How long can the contour of the warm floor be. What is the optimal length of the underfloor heating pipe? Calculation of the pipe diameter in a design with natural circulation
"Warm floors" are no longer perceived as a kind of exotic - more and more homeowners are turning to this technology for heating their residential properties. Such a system can fully take on the function of a full-fledged home heating, or work in tandem with classic heating devices - or convectors. Naturally, these features are taken into account in advance, at the stage of general design.
There are more than enough proposals for project development, installation and debugging of systems. And yet, many homeowners, according to the good old tradition, strive to do everything with their own hands. But such work "by eye" is still not done - one way or another, calculations are required. And one of the key parameters is the total allowable length of pipes of one circuit.
And since, in the conditions of an ordinary average private residential building, as a rule, a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm is quite enough for laying, we will focus on it. So, we are considering the question of what can be the maximum length of the underfloor heating circuit with a 16 pipe.
Why is it better to use a pipe with an outer diameter of 16 mm?
To begin with, why is a 16 mm pipe being considered?
Everything is very simple - practice shows that for "warm floors" in a house or apartment of this diameter is enough. That is, it is difficult to imagine a situation where the circuit does not cope with its task. This means that there is no really justified reason to use a larger, 20-millimeter one.
And, at the same time, the use of a 16 mm pipe provides a number of advantages:
- First of all, it is about a quarter cheaper than the 20mm counterpart. The same applies to all the necessary fittings - the same fittings.
- Such pipes are easier to lay, with them it is possible, if necessary, to perform a compact step of laying out the contour, up to 100 mm. With a 20mm tube, there is a lot more fuss, and a small step is simply impossible.
- The volume of coolant in the circuit is significantly reduced. A simple calculation shows that in a linear meter of a 16 mm pipe (with a wall thickness of 2 mm, the inner channel is 12 mm) holds 113 ml of water. And in 20 mm (inner diameter 16 mm) - 201 ml. That is, the difference is more than 80 ml per just one meter of pipe. And on the scale of the heating system of the whole house - this literally translates into a very decent amount! And after all, it is necessary to ensure the heating of this volume, which entails, in principle, unjustified energy costs.
- Finally, a pipe with a larger diameter will also require an increase in the thickness of the concrete screed. Like it or not, but at least 30 mm above the surface of any pipe will have to be provided. Let these "unfortunate" 4–5 mm do not seem ridiculous. Anyone who was involved in pouring the screed knows that these millimeters turn into tens and hundreds of kilograms of additional concrete mortar - it all depends on the area. Moreover, for a 20 mm pipe, it is recommended to make the screed layer even thicker - about 70 mm above the contour, that is, it turns out to be almost twice as thick.
In addition, in residential premises there is often a “struggle” for every millimeter of floor height - simply for reasons of insufficient “space” to increase the thickness of the overall “pie” of the heating system.
A 20 mm pipe is justified when it is necessary to carry out a floor heating system in rooms with a high load, with a high intensity of people's traffic, in gyms, etc. There, simply for reasons of increasing the strength of the base, it is necessary to use more massive thick screeds, for the heating of which a large heat exchange area is also required, which is exactly what a pipe of 20, and sometimes even 25 mm, provides. In residential areas, there is no need to resort to such extremes.
It may be objected that in order to "push" the coolant through a thinner pipe, it will be necessary to increase the power indicators of the circulation pump. Theoretically, the way it is - the hydraulic resistance with a decrease in diameter, of course, increases. But as practice shows, most circulation pumps are quite capable of this task. Below, attention will be paid to this parameter - it is also linked to the length of the contour. This is what calculations are made in order to achieve optimal, or at least acceptable, fully functional performance of the system.
So, let's focus on the pipe exactly 16 mm. We will not talk about the pipes themselves in this publication - that is a separate article of our portal.
What pipes are optimal for a water "warm floor"?
Not all products are suitable for creating a floor heating system. Pipes are embedded in the screed for many years, that is, their quality and performance are subject to special requirements. How to choose - read in a special publication of our portal.
How to determine the length of the contour?
The question seems to be quite simple. The fact is that on the Internet you can find a lot of recommendations on this matter - both from pipe manufacturers, and from experienced craftsmen, and from, let's be honest, absolute amateurs who simply "tear" information from other resources, not particularly going into subtleties.
So, in the installation instructions that manufacturers often accompany their products, you can find the established limit for the length of the circuit for a 16 mm pipe reaches 100 meters. Other publications show a border of 80 meters. Experienced installers recommend limiting the length to 60 ÷ 70 meters.
It would seem, what else is needed?
But the fact is that the contour length indicator, especially with a vague definition of “maximum length”, is very difficult to consider in isolation from other system parameters. Lay out the contour "by eye", just so as not to exceed the recommended limits - an amateurish approach. And with such an attitude, it is quite possible to soon encounter deep disappointments in the operation of the system. Therefore, it is better to operate not with an abstract “permissible” contour length, but with an optimal one corresponding to specific conditions.
And it depends (more precisely, it does not depend as much as it is closely interconnected) on a host of other parameters of the system. This includes the area of the room, its purpose, the estimated level of its heat loss, the expected temperature in the room - all this will allow you to determine the step of laying the circuit. And only then it will be possible to judge its resulting length.
So we will try to “unravel this tangle” in order to come to the optimal length of the contour. And then - check the correctness of our calculations.
A few basic requirements for the parameters of the "warm floor"
Before proceeding with the calculations, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with some of the requirements that a water floor heating system must meet.
- "Warm floor" can act as the main heating system, that is, fully provide a comfortable microclimate in the premises of the house and compensate for heat losses. Another option, more rational - it acts as an "assistant" to conventional radiators or convectors, taking on a certain share in the overall operation of the system, increasing the overall comfort in the house. In this case, the calculation should be carried out in close relationship - the owners must decide in advance in what proportion the overall system will work. For example, 60% is taken over by the high-temperature radiator system, and the rest is given to the "warm floor" circuits. It can also be used autonomously, for example, maintaining comfort in the premises during the off-season, when it still (or already) does not make sense to “drive the entire heating system to full”.
- The temperature of the coolant at the supply to the "warm floor" is limited - a maximum of 55 degrees. The temperature difference at the inlet and return must be in the range from 5 to 15 degrees. A drop of 10 degrees is considered normal (optimally, it is desirable to bring it up to 5 - 7).
The following modes of operation are usually taken into account.
Table of modes of operation of the water "warm floor"
- There are quite strict restrictions on the maximum surface temperature of the "warm floor". Overheating of floors is not allowed for a number of reasons. This is an uncomfortable feeling for a person’s legs, and difficulties in creating an optimal microclimate, and possible damage to the finish.
The following limit values for surface heating have been established for different rooms:
- Before starting the calculations, it is advisable to immediately draw up an approximate diagram of the layout of the circuit in the room. There are two main pipe laying patterns - "snake" and "snail" with multiple variations.
A - the usual "snake";
B - double "snake";
B - angular "snake";
G - "snail".
The usual "snake" seems to be laid out easier, but it turns out too many 180-degree turns, which increases the hydraulic resistance of the circuit. In addition, with this layout, a temperature difference can be clearly felt from the beginning of the circuit to the end - this is well shown in the diagram by a color change. The disadvantage can be eliminated by laying a double snake, but such installation is already more difficult to perform.
