Warm floors water pipes material. Information - which pipes are best used for underfloor heating. Option # 3: polypropylene pipes

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It is unpleasant, leaving the bathroom or shower, to step with bare feet on the cold tiled floor. In addition to uncomfortable sensations, this also harms health, because hypothermia of the legs leads to colds. This problem requires a solution, which can be the device. But here another possible problem arises: if it is wrong to choose and install pipes for a warm water floor, then the effect of such a solution will be extremely low. After all, for this you need to correctly, and the diameter of the pipes. We will dwell on this in more detail today.

It's unpleasant to step out of the shower barefoot on a cold floor.

The question of which pipe to use for a water-heated floor requires detailed consideration. It is clear that after complete installation, it is no longer possible to repair the track, which means that it is worthwhile to approach the choice carefully. The first thing to understand is that for such purposes it will not be possible to use the trimmings remaining after the repair by soldering or welding the parts. Welding is out of the question - steel products should be forgotten. It doesn't matter if they are galvanized or even made of stainless steel (although there are options here that we will discuss too). There is a seam on them, and this is already unacceptable when installing a warm floor.

It's important to know! When planning a warm floor device, choose a material that is comparable in durability to the structure.

Docking and joining the pipeline

The underfloor heating main is connected to the outlets from the collector already above the level of the future concrete screed. The connection is made by means of special fittings. If metal-plastic is chosen for the warm floor, the joints are welded. After the completion of these works, the entire system is pressurized. This is done before pouring the concrete screed. The system is supplied with water at the pressure that will be maintained during operation. Pressing continues for at least 24 hours. This action allows you to identify possible defects that will become irreparable after the floor is poured with a concrete screed. If, after a day, no leaks are found, you can proceed to the last stage.

Related article:

Where to buy pipes for a water-heated floor and what is their cost in the Russian market

Prices for pipes for a water-heated floor differ, depending on the material of manufacture and the region of sale. Affects the cost and brand of the product - well-known brands will cost more. When purchasing such a product, you should not choose something that is much cheaper than analogues - there is a risk of throwing your money down the drain.

For example, consider the prices of pipes for a warm water floor "Rehau" - one of the well-known manufacturers.

Product length in the bay, m	Size, mm	Cost, rub / rm
240	10.1x1.1	60
140	14x1.5	70
240	14x1.5	70
500	14x1.5	65
120	17x2	75
240	17x2	75
500	17x2	70

This information has been provided for a general concept of pricing. Now let's consider the cost of pipes for a water floor made of various materials.

Manufacturing material	Size, mm	Cost, rub / rm
Metalloplast	16x2	60
XLPE	16x2	50
Corrugated stainless steel	12x2	140
Corrugated stainless steel	15x2	300

Selling copper pipes for underfloor heating is done differently. Regardless of the size, the buyer pays a fixed amount by weight. In Russia today it ranges from 550 to 800 rubles / kg.

Finally

Sometimes it is necessary. And although it is more difficult to install a water one than an electric one, it is more practical, durable and more economical. The main thing is to correctly calculate and purchase quality material. Then the system will delight you and your loved ones with warmth for many years to come.

We hope that the information presented today was useful to our reader. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them in the discussion below. Write, ask, share your experience.

And finally, a short video

Underfloor heating systems, which have long gained popularity in foreign countries, are in great demand in our country. They are easy to operate, environmentally friendly, convenient and compact.

Important!"Warm floors" - an original invention of mankind, which helps to effectively heat the premises, serves as a source of additional heating and even allows you to completely get rid of bulky radiators and batteries.

Convincing merits

The essence of this heating system is that warm water circulates through flexible pipes laid in the floor. For a water floor, no matter where and how the furniture stands today or will stand in the future, you can absolutely freely control the space of the premises.

For a water floor, it doesn't matter where and how the furniture stands today or will stand in the future.

Water heated floors are good because their installation is relatively cheap, you can save on electricity, and the main advantage is that there is no electromagnetic radiation. So if you want to put a warm floor under the tiles and do not know which is better: water or electric, then we will help you decide.

"Warm floor" can successfully play the role of the main heating, but more often it acts as an additional one. This heating method is also indispensable for rooms with solid glazing and in small rooms, where radiators strongly clutter up the space or they simply cannot be installed. For management, the personal presence of the owner is not at all necessary; you can give commands to the system using communication means.

"Warm floor" can successfully perform the role of the main heating, but more often it acts as an additional

Which warm floors are better - water or electric? There are 2 main types of "warm floors" on the market: electric and water. Each type has its own merits. The lower initial costs when choosing an electric "warm floor" in small areas is undeniable, as well as the economy when operating a water "floor" system, especially when paired with a heat pump. The choice should be made taking into account the specific conditions.

"Warm floors" are successfully used in apartments, offices, cottages, workshops, garages and so on; they are combined with many types of floor coverings (tiles, linoleum, etc.). It is also important that the installation of the system is possible both at the stage of building a building and during the renovation of the premises.

Still not sure which warm floors are better than water or electric? We answer: an electric underfloor heating is easier to install, a water one is easier to maintain, and the resource consumption of an “electrician” is several times higher.

Electric underfloor heating

But which water-heated floor is better? It is sometimes difficult to choose a system among the variety of models. Let's try to figure it out.

The main thing is power!

If you do not know which water heat-insulated floor is better to choose, pay attention to the power. The calculation is very simple. As you know, for heating 1 sq. m requires from 70 to 100 W, depending on the thermal insulation of the room. By the way, the human body needs exactly 100 watts per hour to maintain a body temperature of 36.6 ° C. So, for a bathroom 5-7 sq. m (many models have double electrical insulation and protection against splashes and high humidity), you can install a floor with a power of 500 W, and for a room of 20 sq. m and more - a system with a capacity of 2 kW.

Important! According to building codes, the specific heat load should not exceed 65 W / sq. m2 at the lowest temperatures in the region.

When choosing a water heated floor, you need to pay attention to the power

So even at a load of 100 W / sq. m2 with the same connected electrical load of 1500-1800 W using water systems, an area of 15-18 sq. m, and with a load of 50 W - up to 36 sq. m. And if we are talking about a whole house and for a region where the duration of the heating season is several months, and there are significant fluctuations in outdoor temperatures during the heating season? Try to calculate the savings yourself!

Coating

The floor is done in 2 stages. Insulation and a heating hose are laid on the ceiling, which is connected to the thermostat. All this is covered with a cement screed, and after about 28 days - with a floor covering. Here, the warm floor is ready.

But what is the best covering for a warm water floor? Absolutely any natural or semi-natural coating. This means that laminate, cork or tiles can be laid on top of the aquifer.

Complement or base?

A water heat-insulated floor can be used as the main heating system and as an additional one to the radiator. Underfloor heating creates a higher level of comfort compared to traditional heating.

