Business Matters

Helpful hints to land the job of your dreams

There is no shortage of jobs in the building services sector, but how do you land that dream position? In the second of an ongoing series of advice for new entrants, Mark Krull from Logic4training provides a handy checklist of what you need to do to make career dreams into a reality.

The building services sector is one of the fastest growing industries contributing to Net Zero 2050, but skills shortages present a serious challenge to decarbonisation goals. The good news is that those with training and qualifi cations in gas engineering, heating and hot water, renewable technologies and plumbing are in high demand and paid accordingly.

Being qualifi ed is just the fi rst step, however; the following tips will help you stand out from the crowd and bag the job of your dreams.

Employee benefi ts

Many tradespeople have ambitions to run their own successful business, but working for an established company in the fi rst instance provides valuable experience for newly qualifi ed engineers – plus benefi ts such as pension, paid holiday, ongoing training, use of a van and fuel expenses.

Common documents requested in job ads include: • Qualifi cations, for example, an NVQ in plumbing and/or heating • ACS certifi cates • Gas Safe registration and/or Competent Person Scheme (CPS) details • Construction Skills Certifi cation Scheme (CSCS) card if it involves working on a building site. • A full UK driver’s licence

CMR:Layout 1 17/08/2016 10:21 Page 1

Mark Krull

Director at Logic4training

Many tradespeople have ambitions to run their own successful business, but working for an established company in the first instance provides valuable experience for newly qualified engineers

• Identifi cation documents • References from former employers or work placements.

Job search

• Visit job websites – set up email alerts for a specifi c vacancy • Go direct – check employers’ websites or contact them directly to ask about vacancies. If you make a good impression, this can be an eff ective way to fi nd work. • Social media - many businesses will advertise vacancies on their social media accounts so make sure you are following businesses in your sector. • Put yourself out there! LinkedIn is growing within the skilled trades community and many large companies use it to search for new recruits. If you are looking for this type of work you could consider creating a profi le.

Writing a CV

There is no quick and simple way to create a winning CV – you only get out what you put in! Top tip #1: have a general CV that can be edited to suit each application. Top tip #2: keep all the important stuff near to the top and the whole thing less than two sides of A4. Top tip #3: excellent spelling and grammar are essential!

Word of warning: do not send a generic CV out to lots of potential employers!

Your CV must include specifi c and targeted information based on the role. So what should your CV include? • Contact details – name, phone and email at the top • Personal profi le/statement – three to four sentences, for example, ‘I am recently qualifi ed in x, I want to develop my career in y’. • Key achievements/skills – optional but could help you to stand out from the crowd. For example, did you work on a specifi c project during your training work placement? Three to four bullet points max. • Professional qualifi cations/ accreditations – check which have been specifi cally requested. • Employment history – list where you’ve worked, including work placements and voluntary roles together with your responsibilities, tasks and experience. • Hobbies/interests – maybe! If you have done something exceptional, for example, trekked through the Himalayas and raised lots of money for charity, put it in. Otherwise, skip this section. • References - contact details of two people who can vouch for your character, skill and work performance. Write a cover letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to tell your story to potential employers, explain recent gaps in your employment record and highlight what makes you the best person for the job.

Top tip for career changers: Focus on transferable skills – how have your previous jobs and experiences prepared you for the role? Top tip for college leavers: Demonstrate your commitment and willingness to develop your skills and learn.

Interview like a boss!

Don’t forget that you won’t get a second chance to make a fi rst impression, so from the outset consider these important points: • Presentation - wear neat and tidy, practical work clothes. • Attitude – it’s not all banter on the building site! You need to be personable and polite to win over employers. • Respect – turn up on time, listen to what’s being asked. You’ll need to be a team player and keen to learn.

I hope this has given new entrants some inspiration and food for thought. You are the future of this thriving sector that off ers so many opportunities – go out and grab them! ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/15

Why there has never been a better time to install UFH

Underfloor heating offers better comfort levels and more efficient use of the primary heating source compared to other heat emitters, and with the current cost of living crisis, it has never been more relevant to heating system design, argues Chris Ingram from Continal Underfloor Heating.

