Continal Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating for any type of project

Continal Underfloor Heating is a British company based in Cornwall that supplies high-efficiency warm water underfloor heating (UFH) systems. Its activity is aimed at three distinct profiles: installers and engineers, developers and architects, and self-builders. The company states it has over 25 years of experience in the sector and distributes its systems both in the UK and in Europe and worldwide.

The company presents itself as a supplier of the widest range of UFH systems on the British market, a claim that corresponds to its own commercial communication. Orders are delivered directly to site, with next-day delivery in certain cases.

Systems according to the type of floor construction

The catalogue is organised according to the floor construction, which allows the solution to be adapted to each project:

• Solid floor or screed: screed systems, for beam and block, and the system with ReAct™ panels.
• Suspended floor: OneBoard® Plus structural system, AluPlate™ for fit-from-above and fit-from-below, and PUG or dry mix.
• Overfloor: SlimFix®-18 and SlimFix®-25, TileFix®-18 and TileFix®-25, UltraSlim™-15 and ThermoDEK™-18.
• Electric underfloor heating: also available as an alternative.

Components and controls

Along with the panels, the company sells UFH pipe in AluPlas®-16, SUPERflex™-16 and SUPERflex™-12 versions, manifolds and pumps, thermostats and specific installation tools. In the control section, it distributes the ENGO Controls and Heatmiser Controls ranges. It also offers screed panels such as ReAct™ and ThermoDEK™-18, as well as the DriDEK™-20 panel.

Technical support according to the customer

For installers and engineers, Continal assigns a dedicated UFH Project Manager who supports the professional from start to completion. Developers and architects receive full project support for multi-unit developments, with coordination between the different parties at all stages: conception, build, installation and handover. In self-build projects, the company designs the system together with the customer, whether it is a new build, renovation or extension, and offers unlimited technical support for the lifetime of the system.

The level of service varies according to the size of the project. For a single room, an online solution tool is offered, pre-purchase consultation, technical support, full installation manual and next-day delivery. For a single house, personal consultation is added, quotation within 24 hours, dedicated technical expert, full colour CAD design, installation and user manual, one drop delivery to site and lifetime support. In multi-unit developments, expert project consultation is incorporated, full project costing plan, liaison with sub-contractors, mechanical and electrical support, flexible delivery plan and handover and aftersales support. The systems are designed to EN1264.

Documentation, training and resources

The company makes user guides and installation manuals, system and product datasheets, and a final floor covering guide available to professionals. It organises webinars and trade training, and maintains a blog with case studies, project gallery and customer testimonials. It also offers a fast quote service: the customer sends a photograph of the plans and receives the quotation within three hours if they request the FastTrack option.

Frequently asked questions about installation

The company clarifies on its website that pipe installation can be a DIY project for those with sufficient skills who follow the manual, but the connection of the flow and return pipes and commissioning require a certified plumber, and the wiring centre and thermostats must be installed by an authorised electrician. Underfloor heating can be adapted to existing floors depending on construction heights and the type of floor construction. It is compatible with most floor coverings, such as solid wood, engineered board, laminate, ceramic, carpet, vinyl, marble, stone and slate, with a maximum value of 2.5 tog including the underlay. It can work with any heat source, including heat pumps, and according to the company it can be up to 30% more efficient than radiators depending on the source.