You can save money if you choose an underfloor heating with a lower heating load. In fact, the heating load is a “floating” parameter, depending on many characteristics (for example, on the actual temperature outside) and today it is up to 100 W per square meter for poorly insulated buildings. By choosing a system of 50 W per 1 sq. m, you will save almost a quarter of the originally planned costs, but taking into account the presence of additional heating equipment.

Warm, and most importantly, beautiful!

You can save money if you choose a water-heated floor with a lower heating load.

Another important parameter that people pay attention to when deciding which water-heated floor is better is aesthetic. The range of modern underfloor heating is wide and varied. Each company that produces such devices offers different designs, differing in power, size, shape, design, functionality (thermostats with different software) and even place of use. Special models are available for children's rooms. Their silent operation will not wake up the child, and the surface heating temperature is only 25 ° C.

On the modern market, you can find models designed for office and retail space. They are shockproof and vandal-proof. Even corner structures for small spaces are on sale. Perhaps the most unexpected option is when the device is attached instead of the cut out part of one of the skirting boards.

Reliability in all respects

The "warm floor" is absolutely safe for humans: the system uses only a special heating hose that meets the highest requirements. At the stage of release from production, all products undergo 100% quality control. The experience of using water heating systems in Europe allows us to speak of more than 50 years of service life. In addition, underfloor heating systems have a decent warranty period.

All devices are equipped with a built-in or remote thermostat, complete with a temperature sensor

All devices are equipped with a built-in or remote thermostat, complete with a temperature sensor that reads the temperature of the incoming air and sends a signal to the thermostat to turn the device on and off. This allows you to control the temperature with an accuracy of a degree, maintain its set level (the so-called comfort mode), preventing overheating or cooling and saving energy.

A high-precision electronic system helps in this, the error of which from leading manufacturers is only 0.1 ° C. You can choose a “budget” device equipped with a simple thermostat with an “on / off” function, or buy a luxury device with a modern LCD display and programs that allow you to control several floors included in a single phase. Thanks to him, the convector is able to work in a mode convenient for you: with any temperature and heating time. For example, you can program the device to turn on at the right time without your presence or create a different climate in each room: for example, it is warmer in the nursery and cooler in the kitchen, which will significantly save energy consumption. The thermostats have an anti-freeze function, while the temperature in the house will be maintained at +7 ° C. A pipe for a warm water floor, which is better, will be prompted by experts, but it is most profitable (there will be less trouble in the future) to opt for sewn polyethylene models.

If the warranty period of the thermostat (usually one year) has not expired, feel free to send it to the manufacturer for diagnostics

The thermostat may be the cause of the malfunction. Its damage is not difficult to determine: power is supplied to the regulator, but it is not supplied to the heating element. It is possible to solve this problem. If the warranty period of the thermostat (usually one year) has not expired, feel free to send it to the manufacturer for diagnostics (of course, with the attached warranty card). If a factory defect is detected, the device will be replaced or repaired free of charge. In the event of an incorrect connection, you will have to buy a new one or pay for repairs.

Continuous operation for a long time is also not a problem, because almost all models are equipped with protection against voltage surges in the network. In addition, in case of overheating, the device turns off if heat exchange is disturbed. For example, when he is wearing clothes. All this allows the convector to be used as the main source of heating for a small room. But you will be heating a spacious room with it for a very long time, unfortunately, slow heating (from half an hour and more) is the problem of such devices.

Mounting

If a concrete floor is installed during the construction of a cottage, where the lower room is a warm room, and if there is no need to save energy, you can refuse thermal insulation.

Which screed is best for a warm water floor? According to some experts, when laid on thermal insulation, the concrete screed behaves very moody and sometimes cracks, resulting in a rupture of the heating hose, which is the main component of warm floors. Therefore, it is better to use special cement powders.

when laid on thermal insulation, the concrete screed behaves very moody and sometimes cracks

As for the underfloor heating water, which is better - you ask. Take polypropylene or foamed polyethylene, they are covered with a lavsan film with a metallized layer.

Important! The reliability of the entire system is 99% determined by the quality of installation work.

Most often, in order to save money, warm floors are installed in an area free of furniture and other kitchen attributes. The heat insulation chosen by the consumer is laid on the concrete, a thin concrete screed is made on top, on which the tubes are fastened in a zigzag manner, observing a constant step, using an assembly tape. If you do not know which pipe is better for a warm water floor, then we advise you to pay attention to PVC products. The thermal sensor is placed in a special plastic corrugated tube near the thermostat.

Before choosing a warm water floor, read the reviews which one is better.

Before choosing a warm water floor, read the reviews, which is better

Today on the market there is a wide range of models from different manufacturers of warm water floors, which one is better? The highest quality systems are produced by NOBO, ADAX (Norway), NOIROT, THERMOR, ATLANTIC (France), warm floors of the middle price segment are produced by SIEMENS, STIEBEL ELTRON and VOLKSTECHNIK (Germany), economy options are made by DIMPLEX (Canada), BETA - by TIMBERK concern (Sweden - China), the Dipol corporation (Saratov), the Ladoga plant (Kirovsk) and the Region LLC.

In this article, we will consider information on which pipes are best for a water floor, their types, advantages and disadvantages, and compare some of the most used types. The device of such warm floors is now gaining popularity, as it becomes more affordable.

Cross-linked polyethylene and metal-plastic pipes are now widely used in heating, as they are very reliable in operation.

The choice of pipes is very important in the installation of underfloor heating, because the efficiency of the underfloor heating depends on it. Below you will find information for yourself that will allow you to choose the heating system that suits your particular case.

Floor heating pipe which is better

Underfloor heating or underfloor heating is a water heating system in which a heat source (most often water) circulates along the contour of pipes laid directly in the cement floor screed.

This method of space heating is currently widespread, since the underfloor heating system has distinctive features in comparison with radiator heating.

First, the air in the rooms warms up evenly, and an optimal temperature distribution is achieved, when below, where the legs directly touch the floor, the air will be warmed up to + 22 ° С, and the air in the middle part of the room, where the head is located, will warm up to + 18 ° С ...

The second is energy efficiency, a water-heated floor heats the room much more efficiently, and the temperature of the coolant is only 30-50 ° C, and the heated floor surface gives off heat longer, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced energy costs.

The third is an increase in free space and an improvement in the interior of the premises as a result of the absence of heating radiators and external pipelines.

If you opt for underfloor water heating, then you need to focus on the fact that pipes are the most important element of the entire system. Based on this definition, such characteristics as reliability, durability and trouble-free operation should be in pipes for underfloor heating.

Compliance with these criteria is extremely important, since the pipes during the installation process will be hidden in the floor screed and it is almost impossible to visually assess their condition. Poor quality or improperly laid pipes can subsequently lead to flooding, and, accordingly, to unforeseen costs and extremely expensive repairs.

