Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM

Our floor heating system Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM stands for maximum living comfort and minimal energy consumption!

Installation example of Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM floor heating system covered with large format sand-coloured ceramic tiles

Low assembly height, economical and highly responsive

Cosy, warm feet in winter and a cool room temperature in the hot months: Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM is the water-based floor heating system that will enhance your living quality to the next level. Discover our energy-saving complete system!

All of this is possible with BEKOTEC-THERM

Move in up to four weeks earlier

Two construction planners measure the approximate installation height for a BEKOTEC-THERM floor heating system on the construction site of a renovation project © Schlueter-Systems

Ultra-flat design

In comparison to conventional floor heating systems, BEKOTEC-THERM impresses with its thin-layer construction that requires a minimum screed covering of just 8 mm. This saves up to 80 kg of screed mass per square metre – which is why BEKOTEC-THERM is ideal for installation in new construction projects and for retrofitting as part of a renovation or modernisation project.

Rapid drying time

Up to 28 days sooner into your own home thanks to the design advantages of the BEKOTEC system: The flat design means that not only does less screed have to dry – when using a conventional cement screed in combination with an uncoupling mat, there is also no need for time and energy-consuming heating of the covering. The freshly installed screed can continue to dry while you are laying the tiling – huge advantage for both new construction projects and renovations.

Save materials and energy

A woman is walking across a floor in which glass surfaces provide a view of various Schlüter-Systems heating systems in the substructure © Schlueter-Systems

Low supply temperature, lower heating costs

In comparison to conventional heating systems, BEKOTEC-THERM requires only half as high a supply temperature of around 30 °C, because our thin-layer system ensures that the warm heating pipes are closer to your feet. As a result, significantly less screed needs to be heated up before the floor covering can radiate heat. This also means that the floor heating system can react more quickly to changes in the temperature controller. Optional insulation ensures that the heating pipes radiate even more heat upwards and the energy saving potential increases further.

State-of-the-art control technology

Our innovative control technology enables even greater energy efficiency to be achieved: the temperature controller allows you to conveniently set the required setpoint, the timer unit controls a night-time reduction and the smart actuators, available on request, ensure adaptive hydronic balancing to guarantee an optimum and energy-efficient flow of hot water at all times.

Scientifically proven: 9.5 % energy saving potential

Thin-layer construction, less screed material, lower supply temperature: the BEKOTEC-THERM system is designed in such a way that you get the maximum benefit out of it. A practical scientific test carried out by the Institute for Building Systems Engineering Research and Application (ITG) in Dresden has shown that BEKOTEC-THERM can save up to 9.5 % energy a year compared to conventional floor heating systems. Its design advantages are especially noticeable in combination with renewable energy sources and thermally conductive ceramic or natural stone coverings – that's why we at Schlüter-Systems also proudly speak of it as a ceramic thermal comfort floor.

Renovation and modernisation in new construction projects and older structures

Four different models of Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM floor heating system placed next to each other as a four-part collage © Schlueter-Systems

The perfect floor heating system for every need

Through our five systems, BEKOTEC-THERM can respond flexibly to your individual requirements – irrespective of whether planned from the outset in a new construction or when modernising an older structure. If the space available in existing buildings is limited and the substrate is prescribed, this can be solved by choosing a system with a low installation height: Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-FK, for example, requires just 20-27 mm plus uncoupling mat and covering. This also results in minimal screed material with a surface weight from 40 kg/m2 – which reduces the static load so much that a floor heating system is possible even in historic buildings. Even installation on problematic substrates such as old hardwood floors is not a barrier for our systems.

Flexible choice of flooring

BEKOTEC-THERM is suitable for any floor covering, so your new floor heating system can also be installed under parquet or vinyl. For the best thermal conductivity and energy efficiency, however, we recommend a ceramic floor made of tiles or natural stone.

Enjoy maximum cosiness – all year round

Modern, bright living room with large-format sand-coloured ceramic tiles as floor covering for the Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM floor heating system © Schlueter-Systems

Even heat distribution without any cold zones

Radiant panel heating systems provide cosy warmth without draughts or cold areas in the room – and our complete system even heats floor areas where there are no heating pipes or where they are installed at a greater distance. This is made possible by the DITRA uncoupling mat between the heating screed and the tile covering: it provides many small air channels that distribute the heat even more uniformly. This transforms the floor into a single large radiator, which can also cool if required.