In the "snail" heat is distributed more evenly. In addition, 90-degree turns predominate, which reduces head losses. But laying such a scheme is still more difficult, especially if there is no experience in such work.
The circuit itself may not occupy the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe room - often pipes are not laid in those places where it is planned to install stationary furniture.
However, many masters criticize this approach. Stationarity of furniture - the value is still quite arbitrary, and the "warm floor" is laid for decades. In addition, the alternation of cold and heated zones is an undesirable phenomenon, at least from the point of view of the possible appearance of pockets of dampness over time. Unlike electrical systems, local overheating due to closed areas does not threaten water floors, so there should be no concerns from this side.
So there is no strict framework in this regard. It is possible, in order to save material, to leave unfilled areas, or to lay the contour completely over the entire area. But if at some site it is planned to install pieces of furniture or plumbing fixtures that require fastening to the floor (for example, fastening the toilet with dowels or anchors), then this place, of course, remains free from the contour. There is simply a high probability of damaging the pipe when installing fasteners.
Which contour laying scheme is better to choose?
More details about the choice of laying schemes, with theoretical justifications, are described in a separate article on our portal.
- The pipe laying step can be from 100 to 300 mm (usually it is a multiple of 50 mm, but this is not a dogma). Less than 100 mm is neither possible nor necessary. And with a step of more than 300 mm, the “zebra effect” can be felt, that is, the alternation of warm and cold stripes.
But which step will be optimal - the calculations will show, since it is closely related to the expected heat transfer of the floor and the temperature regime of the system.
- One more caveat - all subsequent heat engineering calculations are shown for the optimal size of the "pie" of the floor heating system.
It was said above that the thickness of the screed should be at least 300 mm above the surface of the pipes. But to ensure full accumulation and uniform distribution of heat, it is recommended to adhere to a thickness of 45-50 mm (namely for a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm).
Learn how to do it right, choose mixtures, prepare a solution, and also get acquainted with the technology of pouring water and electric underfloor heating.
And so that the generated heat is not wasted on heating the floor or other base of the "warm floor", a thermal insulation layer is necessarily provided under the pipe circuit. Usually, expanded polystyrene with a density of about 35 kg / m³ is used for this (extruded is better, as it is more durable and efficient). The minimum thickness that ensures the correct operation of the "warm floor" should be:
| Features of the base of the "warm floor" | The minimum thickness of the thermal insulation "cushion" |
|---|---|
| Floor over the ceiling above the heated room, the temperature in which is ˃ 18 °C | 30 mm |
| 50 mm | |
| Floor over the ceiling above the heated room, the temperature in which is from 10 to 17 °C | 70 mm |
| Floor on the ground, including in basements or basements with a depth from ground level up to 1500 mm. | 120 mm |
| Floor in basements or basements with a depth from ground level of more than 1500 mm | 100 mm |
All these last remarks have been made because the following calculations will be valid precisely for such recommended "ideal" conditions.
Carrying out calculations of the main parameters of the circuit
In order to lay the pipe contour with the optimal pitch (and its total length will subsequently depend on this), it is first necessary to find out what heat transfer is expected from the system. This is best shown by the specific heat flux density g, calculated per unit floor area (W/m²). Let's start with this.
Calculation of the specific density of the heat flux of the "warm floor"
Calculating this value, in principle, is not difficult - you just need to divide the required amount of thermal energy needed to replenish the heat loss of the room by the area of \u200b\u200bthe "warm floor". This does not mean the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe room, namely the “active”, that is, involved in the heating system, on which the circuit will be laid out.
Of course, if the "warm floor" will work in conjunction with a conventional heating system, then this is also immediately taken into account - only the planned percentage of the total heat output is taken. For example, 1.5 kW is required to heat a room (replenish heat loss), and the share of "warm floor" is assumed to be 60%. So, when calculating the specific heat flux density, we operate with the value 1.5 kW × 0.6 = 0.9 kW
Where can we get the indicator of the total required power to compensate for heat losses? There are many recommendations based on the ratio of 1 kW of energy per 10 m² of floor space. However, this approach turns out to be too approximate, not taking into account a lot of important external factors and features of the room. Therefore, it is better to carry out a more thorough calculation. Don't worry - with our calculator it won't be too difficult.
Calculator for calculating the specific heat flux of "warm floor"
In the modern world, everyone already knows and understands what a warm floor is, and this will definitely not surprise anyone. In almost every private house where there is an autonomous heating system, the owners are going to install a water floor on their own - if this is provided for by the project. Of course, a water floor system can be installed in an apartment, but this is said with a very big stretch, since not every management company will allow you to reconstruct the central heating system of a residential building for their “whims”, and installing an additional autonomous boiler for such heating systems is more likely everything will be very expensive.
The underfloor heating pipe that runs throughout the entire room of your house can be different, and in order to understand which pipe to choose for your home and calculate its quantity, you need to analyze this topic in more detail. So, let's figure it out.
System installation methods
There are several ways to install the "warm floor" system - flooring and concrete. In the second case, the warm floor will have a screed, in the first case, as the name implies, the flooring is made of a completely different material (polystyrene or wood). For the first method of installing a floor heating system, “wet processes” are not typical, and therefore all floor installation work is carried out much faster.
However, installation of underfloor heating is not for everyone - there is an impossible task - of course, if you have enough funds and opportunities, then it is better to hire professionals. And for those who save their money, or have a great desire to assemble a system of warm water floors themselves, they can do everything themselves, while saving a significant amount of financial resources.
Mounting system "Concrete"
Currently, the Concrete mounting system is very popular due to its simplicity. A pipe for underfloor heating, the price of which depends on the material from which it is made, is laid along a common contour. Such a pipe for a warm floor is poured with a concrete screed without special heat separators.
The entire area of the future heated room must be divided into small sections. The number of such sections depends on the size and geometry of the room (it is imperative to maintain an aspect ratio of the contours of 2: 1). This is closely related to the further expansion of the concrete screed when the underfloor heating system is turned on - under the great influence of a decrease / increase in temperature in the pipes for a warm floor, the screed will succumb to deformation, and this should be avoided in order to prevent cracking of the floor covering.
The rough floor must be covered with a layer of thermal insulation. To do this, it is necessary to clean the base of the floor, then lay the heat-insulating material - so that there is no heat loss in the base of the floor.
If you use the “correct” material for thermal insulation and correctly lay it, as well as make an accurate calculation of the pipe for a warm water floor, then the heating of the water floor itself will go exclusively up.
It is recommended to use foam plastic as thermal insulation - the main thing is that the thermal insulation layer has a density above 35 kg / m3 and a thickness of up to 150 mm. The thickness is calculated according to the nature of the room - how saturated the heating should be. And on top of the insulation layer, it is necessary to lay a simple plastic film necessary for waterproofing. Then, along the entire perimeter of the room and between the sections, it is necessary to place a damper tape, which is intended to compensate for the thermal expansion of the concrete screed.
Next, you need to reinforce the insulation layer and then lay pipes for underfloor heating along the contour, the price of which varies depending on the material. Typical reinforcement is a mesh with a cell size of 150x150 and a bar section of up to 5 mm. If it is necessary to reinforce the concrete screed, as they say, in good conscience, then you can lay another layer of the mesh - after the heating pipe is laid under the warm floor.
