Underfloor heating problems!!

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

Hi All,

Looking for your opinions on this....

Started a job today, well tried to!

Job details: 64 m2, tiles size- 1200x20 (wood effect) porcelain, underfloor heating (wet system - polypipe).

Ok, I started this job today, got there to find that the plumbers that installed the heating system have done a poor job to say the least! the floor isn't flat at all.

when quoting, the customers had told me that they want me to tile directly onto the heating system. I recommended something on top i.e. cement boards.
They said that polypipe had said that if I don't fix directly onto the pipes then they WONT honor the guarantee! This seemed very strange to me so I thought I would investigate further.....

The addy that porcelenosa had supplied with the tiles is Butech 1flex. I called Butech/BAL and they told me definitely dont fix directly onto the system as it will fail! - I thought this much....

They suggested using a cement board. Exactly what I wanted to do! however, they recommend sticking and screwing this down. Norm not a prob but with the whole floor covered in pipework I really dont fancy this!!!! especially as the pipework is a bit of a mess (cant see where all pipes are!).

We got back onto polypipe and explained the situation and they said there is another option. as follows;

Another option for installation, as recommended by Mapei and advised by Polypipe:

Vacuum entire area.
Prime the Overlay boards using Mapei Eco Prime T, diluted 1:1 with water.
Once dry, apply Mapei Fibreplan levelling compound, ensuring minimum thickness of 5mm above panels.
Once dry the tiling can be adhered using Mapei Keraquick – Grey or White.
Grout tiles using Mapei Ultracolour Plus.

they still haven't really said if they will honor the guarantee using this method though!

Besides that, I looked into it and this method will cost a fortune! And on top of that I cant find anywhere that has this amount of fiberplan in stock!

I need to sort this quick as I have allowed 4/5 days for this but have already wasted today and am fully booked after this week!

Can anyone think of an alternative???

Thanks in advance

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

This system has been discussed many times. I have done 2 of these systems now and I used SLC then Ditra/Dural Ci over the top.
http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/tile-a...ypipe-ufh.html

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

Mapei Renovation screed is as good. A lot cheaper too.

**kilty55** · 10-10-2011

as above renovation screed is well priced compared to fibreplan

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

Thanks, The only problem is that polypipe are saying to use fibreplan only and not sure the customer will be willing to go against this as it will invalidate the guarantee.

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

how much are you apying for a bag of reno?

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

Sorry we dont discuss prices in the open forums but its very competitive.

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

Ok no problem, can you recommend a stockist?

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

Renovation screed is the same as Fiberplan but without so many Fibres. I would have a chat to Mapei Tech dept.

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

Originally Posted by ukProTile

Ok no problem, can you recommend a stockist?

Tile Giant, Ctd ?? I dont know who you have local to yourself.

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

will check thanks

**Ajax123** · 10-10-2011

Originally Posted by ukProTile

Thanks, The only problem is that polypipe are saying to use fibreplan only and not sure the customer will be willing to go against this as it will invalidate the guarantee.

If the system cannot be tiled itis presumably not fit for the purpose for whichit was supplied.

What uarantee are polypipe offering or ot offering as the case may be.

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

Originally Posted by Ajax123

If the system cannot be tiled itis presumably not fit for the purpose for whichit was supplied.

What uarantee are polypipe offering or ot offering as the case may be.

Lol you gotta sort that keypad out Alan

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

I know how you feel though with this system, They say one thing and the adhesive manufacturers contradict it !!!! Around in circles !!!

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

Exactly!
Polypipe are saying one thing, but this completely contradicts whats the addy manufacturers are saying!
Polypipe say that we should go straight on the pipes and will guarantee it if the floor is flat....but its not!
They say we could use slc but with no ditra ontop!?!?

Driving me crazy

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

porcelainosa have just got back and said that they have sent the wrong addy and the butech rapiset will be fine for this project! aargghh!

**Sir Ramic** · 10-10-2011

Originally Posted by ukProTile

porcelainosa have just got back and said that they have sent the wrong addy and the butech rapiset will be fine for this project! aargghh!

???? is that flexible.... i wouldnt like to use it if it wasnt ?

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

sorry i meant rapimax. Not sure if it's flexi but it must be!? still, poly pipe are now saying has to be mapei addy

**ukProTile** · 10-10-2011

cant find any info on rapimax?

**kilty55** · 10-10-2011

if polypipe have advised the mapei route of installation i would choose that route,ask for it in writing also

easier said than done i know especially when your dealing with stroodlepops

cant you stipulate to your customer that you want to use mapei materials? as advised

**ms.tiles** · 10-10-2011

hi
ive got a thread to post regarding a job with polypipe, i phoned polypipe before the job i did as the floor wasnt finished and was all over the place,really uneven.
i asked about slc and they said not to and unless i used 2 part adhesive they wouldnt guarantee it.
My problem is that the contractor said no to slc and got ardex x7001 for most of it then decided on some larsen slow set which i wouldnt use. i found that polypipe was hard to work with if its not put down on a level substrate or put down properly. even had to take up some of the plastic end pieces as they wasnt put down right and was higher than the boards plus the pipes was bent at ridiculous angles.
i wouldnt work with it again unless its put down by a plumber i work for.