Which pipes for a water warm floor is better? Compare 4 options!

The comfort and effectiveness of your home can be greatly enhanced by selecting the appropriate pipes for a water-based underfloor heating system. It can be difficult to choose the option that best suits your needs when there are so many on the market. To assist you in making an informed choice for your heating and insulation needs, we will compare four popular types of pipes that are utilized in water underfloor heating systems in this article.

Let’s start by exploring the world of cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, pipes. PEX pipes are a common option for underfloor heating because of their corrosion resistance, flexibility, and durability. Both professionals and homeowners like them because they are reasonably simple to install and can withstand high temperatures. Nonetheless, there are various PEX pipe grades available, each with a unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

The PERT (polyethylene of raised temperature resistance) pipes come next, and they resemble PEX pipes in many ways. PERT pipes are a good fit for underfloor heating applications because of their exceptional flexibility and durability. They are also resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. PERT pipe quality, however, can differ based on the manufacturer and grade, just like PEX pipe quality.

Multilayer composite pipes, or PE-RT/AL/PE-RT pipes, are an additional choice to take into account. These pipes are made of three layers: PERT on the outside, aluminum on the inside for improved heat conduction, and PERT on the inside. Because of their exceptional flexibility, durability, and thermal conductivity, this construction is a popular option for underfloor heating systems.

Last but not least, there are the conventional copper pipes, which have long been utilized for underfloor heating. Copper pipes are resistant to high temperatures and pressure and have excellent heat transfer capabilities. Nevertheless, they can be more difficult to install, particularly in retrofitting applications, and are less flexible than plastic pipes.

In conclusion, there are benefits and drawbacks specific to each type of pipe that apply to water underfloor heating systems. The ideal option for your project will rely on a number of variables, including your budget, installation specifications, and personal taste. You can choose a pipe type that will provide your home with the best possible comfort and efficiency by being aware of the features that each type has to offer.

Copper pipes for warm floor

Naturally, copper pipes will be regarded as the best choice when it comes to pipes for a water warm floor. Because of its high thermal conductivity and durability—copper is known to last for over a dozen years—it facilitates heat transfer, which is essential for a warm floor. However, there is a major disadvantage: copper is not meant to be installed in a screed. Under these conditions, copper has a poor resistance to corrosion, so your pipe will eventually burst.

Metal -plastic pipes for a warm floor

PEX-AL-PEX metal-plastic pipes, also known as Pert-Pert, are available in a five-layer version that consists of polyethylene on the inside, followed by an adhesive layer, aluminum foil with an additional adhesive layer, and stitched polyethylene on the outside.

The glue layer has a significant value. She joins an aluminum layer and a stitched polyethylene layer together. In the early 1990s of the twenty-first century, this model was introduced to the Russian market. She passed all of the operational tests in Russia for a very long period. PEX-AL-PEX pipes are the primary conduit used in certain areas, while steamed polyethylene (PEX) pipes are used in others. As you can see, it is actually the same. The only distinction between a metal and plastic pipe is the presence of aluminum foil.

Pipes can be laid without connections, are simple to install, and are resistant to corrosion. Pipes are highly flexible, allowing them to be installed in non-standard spaces. Metaloplasty pipes can be installed independently since they don’t require any specialized tools. The installation of the fixtures is the only thing that warrants consideration. Here, there are subtleties. A leak or even a pipe break can result from fittings that are installed incorrectly or inaccurately.

This is the ideal pipe to install on a heated floor in terms of installation. They still haven’t emerged as more practical. However, the cost is nearly the highest. Most of the time, experts advise against installing metal-plastic pipes. The primary cause is the potential separation of an aluminum layer from a piece of sewn polyethylene. However, after more than 30 years, manufacturers finally grasped the workings of their product and developed a single, high-quality production scheme that will enable the production of goods without marriage.