Installing water heating yourself is quite simple. Having made a preliminary calculation of the length of the underfloor heating pipe according to the scheme, the calculation of the project itself is carried out directly. The distance between the pipes of the warm floor should be up to 30 cm, and depending on the geometry and location of the sections, the installation scheme itself is designed: a spiral with a displaced center, a spiral, a snake or a double snake. The heating element - the pipeline - must be fixed with clamps to the reinforcing mesh, and a corrugated pipeline must be installed in the expansion joints on the pipeline, while protecting it from possible damage.
Laying pipes for underfloor heating near the outer walls means reducing the pitch of the pipes - in order to avoid temperature differences, since the heat loss from the outer walls will be much higher. And the length of the underfloor heating pipes should be approximately 70 meters.
The maximum length of the underfloor heating pipe is 90 meters, otherwise there will be very significant heat losses at the end of one or more circuits and a drop in the operating pressure of the coolant in the system.
The number of pipes for underfloor heating is calculated as follows - an average of 5 running meters is required per 1 m 2 of surface. pipeline (provided that the distance between the pipes is 20 cm). Crimping is the final stage of pipeline installation in the underfloor heating system - it can be used to identify mechanical damage to the pipeline at this stage. Pressure testing must be carried out under operating pressure for at least 24 hours.
Then, after pressure testing (all works are carried out under pressure), the concrete solution is poured. The layer thickness is up to 70 mm; a special mixture for such floors or sand concrete M300 can be used as a fill.
As for the fine finish, it is produced only after the screed solution has completely solidified. As finishing materials, it is necessary to select exactly those that are distinguished by excellent thermal conductivity (for example, linoleum, ceramic tiles or laminate).
Mounting system "Polystyrene"
Such a system is considered easy to install, as it involves the installation of polystyrene plates on special grooves available for aluminum plates. A red pipe for a warm floor is snapped into the plates (supply pipe (blue - return)), on which the floor covering itself is placed. The absence of a concrete screed is an advantage for homeowners - you won’t have to waste time waiting for the mortar to completely harden, but immediately apply the system for its intended purpose.
Calculation of a warm water floor
For the successful installation of a warm floor, it is necessary to prepare all the necessary materials in advance, plan the order of work. At the preliminary stage, the most difficult questions will be such as: “Consumption of a pipe for a warm floor”, as well as the purchase of the necessary components. Let's see what we need to calculate the diameter of the underfloor heating pipe, and also see what are the best pipes for underfloor heating today.
So, firstly, if it is planned to install overall furniture or equipment in the room, then it is impossible to install a pipe under it. Accordingly, the area will be reduced. In addition, it is imperative to retreat from the wall at least 200 mm - this must be taken into account when calculating the total area of \u200b\u200bthe warm floor.
Secondly, the question of which pipes for underfloor heating are more or less suitable for you should be decided with a specialist who will definitely recommend the necessary pipe for your room, and also possibly advise where to buy it, because a pipe for underfloor heating can be completely different . It can be metal-plastic, copper, polypropylene, etc. The most important thing when calculating the number of pipes is the laying step. The more you need the room temperature, the less you need to do this step.
Laying heating pipes under the floor is considered one of the best options for heating a house or apartment. They consume fewer resources to maintain the specified temperature in the room, exceed standard wall-mounted radiators in terms of reliability, evenly distribute heat in the room, and do not create separate “cold” and “hot” zones.
The length of the water floor heating circuit is the most important parameter that must be determined before the start of installation work. The future power of the system, the level of heating, the choice of components and structural units depend on it.
Styling options
Four common pipe laying patterns are used by builders, each better suited for use in a different room shape. From their "drawing" to a large extent depends on the maximum length of the contour of the warm floor. This is:
- "Snake". Sequential laying, where the hot and cold lines follow each other. Suitable for elongated rooms with division into zones of different temperatures.
- "Double snake". It is used in rectangular rooms, but without zoning. Provides uniform heating of the area.
- "Corner snake". Sequential system for a room with equal wall lengths and a low heating zone.
- "Snail". Dual routing system suitable for square-shaped rooms with no cold spots.
The chosen laying option affects the maximum length of the water floor, because the number of pipe loops and the bending radius change, which also “eats” a certain percentage of the material.
Length calculation
The maximum length of the underfloor heating pipe for each circuit is calculated separately. To get the required value, you need the following formula:
W*(L/Shu)+Shu*2*(L/3)+K*2
Values are in meters and mean the following:
- W is the width of the room.
- D is the length of the room.
- Shu - “laying step” (distance between loops).
- K is the distance from the collector to the connection point with the circuits.
The length of the contour of the warm floor obtained as a result of calculations is additionally increased by 5%, which includes a small margin for leveling errors, changing the bending radius of the pipe and connecting with fittings. 
As an example of calculating the maximum pipe length for a warm floor for 1 circuit, let's take a room of 18 m2 with sides of 6 and 3 m. The distance to the collector is 4 m, and the laying step is 20 cm, the following is obtained:
3*(6/0,2)+0,2*2*(6/3)+4*2=98,8
5% is added to the result, which is 4.94 m and the recommended length of the water floor heating circuit is increased to 103.74 m, which are rounded up to 104 m.
Dependence on pipe diameter
The second most important characteristic is the diameter of the pipe used. It directly affects the maximum length value, the number of circuits in the room and the power of the pump, which is responsible for the circulation of the coolant.
In apartments and houses with an average size of rooms, pipes of 16, 18 or 20 mm are used. The first value is optimal for residential premises, it is balanced in terms of costs and performance. The maximum length of the water floor heating circuit with 16 pipes is 90-100 m, depending on the choice of pipe material. It is not recommended to exceed this indicator, because the so-called “locked loop” effect may form, when, regardless of the pump power, the movement of the coolant in the communication stops due to high fluid resistance.
To choose the best solution and take into account all the nuances, it is better to contact our specialist for advice. 
Number of circuits and power
The installation of the heating system must comply with the following recommendations:
- One loop per room of a small area or part of a large one; it is irrational to stretch the contour over several rooms.
- One pump per manifold, even if the declared capacity is enough to provide two "combs".
- With a maximum length of the underfloor heating pipe of 16 mm in 100 m, the collector is installed on no more than 9 loops.
If the maximum length of the underfloor heating loop 16 of the pipe exceeds the recommended value, then the room is divided into separate circuits, which are connected into one heating network by a collector. To ensure an even distribution of the coolant throughout the system, experts advise not to exceed the difference between individual loops of 15 m, otherwise the smaller circuit will warm up much more than the larger one.
But what if the length of the underfloor heating contour of 16 mm pipes differs by a value that exceeds 15 m? Balancing fittings will help, which changes the amount of coolant circulating through each loop. With its help, the difference in length can be almost two times. 
Temperature in the rooms
Also, the length of the underfloor heating circuits for 16 pipes affects the level of heating. To maintain a comfortable indoor environment, a certain temperature is needed. To do this, the water pumped in the system is heated to 55-60 °C. Exceeding this indicator can adversely affect the integrity of the engineering communications material. Depending on the purpose of the room, on average, we get:
- 27-29 °C for living rooms;
- 34-35 °C in corridors, hallways and walk-through rooms;
- 32-33 °C in rooms with high humidity.
