With jobsite productivity and safety at the forefront of the construction industry, it’s important to know the innovations that are enabling faster, easier installs for contractors while providing end users with more efficient, sustainable systems. Check out a few of these solutions that can help make jobs easier and buildings more efficient. A first in Read more
Uponor
With jobsite productivity and safety at the forefront of the construction industry, it’s important to know the innovations that are enabling faster, easier installs for contractors while providing end users with more efficient, sustainable systems.
Check out a few of these solutions that can help make jobs easier and buildings more efficient.
Heat-Interface Units
A first in the North American market, these prefabricated, self-contained, heat-interface units (HIUs) convert a building’s hydronic heating supply to on-demand domestic hot water (DHW).
Ideal in multifamily structures, hospitality buildings, dormitories, assisted-living centers, and healthcare patient towers, these HIUs (sold under the brand name AquaPort™) feature a proportional control valve (PCV) and double-wall heat exchanger to create the DHW from the hydronic heating supply.
This solution removes the centralized DHW and recirculation piping to provide numerous benefits, including energy and water savings, improved water quality, installation efficiencies, reduced maintenance, and reduced risk. The PCV does not require any utility connections and eliminates the DHW heat source, supply piping, recirculation network, pumps, and storage tanks. It also optimizes efficiencies of the hydronic heating supply.
For energy efficiency, it returns the lowest water temperature possible, enabling boiler systems to reach their maximum-rated efficiency. It also provides a more centralized location in an individual unit of a building, which leads to faster hot-water delivery times and reduced water waste, helping to reduce the whole-life carbon for the building.
Compared to traditional pipe-routing methods, incorporating this solution can reduce hot-water energy use by up to 35%, eliminate up to 40% of unnecessary piping, mitigate microbial growth in the DHW system, and remove more than 50% of the total DHW volume in a building for greater sustainability and hygiene.
The compact, in-wall design is only 25.6″ tall by 14.5″ wide and 5.4″ deep to maximize overall square footage, and it is extremely lightweight at 47 lbs. for the 100K BTU/hr. version and 57 lbs. for the 180K BTU/hr. version, which makes it easy for one person to maneuver and install.
Prefabricated Radiant Mats: Cleveland Health Education Clinic, Ohio | Radiant floor heating install with Radiant Rollout Mats
Introduced into the market about a decade ago, prefabricated radiant mats have become extremely popular in commercial radiant heating and cooling projects, helping to save up to 85% in installation time compared to traditional methods.
Ideal for radiant heating and cooling systems in large commercial spaces as well as turf conditioning, snow and ice melting, and permafrost prevention (cold storage) applications, these mats are customized, prefabricated, and pre-pressurized solutions that are designed and delivered to jobsites to speed commercial installs and maximize radiant system performance.
The mats feature oxygen-barrier PEX pipe, which is a flexible, durable material that protects ferrous components in a radiant heating and cooling system. Some manufacturers also include engineered polymer (EP) connections, which are approved for burial in a slab, that are included in a reverse-return header option. This design can help reduce required manifold ports by up to 80%, helping to save time and install costs.
Since the mats are customized to meet each individual project, the pipe sizes, loop lengths, and on-center spacing varies depending on the design. Once the mats arrive on the jobsite, installers simply move the mats into place, cut the zip ties, unroll the mats into place, and fasten.
The mats also can reduce fastening hardware by up to 40%, further increasing installation efficiencies and jobsite safety. Best of all, pre-pressurized piping and self-balancing circuits provide dependable commissioning and system startup for a seamless transition from installation to end use.
Flexible Underground Pre-Insulated Piping Systems
When it comes to underground piping distribution for radiant heating and cooling, snow and ice melting, turf conditioning, or permafrost prevention (cold storage) applications, the industry is discovering the benefits of flexible, PEX-based, pre-insulated piping systems, and the solution is beginning to dominate over traditional copper or steel.
With pre-insulated PEX systems, there are typically one or two service pipes surrounded by insulation and covered by a jacket or casing. This type of system offers numerous advantages over rigid systems, such as lighter weights, fewer connections, and significant installation efficiencies.
The lighter weight allows contractors to maneuver the piping around a jobsite much easier, faster, and more effectively with less impact on the body. The piping is also available in long, continuous coils (rather than straight, segmented pieces of rigid pipe), which eliminates the need to dig a straight or level trench (since the coils can curve around existing structures and obstacles). Additionally, longer coils mean fewer (or sometimes no) underground connections for faster installations.
