b'TECH TALK determine the grout joint width and tile positioning, which can result in misaligned tiles.NTCArequestedthistopicbe includedontheagendaforthe ANSI ASC A108 Committee meet-ing held at the show. The discus-sion was initiated by NTCA Board member and Technical Committee ChairpersonJamesWoelfel,who is active in development of install-ARDEX Americas now offers a sin- erandcontractorbestpractices gle-source,in-floorheatingsystem,through involvement in and lead-called ARDEX FLEXBONE HEAT. It isership of numerous technical com-German-engineered and delivers heatmittees.Relianceonspacershas fasterandmoreefficientlythananybecome a critical issue, according other electric in-floor heating systemstoWoelfel,who,inadditionto available, ARDEX claims. It is ideal forcontracting, is engaged in inspec-all types of tile, stone and other manu- tionandconsulting.Hesaysthis facturer-approved floor coverings. Theproblemisthecauseofabout FLEXBONE HEAT system includes three80% of the inspections he has per-major components. The membrane isformed so far in 2019.a3-in-1solutionforheating,uncou- Thecommitteediscussedthe pling and waterproofing. It has 81%well-understoodandaccepted lessairspaceunderthemembranefunctionofthegroutjointasthe necessary adjustable component of for faster, and more efficient heating.every tile installation that accom-The heating cables are manufacturedmodates variations in tile sizing, an to the highest safety and quality stan- inherentcharacteristicoftile.But dards with aluminum tubing and FEPhardspacersinhibitthatadjust-cableinsulation.Thecold/hotjunc- ability factor. Accordingly, the less tion is self-contained in the cable andconsistently-sizedatileis,the there are 34 cable sizes available ingreater the misalignment that will both 120V or 240V. Finally, there arebe caused by hard spacers because three options available in the ARDEXofthegreaterneedtoadjustthe FLEXBONE HEAT thermostats, includ- groutjointforthetilesizediffer-ingaWi-Fienabledoption.Whenences. installingthesystem,youcanalsoConversely,theproblemthat qualify for a complete system warranty.Woelfelbelievesisontherise www.ardexamericas.com wouldbelesspronouncedwith rectified tile. This is because of the 76TileLetter | May 2019'