In accordance with the maximum length of the underfloor heating circuit 16 mm in 90-100 m, the difference at the "inlet" and "outlet" of the mixing boiler should not exceed 5 ° C, a different value indicates heat loss on the heating main.
Today it is difficult to imagine a country house without floor heating. Before starting the installation of heating, it is necessary to calculate the length of the pipe, which is used for underfloor heating. Almost every country house has its own heat supply system, the owners of such houses independently install a water floor - if this is provided for by the layout of the premises. Of course, it is possible to install such a warm floor in apartments, but such a process can bring a lot of trouble to both apartment owners and employees. This is due to the fact that it is impossible to bring a warm floor to the heating system, and installing an additional boiler is problematic.
The dimensions and shape of the pipe for underfloor heating can be different, therefore, in order to understand how to calculate a warm floor, you need to understand the system and structure of such a system in more detail.
How can you install underfloor heating?
There are several ways to install underfloor heating. As an example, consider 2 ways.
Grazing. This floor has a flooring made of various materials, such as polystyrene or wood. It is worth noting that such a floor is faster to install and put into operation, since it does not require additional time to fill the screed and dry it.
Concrete. Such a floor has a screed, which will take more time to apply, so if you want to make a warm floor as quickly as possible, then this option will not suit you.
In any case, installing a warm floor is a difficult task, so it is not recommended to carry out this process on your own. If there are no additional funds for employees, then the installation of the floor can be carried out independently, but strictly following the installation instructions.
Underfloor heating concrete installation
Despite the fact that laying a warm floor in this way takes longer, it is more popular. A pipe for a warm floor is selected depending on the materials. It is worth noting that the price of the pipe will also depend on the material from which it is made. The pipe with this method is laid along the contour. After laying the pipe, it is poured with a concrete screed without additional heat-insulating materials.
Calculation and installation of a warm floor
Before proceeding with the installation of the floor, it is necessary to calculate the required number of pipes and other materials. The first step is to divide the room into several identical squares. The number of parts in a room depends on the area of the room and its geometry.
Calculator - the simplest calculation of pipe length:
Calculation of the required amount of pipe
The maximum length of the circuit required for a warm water floor should not exceed 120 meters. It is worth noting that such dimensions are indicated for several reasons.
Due to the fact that water in the pipes can affect the integrity of the screed, if it is installed incorrectly, the floor can be damaged. An increase or decrease in temperature negatively affects the quality of a wooden floor or linoleum. By choosing the optimal size of the squares, you distribute energy and water through the pipes more efficiently.
After the room is divided into parts, you can start planning the shape of the pipe laying.
Methods for laying pipes for underfloor heating
There are 4 ways to lay the pipe:
- snake;
- Double snake (fits into 2 pipes);
- Snail. The pipe is laid in 2 times (bend) leaving one source gradually rounding towards the middle;
- Corner snake. Two pipes come out from the same corner: the first pipe starts the snake, the second one ends.
Depending on which pipe laying method you choose, you need to calculate the number of pipes. It is worth noting that pipes can be laid in several ways.
Which styling method should you choose?
In large rooms that have an even square or rectangular shape, it is recommended to use the “snail” laying method, so that a large room will always be warm and cozy.
If the room is long or small, it is recommended to use a "snake".
Laying step
In order for a person’s feet not to feel the difference between the sections of the floor, it is necessary to adhere to a certain length between the pipes, at the edge this length should be about 10 cm, then with a difference of 5 cm, for example, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm .
The distance between the pipes should not exceed 30 cm, otherwise it will be simply unpleasant to walk on such a floor.
Calculation of pipes for underfloor heating
On average, 5 running meters of pipe are needed per 1 m2. This method is easier to determine how many pipes per m2 are needed to equip a warm floor. With this calculation, the step length is 20 cm.
You can determine the required amount of pipe using the formula: L \u003d S / N * 1.1, where:
- S is the area of the room.
- N - Laying step.
- 1.1 - pipe margin for turns.
When calculating, it is also necessary to add the number of meters from the floor to the collector and back.
Example:
- Floor area (useful area): 15 m2;
- Distance from floor to collector: 4 m;
- The step of laying the warm floor: 15 cm (0.15 m.);
- Calculations: 15 / 0.15 * 1.1 + (4 * 2) = 118 m.
What should be the length of the water floor heating circuit?
These parameters must be calculated based on the diameter and material from which the pipes are made. So, for example, for metal-plastic pipes with a diameter of 16 inches, the length of the contour of a water-heated floor should not exceed 100 meters. The optimal length for such a pipe is 75-80 meters.
For pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene with a diameter of 18 mm, the length of the contour on the surface for a warm floor should not exceed 120 meters. In practice, this length is 90-100 meters.
For a metal-plastic pipe with a diameter of 20 mm, the maximum length of the warm floor should be approximately 100-120 meters, depending on the manufacturer.
It is recommended to choose pipes for laying on the floor based on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. It is worth noting that their durability and quality of work depend on what material the pipes are made of and how they are laid on the surface. The best option would be metal-plastic pipes.
Floor installation steps
After you have chosen high-quality and reliable pipes, it is recommended to proceed with the installation of a warm floor. This must be done in several stages.
Installation of thermal insulation
At this stage, preparatory work is carried out, the floor is cleared and a layer of thermal insulation is laid. Styrofoam can act as thermal insulation. Styrofoam layers are laid on the subfloor. The thickness of the foam should not exceed 15 cm. It is recommended to calculate the thickness depending on the size of the room, its location in the apartment, as well as the individual preferences of the person.
Installation of waterproofing
After the foam is laid, it is necessary to lay a layer of waterproofing. Polyethylene film is suitable as a waterproofing. The plastic film is fixed to the walls (near the plinth), and the floor is reinforced with mesh from above.
Laying and fixing pipes
Next, you can lay pipes for underfloor heating. After you have calculated and selected a pipe laying scheme, this process will not take you much time. When laying pipes, they must be fixed on the reinforcing mesh with special stretch marks or clamps.
Crimping
Crimping is almost the last stage in the installation of a warm floor. Pressure testing must be carried out within 24 hours at operating pressure. Thanks to this stage, it is possible to identify and eliminate mechanical damage to pipes.
Pouring with concrete mortar
All flooring work is carried out under pressure. It is worth noting that the thickness of the concrete layer should not exceed 7 cm.
After the concrete has dried, you can lay the floor. As a floor covering, it is recommended to use tiles or linoleum. If you choose parquet or any other natural surface, due to possible temperature changes, such a surface may become unusable.
Collector cabinet and its installation
Before you calculate the pipe flow required for installation on the surface and underfloor heating, you need to prepare a place for the collector.
The collector is a device that maintains pressure in the pipes and heats the used water. Also, this device allows you to maintain the required temperature in the room. It is worth noting that it is necessary to buy a collector depending on the size of the room.
How and where should the manifold cabinet be installed?
There are no restrictions for installing a manifold cabinet, at the same time, there are several recommendations.
It is also not recommended to install the collector cabinet too high, since in the end the circulation of water may occur unevenly. The optimal height for installing the cabinet is 20-30 cm above the bare floor.