For a water-heated floor, various types of pipes can be used, made of a wide range of materials - copper, stainless steel, metal-plastic, high-temperature polyethylene (PE-RT) and cross-linked polyethylene.

For the arrangement of warm floors, four types of communications are suitable at once, made of different materials, some of which have several varieties, not all of them are in demand on the market. And the point here is not that some pipes are somehow significantly worse than others, but in their cost.

Despite the large number of advantages that copper and stainless steel products have, their price becomes an obstacle for most buyers. Much more attractive in this context are polymer pipes for underfloor heating, the characteristics of which are not too much inferior to metal ones.

Moreover, among them, there are also only two types of products that are in demand. The most optimal choice for floor heating networks is considered to be metal-plastic pipes and cross-linked polyethylene of the PE-X type. The main argument in favor of this is the best price-quality ratio for these products.

But then the next question arises - which pipe is better for a warm floor - polyethylene or metal-plastic? It is rather difficult to give an unequivocal answer to it, especially given the fact that the cost of both types of communications does not differ too much.

Therefore, it is better to decide which pipes to use for a warm floor after a careful study of their characteristics, which are presented in detail below.

Durability - most polyethylene and metal-plastic pipes have a service life of about 50 years.
No corrosion - which is not a problem for plastics.
Low thermal conductivity - meaning that the coolant will cool down in the pipes slowly and heat the premises for a long time.
Good sound insulation - minimizing the noise level from the fluid flow.
Environmentally friendly - polymers are ideal even for transporting drinking water.
Low weight - especially compared to copper or steel counterparts, which greatly simplifies the installation process.

Requirements for pipes for a warm water floor

Since the installation of a heated floor is a rather complicated process, special requirements are imposed on heating pipes. First of all, it should be noted that for such needs it is strictly forbidden to use ordinary pipelines for cold and even hot water supply, since they are not intended for the loads of the heating network.

As mentioned above, water floor pipes must be durable so as not to receive critical damage with a sharp drop in pressure or temperature, as well as withstand chemical and bacteriological loads.

Such high-quality commutations can last more than fifty years, even if they are made of polymers, and their metal counterparts - much longer. This characteristic is very important, given that the floor must be completely broken in order to replace the pipes laid under the screed layer.

In addition, pipelines for a water floor must be characterized by high tightness, have reliable insulation and protect the heating system from oxidation. They must also have sufficient elasticity to bend by hand, and bending resistance so as not to break or crack in such places.

Pipes made of polypropylene, polyethylene, copper and stainless steel meet these high requirements. Communications of other types, including those made of cast iron, are prohibited to use for the construction of underfloor heating.

At the same time, preference should always be given to products of well-known world manufacturers, the quality of which is confirmed by long-term successful sales and the absence of customer complaints. Next, you need to consider the characteristics of each type of pipe separately.

Cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X or pex) is a polymer of ethylene with cross-linked molecules.

Cross-linked polyethylene pipes are a new modification of polyethylene pipes in which elongated hydrocarbon molecules are cross-linked together.

As a result, a three-dimensional thermally stable structure is achieved, and pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene receive completely new characteristics and distinctive properties in comparison with conventional polyethylene pipes.

As a result of this interaction of molecules, a spatial lattice is formed, which allows cross-linked polyethylene to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and the use of pipes made of such material is increasingly used in hot water supply and heating systems.

In addition, the material is chemically and electrically inert; XLPE pipes have a very high resistance to a variety of aggressive media and corrosion.

Due to the low roughness coefficient of the inner surface of the pipes, the hydraulic resistance is reduced and such a phenomenon as “clogging of channels” is excluded, and the elasticity allows the pipes to be bent to a certain radius without heating and the use of special tools.

XLPE pipes differ from other pipes in such a property as "structural memory", this is the ability, when heated, to restore its original shape after mechanical stress (for example, as a result of kinking).

PE-Xa - peroxide crosslinking technology is used in production, the original polyethylene is heated under high pressure in the presence of peroxides. The result is a very tough material with the ability to withstand high temperatures up to 95 ° C.
PE-Xb - silane crosslinking technology is used in production, when various substances are chemically attacked by polyethylene, mainly with the help of silane.
PE-Xс - during production, the finished material is irradiated with electrons.

All types of XLPE pipes are excellent for underfloor heating systems, it should be noted that PE-Xb and PE-Xc pipes are more often used, since they are more elastic and have a smaller bend radius, and PE-Xa have a greater degree of crosslinking.

Therefore, it is necessary to use a special tool or make a larger bend radius during installation, the PE-Xa pipe is also more expensive than its counterparts and is more often used for radiator heating.

Cross-linked polyethylene pipelines are durable and resistant to temperature influences. In comparison with pipes made of ordinary polyethylene and polypropylene, they are produced using a special technology that involves processing the material under high pressure, due to which additional transverse bridges appear in its structure.

This technology is called "stitching". In addition to the four methods described above for processing polyethylene, dividing them into the groups PE-Xa, PE-Xb, PE-Xc and PE-Xd, there is also an important concept of crosslink density.

There is low density polyethylene (LDPE marking), medium density (MDPE marking) and high density (HDPE marking). Of course, pipes of different types differ in their cost, which increases with increasing strength of their structure.

It is also worth noting that stitching, as a method of producing durable polyethylene pipes for underfloor heating, is aimed at obtaining the thermal stability of the material that will need to be under pressure.

For example, conventional HDPE type high density polyethylene is not able to withstand loads for a long time at temperatures above 60 ° C. At the same time, after crosslinking, it turns out to be able to withstand temperatures of the order of 100˚С. If we talk about a specific type of XLPE pipe, which is optimal for underfloor heating, then experts recommend PE-Xa.

It has good strength indicators and is quite affordable. At the same time, pipes of this type also have minor disadvantages, which are expressed in complex bendability, which makes installation heavier, fragility of the upper anti-diffusion layer and sensitivity to direct sunlight, which is important during storage.

PEX-a

If a XLPE pipe is bent and then warmed up, it will return to its original shape. An inconspicuous trace will remain at the place of the bend, and the properties of the product will not change.

Chemical methods of crosslinking also include crosslinking with peroxides, in which polyethylene is preliminarily uniformly mixed with peroxide. Crosslinking occurs in the extruder in the molten state by exposure to high pressure laser light. This method gives 85% crosslinking.

And most importantly, the properties of the material are the same anywhere, regardless of its thickness. Such polyethylene is designated PEX-A. Kinks in such a pipe can be easily repaired with a blow dryer, but the withstand pressure is slightly lower than the PEX-B. According to its properties, the PEX-A pipe is the most elastic and flexible.

But pipes made of PEX-A retain their thermophysical and strength properties at a short-term peak temperature from -100 to +100 degrees Celsius. In addition, PEX-A cross-linked polyethylene has shape memory. This means that after experiencing a particular load, the material restores its original shape.

