Media Kit - Flextherm

FLEXTHERM at your service
service!
Hello,
On behalf of FLEXTHERM, the leader in the floor warming and heating systems industry, I am
very pleased to present to you our information kit. You will find included a series of articles
offering various information on our business, including the benefits and characteristics of
FLEXTHERM products as well as the history of floor heating systems.
This year, FLEXTHERM will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. From a small business located in
Longueuil, Québec, it has become
becom a reference within the industry as a manufacturer of floor
heating systems. We sell our products through distributors and retailers located across Canada
and in the United States and have team members on site throughout the territory.
I invite you to read
d the documents included in this kit – they are also available in Word format
on the CD provided. You are more than welcome to use the articles and visual material as you
please. Feel free to contact me at any time should you require additional material or if you have
questions pertaining to FLEXTHERM products or to the floor heating industry in general. I will
answer all of your questions or refer you to the appropriate person.
Sincerely,
Isabelle Marcil
Communications Coordinator, FLEXTHERM
Tel.: (450) 442-2999 ext. 381
Toll-free: (800) 353-9843 ext. 381
E-mail: [email protected]
rm.com
Web: www.flextherm.com
Media Kit
You will find in this kit:
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Company background
Biography of president Philippe Charron
Benefits of FLEXTHERM floor warming and heating systems
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Range of products available
Project types and sectors served by FLEXTHERM
Incredible comfort at lower cost
Radiant heating history
Additional information:
Isabelle Marcil
Communications Coordinator, FLEXTHERM
Tel.: (450) 442-2999 ext. 381
Toll-free: (800) 353-9843
9843 ext. 381
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.flextherm.com
FLEXTHERM celebrates its 20th anniversary
In August 1991, FLEXTHERM was founded in Longueuil on the South shore of Montréal.
Montréal At the time,
founding president Philippe Charron took a gamble as he jumped feet first in the little known floor
warming and heating systems industry.
Known as an innovator and an inventor, Mr. Charron did not waste any time in shaking things up and
reinventing floor
or heating systems. FLEXTHERM, which specializes in the design, manufacturing and sale
of heating systems, became the first company to develop surface-type
type floor heating systems,
systems with the
creation of the Pro Series cable in 1991. Only nine months after the company was created, FLEXTHERM
received the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification for this first product.
In 2006, FLEXTHERM would reaffirm its role as an innovative company by launching the Green CableTM
Surface and its Universal Snap-in
in GaugeTM for surface installation, as well as the Green CableTM Concrete,
designed to be buried directly in the concrete slab. Both the Green Cable Surface and the Green Cable
Concrete do not require a return to the thermostat and are EMF-free
EMF
(electromagnetic fields)*. In March
2009, the Green CableTM Mat was introduced. Designed with a self-adhesive
self adhesive backing on which is laid a
Green Cable Surface,, the mat quickly gained popularity due to its easy installation and its range was
extended at the end of 2010, from 10 to 30 available lengths.
At the end of 2009, the Longueuil
Longueuil-based
based company revolutionized the floor warming and heating industry
TM
by introduction FLEXSnap , its brand new installation system, which allows for the installation of the
Green Cable Surface and tiles in one room in a single day.
Focus on quality
FLEXTHERM’s primary concern has always been to offer top quality products that meet the consumers’
highest expectations. In July 2009, the company received its ISO 9001:2008 certific
certification. This
certification is an additional guaranty for FLEXTHERM clients that each step of the production process
and each service will consistently meet the company’s high quality standards. This is in addition to the
certification of our products under CSA and UL standards, and the CE mark.
From a small company at the beginning, FLEXTHERM now has 50 employees, operates a modern and
innovative 28,000 ft2 plant and houses an in-house
in
R&D
D department. The company is supported by a
customer service department that offers a quote and project assessment service, as well as a powerful
sales network that promotes products throughout Canada and in the United States.
Since its creation, FLEXTHERM keeps innovating, progressing, improving its products and creating new
ones. Its concern for utmost quality and improvement and its sincere desire to satisfy its clientele help
FLEXTHERM maintain an enviable position as a world-leading manufacturer. Reinventing the floor
warming and heating systems industry, that’s FLEXTHERM’s objective.
