FONTERRA is a range of tried-and-tested polybutylene pipe (PB) used in hydronic underfloor heating systems.
Applications extend from the flat Reno renovation range to classic underfloor heating and wall tempering. The Fonterra PB pipe is available in five nominal diameters from 12 to 25 mm.
The polybutylene pipe, which is manufactured in the Viega plastic pipe centre of excellence in Niederwinkling, is characterised by its high flexibility, even at low climatic temperatures. Depending on the dimension and application, it is specified on tacker, studded and gypsum fibreboard panels for underfloor heating. There are also several wet and dry systems available in the Fonterra range for assembly on walls or ceilings.
A range of PB pipe dimensions include nominal diameters of 12 m x 1.3 mm, 15m x 1.5 mm, 17m x 2.0 mm, 20m  x 2.3 mm and 25m  x 2.3 mm.
Pipes from 12 to 20 mm can be combined with the Fonterra Base or Tacker studded or tacker panels. The dimensions 20 m x 2.0 mm and 25m x 2.3 mm are primarily designed for use in industrial properties or for industrial panel heating. The Fonterra pipes can be installed directly onto reinforced mesh or clip rails for such projects.
Fonterra – the System
Whether for use in new builds or for renovations, Viega’s Fonterra range of surface tempering systems caters for virtually any application. The range extends from simple studded panels or tacker systems to Fonterra Side wall panel heating, the Fonterra Top ceiling system and various special systems, for example for industry or sports halls.
Hydronic underfloor heating and cooling systems displaced expensive to run electrical systems in Europe and North America many decades ago and the same trend is happening here in South Africa. Previously cheap electricity favoured electrical underfloor heating with its low installation costs but massive increases in the price of power and unreliable supply of late have lead specifiers and consumers to favour tried and tested hydronic systems. Adding to the systems attractiveness is the ability to connect to solar panels or low energy heat pumps which can all but eliminate winter heating bills.