Pipe from stitched polyethylene (PEX) for a warm floor

PEX pipe are particularly soft and elastic. They are wear -resistant and durable. Supposed in large bays up to 600 meters. Due to this, they can be laid in a single line without adhesion and additional mounts, which eliminates the risk of leakage or mechanical damage during installation. Durable – service life up to 50 years. Have high temperature stability without losing service life. Withstand the temperature up to +95 ° C. In addition, such a pipe can be poured with concrete. The only negative-because of their elasticity, they must be fixed to the floor with additional clamps to avoid unreasoning. If you answer the question which pipe for water flooring is better or optimal in terms of price and quality, then the leader will be the leader of the stitched polyethylene.

PEX pipes stitching methods

Although there are three distinct stitching techniques, only one is utilized in the Russian market.

A specific temperature regime is observed at the end of the extruder, under the clear supervision of skilled specialists, and special additives and peroxides are added to the material’s total mass. This results in the creation of a pipe with the desired stitch coefficient and the three-dimensional interweaving of structural grates inside the manufactured goods.

• PEX-B-chemical (expensive)

Exorbitant ingredients are added to the overall mass (cheap additives and peroxides are not included). The process of sewing involves submerging the pipe in steam or a bath with a high temperature regime during the hydration stage. Controlling the different temperature parameters and time intervals is imperative. Finally, a pipe with the necessary stitch coefficient is produced.

• PEX-S-radiation (method for identifying radiation errors)

This technique tracks the position of gamma rays or electrons. Pay close attention to where the electrodes are in relation to the pipe. Consequently, obtaining a stitched pipe with a consistent length to width ratio is imperative.

There are various sewing techniques to accomplish a same objective. Reliability and the use of high-quality materials in pipe manufacturing are the primary indicators. To reduce the recipient’s ability to identify marriage, meticulous production control must be implemented.

It is advisable to select pipe types that are composed of high-quality materials. It is preferable to not cut costs here. To sell more of his products, the maker needs to have a solid reputation. Additionally, it is advisable to select a manufacturer located within the borders of the Russian Federation, in order to facilitate communication and enable the resolution of any issues that may arise. Therefore, the products must be returned to the seller and a replacement must be requested if any defects are found during the installation process.

If, however, the flaw remains undiscovered and the pipe is filled with concrete, an emergency could arise during operation with potentially disastrous results, for which someone would be held accountable. It will therefore be challenging to request an explanation if the manufacturer is not Russian.

PE-RT pipes

Locate PE-RT in the image.

It is only recently that PE-RT has started to supply the warm floor pipe market. This is the best option in terms of cost. A very affordable fix. However, purchasing a product of relatively low quality in this market is quite realistic.

What distinguishes this from PEX? Technology used in production is crucial. This is not the place for such potent molecular stitching. Thermostabilized polyethylene is called PE-RT. Simultaneously, it is subtly employed in the installation of radiant heating systems and warm floors. During the break, the pipe is not subject to restoration. To be honest though, even the PEX pipe that was fixed after the break is utilized with a great deal of anxiety.

The first and second types are PE-RT. The first kind of inexpensive pipes is widely available in the CIS market. These pipes function calmly at room temperature; only items that are sold without an oxygen barrier are excluded. As a result, each meter costs 30–40 rubles. Actually, you purchase a hose that has marginally superior temperature characteristics. The astute manager will undoubtedly inform you that, theoretically, water supply systems are intended for this pipe. And it will be entirely accurate. You can count on one hand the number of truly wise managers.

PE-RT of the second variety is available for purchase with or without an oxygen barrier. Naturally, it is preferable to use pipes with oxygen protection for heating systems. Since it has the best temperature characteristics, radiator heating systems frequently use this pipe.

For your water-based underfloor heating system to operate effectively and last a long time, the right pipes are essential. This article will compare four commonly used options: copper, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), and PEX-AL-PEX (a composite pipe with an aluminum layer). Cost, flexibility, durability, and installation ease are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages of each type. You can make an informed choice to guarantee the heating system in your house operates as efficiently and comfortably as possible by comparing these factors to your unique needs and financial constraints.