Plus, because the insulation is already added to the pipe, it eliminates the two-step process of installing the pipe and then insulating after installation. All of these benefits add up to significant labor savings and maximum jobsite productivity.
It is important to note that there are two types of PEX-based pre-insulated piping systems: bonded and slip. In a slip system, the PEX service pipe is covered by multilayer polyethylene-foam or PEX-foam insulation and covered by a corrugated HDPE jacket. This design is more flexible because the different layers can move independently. Additionally, if an installer needs to access the PEX service pipe, it’s a much simpler process of cutting away the foam insulation rather than scraping off the glue that adheres the insulation to the service pipe in a bonded design.
When deciding to install a PEX-based pre-insulated system, it is important to understand the thermal performance differences between a single-pipe system and a twin-pipe system. Some code jurisdictions do not allow twin-pipe configurations due to the reduction in insulation thicknesses, which can result in greater heat loss in heating applications. However, because twin-pipe configurations significantly reduce the amount of surface area exposed to the ground, it can have a positive effect on heat loss.
Kim Bliss is the technical and marketing content manager at Uponor. She can be reached at kim.bliss@uponor.com.
TotalFit™ is the professional-grade, engineered polymer (EP), push-to-connect fitting solution that provides greater value for residential projects with the same versatility and speed as brass push-to-connect fittings. Ideal for residential repair, maintenance, or remodels for potable hot-water and cold-water distribution piping systems in single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, and condominiums, TotalFit is designed for use with Read more
TotalFit™ is the professional-grade, engineered polymer (EP), push-to-connect fitting solution that provides greater value for residential projects with the same versatility and speed as brass push-to-connect fittings.
Ideal for residential repair, maintenance, or remodels for potable hot-water and cold-water distribution piping systems in single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, and condominiums, TotalFit is designed for use with PEX, PE-RT, CPVC, and copper piping systems.
The innovation features patent-pending technology to provide a strong, lasting connection professionals can depend on, and TotalFit is one of the only full-featured, EP, push-to-connect fittings on the market.
Available in sizes from ½” to 1″, the TotalFit solution offers about a 30% savings over brass push-to-connect fittings, and it meets or exceeds all performance requirements of the PEX system performance standard, ASTM F877, as well as the push-fitting performance standard, ASSE 1061.
The complete offering is approved by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) for direct burial in soil or concrete (with 4 to 6 mil poly wrap) as well as behind walls without access panels. Additionally, the offering is solidly backed by a 25-year product warranty for added peace of mind.
Get more with Uponor TotalFit for residential plumbing repairs, maintenance, and remodels.
GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) published the company’s Sustainability Review 2023. The Review, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and assured by an independent third party, details the company’s ambition, work, and achievements in sustainability throughout the year, as well as highlights people leading sustainability development in different parts of the Read more
GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) published the company’s Sustainability Review 2023. The Review, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and assured by an independent third party, details the company’s ambition, work, and achievements in sustainability throughout the year, as well as highlights people leading sustainability development in different parts of the organization. Sustainability initiatives in 2024 and beyond will be reported on GF.
In 2023, Uponor implemented aggressive global sustainability initiatives that were created in collaboration with clients, customers, employees, and other key stakeholders. The company’s ambition is to lead the construction industry towards net zero, decarbonize its operations, and maintain its strong track record of advancing sustainable innovations. In Europe, the company partnered to produce the world’s first circular PEX pipe from its own production waste, received validation for new greenhouse gas emission reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative, and celebrated a factory in Nastola, Finland, achieving complete carbon-neutral operations.
“Our industry has a strong influence on sustainable ways of life. With our products and systems, we want to continuously reduce the CO2 footprint of buildings. On the one hand, our innovation focus lies in making our products easy to use and, on the other hand, making the production and materials of our products even more sustainable,” says Michael Rauterkus, president, GF Building Flow Solutions. “To support our commitment to leading the construction industry towards net zero by example, we have created a Carbon Neutral Factory concept, which highlights our efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Our objective is to replicate the concept in our other factories.”
Sustainability and innovation at the core
Rauterkus adds that GF Building Flow Solutions is committed to finding new ways to conserve, manage, and provide water responsibly.