Heating and cooling combined in a single system

No more cold feet in winter with BEKOTEC-THERM – and if the temperatures in summer cause you to sweat, simply switch over! Set the system to cooling operation via your heating control and, depending on the heat source, use active or passive cooling to keep your rooms at a pleasant temperature silently and without draughts. This lets you reduce the room temperature by up to 3° Celsius in comparison to uncooled rooms – and enjoy your ceramic thermal comfort floor in all seasons.

All the advantages of BEKOTEC-THERM at a glance

Low assembly height
Short construction time
Minimal heating costs
State-of-the-art control technology
Suited for new construction projects and retrofitting in older structures
Heating in the winter, cooling in the summer

This is how BEKOTEC-THERM works

The BEKOTEC system – The perfect floor heating system for every need

The basis of BEKOTEC-THERM is the Schlüter-BEKOTEC system with the innovative studded panels that are available in five different installation heights. BEKOTEC stands for a reliable covering assembly technology for crack-free and functionally safe floating screeds and heated screeds with coverings made of ceramics, natural stone or even other covering materials.

The precisely fitting heating pipes BEKOTEC-THERM-HR are inserted between the studs, then conventional screed is installed with a minimum cover of 8 mm. As tensions are absorbed by the studded pattern of the BEKOTEC studded panels, expansion joints or trowel cuts in the screed – with the exception of structural separations, for example – are not necessary.

Overall, the assembly height to the upper edge of the screed ranges between 20 mm (EN 12 FK) and 61 mm (EN-FI). As a consequence of this minimum height, the floor heating system gets by with a low supply temperature (only 27 to 32 °C) – that saves energy costs in combination with modern heating technology. This minimal use of materials and the elimination of the tedious process of heating the surface for covering shorten the construction time enormously. The floor covering can be installed as soon as the screed is ready to support weight.

Custom-tailored for your needs: BEKOTEC studded panels are available in five variants in different assembly heights, with thermal or impact sound insulation and self-adhesive in part.

An overview of the BEKOTEC studded screed panels

The quiet type with insulation

© Schlueter-Systems

BEKOTEC-EN-FI

With integrated thermal and impact sound insulation (DEO 039) and for flexible installation of Schlüter heating pipes with diameters of 14 and 16 mm.

  • Assembly heights: 61–78 mm
    (plus DITRA uncoupling mat)
  • Weight per unit area from 58 kg/m²
  • 75 mm installation grid
  • Heat output up to 140 W/m²

The insulated type

Layered construction of the Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN studded screed panel with stone grey ceramic covering © Schlueter-Systems

BEKOTEC-EN

With integrated insulation (DEO 033) for use in areas with thermal insulation requirements, e.g. over base plate.

  • Assembly heights: 52–69 mm
    (plus DITRA uncoupling mat)
  • With integrated heat insulation
  • Weight per unit area from 57 kg/m²
  • 75 mm installation grid
  • Heat output up to 100 W/m²

The all-round talent

Layered construction of the Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-F studded screed panel with stone grey ceramic covering © Schlueter-Systems

BEKOTEC-EN-F

Universal assembly for use with and without (sound impact) insulation. Low assembly height, ideal for new construction and renovation.

  • Assembly heights: 31–48 mm
    (plus DITRA uncoupling mat)
  • Without insulation, but can be combined with insulation
  • Weight per unit area from 57 kg/m²
  • 75 mm installation grid
  • Heat output up to 100 W/m²
  • Now also in a Peel & Stick version

The quiet type

Layered construction of the Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-FTS studded screed panel with stone grey ceramic covering © Schlueter-Systems

BEKOTEC-EN-FTS

Our system achieves a sound insulation improvement of up to 25 dB according to DIN EN ISO 10140-1 to optimise impact sound.

  • Assembly heights: 31–43 mm
    (plus DITRA uncoupling mat)
  • sound insulation
  • Weight per unit area from 52 kg/m²
  • 50 mm installation grid
  • Heat output up to 100 W/m²

The lightweight type

Layered construction of the Schlüter-BEKOTEC-EN-FK studded screed panel with stone grey ceramic covering © Schlueter-Systems

BEKOTEC-EN-FK

Our lightest and thinnest assembly is the best choice for minimal weight. Please contact us if you need options for further assembly weight reduction.