Ordinary polyethylene is not heat-resistant and is a collection of long hydrocarbon molecules that are not related to each other in any way. In order for the material to withstand high temperatures, it must be stitched.

Crosslinking is the formation of longitudinal cross-links between polyethylene chains - due to the interaction of carbon and hydrogen atoms of neighboring molecules. The relative amount of formed crosslinks per unit volume of polyethylene is determined by the "degree of crosslinking" indicator.

The most flexible of all PEX pipes, they have excellent molecular memory and make it possible with the help of a hot air gun to correct creases that have arisen during the installation process. They have been used in world practice for more than 50 years, this is longer than any of the types of PEX pipes and during this time not a single serious case has been registered.

However, this type of pipe has two significant disadvantages. Firstly, the percentage of chemical substances leaching is from 50 to 200% higher than that of PEX-B, which negatively affects other elements of the heating system. Secondly, the high price compared to PEX-B and PEX-C.

And if you add the cost of fittings and tools to the price of pipes, then the total cost of heating systems can differ significantly. The small bending radius of PEX-A in comparison with other pipes is on the one hand an advantage, on the other hand this property can hardly be a decisive factor in the choice.

PEX-b

PEX-B pipes began to be widely used later, but nevertheless they have already established themselves on the market for pipes for heating systems for more than 40 years of their existence.

They are distinguished by their high pipe burst pressure and high oxidation stability, which is undoubtedly an important advantage.

The disadvantages of this type of pipes are their rigidity and low molecular memory. For example, a pipe unwound from a coil will retain its bend. The stiffness is especially noticeable on large pipe diameters such as 1 ”.

PEX-c

They are quite rare both in the Russian and world markets. In late 2013, a class action lawsuit was filed against the largest manufacturer of this type of pipe in the United States, alleging that its pipes were at high risk of cracking due to early oxidation.

Summarizing the results of our article, we recommend that our customers choose between PEX-A and PEX-B pipes, depending on personal preferences, budget and individual characteristics of heating systems. We do not promote any of the specific manufacturers and work with any material. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

PEX-d

PEX-d (nitrogen), the production of which is rather difficult and has the least distribution.

Polyethylene pipes made of cross-linked ultramolecular polyethylene are used in cold water supply systems as they are more durable and resistant to various external influences.

For hot water supply at temperatures not exceeding 60 0C - 49 years / 1 year.
For hot water supply at temperatures up to 70 ° C - 49 years / 1 year.
In low temperature underfloor heating systems - up to 25 years / 4.5 years.
For the installation of high-temperature underfloor heating systems and for low-temperature heating through heating devices - up to 25 years / 2.5 years.
When installing high-temperature heating systems from heating devices - up to 10 years / 1 year.

Pipes made of polyethylene of increased temperature resistance PE-RT (perth) are a fairly new type, the main component of which is octene. In contrast to PE-X pipes, which have stable cross-linking of molecules, in PE-RT the polymer forms a branched structure due to the side "chains" of the polymer, which intertwine the main polymer backbone.

As a result of this spatial structure, PE-RT polyethylene pipes are resistant to rather high heat carrier temperatures.

However, such a material does not have resistance to prolonged exposure to very high temperatures and pressures, and because of its low acid resistance, it is susceptible to aggressive media, and polyethylene pipes of increased heat resistance, due to the absence of cross-linking between polymer molecules, do not have the properties of “structural memory”.

Despite the distinctive technical characteristics of XLPE pipes, PE-RT pipes are increasingly used in underfloor heating systems due to their low cost.

The uniqueness of these materials lies in the fact that they do not need to be crosslinked to obtain good long-term hydrostatic strength at high temperatures. This offers significant processing advantages over cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) systems.

Reinforced-plastic pipes are very often used for the described purposes. And there are reasons for that. The material bends well, and it is not necessary to heat it for this. This makes it possible, without unnecessary efforts, as well as the use of fitting connections, to lay elements of metal-plastic of any configuration and density of turns.

In addition, metal-plastic pipes are sold in coils, where their length is up to 50 m, which makes it possible to lay a system without connections in small and medium-sized rooms. By the way, on order, you can purchase a metal-plastic bay of 80-90 meters, which will be enough for a fairly large area.

Reinforced-plastic pipes are quite often used for heating systems, and in particular for underfloor heating.

Metal-polymer pipes have three layers - the inner one, usually cross-linked polyethylene, for production they use various methods of stitching (PEX-b, PEX-c), then there is a metal layer of aluminum foil of various thicknesses (depending on the manufacturer), and the last outer polymer layer ( PEX) is designed to protect pipes from mechanical or other damage.

Such a design of metal-plastic pipes avoids corrosion, a smooth inner surface excludes the build-up of deposits, and, accordingly, the hydraulic resistance decreases.

A very strong adhesive bond between layers increases the strength of metal-plastic pipes at multiple temperature drops and excludes delamination of the metal-polymer itself.

In general, subject to technical operating conditions, such pipes will last up to 50 years, and a wide range of connecting fittings and ease of installation make reinforced-plastic pipes very popular when organizing floor heating systems.

Reinforced-plastic pipes, thanks to the inner layer of aluminum, have greater strength and increased service life, and the installation is easy and there is no need to immediately fix the pipes, the aluminum layer perfectly keeps the given shape.

The inner polymer layer of metal-plastic pipes supports and preserves the passage, while the outer polyethylene layer protects against mechanical damage and external adverse influences.

Unlike pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene, such pipes have a high thermal conductivity and warm up the warm floor faster. The disadvantage is that in case of an accidental crease, you will have to cut out the deformed section and install a connecting sleeve, metal-plastic pipes do not restore the structure, like cross-linked polyethylene.

Metal-plastic pipelines - also called metal-polymer pipes, are a cross between steel and plastic pipes. These "hybrids" were created with the aim of neutralizing the disadvantages of these two types of communication and combining their advantages in one product, which, moreover, will have an affordable cost.

All these tasks were completed, and new engineering creations received such important characteristics as the ability to withstand heavy loads, durability, strong structure and environmental friendliness.

Reinforced-plastic pipes for a warm water floor are all-welded products that are connected "end-to-end" using a laser, or "overlapping" using ultrasound.

Structurally, they are a kind of sandwich with the following five components: outer polyethylene layer - glue layer - seamless aluminum layer - glue layer - inner high-temperature polyethylene layer of PERT type. This complex design has many valuable benefits.

The inner polymer layer helps maintain the geometry of the pipe and also protects the aluminum from corrosion. In turn, the outer polymer coating protects the product from adverse external influences. Well, the aluminum layer gives the pipe additional strength and increases its service life.

At the same time, the quality of metal-polymer pipes for a water-heated floor depends not only on the use of durable aluminum and plastic by a specific manufacturer, but also on the selection of reliable glue. Often, products from different brands differ significantly from each other precisely because of the adhesive solution used.