It’s never been more important to have an efficient heating system in the home. The global energy crisis has caused an eleven-fold rise in UK wholesale gas prices, and while the energy price cap has prevented the predicted £6000 annual heating bills for now, fuel costs are still significantly higher than they were in 2019. That’s why it’s more important than ever that installers build and renovate properties using the most efficient heating systems, to help keep household energy costs as low as possible.

We here at Continal have long been extolling the benefits of underfloor heating (UFH) in terms of comfort, warmth and efficiency. UFH is, quite simply, the most efficient way to heat a property, reassuring homeowners that they’ll be able to enjoy years of heating that is more energy efficient than can be provided by radiator-led systems.

Chris Ingram

Founder of Continal Underfloor Heating

Installers can combine different UFH solutions into a single system in the same property to get the very best efficiencies

With the government also announcing that natural gas boilers will be banned in new build properties in England from 2025, those people looking to reduce their bills and to protect their homes from potential legislative changes would do well to seriously consider UFH.

In June 2022, Part L of the Building Regulations changed to specify maximum heating system flow temperatures of 55°C whenever a new heating system is installed, or when older systems are replaced. This makes UFH the inevitable future of home heating in the UK.

Sized to perfection

Lower-flow temperature systems need larger heat emitters with a much greater surface area. This can be challenging for systems that use radiators, unless installers are prepared to fill a property with more, and larger, radiators in each room. In contrast, UFH turns the entire floor of a property into a giant heat emitter, making it a more efficient, low-temperature system and maximising the living space available inside the home.

Building Regulations may have only recently changed, but the efficient UFH technology needed to meet them is already well established. At Continal we’re used to designing low-flow temperature systems that work with a wide range of fuel sources including gas boilers, heat pumps and solar panels – and we’ve never had a system failure.

UFH suits all types of heat generation, so whichever fuels are chosen to replace natural gas in the coming decades, the UFH systems being fitted now will be ready and able to work with them.

Think holistically

To maximise the efficiencies available through UFH and to design a truly efficient system, it’s important to understand every aspect of the property. Every part of the system will have an impact on the final heat outputs and efficiency levels, so installers need to take into account the fuel source being used (as well as any possible fuel sources being considered for the future), what pipe spacings will give you the best outputs, and which controls will ensure the system operates as efficiently as possible. Installers will also need to establish the property’s existing insulation levels and, if necessary, see where insulation can be added to help reduce heat losses. Of equal importance are the floor coverings the customer wants, since different materials will have an impact on the system’s heat transfer levels through the floors and into the room above.

UFH systems exist that can work with every type of building, floor construction and covering, but understanding the building’s needs right from the start of the project will allow the installer to choose the most efficient UFH type for that building, so that their customer gets the warmth, comfort and cost savings they are looking for.

Mix and match

Installers can even combine different UFH solutions into a single system in the same property to get the very best efficiencies. For example, they could use a traditional screed system on the ground floor, then switch to a low-profile system such as our UltraSlim-15 to minimise build-up heights on the first floor. Each area of the property will then have the most efficient solution to maximise the occupants’ comfort levels and minimise fuel consumption.

If you’re in any doubt about how to make UFH as energy efficient as it can possibly be, always seek advice from a trusted manufacturer. Continal can offer every different type of UFH solution, so we will always be able to offer the best and most unbiased advice. Our dedicated technical sales advisers are on hand to help at every stage of your project, and we can supply full CAD designs for every type of property and UFH system. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/16

The best solution for installer’s own home

When an underfloor heating installer wanted to fit the best solution for his own refurbishment project, he knew that he didn’t need to look any further than the system he regularly recommends to customers.

One of the founding partners in an Exeter based heating company has opted to make use of Omnie’s latest and most advanced underfloor heating system during the refurbishment of his own home, along with two other products from the company’s extensive range.