Tips for those who decide to install a warm floor on their own
There must be an air outlet in the collector cabinet from above. Laying a warm floor under furniture is strictly prohibited. Firstly, because it will lead to damage to the materials from which the furniture is made. Secondly, it can lead to fire. Materials that are highly flammable can catch fire easily if there is a high temperature in the room. Thirdly, the heat from the floor must constantly rise up, the furniture prevents this, so the pipes heat up faster and can deteriorate.
It is necessary to choose a collector depending on the size of the room. In the store, when buying, you need to pay attention to what dimensions this or that collector is designed for.
Pay attention to the advantages of certain materials from which the pipes are made.
The main qualities of pipes:
- wear resistance;
- Thermal resistance.
Buy pipes with an average diameter. If the pipe diameter is too large, the water will circulate for a very long time, and reaching the middle or end (depending on the laying method), the water will cool down, the same situation will occur with a pipe with a small diameter. Therefore, pipes with a diameter of 20-40 mm will be the best option.
Before you calculate a warm floor, consult with those who have already done it. Calculation of the area and number of pipes is an important step in preparing for floor installation. In order not to be mistaken, buy + 4 meters of pipe, this will allow you not to save on the pipe if it is not enough.
Before laying pipes, step back from the walls 20 cm in advance, this is the average distance over which the heat from the pipes acts. Calculate your steps wisely. If the distance between the pipes is calculated incorrectly, the room and floor will be heated in strips.
After installing the system, test it, so you can understand in advance whether the collector was installed correctly, as well as notice mechanical damage.
If you install the underfloor heating correctly, it will serve you for many years. If you have any questions, it is better to ask them to an expert of our site or contact specialists who will qualitatively, quickly and reliably improve and prepare your room for installing a warm floor.
Seven times to measure calls for folk wisdom. And you can't argue with that.
In practice, to embody what has repeatedly scrolled in the head is not easy.
In this article we will talk about the work related to the communications of a warm water floor, in particular, we will pay attention to the length of its contour.
If we are planning to install a water heated floor, the length of the circuit is one of the first issues that needs to be dealt with.
Pipe arrangement
The underfloor heating system includes a considerable list of elements. We are interested in tubes. It is their length that determines the concept of "the maximum length of a warm water floor." It is necessary to lay them taking into account the characteristics of the room.
Based on this, we get four options, known as:
- snake;
- double snake;
- corner snake;
- snail.
If you make the right styling, then each of the listed types will be effective for space heating. Different can be (and most likely will be) the footage of the pipe and the volume of water. The maximum length of the water-heated floor circuit for a particular room will depend on this.
Main calculations: water volume and pipeline length
There are no tricks here, on the contrary - everything is very simple. For example, we chose the snake option. We will use a number of indicators, among which is the length of the contour of a water-heated floor. Another parameter is the diameter. Mostly pipes with a diameter of 2 cm are used.
We also take into account the distance from the pipes to the wall. Here it is recommended to fit in the range of 20-30 cm, but it is better to place the pipes clearly at a distance of 20 cm.
The distance between the pipes themselves is 30 cm. The width of the pipe itself is 3 cm. In practice, we get a distance between them of 27 cm. Now let's move on to the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
This indicator will be decisive for such a parameter of a warm water floor as the length of the circuit:
- Let's say our room is 5 meters long and 4 meters wide.
- The laying of the pipeline of our system always starts from the smaller side, that is, from the width.
- To create the basis of the pipeline, we take 15 pipes.
- A gap of 10 cm remains near the walls, which then increases on each side by 5 cm.
- The section between the pipeline and the collector is 40 cm. This distance exceeds the 20 cm from the wall that we talked about above, since a water drainage channel will have to be installed in this section.
Our indicators now make it possible to calculate the length of the pipeline: 15x3.4 \u003d 51 m. The entire circuit will take 56 m, since we should also take into account the length of the so-called. collector section, which is 5 m.
The length of the pipes of the entire system must fit into the allowable range - 40-100 m.
Quantity
One of the following questions: what is the maximum length of a water floor heating circuit? What to do if the room requires, for example, 130, or 140-150 m of pipe? The way out is very simple: it will be necessary to make more than one contour.
In the operation of a water-heated floor system, the main thing is efficiency. If, according to calculations, we need 160 m of pipe, then we make two circuits of 80 m each. After all, the optimal length of the contour of a water-heated floor should not exceed this indicator. This is due to the ability of the equipment to create the necessary pressure and circulation in the system.
It is not necessary to make the two pipelines absolutely equal, but it is also not desirable that the difference be noticeable. Experts believe that the difference may well reach 15 m.
Maximum length of the water floor heating circuit
To determine this parameter, we must consider:
- hydraulic resistance;
- pressure loss in a particular circuit.
The listed parameters are determined, first of all, by the diameter of the pipes used for the warm water floor, the volume of the coolant (per unit of time).
In the installation of a warm floor, there is a concept - the effect of the so-called. locked loop. This is a situation where circulation through the loop will not be possible, regardless of the pump power. This effect is inherent in the situation of a pressure loss of 0.2 bar (20 kPa).
In order not to confuse you with long calculations, we will write a few recommendations that have been proven by practice:
- The maximum contour of 100 m is used for pipes with a diameter of 16 mm made of metal-plastic or polyethylene. Ideal option - 80 m
- A contour of 120 m is the limit for a 18 mm pipe made of cross-linked polyethylene. However, it is better to limit yourself to a range of 80-100 m
- With 20 mm plastic pipe, you can make a circuit of 120-125 m
Thus, the maximum length of a pipe for a warm water floor depends on a number of parameters, the main of which is the diameter and material of the pipe.
Are two identical needed/possible?
Naturally, the situation will look ideal when the loops have the same length. In this case, you will not need any settings, the search for balance. But this is mostly in theory. If you look at practice, it turns out that it is not even advisable to achieve such a balance in a warm water floor.
The fact is that it is often necessary to lay a warm floor at an object consisting of several rooms. One of them is emphasized small, for example - a bathroom. Its area is 4-5 m2. In this case, a reasonable question arises - is it worth adjusting the entire area for a bathroom, splitting it into tiny sections?
Since this is not advisable, we come to a different question: how not to lose on pressure. And for this, elements such as balancing fittings have been created, the use of which consists in equalizing pressure losses along the contours.
Again, calculations can be used. But they are complex. From the practice of carrying out work on the installation of a warm water floor, we can safely say that the spread in the size of the contours is possible within 30-40%. In this case, we have every chance to get the maximum effect from the operation of a warm water floor.
Despite the considerable amount of materials on how to make a water floor on your own, it is better to turn to specialists. Only craftsmen can evaluate the working area and, if necessary, "manipulate" the pipe diameter, "cut" the area and combine the laying step when it comes to large areas.
Quantity with one pump
Another frequently asked question: how many circuits can operate on one mixing unit and one pump?
The question really needs to be clarified. For example, to the level - how many loops can be connected to the collector? In this case, we take into account the diameter of the collector, the volume of the coolant passing through the node per unit of time (the calculation is in m3 per hour).
We need to look at the data sheet of the node, where the maximum throughput factor is indicated. If we carry out calculations, then we will get the maximum indicator, but we cannot count on it.