Poor glue under the influence of temperature begins to lose its elasticity, which leads to delamination of pipes and the occurrence of leaks at their joints. In this case, the adhesive strength can be easily checked.

To do this, you just need to heat the pipe to 90-100˚С. If at the same time its layers begin to be seen, it is impossible to purchase and install such a product, since its use is unsafe.

In addition, metal-plastic pipes for underfloor heating have some other disadvantages. The most important of them is the different coefficient of thermal expansion for aluminum and plastic, which can lead to delamination of the pipeline if it consists of low-quality elements.

Also, when connecting the circuits with threaded fittings, scale can form on their inner parts, which is why it is worth giving preference to press fittings. And the last minus is the possible appearance of a cut on the pipe, in case of pinching the fitting during installation.

Regarding this, it is important to note that correct installation is extremely important for the long-term and trouble-free operation of a water-heated floor. Any mistake in this process, regardless of the type of communications used, can lead to the need for expensive repairs. Therefore, you can only trust it to professionals.

Copper pipes are an excellent material for heating systems, since copper is a very strong material and at the same time has sufficient ductility to bend pipes during installation of underfloor heating circuits.

Copper has very high heat dissipation and minimal susceptibility to corrosion. In practice, copper pipes for underfloor heating are used very rarely due to the high price and the need for special equipment and tools.

When designing systems with heating, various types of pipelines are used - polypropylene, metal-plastic and copper. Each owner for his floor chooses the option that suits him best in terms of price, quality, efficiency and durability.

Of course, a copper pipe for underfloor heating is the best choice - it is suitable in all parameters of quality, efficiency and durability. The biggest and most tangible disadvantage of these products is the very high price.

Long service life - if the design of the system and installation are performed without errors, conscientiously and diligently, if the circuit is made of high-quality material, then the system will serve for a long time and efficiently, without requiring repair and replacement of any sections.
High coefficient of thermal conductivity.
Copper is a strong and ductile material - these properties make it possible to produce thin-walled pipelines with very little mass. This simplifies their transportation, installation and does not create undue stress on building structures.
Wide temperature limits in which copper pipelines do not lose their properties and do not fail. The working range of the copper circuit lies in the range from -40 0С to +115 0С.
If you add phosphorus to copper, it works great with water. In this case, neither corrosion nor oxidation occurs.
Very attractive appearance - such products do not need to be painted to protect the surface. Painting is done for decorative reasons only.
Copper is a heat-resistant material - due to this quality and ductility, pipes made from it tolerate frost and freezing well. After thawing, they can be used again without additional repair and service operations.
Copper undergoes extremely small thermal deformations.
Such pipelines have extremely low hydraulic resistance - there are no obstacles to the movement of the coolant. Smooth surface eliminates the formation of foreign mineral deposits and scale.
High environmental friendliness - such contours do not emit any harmful substances;
Due to their plastic properties, such pipes are easily bent - thanks to this, installation is greatly simplified. Bending of pipes makes it possible to carry out installation without a large number of additional elements.
Due to all of the above properties, copper pipelines are the best choice for installing a warm water floor.

Copper does not get along well with other metals. Therefore, if, during the installation, we plan to connect a copper pipeline with a device made of another metal, we will need to use special adapters made of brass or bronze.
Installation, if soldering is required during the process, can only be carried out by a qualified technician with special skills.
Solder solder is very expensive.
It should be borne in mind that the plastic structure of copper implies a tendency for the pipeline to be abraded by small particles in the coolant. Therefore, it is imperative to use mesh filters for coarse water purification.
The soft structure of the material requires the pipeline to be protected from strong mechanical stress - otherwise, its failure cannot be avoided.
High cost - this factor is the main and most significant drawback, which often does not make it possible to install a heated water floor from copper pipes.

Stainless steel pipes are very high quality products for underfloor heating systems. Corrugated products made of high-alloy stainless steel have strength, corrugation gives flexibility during installation, no corrosion, and various types of connecting fittings make it possible to obtain pipelines of high strength and tightness.

This is a fairly new material for arranging heating systems, but it is becoming more and more popular. The reason is simple - the performance is much better than other options. Corrugated steel pipe combines ductility and strength - the main requirements that must be met by the material used for floor heating equipment.

On a note! Corrugated steel pipe appeared at the end of the twentieth century in Japan, but now it is widely produced almost everywhere. Delivery leaders are Germany and Korea. When installing the underfloor heating system, you need to use those materials that will not require replacement for a long time.

This is a very important indicator, since the pipe system is filled with cement screed and it will be very difficult to replace it (the system). This, of course, can be done, but it will take a lot of money, effort, time. And the corrugated stainless pipe differs from analogs here - it does not lose its properties over a long period of use.

Average service life is at least 20 years. On a note! There are several types of steel corrugations - they differ from each other in cross-section. For example, there are pipes on sale with a diameter of 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3.2 cm.

In some industries, products of larger diameters can be made to order. Corrugated stainless steel pipes can be used in various fields. They are suitable for: installation of a heating system; gas and water pipelines; electrical wiring gaskets; arrangement of a fire extinguishing or air conditioning system.

Advantages of a corrugated pipe in a water-heated floor installation Simplicity of installation, which can be achieved due to the fact that corrugation is a flexible and elastic material. Also, when laying, it is most likely not necessary to gouge the walls and spoil the appearance of the room. Connecting individual pieces of material is quite simple thanks to the convenient and simple connector-fittings.

Corrugated steel pipes will not lose their properties even if accidentally squeezed. Products can withstand significant temperature differences (from -50 to +110 degrees) without damage to themselves.

Sudden pressure surges also do not pose a danger to stainless steel corrugated pipes. The limit is 50 atmospheres. The material is undemanding - during operation they do not need to be frequently cleaned or changed.

A stainless steel pipe is not afraid of corrosion, pathogens do not live on it. It can even be used in basements without being filled with concrete, as rodents will not harm it. The relatively low price is one more advantage.

There are not so many disadvantages of a corrugated pipe, but everyone who considers it as a material for arranging a warm floor should know about them.

the price is higher than that of metal-plastic;
it is rather difficult to clean the corrugation in case of contamination;
the product will not withstand excessively high mechanical loads - it must be protected with a casing;
the pipe cannot be used without thermal insulation, otherwise there will be high heat losses. The reason is high heat transfer rates; unfortunately, steel is afraid of some chemicals.

Pipes made of this polymer material are often used to equip underfloor heating. In many respects, such products are ideal for a warm floor.

They have sufficient strength to meet these operating conditions. However, the strength is characteristic only of reinforced polypropylene pipes, which are used for this purpose. Moreover, the reinforcing layer should be represented by a layer of continuous foil, which, in addition to strength, makes a barrier for molecular oxygen.

In addition, polypropylene belongs to chemically inactive substances, which, firstly, excludes corrosion, and secondly, makes the system suitable for using any type of heat carrier.