Jack Butt set up DC. Plumbing & Heating seven years ago with his business partner, Michael Clapp, and has built up a strong reputation working with builders doing high end refurbishment and new-build projects across Devon and Cornwall. The MCS registered firm has completed numerous commercial as well as residential projects where the

Omnie underfloor systems have helped them to optimise the performance of air source heat pumps. Jack’s own home is a 1960s semi-detached, three-bedroom house that is being completely stripped out and refitted, as well as having a ground floor extension constructed. Connecting the various zones of the new TorFloor 2 system to the building’s heating circuits, one of Omnie’s six branch manifolds has been installed in a utility cupboard. Easy to fit Jack Butt commented: “As with the original TorFloor, which PHAM JUNE22 AMBIENTE:Layout 1 24/05/2022 09:49 Page 1we’ve used extensively in our work over the years, TorFloor 2 offers ease of installation – avoiding the need to lay a separate chipboard deck across the floor joists. Being able to install a panel, which has the routed grooves ready to receive the heating pipe, is a real advantage and also represents a low-build solution which can be very important in retrofit situations; while it’s also a fairly speedy process.

“As well as the TorFloor 2, we are also going to be laying Omnie’s Staple system within the new extension which is still being built, while the existing parts of the ground floor will have Ultimate 2 laid over the prepared substrates. We have in the past also fitted the company’s Zehnder MVHR and different controls for a whole-house system. Whatever we are doing, we always find Omnie’s sales and technical people very helpful.”

Next level

While the original TorFloor panel provides an easy way to integrate underfloor heating pipes into a quick-to-install structural flooring panel, the UK based manufacturer Omnie claims to have taken both the practicality and the performance to a new level with the introduction of TorFloor 2.

The latest generation has evolved to include a 6mm thick chipboard upper panel with prefoiled aluminium heat diffuser. Crucially, both panels feature matching routed channels to align around the 12mm water pipe, while the printed upper face clearly indicates the pipe’s position and the points where screws can be safely fixed.

Not only does this arrangement greatly reduce the risk of the pipe runs being accidentally damaged when floor coverings are installed or replaced, but the location of the routed channels places the warm water pipes closer to the surface – delivering faster warm-up times.

This design means that an output of 50W/m2 can be achieved with a flow temperature of 41°C, making TorFloor 2 ideal for coupling with the air or ground source heat pumps offered by Omnie, while a 50°C flow will raise the output to 84W/m2 .

Further information

To find out more about Omnie’s TorFloor 2 panel, please use the online reader link below

◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/17

Guide to fi tting the AmbiClip system

Providing aff ordable warmth for homeowners, underfl oor heating is fast becoming the leading solution for newly built properties. Here, Carson Remmington from Ambiente, provides a guide to installing AmbiClip – a system that is designed to provide a quick, fl exible and eff ective form of UFH within a screeded fl oor.

Hydronic (water based) underfl oor heating has always been a low temperature system which off ers many benefi ts, right from initial installation, through to the long-term energy bills of the homeowner. These advantages have been brought further into the specifi cation spotlight following the low water temperature update to the Building Regulations and Part L. New build homes must prove a 31% reduction in CO2 in new houses, compared to previous standards, and a maximum fl ow temperature of a heating system to 55°C.

At this newly regulated low water temperature, standard radiator systems would have to increase in size and therefore take up more wall space, while also adding to material and build costs. On the other hand, underfl oor heating systems designed specifi cally for screeded new-build scenarios provide the ultimate fl exible and effi cient solution.

Underfl oor heating, by its very nature, is designed to use less energy as it covers a much greater surface area than radiators and will run at a lower temperature 24 hours a day to create a comfortable environment. As there is less heat being used, it also makes underfl oor heating 15-40% more effi cient than an equivalent radiator system. When paired with a heat pump, this statistic increases to a huge 50%, allowing the residents to truly benefi t from aff ordable warmth.

There’s a time-saving aspect too. When we carried out a study on 100 units to compare the installation of underfl oor heating and radiators, underfl oor heating was 15% quicker to install, making it an ideal option to meet every new build need.

The following tutorial explains how to install our AmbiClip underfl oor heating system, which is designed for new-build solid fl oors and provides a heat output of up to 100W/m2, while also being quick and effi cient to install. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/18

1

Lay the damp proof membrane (DPM) over the fl oor area, ensuring that it overlaps at least 150mm up the wall. When using certain types of screeds, we recommend laying DPM over the top of the insulation prior to installation.

3

Assemble manifold and fi x to wall in a suitable location as per the UFH design drawings. Connect the fi rst loop to the manifold and lay fi rst loop as per drawing. Connect the loop to the return bar. Remember to name the loop on the manifold tag provided. Follow this process for each loop.