One way or another, the maximum number of circuit connections is indicated on the device - as a rule, 12. Although, according to calculations, we can get both 15 and 17.
The maximum number of outlets in the collector does not exceed 12. Although there are exceptions.
We saw that installing a warm water floor is a very troublesome business. Especially in that part of it, where we are talking about the length of the contour. Therefore, it is better to contact specialists so as not to redo later a not entirely successful styling that will not bring the efficiency that you expected.
Source: //netholodu.com/teplyj-pol/vodyanoj/montazh/dlina-kontura.html
The optimal length of the contour of the warm floor
One of the conditions for the implementation of high-quality and proper heating of a room with a warm floor is to maintain the temperature of the coolant in accordance with the specified parameters.
These parameters are determined by the project, taking into account the required amount of heat for the heated room and flooring.
Required data for calculation
The efficiency of the heating system depends on a properly laid circuit.
To maintain the set temperature in the room, it is necessary to correctly calculate the length of the loops used to circulate the coolant.
First, you need to collect the initial data on the basis of which the calculation will be performed and which consist of the following indicators and characteristics:
- the temperature that should be above the floor covering;
- layout diagram of loops with coolant;
- distance between pipes;
- the maximum possible length of the pipe;
- the possibility of using several contours of different lengths;
- connection of several loops to one collector and to one pump and their possible number with such a connection.
Based on the above data, it is possible to correctly calculate the length of the underfloor heating circuit and, due to this, ensure a comfortable temperature regime in the room with minimal costs for paying for energy supply.
Floor temperature
The temperature on the surface of the floor, made with a water heating device underneath, depends on the functional purpose of the room.
Its values should not exceed those specified in the table:
Compliance with the temperature regime in accordance with the above values will create a favorable environment for the work and rest of the people in them.
Pipe laying options used for underfloor heating
Underfloor heating options
The laying scheme can be performed with a regular, double and corner snake or snail. Various combinations of these options are also possible, for example, along the edge of the room you can lay out a pipe with a snake, and then the middle part with a snail.
In large rooms of complex configuration, it is better to lay with a snail. In rooms of small size and with a variety of complex configurations, snake laying is used.
Distance between pipes
The pipe laying step is determined by calculation and usually corresponds to 15, 20 and 25 cm, but no more. When laying out the pipes with a step of more than 25 cm, the human foot will feel the temperature difference between and directly above them.
At the edges of the room, the heating circuit pipe is laid in increments of 10 cm.
Permissible contour length
The length of the circuit must be selected according to the diameter of the pipe
It depends on the pressure in a particular closed loop and hydraulic resistance, the values of which determine the diameter of the pipes and the volume of fluid that is fed into them per unit time.
When installing a warm floor, situations often occur when the circulation of the coolant in a separate loop is disturbed, which cannot be restored by any pump, the water is locked in this circuit, as a result of which it cools down. This results in pressure losses of up to 0.2 bar.
Based on practical experience, you can adhere to the following recommended sizes:
- Less than 100 m can be a loop made of a metal-plastic pipe with a diameter of 16 mm. For reliability, the optimal size is 80 m.
- Not more than 120 m take the maximum length of the circuit of 18 mm pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene. Experts are trying to install a circuit with a length of 80-100 m.
- No more than 120-125 m, the size of the loop for metal-plastic with a diameter of 20 mm is considered acceptable. In practice, they also try to reduce this length to ensure sufficient reliability of the system.
For a more accurate determination of the size of the loop length for the underfloor heating in the room in question, in which there will be no problems with the circulation of the coolant, it is necessary to perform calculations.
Application of several contours of different lengths
The device of the floor heating system provides for the implementation of several circuits. Of course, the ideal option is when all the loops have the same length. In this case, no adjustment and balancing of the system is required, but it is almost impossible to implement such a piping scheme. For a detailed video on calculating the length of the water circuit, see this video:
For example, it is necessary to implement a floor heating system in several rooms, one of which, for example, a bathroom, has an area of 4 m2. This means that 40 m of pipe will be needed to heat it. It is not advisable to arrange contours of 40 m in other rooms, while loops of 80-100 m can be made.
The difference in pipe lengths is determined by calculation. If it is impossible to perform calculations, a requirement can be applied that allows a difference in the length of the contours of the order of 30-40%.
Also, the difference in the lengths of the loops can be compensated by increasing or decreasing the diameter of the pipe and changing the pitch of its laying.
Ability to connect to one node and pump
The number of loops that can be connected to one collector and one pump is determined depending on the power of the equipment used, the number of thermal circuits, the diameter and material of the pipes used, the area of heated premises, the material of the enclosing structures, and many other various indicators.
Such calculations must be entrusted to specialists with knowledge and practical skills in the implementation of such projects.
Loop size determination
The size of the loop depends on the total area of \u200b\u200bthe room
Having collected all the initial data, having considered the possible options for creating a heated floor and determining the most optimal of them, you can proceed directly to calculating the length of the water floor heating circuit.
To do this, it is necessary to divide the area of \u200b\u200bthe room in which the loops for water floor heating are laid by the distance between the pipes and multiply by a factor of 1.1, which takes into account 10% for turns and bends.
To the result you need to add the length of the pipeline, which will need to be laid from the collector to the warm floor and back. The answer to the key questions of organizing a warm floor, see this video:
You can determine the length of the loop laid in 20 cm increments in a room of 10 m2, located at a distance of 3 m from the collector, by doing the following:
10/0.2*1.1+(3*2)=61 m.
In this room, 61 m of pipe must be laid, forming a heating circuit, in order to ensure the possibility of high-quality heating of the floor covering.
The presented calculation helps to create conditions for maintaining a comfortable air temperature in small separate rooms.
In order to correctly determine the length of the pipe of several thermal circuits for a large number of rooms powered by one collector, it is necessary to involve a design organization.
She will do this with the help of specialized programs that take into account many different factors on which the uninterrupted circulation of water depends, and hence the high-quality floor heating.
Source: //GuruPola.ru/teplye-poly/dlina-kontura.html
Every year, new technologies are created for the arrangement and comfort of housing. Thus, not so long ago, a new innovative design was created for insulating a water-heated floor.
This model in a short time has gained great popularity in application, as it can serve as the main or additional source of heat supply to the room. This system is very easy to use, has a lot of advantages compared to other heating structures.
But before you install this equipment, you need to know how to calculate pipes for underfloor heating and other materials.
Before purchasing a water heating system, it is necessary to draw up a heat map of the house with the help of a specialist. Such a map will help to identify the heat loss of the room. Thus, if they amount to more than 100 watts per square meter, then before calculating the length of the pipe, it is necessary to insulate the building.
The calculation of a warm water floor can be done independently using a calculator.
But here the important point is that the heating system cannot be placed under the overall furniture and stationary equipment. Otherwise, the heating system will quickly fail.
But at the same time, the water structure must still occupy at least 70% of the floor area, otherwise the room will be poorly heated.
Also, the heating efficiency will depend on the requirements for the premises.
