Mapei has launched a new underfloor electric heating system – Mapeheat. Designed for commercial and residential applications, the new system provides a rapid-fit solution and energy saving benefits. It’s thin profile and waterproof construction make it suitable for all internal environments – in new builds, renovations and remodelling projects – including kitchens, bathrooms, steam rooms and other spa environments.
The Mapeheat systems, with technology from nVent RAYCHEM, can receive various types of floor finishes such as ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles, wood and laminate flooring, LVT’s and sheet vinyl. It includes three components: Mapeheat Membrane, Mapeheat Cable and Mapeheat Mesh to be used in conjunction with three thermostat options: Mapeheat Thermo Basic, Mapeheat Thermo Touch and Mapeheat Thermo Connect.
Mapeheat Membrane is a lightweight uncoupling anti-fracture and waterproof membrane. At just 5.5mm thick, the patented membrane is fast to install, locking the Mapeheat Cable systems into rounded square reliefs with an easy click. Minimal roll memory helps to promote a rapid, flat and secure installation. Mapeheat Membrane prevents transmission of in-plane substrate cracks up to 3mm wide and eliminates the need for a second layer of plywood or concrete backer board in most tile installations.
Mapeheat Cable is a free-form, twin coil floor heating cable which provides comfortable radiant heat. It is offered in eight sizes – from 14.5m-98m – which can accommodate areas from just 0.56 m2 to 27.2 m2. Benefits include a zero electromagnetic field cable design and ultra-thin cold-lead splice for easy fitting into the Mapeheat membrane.
Mapeheat Mesh – the self-adhering, pre-wired floor heating mesh – is compatible with all subfloor types. It measures just 4.5mm thick and is offered in two different wattages, dependant on the floor finish selected. Easy to roll out and cut, the system can be configured to fit any room size. While it is recommended for use with a self-levelling compound, the mesh can also be bedded directly into a polymer-modified tile adhesive, if required. Mapeheat Mesh’s heating cable is attached to the self-adhesive mesh layer by three mesh bands; these help to maintain consistent spacing of the cable and allow easy removal for installation in tight spaces.
The Mapeheat thermostat options includes Mapeheat Thermo Basic – a seven-day programmable floor heating thermostat that is easy to install and programme; Mapeheat Thermo Touch – a seven-day programmable floor heating thermostat with a contemporary design and Thermo Connect – a programmable, Wi-Fi-enabled floor heating thermostat that’s compatible with popular smart home technologies such as Amazon Alexa devices and Google AssistantTM virtual personal assistant.
Each thermostat offers a variety of energy saving functions, including economic weekly timer mode; calculation of start-up to reach a desired temperature and an open window function, which cuts the heating when it feels a sudden drop of temperature (when a window or door has been opened for ventilation purposes).