5

When the cliprail is laid, refer back to your UFH drawing for pipe layout. Ambiente pipe is marked every metre to help you calculate loop lengths. Top tip: use the pipe allocation chart on the designs for pipe saving.

7

Use cliprail clips for additional fi xing as required.

9 2

Roll out the border edge insulation and staple to the wall to secure, if necessary, before laying the insulation panels. Top tip: we recommend using border edge with skirt when using a liquid screed.

4

Refer to the UFH designs supplied to show pipe layouts, loop lengths and recommended cliprail installation layout. You can now begin laying the cliprails. Remove the backing strip, place the cliprail onto the insulation and secure with cliprail clips. We recommend installing cliprails 1m apart.

6

Begin laying the pipe according to the pipe spacing specifi ed on the UFH design drawing. Note that cliprail is spaced at 50mm.

8

Once the installation is complete, it can be pressure tested for any leaks.

10

New refurbishment solutions help to keep a low profi le

The new VLo range of lowprofi le hydronic UFH systems from Warmup are said to represent the next generation of energy-effi cient underfl oor heating. Designed for renovation projects where a low fl oor build-up is required, the VLo range is comprised of three diff erent solutions, with each system built for a specifi c application.

The VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System (pictured top) is for use with uninsulated fl oors, the VLo Nexxa-12 Castellated System (middle) for insulated fl oors, and the VLo Econna-12 Joisted Floor System (bottom) for use with joisted fl oors.

The lightweight systems can be used with both traditional heat systems and heat pumps, to provide energy saving warmth and low long-term running costs for the end user. At the heart of the VLo range is the VLo Ultra-12 Low Build System – an upgrade to Warmup’s established Total-16 LowProfi le System. It is a hydronic fl oor heating system for both off -plan projects and for retrofi tting in home refurbishments, adding only 18mm to the fl oor height.

Off ering a screedless installation, VLo Ultra-12 features in-built insulation and an aluminium diff user for even heat spread. The dedicated panels also feature a decoupling option, making them suitable for use with tiled fl oors. The system also uses Warmup’s new and

improved 12mm PERT heating pipe. The VLo line can be operated using one of the company’s

Smart underfl oor heating controllers.

Wireless control

The Konekt Wireless Controls provide automated, precision heat for the end-

user and allow a low-impact installation, with no need for the chasing out of walls for cabling.

“The Warmup VLo range is our latest innovation in smarter, more sustainable ways to heat the homes of millions of people around the world,” says CEO Andrew Stimpson. “These low-profi le systems coupled with the Warmup

Intelligent Wi-Fi thermostats bring together low energy, low carbon, super-effi cient fl oor heating for all rooms in all homes and Warmup’s post-installation energy saving advice.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/19

Taking the trouble out of installation

Designed to save time and money on site, the OneBoard system from Continal Underfl oor Heating is a low-profi le, in-deck suspended fl oor solution that comprises a structural composite chipboard panel which can be laid directly onto fl oor joists without the need for a sub-base.

The OneBoard system helps to reduce fl oor build-up heights since the panel depth is just 22mm – less than the diameter of a pound coin – giving installers more fl exibility in where they can lay UFH systems.

Each universal panel has a built-in heat dissipation foil to ensure excellent heat outputs of between 50 and 65W/m2 , depending on room temperature and fl oor covering. The panels also deliver fast heat-up response times, with pre-routed pipe channels at 150mm pipe centres and returns to make it easier to lay pipes, even when working alone.

The system incorporates SUPERfl ex – a fl exible, kinkresistant pipe that off ers a bend radius of less than 100mm and has been designed specifi cally for use with UFH systems. Installation is completed with a 6mm plywood capping layer and is suitable for use with all fl oor coverings such as wood, marble, vinyl, carpet or laminate.

OneBoard can be combined with a wide range of control solutions, including digital and manual thermostats, to suit the user’s needs, as well as app-controlled thermostats so householders can control their heating through their smart device.

To further aid installation, all installers who purchase UFH from Continal will be assigned a dedicated technical sales adviser who will work with the installer from the start of the project to its completion. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/20

Choose components or a complete system

A bespoke underfl oor heating package from Unitherm has been designed to provide installers with either a complete UFH solution, ready for installation, or individual components, as required.