What are the requirements for the premises to be met when installing the system
During installation work, the most correct solution would be when the pipeline is installed at the initial stage of the construction of floors. This method is more economical than the radiator method by 30 - 40%. It is also possible to install a water heating structure already in the finished room, but to save the family budget, here you should pay attention to the following requirements:
- The height of the ceilings should allow mounting underfloor heating with a thickness of 8 to 20 centimeters.
- The height of doorways should not be less than 210 centimeters.
- For installation of a cement-sand screed, the floor must be more durable.
- In order to avoid the airiness of the contours and high hydraulic resistance, the surface for the base of the structure must be flat and clean. The permissible norm of unevenness is not more than 5 millimeters.
And also in the building itself or in separate rooms where the heating system will be installed, plastering work must be done and all windows must be inserted.
Calculation of the power of the water floor
Calculations of the heating water system must be made extremely carefully. Any mistakes in the future can lead to additional costs, since they can be corrected only with the complete or partial dismantling of the screed, and this can damage the interior decoration of the room.
Before proceeding with the calculation of the amount of power need to know a few parameters.
Parameters for the water floor
The power of the heating system is influenced by several factors, such as:
- pipeline diameter;
- pump power;
- area of the room;
- type of flooring.
These parameters also help to calculate the length of pipes for underfloor heating and their branches for space heating.
But how is power calculated?
Power calculation methodology
It is very difficult to independently make power calculations, since skill and experience are required here. For these reasons, it is better to order it from the appropriate organization where process engineers work. If, nevertheless, the calculation is made independently, then 100 watts per square meter is taken as an average value. This technique is used in multi-storey buildings.
In private houses, the average power will depend on the area of the building. Thus, the experts compiled the following indicators:
- area up to 150 sq. m. - 120 W / m2;
- area from 150 to 300 sq. m. - 100 W / m2;
- area from 300 to 500 sq. m. - 90 W / m2.
Having considered the methodology for calculating the power, you need to calculate the number of pipes. But for this, you should first familiarize yourself with the methods of installing them.
Methods for installing pipelines for a water floor
Before installing pipes, you need to plan their location. There are several ways that are distinguished into the following forms:
- a snail of two bends;
- snake;
- double snake;
- corner snake.
Snail pipe laying is used in rectangular or square rooms. With this installation, heat is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the floor.
Laying with a snake is used for long and not large premises.
The calculation of the amount of pipeline for the heating system will depend on the chosen laying form.
How to calculate the pipeline pitch for a water floor
A step is an indicator of the distance between pipes when installing a heating system.
The optimal step using a pipe is when the floor is evenly heated over the entire area. But here it should be noted that the step to the edge should be no more than 10 centimeters, and in the center at least 15 centimeters.
The following table will help you independently calculate the required length of the pipeline for the selected step.
For effective floor heating, the interval between steps should not be more than 30 centimeters.
Pipe length calculation
The length can be determined by the following formula:
L is the number of meters of the pipe;
S - floor area;
N - laying step;
1.1 - additional stock of the pipeline.
Also, the final calculation will need to take into account the distance from the floor to the collector.
An important role in the warm floor will be influenced by the size of the pipeline contour.
Contour length
In order for the heating system to be more efficient in space heating, the optimal length of the circuit should not exceed 80 meters. Since only in this case the design will create the necessary circulation and pressure in the heating system.
But what to do if the calculations for the room require 130 - 140 meters of pipe? In this case, you will need to make several contours.
Thus, if you need to install 160 meters of pipe, then you need to divide it into 80 meters and make two separate circuits.
They do not have to be the same in size, since, according to experts, the difference can be up to 14 meters.
The calculation of a pipe for a warm water floor also depends on their models.
Pipe Models for Loops
- From metal-plastic and polyethylene with a diameter of 16 millimeters, the contour can reach 100 meters.
- The limiting norm of a contour of polyethylene pipes of 18 millimeters reaches 120 meters.
- A contour of 120 - 125 meters is used from plastic pipelines of 20 millimeters.
The calculation of a pipe for a warm floor depends not only on the manufacturing material, but also on the diameter.
Calculation of pipes by their diameter
Before proceeding with the calculation of the pipeline, you need to familiarize yourself with their diameters, since they have a conditional, external and internal passage. Thus, steel pipes are selected according to the inner diameter, and seamless pipes according to the outer one.
Calculation of a pipe by diameter for heating with a pump
For the correct calculation of pipes for underfloor heating, it is necessary to take into account the bends of the structure, the resistance of the fittings and the fluid supply rate. This formula will also help:
H \u003d λ x (L / D) x (V2 / 2g)
H is the height of zero pressure;
D is the inner diameter of the pipes;
V is the water supply rate, m/s;
g is a constant, free fall acceleration, g = 9.81 m/s2.
L is the length of the structure;
λ is the resistance coefficient of pipes;
Such a calculation helps to reduce up to 20% of thermal power losses.
Calculation of a system with circulation
For a water heating structure without a pump, the calculation of the pipe diameter is based on the pressure difference and temperature of the water at the inlet from the boiler and back into the system. The pressure difference is calculated using the following formula:
Δpt \u003d h x g x (ρfrom - ρpt)
ρpt is the density of the liquid in the supply pipe.
where h is the height of water rise from the boiler, m;
g – fall acceleration, g=9.81 m/s2;
ρot is the density of water in the return.
In this design, gravity acts as a driving force, creating fluid drops to and from the radiator.
Calculation of the pipe diameter in a design with natural circulation
Such a calculation of the diameter of pipelines in a heating system is performed in the same way as a heating system with a pump. But the diameter must be chosen with minimal heat loss. Thus, several values of the section are alternately substituted into the given formula until the results of the diameter meet the conditions of the norm.
Having considered the above tips, nuances and formulas for the consumption of underfloor heating pipes and other equipment, we can conclude that such work can be done independently at home.
But in order for the heating water structure to be correctly installed and last a long time in operation, according to the recommendations of users, to calculate the number of pipes, it is still worth contacting competent specialists.
Source: //tepliepol.ru/teplyj-pol/vodianoy-teply-pol/raschet-truby-dlya-teplogo-pola
Today it is difficult to imagine a country house without floor heating. Before starting the installation of heating, it is necessary to calculate the length of the pipe that is used for underfloor heating.
Almost every country house has its own heat supply system, the owners of such houses independently install a water floor - if this is provided for by the layout of the premises. Of course, it is possible to install such a warm floor in apartments, but such a process can bring a lot of trouble to both apartment owners and employees.
This is due to the fact that it is impossible to bring a warm floor to the heating system, and installing an additional boiler is problematic.
The dimensions and shape of the pipe for underfloor heating can be different, therefore, in order to understand how to calculate a warm floor, you need to understand the system and structure of such a system in more detail.
How can you install underfloor heating?
There are several ways to install underfloor heating. As an example, consider 2 ways.
Grazing. This floor has a flooring made of various materials, such as polystyrene or wood. It is worth noting that such a floor is faster to install and put into operation, since it does not require additional time to fill the screed and dry it.
Concrete. Such a floor has a screed, which will take more time to apply, so if you want to make a warm floor as quickly as possible, then this option will not suit you.
In any case, installing a warm floor is a difficult task, so it is not recommended to carry out this process on your own. If there are no additional funds for employees, then the installation of the floor can be carried out independently, but strictly following the installation instructions.