Corrugated stainless pipe for a warm floor

Stainless steel corrugated flooring has been more and more popular lately. Numerous benefits of this material include an endless service life, ease of bending without the need for extra equipment, and a large number of connecting units. They are a great option for small rooms because of this. Because the pipes can be filled with concrete, they are frequently utilized in both new construction and older homes with worn-out heat pipelines. Cons: The selection in construction stores is limited, and the price is comparatively high. Additionally, when water is moved to such pipes, the noise level increases due to their "corrugated" design.

On the Russian market, corrugated stainless steel pipe production has significantly increased. Both the temperature and pressure indicators are far below what they offer. They have significant hydraulic resistance in that number. To create a water-warm floor in any room, the best course of action is to remove these pipes from the materials.

Warm pipe diameter

Once you’ve selected a warm floor pipe, the next step is to determine the ideal diameter. Use 16 and 20 diameters the most frequently. To use large diameters is absurd.

For your eyes, 16 diameter of a warm floor pipe is usually sufficient. It occurs in accordance with the features of heat engineering in 90% of cases. It’s also very convenient to work with him on everything.

Because of the pipe’s difficulty in flexion and slightly increased styling step, you can also use pipes with a diameter of 20.

Warm pipe laying

Ideally, special heat programs should be used to calculate the pipe laying step. You are most definitely not wrong if you use them. If, however, you are not afforded such a chance, then the following information ought to serve as a foundation:

• The main area of the warm floor should be laid with a step of 150 mm
• The marginal zones (zones with outer walls) should be reinforced and laid with a step of 100 mm. The size of the regional zone is about 1 meter from the wall.

Calculation of the pipe of the warm floor

It is fairly easy to calculate the pipe length for a water-warm floor. Table values are given for this. As you can see below, information regarding the number of pipes used on one square meter is provided for each step.

These figures are incredibly precise. However, it is wise to set aside 10% just in case, to avoid purchasing the wrong thing.

All you need to do is convert the number to tabular values once you’ve determined how many square meters you have—10, 15, and 20 in incremental amounts.

Mechanical damage – a break of the pipeline

As a result, the higher the temperature, the faster the pipe fracture occurs. If the temperature starts to rise and reaches 70 degrees or higher, the pipeline can break. This indicates that the pipeline system is aging quickly.

It’s intriguing that irrational factors might be the root of the malfunction. For instance, many pipes can experience pressure that reaches 50 degrees or higher, which definitely raises the risk of a pipeline fracture. For example, pipes are typically made to last for many decades rather than just one year of use. Additionally, during this period, additional conditions might arise that cause the material to deteriorate quickly and possibly lead to a breakdown.

Practice demonstrates that the warm floor’s pipes are so hot that it was even necessary to disconnect individual components; however, this problem can be fixed at any moment using the standard operating procedures.

Without a doubt, the benefit of a pipe made of stitched polyethylene is that its composition gives it a high chemical structure and the capacity to heal quickly. Stated differently, in the event that a heavy object falls onto a pipeline during installation work, you can use a construction hairdryer to heat the damaged area and then take the appropriate steps to remove it, regardless of the type of stitching at the pipeline. Furthermore, the pipeline will maintain all of its fundamental characteristics.

It’s clear from comparing the four pipe options available for water warm floor systems that each type has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Due to its affordability and flexibility, PEX is a preferred option for homeowners. It is appropriate for a variety of installations due to its corrosion resistance and expansion capacity.

PVC pipes, on the other hand, are a dependable choice for many installations because of their affordability and durability. Their stiffness, though, can cause problems during installation and in confined areas. Furthermore, they might not be appropriate for applications involving high temperatures.

PE-RT pipes provide a sustainable option for those looking for something more environmentally friendly. They are appropriate for water warm floor systems because of their flexibility and resistance to high temperatures. But some homeowners might be put off by their higher price when compared to other options.

Last but not least, metal pipes made of copper have superior conductivity and durability but are more expensive and may corrode over time. In spite of this, some people still favor copper because of its durability.

In conclusion, a variety of factors, including installation requirements, budget, and personal preferences, ultimately influence the choice of pipes for a water warm floor system. Before choosing a choice, homeowners should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Speaking with a qualified installer can also give you important advice on which pipes are best for your particular requirements.

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Which pipes for a warm floor is better!

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