At the same time, polypropylene has a good coefficient of thermal conductivity, which favors the rapid heating of the floor.

Polypropylene warm floor

The disadvantage of polypropylene pipes is that they are difficult to bend. In order to bend them, you have to resort to heating the material with a stream of hot air, for example, with a building hairdryer. But even so, the bending radius is large enough and it is not enough to lay the underfloor heating loops tightly enough.

Therefore, in order to form a system with a sufficiently small pitch of heating elements, corner fittings are used that connect individual polypropylene sections.

For a sealed connection, the method of soldering polypropylene elements using a special welding machine is used.

The places of such joints with a high-quality soldering of the joints must be absolutely tight. However, after the complete installation of the polypropylene underfloor heating, it is necessary to test the system. To do this, for 1-2 days, she needs to be allowed to work at an increased pressure of 1.5-2 times compared to normal.

If, at the same time, there is no leakage or at least insignificant digging anywhere, you can close the polypropylene floor heating with a screed and continue subsequent work. If even a slight leak is found, this place must be re-soldered after draining the liquid, and then tested again.

Polypropylene pipe

Despite some disadvantages, mainly associated with the duration and relative complexity of installation, floor heating from polypropylene components is still very popular due to the low cost of both pipes and connecting elements to them.

Cross-linked polyethylene or metal-plastic for underfloor heating

At the end of the comparison of XLPE and metal-plastic pipes, we can draw the following conclusion - these two types have approximately the same characteristics.

The differences lie in the fact that the metal-plastic pipe has a high thermal conductivity, heats up faster, and allows you to reduce the time during installation, however, such pipes have a slightly higher cost than those of cross-linked polyethylene.

Cross-linked polyethylene is increasingly being used for the arrangement of underfloor heating. The material itself is, of course, quite expensive. However, cross-linked polyethylene is very easy to use and meets all the above requirements, including durability of operation and high thermal conductivity.

connecting elements does not require special tools and special qualifications of the performer;
the mounting process does not take long;
both types of products lend themselves to bending. By the way, it is this feature that distinguishes them favorably from another type of pipes - polypropylene, which requires various tees and corners.

If we analyze the degree of reliability, then, of course, in the first place is cross-linked polyethylene, because systems with its use use special fixing sleeves, the role of which is to seal the junction of the segments.

Reinforced-plastic does not have such an element and there the connection of the pipe and the fitting is open, which over time can cause a leak.

Both types have different temperature conditions: if cross-linked polyethylene is operated at + 95 ° С, and in isolated cases at + 110 ° С, then metal-plastic is not recommended to operate at temperatures above + 75 ° С.

As for oxygen impermeability, both types have a fairly high level of this factor, but if we take into account the issue of strength, then, of course, cross-linked polyethylene has an advantage.

For example, cyclic freezing and defrosting does not affect PEX in any way, but if water freezes in metal-plastic, then such a product will most likely simply burst.

More recently, the domestic construction markets have been overwhelmed with reinforced-plastic pipes, as this material was very popular. At the present time, it is no longer a sales leader.

the appearance of low-quality fake material;
leaks at the docking point.

In conclusion, I would like to point out that it is best to use a pipe for underfloor heating from well-known official manufacturers, whose careful control of the quality of pipe production guarantees uninterrupted operation throughout the declared service life, and an important factor is the availability of quality certificates and the provision of a guarantee.

These are such brands as Rehau, Valtec, Tece, Uponor, Ekoplastik, Aquapex, Kan, Fado, Icma. All of them provide a guarantee, have European certification, and most importantly, they have long established themselves on the market.

How to calculate a pipe for a warm floor

How to calculate a pipe for a warm floor. On average, 5 running meters of pipe are required per 1 m2. This method is easier in determining how many pipes per m2 are needed to equip a warm floor. With this calculation, the step length is 20 cm.

S is the area of the room.
N - Laying step.
1.1 - stock of the pipe for turns.

When calculating, it is also necessary to add the number of meters from the floor to the collector and back.

Floor area (usable area): 15 m2.
Distance from floor to collector: 4 m.
Underfloor heating installation step: 15 cm (0.15 m.).
Calculations: 15 / 0.15 * 1.1 + (4 * 2) = 118 m.

Underfloor heating has long become synonymous with comfort in the home. It will help to cope with dampness, provide a pleasant movement around the premises. However, it should be not only pleasant to walk, but also completely safe. This means that the choice of equipment and the finishing itself must be carefully considered. What is the best covering for a warm water floor?

Underfloor heating, powered by heating water, is a structure created from a heating circuit, which is usually filled with cement screed. But also the water floor can be made without the use of cement mortars - this is important for those rooms where the floors cannot experience significant stress.

Screed floors represent the following construction (cake).

It is about the correct choice of the final coverage that will be discussed today. It turns out that not every material can be laid on top of underfloor heating structures.

It is worth remembering that underfloor heating is not a home heating system, it is just an element of it that is necessary for a comfortable stay. He is not capable of completely heating the room. Surface heating as a result of the heating system operation cannot exceed +29 degrees. And the water floor cannot be heated by more than +50 degrees. And the level of its heating is quite difficult to regulate - this is influenced by many factors. That is why choosing the right floor covering in this case is not as easy as it seems at first glance.

The heated water cools down for a long time. If the system is overheated, then it will not be cooled instantly. Unfortunately, some types of floor coverings react negatively to sudden temperature fluctuations and excessive heating, deteriorating and losing performance, moreover, they can begin to release substances into the air that have a negative effect on the human body.

On a note! If necessary, you can cool down quite quickly only the now popular one. The floor on the water cools down for a long time.

Thermal conductivity of floor coverings

There are many different types of flooring, from ceramic tiles to wood. All of them have their own specific properties, among which one of the main ones is thermal conductivity. Before we get acquainted with the indicators of thermal conductivity of floor coverings, let's figure out what this concept is - thermal conductivity. In simple words, is the ability of bodies or materials to transfer heat... The higher it is, the faster the material heats up, but also cools down faster.

Table. Thermal conductivity coefficients.

The lower the thermal conductivity, the longer the coating keeps heat. Based on the table, we can conclude that the material that retains heat the longest is cork. The tile retains heat energy worst of all, but heats up quickly.

For floor heating to be as efficient as possible, the finishing material must conduct heat quickly and well. Here, ceramic tiles are in the lead, although they require a fairly powerful heating.

Advice! It is easy to solve the problem with heating power - just buy more powerful heaters; also the pipe is laid with a more frequent pitch. Heaters with a power indicator of at least 200 W / m 2 are purchased under the tiles.

Use of ceramic coatings

The best coating option for this type of floor heating is ceramic tiles. Even with strong heating, it remains the most environmentally friendly material among all those used for the final stage of flooring. Also, it does not deteriorate even with a repeated heating-cooling cycle, has maximum moisture resistance, and is easy to clean. By the way, a high heating rate can also be a disadvantage of using ceramics - it is not always useful for the legs. Tile as a topcoat for a water floor is the best option for those who constantly have cold feet and who often catch colds.