  • Assembly heights: 20–27 mm
    (plus DITRA uncoupling mat)
  • Adhered to substrate
  • Weight per unit area from 40 kg/m²
  • 50 mm installation grid
  • Heat output up to 100 W/m²
  • Now also in a Peel & Stick version

Design example: System assembly with Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM

Tiled room with cross-section through the floor structure including floor heating system and distributor on the wall
12Timer unit

12: Timer unit

The optional timer unit can be used to lower the temperature by 4 °C according to time.

11Basic and connection module

11: Basic and connection module

The connection modules for wired and wireless room sensors, which in turn supply room sensors and actuators with energy, are connected to the "Control" base module.

10Actuator

10: Actuator

The actuators regulate the flow of heating water through the individual floor heating circuits and thus the heat distribution in the rooms.

9Room sensor

9: Room sensor

The room sensor serves as a temperature controller for heating and cooling. Installation can be wired or wireless. The optional timer unit can be used to schedule timed temperature reductions.

8Distributor cabinet

8: Distributor cabinet

The distributor cabinet accommodates the heating circuit distributor and control technology and can either be installed in the wall or mounted in front of the wall.

7Heating circuit distributor

7: Heating circuit distributor

The heating circuit distributor connects the floor heating system to the heat generator and distributes the flow into the heating circuits of the individual rooms. In the BEKOTEC-THERM system, the distributor is available in stainless steel and glass fibre-reinforced plastic.

6Floor covering

6: Floor covering

When a cement screed is used, the tiles can be laid as soon as the screed is ready to support weight. The control joint profiles in the top covering specified by the relevant guidelines can be positioned independent of the screed. Due to their thermal conductivity, tiles and natural stone are ideal for combining with a floor heating system.

5Uncoupling mat

5: Uncoupling mat

The uncoupling mat is installed on the heated screed with tile adhesive or as a self-adhesive mat and ensures that the screed and floor covering can move independently of one another in the construction. This reduces the stresses caused by drying processes and thermal expansion and prevents them from continuing into the top covering. At this point in the construction, it is also possible to combine the uncoupling mat with an electric floor heating system for temperature control in transitional periods.

4Heated screed

4: Heated screed

The heating screed is installed in the BEKOTEC system with a minimum overlap of 8 mm and laid as a floating installation. As tensions are absorbed by the studded pattern of the BEKOTEC studded panel, expansion joints or trowel cuts in the screed – with the exception of structural separations, for example – are not necessary. Similarly, reinforcement of the screed as well as additives or fibres that increase the flexural strength are neither necessary nor permissible because of the system.

3Heating pipe

3: Heating pipe

Five-layer composite heating pipe made of polymer material, and, depending on the installation height and studded panel, available with a diameter of 10, 12, 14 or 16 mm.

2Studded panel

2: Studded panel

The studded panel is installed across the entire surface and finished with an edging strip all round. Depending on the required installation height and diameter of the heating pipes, it is available in different versions with or without insulation.

1Load-bearing substrate

1: Load-bearing substrate

The load-bearing substrate must

  • meet the static requirements for supporting the floor construction and the intended traffic load in accordance with DIN EN 1991;
  • be sufficiently dry to support the construction system in accordance with DIN 18 560-2 Section 4;
  • have a level surface in accordance with DIN 18 202.

Innovative control technology for even greater efficiency!

Room temperature and time control

The temperature of each room can be set individually at any time using our temperature controllers so that the preferred temperature is reached in the different areas of your home. In addition, our water-based floor heating system can be programmed using timer control so that it switches on and off at specific times. This is especially efficient if the home is not occupied during the day.

Self-learning systems

Self-learning systems analyse the heating behaviour and adjust the system settings automatically. Our intelligent actuator BEKOTEC-THERM-EAHB ensures dependable adaptive hydronic balancing, which means that each heating circuit only receives just as much hot water as it needs. This makes heating even more energy-efficient and comfortable.

Smart home

BEKOTEC-THERM has interfaces to most common smart home systems. This allows you to conveniently control the floor heating system from your smartphone or tablet.

Combination with renewable energy sources

Outside view of a modern, detached family home in the countryside with solar system and heat pump © Schlueter-Systems

Connectable to many heating systems

Thanks to our heating circuit distributor, BEKOTEC-THERM can be connected to virtually any heating system. Their full energy-saving potential, however, can be realised by combining it with renewable energy sources – above all heat pumps and solar systems.