*Based on the installation instructions included in our FLEXTHERM installation guide, the recorded EMF measurement is
considered insignificant (between 0.25 mG and 0.5 mG).
Philippe Charron: the man behind FLEXTHERM
Both an entrepreneur and an inventor, Montréal native Philippe
Charron’s story is filled with remarkable achievements.
After holding various jobs, Mr. Charron jumped feet first in the
world of entrepreneurship by starting his own irrigation company
at a young age. He operated the company before transferring it to
his brother who still manages it today.
He was first introduced to the floor warming and heating systems
industry in the late 1980’s and a passion quickly developed. In
1991, he founded FLEXTHERM in Longueuil, which specializes in the
design, manufacturing and sale of floor heating systems.
FLEXTHERM’s founding president Philippe
Charron (source: FLEXTHERM)
FLEXTHERM
Of curious
urious nature, Mr. Charron has always had a keen interest for the construction industry and is
known for his wide knowledge of the market and for his ability to always keep abreast of this constantly
evolving industry. His understanding of that environment as well as related regulations has always given
him a business edge.
His passion and his relentless desire to provide superior quality products that satisfy clients’ highest
expectations remain the foundation of FLEXTHERM. “My main concern will always be the performance
of our systems. When designing products, it is important to keep both the client and the installer in
mind and make sure they are satisfied”, explains Mr. Charron.
One step at a time
From a small company making its debut in a poorly known field, FLEXTHERM would become a pioneer in
the industry by introducing the floor heating systems technology as we know it today. Supported by a
proficient R&D team, FLEXTHERM keeps pushing the limits by introducing innovative and unique
products. Mr. Charron
on insists on taking part in every step of the new products’ development, from first
sketches to market release.
Flextherm’s R&D director Hélène Dagesse had this to say about him: “The R&D team has the
opportunity to share ideas and knowledge with Philippe, who in some ways acts as a mentor. He shares
with us his vision, his wide experience in radiant heating and, most of all, his innovative ideas. He helps
us focus our efforts on development to improve comfort while preventing installation methods from
becoming more lengthy and cumbersome and to simplify without compromising quality.”
Thanks to his audacity, his vision and his deep knowledge of the market, Mr. Charron was a key player in
the development of products such as the Universal Snap-in GaugesTM, which allows for the quick and
safe installation of the heating cables and, more recently, the one-of-a-kind FLEXSnapTM installation
system, which revolutionized the industry.
As a member of various local boards of directors, Mr. Charron is always encouraging local businesses
and promotes knowledge and skill sharing. Well balanced, he remains loyal to his roots all the while
propelling FLEXTHERM towards new horizons. Today, the business is supported by enthusiastic
employees who stand behind their president’s philosophy and who are proud to be part of the
FLEXTHERM family.
Why choose a FLEXTHERM
floor warming and heating system?
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More even heat and comfort
Helps reduce energy consumption by up to 28%*
Exceptional warranties
Ideal for new constructions and renovation projects
Perfect for residential, commercial and institutional establishments
Added value to every room
Does not spread dust and germs
Does not dry out air
No maintenance required
Can be used as primary or secondary heat source
No risk of fire
Unlimited design possibilities
* In a room heated by a FLEXTHERM floor heating system.
FLEXTHERM Our Products
FLEXTHERM:
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Fits all room shapes and sizes
Compatible with most floor coverings
TM
Easy installation using Universal Snap-in Gauges
No return to thermostat
EMF-free (electromagnetic fields)*
Installation in wet or dry environment
25 year limited warranty
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Buried in concrete slab
No surface preparation
Great heat storing and releasing capacity of concrete slab
No return to thermostat
EMF-free (electromagnetic fields)*
Compatible with most floor coverings
Installation in wet or dry environment
10 year limited warranty
Source: FLEXTHERM
Source: FLEXTHERM
Source: FLEXTHERM
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3W Green Cable Surface on fibreglass mesh
Easy installation thanks to self-adhesive
adhesive backing
Ideal for square or rectangular rooms
No return to thermostat
EMF-free (electromagnetic fields)*
Compatible with ceramic or natural stone coverings
Installation in wet or dry environment
25 year limited warranty
* Based on the installation instructions included in our FLEXTHERM installation guide, the recorded EMF measurement is consid
considered insignificant
(between 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg).
