Mats for a warm water floor – the rules for choosing and installation

Underfloor heating is revolutionary for keeping your house toasty warm in the winter. And the mats that enable the whole system are at its core. These mats provide a cozy and effective way to heat your house; they are made for warm water floors. To achieve the best possible warmth and energy efficiency, however, selecting the appropriate mats and installing them properly are essential steps.

The first step in making wise choices for your house is to grasp the basics of warm water floor mats. These mats are made of a flexible, long-lasting material with a network of pipes embedded in it. Warm water traveling through these pipes distributes heat evenly throughout the floor and radiates upward, making your living areas feel comfortable. It’s a delicate and effective method of heating your house that gives you steady warmth without requiring large radiators or ducting.

A number of considerations must be made when selecting the appropriate mats for your warm water floor system. The size and arrangement of your space should come first. Because mats come in different sizes, it’s important to measure your rooms precisely so you can choose the right size. The heat output needed in each room of your house should also be taken into account, as this will affect the mats’ spacing and arrangement.

Another crucial component to guaranteeing the efficiency and durability of your warm water floor system is installation. A professional installer can ensure proper setup and peace of mind even if you choose to install the mats yourself. Proper installation entails laying the mats evenly across the subfloor, securing them in place, and connecting the pipes to the water supply and heating system. Careful attention to detail is essential during installation to prevent leaks, guarantee effective heat distribution, and prevent damage to the mats.

Choosing Mats	Installation
Consider room size, floor type, and budget. Opt for mats with appropriate wattage for efficient heating without wasting energy.	Prepare the subfloor, ensuring it"s clean and flat. Lay out the mats evenly, avoiding overlaps or gaps. Secure them firmly and connect to the thermostat following manufacturer instructions.

The appointment of mats for a warm floor

Water-warming floor mats

Insulation substrate is needed when laying any kind of warm floor heating element. Through its use, the system becomes economical while also being effective.

The mats for a water-warm floor serve multiple crucial purposes simultaneously:

1. A special embossed design and the applied marking facilitates the correct layout of the heating elements and their reliable fixation in a given position.
2. Many types of mats have soundproofing properties. The level of noise absorption for a layer of 2 cm is 23 dB.
3. Mats with film waterproofing layers are produced, preventing the flooding of the lower floors with pipe leaks.
4. The main function is thermal insulation. Mats direct heat flows up, preventing significant heat loss and reducing energy costs.
5. The mats can withstand and extinguish significant loads, including dynamic (when walking tenants on the floor), the severity of the screed and heating circuit with hot water, a mass of the finish coating.

Types and features

There are several kinds of mats made for different kinds of rooms, with variations in material composition and pipe attachment techniques. Everybody has some benefits and drawbacks.

Foil

Are composed of foamed polymers (polyethylene, foam), and a layer of foil covers one side. They have a necessary foil portion covering them from the outside, and coolant pipes are arranged on this surface. Such heaters have their canvases arranged in. It is advised to glue the joint using waterproof foil tape to guarantee the integrity of the produced reflective and waterproofing surface.

It is not the most effective solution to lay a water floor using these kind of mats. Such a substrate can only be used if the floor’s base already has enough thermal insulation and the heated floor is regarded as an addition to the primary heating system.

The basements and basement rooms are located beneath the first floor’s foil of the mat, which is completely non-applicable. Additionally, they don’t work with private one-story buildings.

One major drawback of the pipe layout over foil mats is the additional mounting that requires special tools, such as metal mesh or "comb."

Thin mats from extruded polystyrene

By installing these mats, you can create a heated floor that can serve as your primary source of heating. With some caution, flat mats made of foil-coated, 40 x 50 mm thick extruded polystyrene (EPPS) are a good fit for water floors. It is significant that the PPS has a high density of roughly 40 kg/m3. Since this material lacks hydraulic protection, you must cover it with plastic wrap before installing the pipes.