Heat pumps and Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM

Thanks to low supply temperatures, floor heating systems are ideally suited for operation with ecological, renewable heat sources such as heat pumps. The low supply temperatures of BEKOTEC-THERM offer:

  • A reduction of the electric power to operate the heat pump
  • An improved annual output factor and, consequently, better energy utilisation over the entire heating period
  • Faster pay back
  • Permanently low operating costs

Solar technology and Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM

The annual output factor of solar systems that are integrated into heating systems increases with every degree the system temperature can be lowered. Due to the lower supply temperatures of BEKOTEC-THERM, the solar system can therefore be used much longer for room heating than is possible with conventional heating systems. On sunny winter days, a properly designed solar system can therefore cover or support the heating system.

Technical details of the BEKOTEC studded screed panels

Technical system details BEKOTEC-EN-FI BEKOTEC-EN BEKOTEC-EN-F BEKOTEC-EN-F-PS BEKOTEC-EN-FTS BEKOTEC-EN-FK BEKOTEC-EN-FK-PS
System height in mm (incl. DITRA) 66–83 57–74 36–53 36–53 36–48 25–32 25–32
Height of the studded panel in mm 53 44 23 23 18 + 5 12 12
Screed coverage in mm 8–25 8–25 8–25 8–25 8–20 8–15 8–15
Pipe diameter in mm 14 / 16 16 14 14 / 16 12 10 10
Installation spacing in mm 75–300 75–300 75–300 75–300 50–300 50–300 50–300
Heating pipe requirements in m/m² 13.33–3.33 13.33–3.33 13.33–3.33 13.33–3.33 20–3.33 20–3.33 20–3.33
Max. heat output in W/m²
(cold leg 20 °C / hot leg 40 °C)
130–40 / 140–40 140–40 130–40 130–40 / 140–40 145–30 145–30 145–30
Max. weight per unit area in kg/m² 58 57 57 57 52 40 40
Min. screed volume in l/m² 28.5 28.5 28.5 28.5 26 20 20
Max. traffic load in kN/m² up to 5 up to 5 up to 5 up to 5 up to 5 up to 5 up to 5

 

Frequently asked questions about BEKOTEC-THERM and the BEKOTEC system

Yes, there is – exclusively from Schlüter-Systems. We are the only manufacturer to offer a 5-year warranty for the entire system. This warranty refers to the screed construction including the crack-free top covering (e.g. for ceramic tiles and natural stone panels).

What do I need to observe to comply with the warranty?

The components in the screed must be made by Schlüter. That means the studded screed panel, edging strip, system heating pipe and the DILEX-EK or DILEX-RF corner profile must be installed.

The smallest tile sizes 5 x 5 cm. There is no maximum size with Schlüter-BEKOTEC-THERM. For example, you can easily install large-scale pavers with dimensions of 1.5 x 3 metres.

The compressibility value (CP) of all installed components below the BEKOTEC system must be less than 3 mm.

The temperature in the area of the heating elements may not exceed 45 °C for mastic asphalt and 55 °C for gypsum-based and cement screeds for extended time periods.

Absolutely! Although ceramic tiles or natural stones are the ideal covering material because of their low thermal resistance, most other floor coverings are feasible in combination with a floor heating system. Soft coverings (linoleum, cork, PVC, vinyl) can be selected to the same extent as parquet and laminate. A large number of manufacturers offer floor coverings that are specifically approved for use with floor heating systems. 

Absolutely! Thanks to its low system weight and low assembly height, our floor heating system is ideally suited for renovation and restoration projects in an older home. If a floor area needs to be waterproofed, you can easily accomplish that with the system component Schlüter-DITRA

Our Technical Department will be pleased to assist you with adapting the floor structure. We can also recommend qualified Schlüter-Systems installers in your local area. Simply contact us!

Which screed is needed for Schlüter-BEKOTEC?

No expensive special screeds are required for a screed with the Schlüter-BEKOTEC system – commercially available screeds of grade CT/CA C20-C35/F4 (max. F5) without reinforcement can be used, which can be prepared with a screed pump or gravity mixer. Flowing screeds are just as feasible as screeds that are installed when moist.

A group of five people and a dog lying on the floor and looking at the camera, laughing.

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