommended the installer specify Continal’s TileFix®-25 system, both to help create the perfect finish our client wanted, and to make the UFH installation as simple as possible.

TileFix® is a fast response, high compressive-strength system designed to accept direct tiling with a flexible tile adhesive. Typically installed over existing solid or timber deck floors, the system can accept ceramic, porcelain, marble and stone tiles, while the panels provide pipe routing for return loops and distribution.

This meant our customer could place the tiles straight onto the TileFix® panels without having to first lay a base board that would increase the build-up height. It also meant a uniform floor height could be created across the entire floor of the property, ensuring clean transitions between the various floor finishes.

TileFix® is available in 18mm and 25mm variants for use in different projects. In this case, the 25mm thick version was chosen to allow sufficient space for 16mm pipework to be laid in the panels, to boost the system’s heat output considering the large floor space.

As well as the TileFix® panels, Continal also recommended the installer fit AluPlas®-16, a premium, multi-layer composite pipe with an aluminium layer that helps it hold its shape when bent. This provides excellent strength and an 100% oxygen barrier, ensuring the best possible heat transfer and efficiency within the UFH system.

Continal has been a leading UK design and supply specialist for energy-efficient warm-water UFH for more than 20 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.