“The combination of Uponor and GF products and solutions allows us to serve our existing and new customers even better and help them making an impact,” says Rauterkus. “Our shared sustainability approach is ambitious, holistic, and strategic. We are well-positioned to seize the opportunities created by the growing demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as for sustainable systems for safe and clean water. As we continue our sustainability journey, I want to express my gratitude to all our stakeholders for the excellent cooperation and outstanding achievements. My warmest thanks go especially to all our employees for their uncompromised sustainability commitment.”
The Sustainability Review 2023 can be found from the company website at Sustainability Review 2023 | Uponor
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) announced today that its Building & Construction Division (BCD) has elected Bill Melvin of Legend Valve (Auburn Hills, MI) as Division Chair and Jim Paschal of Aquatherm (Lindon, UT) as Vice Chair. Melvin, who will also represent the division on the PPI Board of Directors for the next two Read more
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) announced today that its Building & Construction Division (BCD) has elected Bill Melvin of Legend Valve (Auburn Hills, MI) as Division Chair and Jim Paschal of Aquatherm (Lindon, UT) as Vice Chair. Melvin, who will also represent the division on the PPI Board of Directors for the next two years, takes over from Joseph Poniatowski of Asahi/America. The changes took effect June 1, 2024. PPI’s BCD focuses on pressure piping materials for plumbing and mechanical applications.
Jim Paschal (left) of Aquatherm, new Vice Chair and Bill Melvin (right) of Legend Valve new Chair of PPI’s Building & Construction Division with Lance McNevin, the engineering director for the division.
Bill Melvin has served on the Management Committee in several roles, including the Communications Committee Chair and Vice Chair. Jim Paschal also serves as Chair of PPI’s Polypropylene Pressure Pipe Steering Committee and formerly served as R&D Projects Chair. That position will now be filled by Rick Stock of Uponor. Brian Conner of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry joins the committee as Codes & Governments Affairs Committee Liaison.
Rick Stock, Uponor
Adam Grier of iNOEX serves as the Communications Committee Chair, and also as Chair of the PPI Umbrella Marketing Committee. Jason McKinnon of Viega LLC serves as the PPI Education Committee Chair and also as the BCD Education Chair, a position he has held for more than eight years. Forest Hampton III of Lubrizol continues as Advisory Council Liaison & Strategic Planning Chair.
According to Lance MacNevin, P. Eng., director of engineering for PPI’s Building & Construction Division, “PPI’s management committee members provide significant guidance to staff on topics from research, codes and standards to education and advocacy. These new leadership positions solidify their continued commitments to PPI and the piping industry. We are grateful for the volunteer service of these dedicated members.”
Brian Conner, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry
PPI is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry. The Building & Construction Division represents plastic pressure piping materials such as CPVC, HDPE, PEX, PE-RT, PP-R, and PP-RCT.
More information can be found at https://plasticpipe.org/buildingconstruction
Uponor North America has again been honored with two Governor’s Safety Awards by the Minnesota Safety Council. The company’s Apple Valley campus won its fifth Governor’s Safety Award, recognized at the Bronze level this year, and the Uponor Lakeville Distribution Center won its fourth award, achieving the highest level of Diamond. The annual Governor’s Safety Awards Read more
Uponor North America has again been honored with two Governor’s Safety Awards by the Minnesota Safety Council. The company’s Apple Valley campus won its fifth Governor’s Safety Award, recognized at the Bronze level this year, and the Uponor Lakeville Distribution Center won its fourth award, achieving the highest level of Diamond.
The annual Governor’s Safety Awards, which date back to 1934, recognizes Minnesota employers for safety and health excellence in protecting employees from injuries, illnesses, and incidents. Organizations with an incident rate below those of the State and National rates in their industry are awarded for their efforts.
“Safety is the #1 priority across the Integrated Supply Chain organization,” says Jon Sillerud, vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “We start every shift-change meeting with the safety topic, and in 2023, we made enhancements to our safety program and placed emphasis on improving our safety culture. We also launched a Mission Zero program to raise awareness of safety with all employees. In 2023 we reduced our Lost-Time-Incident Frequency rate by 48 percent, which was a huge improvement. For 2024, we have comprehensive plans to further reduce our Lost-Time-Incident Frequency rate by 20 percent as we move closer to our aspirational goal of zero workplace accidents.”
Sillerud went on to say that as a nine-time recipient of this award, Uponor attributes this recognition to not only raising employees’ awareness and improving its safety culture, but also to a system of extensive self-audits, inspections, and risk assessments, as well as a newly implemented computer-based training.
To see a complete list of award recipients, visit MinnesotaSafetyCouncil.org.