The lack of marginal lines on a few mats in this class is a minor annoyance. They will need to be used on their own. In this instance, the pipes are simply fastened with the use of brackets.

EPPS mats with coating

More ideal than the preceding variety. The material used to make EPPS mats has greater strength. They have a film coating with a marked mesh in addition to a foil layer, which greatly streamlines the pipe laying procedure in accordance with the previously drawn circuit. Similar mats are a finished design that retain all the benefits of polystyrene foams; the foil and film layer applied to them removes the need to place a "foam"-type substrate on top.

These mats are practical for styling. Like a tractor caterpillar, they roll across the floor, transforming into a solid, dense surface devoid of fissures. In order to conjugate adjacent rows, specific grooves known as lamellas are supplied. EPPS pipes are attached to mats with "comb" or brackets.

Polistyle profile foam (with bosses)

When it comes to installing warm floor water pipes, this is the most practical choice. Stamping technology is used to create Polistyle profile matles, giving them a complex configuration. Curly protrusions, or beobes, with a height of 20 to 25 mm and a variety of shapes, including rectangular, cylindrical, and triangular, are present on their upper surface. Heating pipes are firmly positioned in the grooves created between the bosses, achieving superior fixation that totally prevents pipe displacement while filling the screed.

These mats have a lot of benefits.

• The density of the polystyrene foam used in their manufacture is 40 kg/m3, which allows them to easily withstand all mechanical loads.
• The thermal conductivity of the material is low. They perfectly hold heat, avoiding unnecessary heating of the inter -story floors or a flooded floor base.
• Physical characteristics and complex cellular configuration of mats make them magnificent noise absorbers – the room receives additional sound insulation.
• A special system of end centering castles of mats allows you to assemble mats in a continuous surface, without gaps on joints that can pass moisture.
• Placement of protrusions allows you to strictly withstand the step of laying the pipe – from 50 mm or more, with a distance, a multiple of 50.

Less expensive polystyrene foam mats with bosses and no laminating film coating are available for purchase. However, choosing mats with coating is preferable. Since they also serve as the waterproofing layer, they are slightly more costly but more dependable.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits and drawbacks of using matting

The following benefits come from using mats as a heat-insulating substrate:

• Compliance with fire safety standards, when ignited, they selfless.
• Netoxicity and environmental friendliness.
• Elasticity – maintaining the form throughout the entire life;
• resistance to temperature leaps when turning on and off the warm floor (from +180 to -180 degrees);
• Chemical inertia, resistance to bacteria, decay, oxidation.
• Water -repellent ability. Mats will prevent water leaks on the lower floors in case of pipe rupture.

• Simplicity of installation. The presence of additional fasteners where the pipes of the warm floor are placed facilitate the process of laying them. The installation of the pipeline according to any selected scheme does not take much time.
• Due to the presence of mounting markings on mats for a warm water floor, the efficiency of heat distribution in the room increases.
• Long life.

The price of premium mats is their sole disadvantage. However, when considering the warm floor’s overall "budget," the costs are entirely justified as they result in significant energy bill savings.

The noise level in the room is lowered to 25 dB by using bobes and polistyle mates for a warm water floor.

Criterias of choice

What to consider when making a decision

The first thing you should consider when selecting mats is the material’s authenticity. There are many imitations in the construction industry, and since heat insulators must meet stringent specifications, making a mistake in this case could be highly costly. Consequently, make sure to check security and conformance certificates, as well as whether a guarantee is available for the goods.

To avoid making a mistake when purchasing, you should consider the following when selecting a suitable option:

• waterproofing level;
• the ability of a particular model to withstand static and dynamic load;
• the diameter of the pipes suitable for laying into this type;
• Requirements for the premises in which installation work will be performed.

Double lock in mats strengthen the connection and cut down on heat loss. Such a material is very simple to install, taking little time or effort.