On a note! It is not recommended to install such a covering in a children's room, however, in the bathroom or kitchen, as well as in the corridor, ceramic tiles will be the best option.

In general, tiles of this type can be laid in absolutely any room, if it suits the owner as a covering. It is worth remembering that underfloor heating is usually installed where the contact between the legs and the floor is prolonged.

However, ceramic tiles must be chosen wisely. For example, if the floors in the room will not experience significant stress, then you can lay the tiles rather thin. In this case, it will turn out to achieve the maximum temperature. It is recommended to pay attention to the following indicators when choosing a material.

Attention is also drawn to the porosity of the material. Experts advise against using low density material.

Tiles are laid on water floors in this way: the heating system itself is equipped, which is then poured with a cement-based screed. Next, the tiles are laid in accordance with the selected pattern and glued to the surface of the dried screed with the help of special glue. It is important to check the evenness of the subfloor using a horizontal level. You can turn on the system only after the glue has completely dried, otherwise you can spoil the quality of work on laying the floor covering.

Prices for popular types of floor tiles

floor tile

Wood flooring water floor

Natural wood floors have excellent environmental performance. They are pleasant to the touch and durable, which is the reason for their high popularity. However, this is not the best option for a water floor - it is not recommended to heat a wooden base above +27 degrees. Otherwise, it will dry out. In general, it is possible to use this type of coating on a water heating system, but it is important to carefully monitor the temperature readings - the floors should not work at full capacity.

The same can be said for engineering and parquet boards. By the way, the latter can only fit in a floating way. It is better to use a 4 mm thick parquet board that is oiled rather than varnished. should not be thicker than 16 mm, otherwise it will take a long time to warm up.

Engineering board - features

On a note! A wood covering has low thermal conductivity, which means it will reduce the efficiency of the heating systems themselves. A wooden floor can inadvertently serve as a barrier to the entry of thermal energy into the room.

A wooden floor installed on a water-based heating system can be a hassle in the fall or spring. Due to sudden changes in humidity and temperature, the coating will begin to deform, cracks may appear.

For a coating laid on a water-heated floor, it is better to use wood obtained from exotic tree species. Such materials are characterized by higher resistance to moisture, are not prone to shrinkage and have excellent thermal conductivity compared to other rocks. It can be teak, rosewood. But the cost of wood from these trees is quite high.

On a note! The boards from which the floor will be created should not be thick, otherwise the heat will not penetrate well into the room. However, infrared floors are the best option for heating wood flooring.

Engineering board prices

engineering board

Laminate

Popular types of flooring include laminate. The material has excellent thermal conductivity, is resistant to various chemical influences, but is afraid of moisture. Also, when choosing this material, it is worth buying a laminate that is suitable specifically for laying on warm floors - it is marked with special symbols and must be at least 32 strength class. Lamellas without marking cannot be laid on a warm floor. The thickness of the laminate for laying on the floor should be no more than 8-10 mm.

Also, in the case of laying it on a water floor, it is important to place a special underlay under the laminate. But in any case, it is not recommended to heat the material above +30 degrees. Most often, the laminate is nevertheless placed on an IR film floor.

Attention! Cheap laminate flooring cannot be used on warm floors, and the lamellas must not be heated too much. This is due to the fact that the material is capable of releasing formaldehyde, a dangerous carcinogen, into the environment at high temperatures. Thus, indoor air becomes unsafe for health. Symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning are headaches, nausea, cough, etc. Laminate with the lowest formaldehyde content is marked with the designations E1 and E0.

Prices for laminate "Tarkett"

laminate tarkett

Linoleum for underfloor heating

This type of finish is also one of the most popular finishes. It is used quite often, but can it be installed on warm water floors? So, for laying on the heating system, you can use only natural linoleums (marmoleums) or made of PVC (vinyl). The second type is the cheaper option.

At the same time, there should be no insulation on the linoleum, since the thermal conductivity of such a material is quite low. And in general, linoleum should be chosen with a minimum thickness.

How to choose a cover?

We summarize all of the above and answer the question - what type of finishing coating should you choose? For underfloor heating on water, it is not recommended to use:

coatings based on bamboo raw materials;
low-quality and thick linoleum;
classic parquet.

Floors heated by water can be covered with a certain type of laminate or carpet. They keep warm well, but it is important to ensure that the material does not overheat. This is the best option for bedrooms and halls. PVC-based coverings can also be installed over floors. Although such materials usually do not look very presentable.

Ceramic tiles are the best option, but they won't look good in a bedroom or nursery. But in the kitchen or bathroom, it is irreplaceable.

In general, the choice of flooring will depend on a huge number of factors - the purpose of the room, operating conditions, functionality of the entire heating system of a house or apartment, the strength of the coating, etc. The best option is to cover the hall and rooms with carpet or laminate, and in the kitchen, bathroom , bathroom and corridor close warm floors with tiles.

Video - Coverings for warm floors

We make a water heat-insulated floor

Step 1. The roughing base is thoroughly cleaned. Debris is removed, dust is removed with a construction vacuum cleaner.

Step 2. A layer of waterproofing material is laid. Separate waterproofing strips are connected together with adhesive tape. Insulation is laid on the surface. If the waterproofing is under the screed, then it can not be re-installed.

Step 3. Insulation plates are fixed to the floor using special "fungi", holes for which are drilled with a powerful drill or perforator.

Step 4. A reinforcing mesh is laid on the surface of the insulation and fastened with "fungi". The mesh is laid with an overlap in 1 cell, and the individual canvases are fastened to each other using plastic clamps.

Step 5. A collector is being installed to which the pipes of the water floor will be connected. Collectors are wall-mounted.

Step 6. A special expansion tape is attached to the wall along the floor to compensate for the thermal expansion of the screed.

Step 7. In accordance with the installation scheme, the pipe for the heating circuit is laid on a reinforcing mesh and fixed to it with plastic clamps.

Considering the options for the heating system, the owners of private homes and apartments these days are increasingly deciding to install a water circuit under the floor covering. This method is economical and versatile: it can be both the main and an additional source of heat, it is used in any room - from a bathroom to a loggia. To achieve the greatest efficiency of such heating, it is worth knowing in advance which pipes are better for a warm floor and how to determine their number.

The question of which pipe is better to use for a warm floor should be taken seriously: this is due to the specific operating conditions of the water heating system. The material should only be new and comply with a whole list of technical requirements.

1. Specific weight, manufacturing technology. Installation of "underfloor" heating from steel water and gas pipes is not allowed, even if they are made of stainless steel. SNiP (Building Codes and Rules) prohibit the use of welded pipes in closed underfloor heating systems. The prohibition applies regardless of the type of seam (straight or spiral).