Underfloor heating concrete installation
Despite the fact that laying a warm floor in this way takes longer, it is more popular. A pipe for a warm floor is selected depending on the materials.
It is worth noting that the price of the pipe will also depend on the material from which it is made. The pipe with this method is laid along the contour.
After laying the pipe, it is poured with a concrete screed without additional heat-insulating materials.
Calculation and installation of a warm floor
Before proceeding with the installation of the floor, it is necessary to calculate the required number of pipes and other materials. The first step is to divide the room into several identical squares. The number of parts in a room depends on the area of the room and its geometry.
Calculation of the required amount of pipe
The maximum length of the circuit required for a warm water floor should not exceed 120 meters. It is worth noting that such dimensions are indicated for several reasons.
Due to the fact that water in the pipes can affect the integrity of the screed, if it is installed incorrectly, the floor can be damaged. An increase or decrease in temperature negatively affects the quality of a wooden floor or linoleum. By choosing the optimal size of the squares, you distribute energy and water through the pipes more efficiently.
After the room is divided into parts, you can start planning the shape of the pipe laying.
Methods for laying pipes for underfloor heating
There are 4 ways to lay the pipe:
- snake;
- Double snake (fits into 2 pipes);
- Snail. The pipe is laid in 2 times (bend) leaving one source gradually rounding towards the middle;
- Corner snake. Two pipes come out from the same corner: the first pipe starts the snake, the second one ends.
Depending on which pipe laying method you choose, you need to calculate the number of pipes. It is worth noting that pipes can be laid in several ways.
Which styling method should you choose?
In large rooms that have an even square or rectangular shape, it is recommended to use the “snail” laying method, so that a large room will always be warm and cozy.
If the room is long or small, it is recommended to use a "snake".
Laying step
In order for a person’s feet not to feel the difference between the sections of the floor, it is necessary to adhere to a certain length between the pipes, at the edge this length should be about 10 cm, then with a difference of 5 cm, for example, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm .
The distance between the pipes should not exceed 30 cm, otherwise it will be simply unpleasant to walk on such a floor.
Calculation of pipes for underfloor heating
On average, 5 running meters of pipe are needed per 1 m2. This method is easier to determine how many pipes per m2 are needed to equip a warm floor. With this calculation, the step length is 20 cm.
You can determine the required amount of pipe using the formula: L \u003d S / N * 1.1, where:
- S is the area of the room.
- N - Laying step.
- 1.1 - pipe margin for turns.
When calculating, it is also necessary to add the number of meters from the floor to the collector and back.
Example:
- Floor area (useful area): 15 m2;
- Distance from floor to collector: 4 m;
- The step of laying the warm floor: 15 cm (0.15 m.);
- Calculations: 15 / 0.15 * 1.1 + (4 * 2) = 118 m.
What should be the length of the water floor heating circuit?
These parameters must be calculated based on the diameter and material from which the pipes are made. So, for example, for metal-plastic pipes with a diameter of 16 inches, the length of the contour of a water-heated floor should not exceed 100 meters. The optimal length for such a pipe is 75-80 meters.
For pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene with a diameter of 18 mm, the length of the contour on the surface for a warm floor should not exceed 120 meters. In practice, this length is 90-100 meters.
For a metal-plastic pipe with a diameter of 20 mm, the maximum length of the warm floor should be approximately 100-120 meters, depending on the manufacturer.
It is recommended to choose pipes for laying on the floor based on the area of \u200b\u200bthe room. It is worth noting that their durability and quality of work depend on what material the pipes are made of and how they are laid on the surface. The best option would be metal-plastic pipes.
After you have chosen high-quality and reliable pipes, it is recommended to proceed with the installation of a warm floor. This must be done in several stages.
Installation of thermal insulation
At this stage, preparatory work is carried out, the floor is cleared and a layer of thermal insulation is laid. Styrofoam can act as thermal insulation.
Styrofoam layers are laid on the subfloor. The thickness of the foam must not exceed 15 cm.
Installation of waterproofing
After the foam is laid, it is necessary to lay a layer of waterproofing. Polyethylene film is suitable as a waterproofing. The plastic film is fixed to the walls (near the plinth), and the floor is reinforced with mesh from above.
Laying and fixing pipes
Next, you can lay pipes for underfloor heating. After you have calculated and selected a pipe laying scheme, this process will not take you much time. When laying pipes, they must be fixed on the reinforcing mesh with special stretch marks or clamps.
Crimping
Crimping is almost the last stage in the installation of a warm floor. Pressure testing must be carried out within 24 hours at operating pressure. Thanks to this stage, it is possible to identify and eliminate mechanical damage to pipes.
Pouring with concrete mortar
All flooring work is carried out under pressure. It is worth noting that the thickness of the concrete layer should not exceed 7 cm.
After the concrete has dried, you can lay the floor. As a floor covering, it is recommended to use tiles or linoleum. If you choose parquet or any other natural surface, due to possible temperature changes, such a surface may become unusable.
Collector cabinet and its installation
Before you calculate the pipe flow required for installation on the surface and underfloor heating, you need to prepare a place for the collector.
The collector is a device that maintains pressure in the pipes and heats the used water. Also, this device allows you to maintain the required temperature in the room. It is worth noting that it is necessary to buy a collector depending on the size of the room.
How and where should the manifold cabinet be installed?
There are no restrictions for installing a manifold cabinet, at the same time, there are several recommendations.
It is also not recommended to install the collector cabinet too high, since in the end the circulation of water may occur unevenly. The optimal height for installing the cabinet is 20-30 cm above the bare floor.
Tips for those who decide to install a warm floor on their own
There must be an air outlet in the collector cabinet from above. Laying a warm floor under furniture is strictly prohibited. Firstly, because it will lead to damage to the materials from which the furniture is made. Secondly, it can lead to fire.
Materials that are highly flammable can catch fire easily if there is a high temperature in the room.
Thirdly, the heat from the floor must constantly rise up, the furniture prevents this, so the pipes heat up faster and can deteriorate.
It is necessary to choose a collector depending on the size of the room. In the store, when buying, you need to pay attention to what dimensions this or that collector is designed for.
Pay attention to the advantages of certain materials from which the pipes are made.
The main qualities of pipes:
- wear resistance;
- Thermal resistance.
Buy pipes with an average diameter. If the pipe diameter is too large, the water will circulate for a very long time, and reaching the middle or end (depending on the laying method), the water will cool down, the same situation will occur with a pipe with a small diameter. Therefore, pipes with a diameter of 20-40 mm will be the best option.
Before you calculate a warm floor, consult with those who have already done it. Calculation of the area and number of pipes is an important step in preparing for floor installation. In order not to be mistaken, buy + 4 meters of pipe, this will allow you not to save on the pipe if it is not enough.
Before laying pipes, step back from the walls 20 cm in advance, this is the average distance over which the heat from the pipes acts. Calculate your steps wisely. If the distance between the pipes is calculated incorrectly, the room and floor will be heated in strips.
After installing the system, test it, so you can understand in advance whether the collector was installed correctly, as well as notice mechanical damage.
If you install the underfloor heating correctly, it will serve you for many years. If you have any questions, it is better to ask them to an expert of our site or contact specialists who will qualitatively, quickly and reliably improve and prepare your room for installing a warm floor.
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