In addition, there are several other parameters:

1. Thickness. Selecting the material, take into account the height of the layer of screed and decorative coating. In rooms with already mounted insulation, you can take a material of small thickness.
2. If there is the possibility of a choice, without a doubt, one should give preference to mats with a foil or laminating upper layer. This will immediately solve the issue of waterproofing before pouring the screed, and in addition, will increase the efficiency of the heating system of the floor.
3. Pay attention to the compliance of the parameters of the mat with the planned diameter of the contour pipes and the step of its laying – discrepancies are not excluded here.
4. Consider the area of the room in which pipe laying is planned. If the area is large, then it is worth giving preference to the material with "bobes".

Review of the best brands and manufacturers

Which brands are trustworthy

Numerous domestic and international manufacturers offer high-quality products. Experts and consumers agree that goods sold under trademarks should be given extra consideration:

The most popular mat brands among consumers are the following ones:

Therm Pro KNAUF

Intended to be installed in a 50 mm step water circuit. The material’s bosses, which feature unique ledges, firmly secure heating pipes with a 14–17 mm diameter. Mats are covered in a rigid polystyrene film that adds additional stiffness. The plates have markings on both sides. All the way around the perimeter are the locks. The plates have a soundproof surface on the back. 45 mm is the material thickness. Base: 25 mm. The plates measure 1.2 x 0.6 m.

These mats cost a little more than the equivalents supplied by other producers. This is because of the model’s excellent quality and design features. The material is strong and able to bear a heavy weight. A polystyrene film with a black color on top provides the required level of waterproofing. The rear is where the marking is applied. The pipe-laying step for diameters between 14 and 17 mm is 5 cm. Height of mata: 24 mm.

WF16-50 Foam

The domestic manufacturer’s offer. intended to be used with pipes that have a 16 mm diameter on a water floor. The dense 30 mm thick base of the plates offers the required degree of thermal protection. Installation apertures are spaced 50 mm apart. Size of Trp: 100 x 100 x 5 cm.

Oventrop’s NP-35

Mats are advised when setting up a concrete screed and installing bulk floors. possess excellent heat and sound absorption.

WLG-045

Slabs of the rolled variety coated in polypropylene film. Useful for pipes measuring 1.4 and 1.6 cm in diameter and for styling steps that are between 5 and 30 centimeters in length. Ten square meters make up one roll.

Energoflex Super TP

Mats rolled up for a floor in warm water. Foil, a 5 centimeter step coordination mesh was applied. Size of a rolon: 0.5 x 120 x 150 cm.

The main goal when choosing and installing mats for a warm water floor is to maximize comfort and heating efficiency while maintaining durability and safety. Because these mats come in different types and sizes and are intended to distribute heat evenly across the floor, careful consideration is required before purchasing and installing them. Important considerations include the kind of flooring, insulation, size of the room, and suitability for the current heating system. Adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines during installation ensures optimal performance and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions or damage. Homeowners can optimize energy usage, ensure long-term satisfaction, and improve the warmth and coziness of their living spaces by knowing the guidelines for selecting and installing these mats.

Statement technology

Features of style and technology

The order in which mats are laid for a heated floor is directly related to the kind of insulation that is being used.

Any type of flooring must adhere to the following general requirements:

1. Under the mats, waterproofing is necessarily arranged. This can be a film surface of the base of the floor, insulation of coating or penetrating type. It is important to exclude capillary penetration of moisture from below, as well as create a barrier that will not allow leaks down if the integrity of the contour pipe is suddenly violated.
2. A damper tape is necessarily glued around the perimeter of the room and on deformation ruptures.
3. The mats are laid on a waterproofed surface and fastened together by locking joints (if they are provided for by the design).
4. Thin and light mats require fixation to the floor. This can be done using glue. But it is strictly forbidden to use metal fasteners for this – the waterproofing of the floor and the strength characteristics of the mat will suffer both the waterproofing.
5. If flat mats (plates) that do not have a castle joints are used, it is also advisable to glue them to the floor surface. The joints between the sheets must be glued on top with waterproof tape.
6. Lay the first mat so that the two sides on which there are no castles are adjacent to the wall. Accordingly, subsequent mats will be invested on top of a nearby mat with their locks. If trimming is required, we can use the marking on the back, which also duplicates with the external.
7. When laying, make sure that the mats are pressed to the damping tape. If such a technical possibility is not due to the irregularities of the walls or angles of irregular shape, it is perfectly replenished with the distance with some material, let"s say with mounting foam, that is, one that is able to fill these seams. This will avoid spreading "milk" when pouring concrete.
8. Dampfer tape should be made of soft materials. It can be polystyrene or foam foam. Ideally, so that there are no extruded materials, because the screed then in the process of expansion, after heating it will not be possible to expand somewhere, it will simply take a dead end.
9. The further stroke of the laying of mats is in the run, since this will ensure the strength of the structure.

Pipic laying: Rules and nuances

Characteristics of pipe installation

The warm floor’s pipes can only be installed once all of the room’s surfaces have been covered in mats. There are two methods for laying the pipe: snake or snail.

A snail method works better because heat is distributed more evenly because the pipe is twisted while being laid. There is no temperature differential between the supply and reverse lines when using this laying scheme. When using the snake method, the coolant first enters the supply line and, while it circulates, he also provides heat. When the coolant returns, the arched coolant may be undercuted if it is in a room.

No further fixation is needed once the underlying pipe is fully installed. Because one anchor bracket can suffice at a distance of 50 meters from the pipe, bobses have an angled shape that is reversed.

Testing the system is the last step in the styling process. Pneumatic and hydraulic methods can be used to make it. We roll up with water in the first scenario and air in the second. The best tests are hydraulic ones.

After making the necessary preparations, such as making sure the site is ready for construction, and setting beacons, you can move on to the screed arrangement. After applying pressure, a solution is poured into the pipe.

Step 200 allows for the laying of a warm floor on bossed mats. Some people do believe that step 150 is the best, though. This is probably a myth, as the heat engineering calculation is the only thing that reveals the truth. It only takes a 3-degree rise in coolant temperature to reach the required heat transfer coefficient with a step 200, and the pipe can be greatly reduced. About 1 p./m x 1 kV./m is the difference between a winding step 150 and a step 200. so a 20% pipe savings is possible.

The comfort and effectiveness of your home heating system can be greatly increased by selecting and installing mats for a warm water floor. With so many options on the market, it’s important to know what the most important factors are to weigh before choosing.

First, determine the precise requirements of your area. Take into account elements like the area that needs to be heated, the type of flooring that is currently in place, and the insulation levels. The results of this assessment will be used to determine the right kind and size of mats needed to provide the best possible heating results.

When choosing mats, durability and quality should come first. Purchasing high-quality mats guarantees dependability and effectiveness over the long run. Seek for goods from manufacturers who have a solid reputation for creating dependable heating solutions. In addition, take into account aspects like customer feedback and warranty coverage when determining the product’s dependability.

The secret to maximizing the effectiveness of warm water floor mats is proper installation. Make sure the installation is done by qualified experts that adhere to industry best practices and manufacturer guidelines. In addition to ensuring effective heating, correctly installed mats reduce the possibility of damage and maintenance problems.

Maintaining the proper operation of your warm water floor system requires routine maintenance. Plan on doing routine checks to look for wear or damage, and take quick action to fix any problems that are discovered. To increase the lifespan of your heating system, you should also adhere to the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance procedures.

To sum up, in order to achieve the best possible performance and efficiency, carefully consider a number of factors when choosing and installing mats for a warm water floor. You can take advantage of a cozy and economical heating solution for many years to come by selecting high-quality products, adhering to installation guidelines, and performing routine maintenance.

Video on the topic

Warm waterflower floor, example of installation on mat with bobes