Underfloor heating systems considered most energy efficient are water-fed systems such as Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM as they have been found to use up to two-thirds of the energy used by electrical systems. Water-fed systems work by pumping heated water via a property’s established boiler, or other heat source, whilst a dedicated thermostat controls the floor temperature.

Water-fed underfloor heating systems ideal for new build and partial renovations, projects like a new extension or a new floor slab.

There are two types of water-based underfloor heating system, heat store and fast delivery. Heat store systems consist of pipes laid within a slab or screed. Once heated, it stores the heat and continues releasing it once the system has been turned off. Fast delivery underfloor heating works by laying pipes above insulation, usually in specially formed trays or panels. Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM provides the best of both systems, as it uses a modular screed panel the Schlüter-BEKOTEC portion of the name; which is designed to replace part of the screed and brings the heating pipes close to the top of the screed.

Water-fed systems such as Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM benefit from being as much as 30% more energy-efficient than radiators by using water at a lower temperature. And as the heat is being given off over a larger area, the water does not need to be supplied at the same temperature as the water flowing through radiators, as it’s more evenly distributed throughout the room. Again with modular screeds such as Schlüter-BEKOTEC the amount of screed above the pipes is reduced enabling a more rapid response to heating cycles, providing eco benefits by saving energy, and using less cement compared to traditional screeds.

Furthermore, they can be easily integrated into an existing heating system to provide underfloor heating for some rooms and radiators for others. Another major advantage is that they can also be used to cool a room down in the summer either via passive cooling of the unheated water or by pumping chilled water through the pipes.

When Schlüter-BEKOTEC panel and Schlüter-BEKOTEC-SCREED are installed together, the solution is one full system that offers fast-track installation that’s crack-free, non-buckling and functionally safe screed that’s suitable for coverings of ceramic tiles, natural stone, and also suitable for other coverings. An added benefit is that traditional screeds can weigh in excess of 130Kg/m², compared to 40-50Kg/m² with Schlüter-BEKOTEC.

Material savings

Due to the patented low height construction of the Schlüter-BEKOTEC and Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM system, the total screed mass possible is extremely low, using less cement compared to traditional screeds. As a consequence, Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM can be operated with low supply temperatures as the heating pipes are closer to the surface than alternative systems. The ceramic thermal comfort floor is ideally suited for operation with environmentally friendly, regenerative heat exchangers such as heat pumps. However, the low operating temperatures also protect the environment if they rely on conventional heat generation and they are cost-effective long-term.

That’s why the owner of a leading Northern Irish tile supplier selected the environmentally friendly underfloor heating system, Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM, to heat his own ‘Grand Designs’-style dream home.

David Scott, of David Scott Tiles in Belfast, developed a unique ocean-facing property called Scotts on the Rocks built at the foot of the highest peak in the Mountains of Morne, which included the installation of this advanced underfloor heating system from Schlüter-Systems throughout.

The home, which benefits from amazing views out to sea, is built on two levels with the main level housing a kitchen, dining room, living room, bathroom, bedroom and sheltered sea terrace, with a second level, downstairs, which contains space for family and friends to stay and be entertained.

David comments: “I like to test products out myself by installing them in my own property as it then helps me to sell it with even more confidence. Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM is an excellent efficient product and it’s very easy to install. The depth of screed is what sets this apart from other similar underfloor heating systems. It requires a 30% thinner screed which helps distribute heat much faster and therefore uses less energy.

“This happens because the thin patented structure of the ceramic thermal floor allows it to respond to temperature changes that much quicker thanks to the connected air channels within the Schlüter-DITRA 25 membrane. That’s why whenever we install Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM at David Scott Tiles we insist that Schlüter-DITRA 25 matting is also installed, as we know this will ensure the very best results possible.”

Ian Knifton, Technical Manager at Schlüter-Systems, comments: “The modular system that makes up Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM stands out as being economical, effective and energy efficient which makes it the ideal underfloor heating system to install. The fact that a leading industry expert has installed it in his own property, and a stylish dream home at that, speaks volumes about the product’s quality and suitability for any location.

He adds: “Its low supply temperature of approximately 30°C, compared to the more conventional 50°C or the 70-90°C in some radiator systems, also means Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM is extremely effective both with conventional heat generation methods and regenerative energy sources such as heat pumps or solar panels making it ideal for new build properties and other ‘grand designs’ similar to Scotts on the Rocks.”

From a construction perspective Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM is quick to install due to less material being used than in other systems; highly durable, with loads in private and commercial buildings up to 5kN/m²; and has proven suitability, with damage free practical application for several years as certified by a number of independent institutes.