The company says it has looked at all the underfl oor heating components available and sourced what it considers to be the very best options, from the dynamic balanced stainless steel manifolds, to the underfl oor heating pipework.

Unitherm can provide an accurate quotation within 24 hours and a full design within 48 hours of the order being placed. The vast majority of the components are available in stock, with solutions for both the ground fl oor and upper fl oors. There is also a selection of aluminium radiators, if required. The company supplies and designs full renewable heating systems to include heat pumps, to go with UFH and radiators. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/21

Whatever the project we have the solution

From big housing developments to small single-room extensions, whatever your project, Continal has the solution.

We are proud to be dedicated underfloor heating experts, trusted by our customers for over 20 years.

A solution for both new and existing floors

Available from Grant UK, the Uflex underfloor heating system is ideally suited for new builds and extensions. Embedded into the floor construction, the Uflex pipework needs to be fitted during the initial stages of the property’s development. The pipework is then positioned and clipped into place once the flooring’s insulation and membrane have been fitted, after which a flow screed is laid over the top and allowed to fully dry before the heat source is introduced.

Uflex uses a quick drying flow screed system and comes with a self-adhesive edging strip which is located around the surrounds of the areas in which the screed will be laid. The system is designed to be used with 16mm PE-RT and PEX-AL-PEX pipe. As well as being flexible and easy to work with, PEX-AL-PEX pipe offers the additional benefit of being suitable for other general plumbing uses.

Also available is the Grant Uflex MINI system which is specifically designed to provide underfloor heating for retrofit and renovation projects. With a 15mm finished floor height, the low profile system is ideal for installations where changes to existing floor and door arrangements needs to be kept to a minimum.

The Uflex MINI underfloor heating system comprises sturdy self-adhesive mini panels which are placed on top of a sealed floor. The pipework is then clipped into the castellations within the panels without the need for staples before a self-levelling screed is laid over the top. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/22

Dry-fix grooved board system is ideal for any retrofit project

The Wundatherm underfloor heating system is the flagship product from Wunda Group. With no need for screed or cement, it is a dry-fix solution that can simply be laid directly on top of existing flooring. The system uses lightweight, strong, grooved boards, covered with a thick aluminium foil and featuring close pipe centres, which hold 16mm plastic pipe with an aluminium core.

Input temperatures for Wundatherm can be as low as 45°C, making it compatible with low carbon heat appliances. It can work with traditional boilers, but is suitable for any heat source, including heat pumps. It is also compatible with almost any floor type.

The company claims the Wundatherm can react quickly to a call for heat, saying it can be adjusted to reach desired temperatures in as little as 30 minutes. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/23

Railing system delivers a flexible heating circuit

The Enviroair Underfloor Heating system from Firebird is suitable for a wide range of ground and upper floor constructions and can easily be combined with radiator systems for extensions and conservatories. Running at low temperatures, typically at 45°C, it helps to save energy and running costs, especially when used with a renewable heat source like Firebird’s Enviroair air source heat pump.

The multilayer railing system features multilayer pipe with an embedded aluminium layer. The flexible underfloor heating pipe is installed with the use of self-adhesive fixing rails which have the advantage of allowing heating circuits to be changed as desired without risk of damaging the underlying insulation. The rails help to reduce noise levels too, as there is no need to penetrate the impact noise insulation. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/24

UFH delivered with minimal disruption

The LoPro range of underfloor heating options from NuHeat includes the LoPro Lite – a wholehouse underfloor heating system that is also available as a OneZone kit for single rooms or areas. It is a completely dry system which means there is no waiting for screed to dry, and floor coverings can be fitted immediately.

Consisting of high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene) prerouted boards and castellated panels, diffuser plates and 10mm FastFlo tube, the system is claimed to be exceptionally strong and lightweight, with a total height build-up of just 15mm before a floor deck is fitted over the top.

The pre-routed, high-density EPS boards are designed to provide excellent point-load strength, while the diffuser plates ensure even heat distribution. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/25

Dedicated UFH project manager

All our customers have access to a dedicated, experienced UFH Expert who’s always at the end of the phone.

Our support doesn’t end at delivery - we’re here to help at every stage of the installation process.