On November 19, 2009, FLEXTHERM unveiled its brand new
installation system that would revolutionize the floor warming and
heating systems industry.
With FLEXSnapTM, only a few simple steps are required to complete
the installation of the floor heating system and the ceramic tiles in a
single day.. Additionally, thanks to the FLEXGlide
FLEX
tool, the heating
cable installation can be done while standing!
Source: FLEXTHERM
The system offers various benefits:
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Single-day installation (fix FLEXSnap mesh to the floor, install
cable using the FLEXGlide tool, glaze and lay the tiles) – the
grout mixture will be the last thing left to do
• No need to double the plywood in the floor’s structure –
Tested by the Tile Council of North America and rated “Extr
“Extra
Heavy”
• The FLEXGlide tool allows you to install the heating cable
while standing
• FLEXSnap protects the cable from being damaged during the
installation process
• Allows for more uniform surface heat due to a larger thermal
mass
Source: FLEXTHERM
• Reinforces the floor’s structure, thereby diminishing
perceived vibrations
• Allows for a more uniform transition between a tiled, heated floor and an adjacent natural
hardwood floor
FLEXTHERM : Our Products (continued)
Electronic Programmable Thermostat
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Two extremely precise temperature sensors: one for the ground and the other
for ambient air
Adaptive function to determine when the system needs to activate to reach the
desired temperature based on your specific environment
Pre-programmed for quick setup
Two modes: automatic (4 events) or manual
Up to four temperature adjustments (events) can be programmed per day
Protection in case of malfunction ensured by a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI)
2 year limited warranty
Electronic Dial Thermostat
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Probe placed in the floor detects the temperature at floor level
Two modes of operation: manual (to keep the temperature constant) and off (to
deactivate the system when the heating period is over)
Protection in case of malfunction ensured by a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI)
2 year limited warranty
Expansion unit
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Ideal for large installations
The thermostat can control an infinite number of expansion units
Compatible with both the programmable and non-programmable thermostats
Each unit supports a load of 15 A
System can operate at different voltages (120 V, 208 V or 240 V)
Protection in case of malfunction ensured by a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI)
2 year limited warranty
FLEXTHERM: ideal for any project
Since its creation,, FLEXTHERM has been able to maintain an enviable position within the industry. While
its products are still all the rage in the residential sector, the company offers a range of products that
are perfect for both the commercial and institutional ssectors.
Throughout Canada and the United States, FLEXTHERM has cumulated various projects. In addition to
providing remarkable comfort, FLEXTHERM floor warming and heating systems offer many benefits.
Floor heating systems have been installed in various day-care
care centres. As no equipment is visible or
accessible, this type of system is ideal in places where curious and exploring young children risk getting
burned by touching electric baseboards.
FLEXTHERM products have also been installed in polyclinics and hospitals. Compared to a forced-air
forced
system, radiant heating does not spread dust and germs, which is very beneficial in a hospital
environment.
Other projects include meeting rooms, condo towers, various offices, garages and school cafeterias.
Floor heatingg is particularly ideal for large rooms with very high ceilings as radiant heat does not rise to
the ceiling as does hot air with traditional heating systems. Also, since no equipment is visible, design
ideas are unlimited!
Amazing comfort at a lower cost
Have you ever heard someone praise their electric baseboards? Probably not.
Yet you simply have to talk with the owner of a floor warming and heating system to be convinced of the
comfort it provides. Imagine waking up on a cold winter morning. From the warmth of your bed, you
can hear the wind blowing outside and are reluctant to get out from under the blankets.
How amazing would it feel to put your
feet on the floor and feel enveloping
warmth. That’s the beauty of radiant
heating. FLEXTHERM floor warming
and heating systems are inspired by
nature. As the sun transfers its heat to
the surface of the Earth, to stones, to
buildings
and
other
objects,
FLEXTHERM systems warm living
spaces by redistributing
ibuting heat that was
absorbed by objects.