As well as its performance and ease of use, what makes Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM really stand out from the crowd is its five year covering assembly warranty or ten year warranty if installed by an approved installer and with Schlüter-BEKOTEC-SCREED. Unlike other systems, which just provide component warranties, Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM customers can have the peace of mind that its warranty covers the whole floor assembly therefore adding additional safety and benefits to this innovative system.

With dedicated consultants on hand to help with any specification project, Schlüter-Systems should always be the first choice.

Integrated solutions for wetrooms

Whilst we appreciate many specifiers like to have an understanding of the principles of specifying a wetroom, we also appreciate that not many actually have the time to become experts in this particular field of design and construction. This is where Schlüter can help and be on hand to offer its technical support and guidance.

Understand how to specify products that work seamlessly together to ensure a lasting, CE marked waterproof solution to any shower or wetroom.

Firstly, with a large choice of products available, it seems relatively straight forward that you should be able to combine products from a variety of manufacturers to achieve an effective, economical solution, right?

Wrong. Specifying products that are not designed to work together may provide an economical solution in the short term but when it comes to guarantees, support, effective water-management and drainage, using one integrated system that is designed to keep installations water-tight for years, the best way of specifying, is to use a single manufacturer.

For peace of mind when it comes to project management and long term success, possible time and cost savings and versatile design options, we recommend that architects and specifiers choose wisely and opt for an integrated single-source system. The beauty of the Schlüter-WETROOM system is that its products have been designed and manufactured to complement each other and take care of installation issues, resulting in a reliable water-tight finish which is CE marked and guaranteed to last for years to come.

Compatibility is an important design consideration as, if products are being supplied by different manufacturers it begs the question, who will take responsibility if an installation fails or offer advice and support if needed during specification or installation.

Incorporating the very latest innovations for floor-level access showers and wetrooms, Schlüter-Systems provides a fully integrated product suite, including top of the range waterproofing sets, drainage systems, and uncoupling, underfloor heating and waterproofing membranes for walls and floors.

The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) became mandatory for manufacturers to apply CE marking to their products and provide a Declaration of Performance (DoP), where products are manufactured to a harmonised European Standard or a European Technical Assessment. Currently harmonised standards exist for Watertight Covering Kits for Wetroom floors and or walls. This means that the Schlüter-WETROOM system has the added reassurance of a CE Marked guarantee, and a Declaration of Performance.

The latest Schlüter-Systems CPD series introduces the key considerations in the design and installation of walk-in shower areas. Enhance and reaffirm your knowledge with these 45-60 minute presentations, held at your offices, by Schlüter-Systems – a market leader in high performance integrated systems and solutions, providing the essential protection of ceramic tile and natural stone installations.

Ultimately, an integrated system solution, with products that are designed to work together, should be the specifier’s first choice when selecting products to use in shower areas and wetrooms. This provides the client with a single point of responsibility should any part of the system fail.

A bespoke specification service

Schlüter-Systems doesn’t just supply market-leading, innovative tiling systems and solutions, its technical support team is second to no other.

Schlüter-Systems started in Germany when the company founder, Werner Schlüter, himself a master tiler, invented a solution that has enabled tile and stone installers all over the world to have protected and perfectly finished edges, which are easy to install even with complex tile patterns and layouts, all thanks to his genius idea of using a tile ‘profile’.

Things have come on a long way since 1966 and the company now has over 10,000 products across seven subsidiaries supplying globally to guarantee long-lasting installations. Schlüter-Systems offers systems and solutions, not just products, and with all of the company’s solutions it provides a full, complimentary specification service.

Consultants are always on hand to assist with specification projects from conception right through to installation along with a first-rate technical support team to help with the design process including NBS specifications, CAD and BIM support together with on-site support for architect, contractor and main installer.

Schlüter offers flexibility from start to finish, providing bespoke drawings and designs for clients to ensure lasting installations for complete peace of mind.

“Our products cannot be sold, they must be understood” is the company’s ethos, outlined by company founder Werner Schlüter, which underpins its educational focus.

Understanding and knowledge of Schlüter-Systems’ products enables quicker, more efficient and effective installations. Once specifiers know why Schlüter’s products have been made the way they have and the benefits its solutions bring, they won’t look back.

Upholding this commitment, Schlüter-Systems Ltd has worked in partnership with architects and specifiers for over 20 years, providing trusted advice for projects both large and small, and educating on the specification of tile and stone installations and associated solutions through RIBA Approved CPD seminars.

For priority bookings quote FC&AUFH04 and for more information please telephone 01530 813396 or visit www.trainedwithschluter.co.uk.

Download product data sheets and brochures for the public at www.schluter.co.uk.