Another disadvantage of pipes made of steel is their heavy weight. The "cake" of a warm floor, including a concrete screed, already has an impressive weight. The steel contour dramatically increases the floor load.

2. Resistance to external influences. It is on it that the durability of the contour poured with concrete depends. After hardening, the monolith becomes a powerful heat storage and distributor (options using a "dry" screed are less effective). The only drawback: diagnostics in case of breakdowns is difficult, replacing a separate section of the pipeline is almost impossible. In the event of a break, the entire system will have to be dismantled.

To avoid such troubles, pipes are chosen from a chemically inert, heat-resistant material (must withstand 90-95 ° C), completely protected from corrosion, with a smooth inner surface that is not prone to the formation of lime deposits. The ideal choice is a pipe with a special protection against oxygen diffusion.

3. Strength. From the outside, the screed presses on the walls, from the inside - the coolant. Although critical pressures are unlikely, the pipe should be rated for 10 bar (in case of extreme surges).

4. Sufficient length. The circuit must be solid as any connections (couplings, fittings, welds) are potential leaks. A gust not detected in time leads to flooding of neighbors from below or to a short circuit in the power grid. Another argument against joints is the high probability of "overgrowth" of pipes and clogging of the system in these places.

The length of the contour is determined by calculation. Usually the material for underfloor heating is supplied in coils and dispensed in running meters. Plasticity allows you to give the pipe a curved shape with bends of the desired radius.

Pipe dimensions

The most popular contour diameters are 16 and 20 mm, material ∅ 25 mm is used much less often. When deciding which pipe is better for a warm water floor, take into account the following:

the smaller the diameter, the greater the hydraulic resistance and the lower the ability to heat exchange;
with an increase in the diameter, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the screed - as a result, the floor level rises (this is not always possible), the load on the floor increases.

The limiting footage of the contour depends on the selected diameter. With an increase in the length of the pipe, the hydraulic resistance of the liquid increases and can exceed the technical capabilities of the circulation pump. The effect of a "locked loop" is created: the pumping unit pumps the coolant while it stands still.

Table 1

If the maximum length of one contour is not enough, then it is recommended to use additional contours.

What is the best pipe material?

Knowing the basic requirements for pipes, it is easier to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the materials most often used for installing a hydraulic floor.

XLPE

Unlike conventional polyethylene, in which the bonds between hydrocarbon chains are very weak, its improved counterpart is much denser. As a result of high pressure pressing, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is obtained, which has many positive properties:

resistance to mechanical stress - the polymer does not burst, does not crack, does not wear off, it is impossible to scratch it;
heat resistance - the product works normally in the range of 0-95 ° C, melting begins after 150 ° C, combustion - at 400 ° C;
corrosion and biological resistance - rust or fungus will never appear on cross-linked polyethylene;
environmental friendliness - the material is completely safe for health, under no circumstances it does not emit harmful compounds.

They often ask: if we compare different pipes for a warm floor - which ones fit better? It is PEX pipes that are considered the most plastic: they bend easily and do not break even after several bends in the same section.

the degree of crosslinking - it must be at least 65-80%, otherwise the material will be fragile;
a method for stitching molecules.

The table below shows the types of XLPE pipes that can be used to make a water floor.

table 2

PEX-a pipes have the highest quality, but their price is quite high. The PEX-b category is more affordable in terms of cost, which also has good technical characteristics.

Note: Separately, it is worth noting the products made of heat-resistant polyethylene PE-RT that have recently appeared on the market, which is of high quality and competes with PEX-a pipes.

Metal-plastic

It is an inexpensive and reliable option and is in high demand. The material consists of several layers glued together. The inner side of the walls is perfectly smooth due to the polymer coating. It protects the aluminum base and adhesives from the destructive effects of water.

Advantages of metal-plastic pipes:

long service life - manufacturers guarantee their performance for 50 years;
corrosion resistance;
health safety - polymers are chemically neutral, do not react with substances dissolved in water;
low specific gravity;
good soundproofing qualities - the coolant moves along the contour almost silently.

Polypropylene

The material has obvious advantages: it is durable, environmentally friendly, and affordable. If necessary, the pipes are connected with a soldering iron (welded). The joints are completely one-piece and durable.

However, there are many significant drawbacks to using this material for a floor heating system. One of them is inconvenience during installation. Polypropylene is quite tough, so the minimum bending radius corresponds to 8-9 tube diameters (for cross-linked polyethylene - 5-6). For example, 16 mm polypropylene pipe can be laid in increments of at least 128 mm. Sometimes this is not enough to provide a given heat output. In addition, polypropylene has low thermal conductivity and a high degree of linear expansion. Another nuance is a strict temperature requirement: the room where the circuit is mounted must be at least 15 o C.

Copper

This metal competes successfully with synthetic materials. The advantages of copper are as follows:

high thermal conductivity;
durability - if all technical requirements for installation and operation are met, the pipes will last at least 50 years;
plastic;
thermal and mechanical strength - the copper tube will not burst, crack or melt under any circumstances.

The disadvantages of copper pipes include:

high material cost - the cost of copper connections is added to the costs of the pipes themselves;
the complexity of installation - it is carried out using a pipe bender and a press machine, professional training is needed to maintain such equipment;
sensitivity to water quality - if it is alkaline or acidic, pipe corrosion begins (the same happens when copper comes into contact with steel fittings).

Summing up the comparison of materials, we note that experts recommend opting for polyethylene or metal-plastic.

Calculation of the number of pipes and laying patterns

Having decided which pipes are better to buy for installing a warm floor, you should calculate their number. For this purpose, draw a stacking scheme:

a room plan is built on a sheet of graph paper on a scale;
items of large-sized furniture and household appliances are schematically applied - it is not recommended to mount pipes under them;
a contour is drawn in the free area according to the selected scheme.

There are the following main options for floor heating water circuits:

"Snake". The pipe is laid first along the perimeter of the room, and then parallel to one of the walls and at the end they come to the starting point. It is not difficult to design and implement this scheme, but it has a serious drawback. While the coolant sequentially, along a snake, passes through the entire room and returns to the collector, it has time to cool down. The area of the floor close to the inset heats up much more than the remote area.
"Snail" or "spiral". The pipe follows the contours of the perimeter all the time, moving towards the center. After reaching the center point, the pipe returns to the manifold. During installation, the contour is laid at double intervals so that there is room for a return stroke. This option distributes heat more evenly across the floor.

"Snail" assumes only one sharply defined bend - in the middle of the diagram. Therefore, rigid pipes with a large bend radius can be used.

When designing, intermediate measurements are made so as not to go beyond the maximum length of the circuit, depending on the diameter of the pipe (table 1). A large room is divided into several sectors, for each of which a separate circuit is developed, connected to a common collector. In this situation, it may be advisable to use a combined scheme: lay most of the room with a "snail", and the rest - with a snake.