Radiant Heating
Forced
d Air Heating
Source: FLEXTHERM
Traditional systems such as baseboards, wall radiators or hot air systems warm the air, which rises
naturally to the ceiling and gathers there while the floor remains cold. To feel warm, we often increase
the temperature
mperature and overheat, which dries the air and substantially increases our bills.
Our products work differently. Since they do not heat the air, but rather use the solid mass of the floor
to transfer heat, they keep energy waste to a minimum. Therefore, you can lower the temperature of a
room by 5°C* and remain just as comfortable. By choo
choosing
sing to install a FLEXTHERM floor heating system
in your home, office or organization, you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 28%.**
FLEXTHERM products are designed to be used as the primary or secondary heat source. Several factors
must be considered:
ered: the level of subfloor insulation, the size of the room, the exposure of exterior walls,
the window coverage, the desired comfort level and the system’s output. Certain rooms such as
solariums may require a secondary heat source.
* Source: ASHRAE (American
erican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Air
Engineers).
** In a room heated by a FLEXTHERM floor heating system.
Radiant heating: thousands of years
in the making
Radiant heating is based on the simple
principle that consists in a transfer
tra
of heat
from one surface to another. As nature
always aims for balance, radiant heat spreads
from warm surfaces to cold surfaces.
Floor radiant heating was not discovered
yesterday, far from it. In China were these
clay platforms called “huogiang”* on which
fire would be lit. Thanks to the absorption
capacity of clay, the platforms would retain
heat and once the fire was put out, people
would lie down and spend the night on the
warm platforms. According to archaeological
finds, huoqiang date back to the Neolithic
age, i.e. 10,000 years BC!
Design of the ondol system (source: www.wikipedia.org)
It seems that the huoqiang was the ancestor of the “kang”* heated beds, platforms made out of brick or
clay dating back thousands of years and heated from b
below by a debris-,, corn
corn- or coal-fed fire. These
beds are in fact still being used in some of China’s Northern provinces.
From the bed, we move on to the home. The “ondol”* system first appeared in Korea approximately
1,000 years BC. Also called “gudeul”, which means “heated stone”, ondol is a floor heating method that
utilizes the direct transfer of hot smoke under a thick masonry floor.
The traditional ondol’s source was the heat from a fire pit located in the kitchen under the ground or on
the house’s exterior
terior wall. Generally, the kitchen was located approximately a meter lower than the
room to be heated. This difference in level facilitated the transfer of smoke and hot air under the floor
of the raised room.
Smoke under the floor,, that’s the secret of ondol.
Around 500 years BC, the Greeks, then the Romans,
developed the “hypocaust”* system used to heat
public baths and private houses. The floor was raised
with stone pillars set apart from one another in order
to let the hot air and smoke from a stove circulate
around them. The heat would radiate from one pillar
to the next before being absorbed by the floor that
would redistribute it to the living space. The
hypocaust system has often been considered as a
major invention having improved the citizens’
hygiene and life conditions.
Ruins of the hypocaust system (source: www.wikipedia.org)
The European evolution of the steam floor heating
system with pipes started during the 18th century.
During the 19th century, the hydronic system was first
introduced.
Floor warming and heating systems were first introduced in North America at the beginning of 1900 and
slowly gained popularity. During that time, as he was visiting a hotel in Japan, Frank Lloyd Wright, the
most renowned American architect, visited a noble home equipped with ondol-heated rooms and was
quite impressed. Back in the United States, he adapted the technology to his Usonian-type houses in
1938. This technology allowed him to design houses with large windows, even in areas where the
climate is colder. About the floor heating technology, Wright has said: “We can open windows even
when it’s cold outside and remain perfectly comfortable, because if our feet are warm on a heating
floor, we will feel warm all over.”
Finally, FLEXHERM was launched in 1991 and introduced, among others, surface-type electric floor
warming and heating systems.
* Source : www.wikipedia.org