Water floor - a kind of warm floor, along with electric. Its wide distribution is explained by the desire for comfort, because walking on a warm surface is much more pleasant. Sometimes it is just a necessity, for example, if the coating is too cold due to the characteristics of the materials. The design has a structure in the form of a curved pipe for hot water. Such a heating system reduces the need for general heating. The temperature can be adjusted over a wide range, so that in case of heat, for example, it is possible to make the floor slightly warm, and not to turn it off completely. In winter, the hot surface does not cope with the function of heating the room, and already in the middle of the room the air will not warm up. Due to some drawbacks and operating features, private houses have become the main option for arranging a water heated floor. Such heating is very useful for families with small children.In addition, it has long been used in baths, bathrooms and in kitchens.
The main distinguishing feature of the water floor is a curved pipe through which hot water flows. In this case, the coating temperature will also depend on the thermal conductivity of the materials. In multi-unit buildings, the installation of such heating is difficult due to the danger of leaks. Heating systems cannot be embedded in central heating and hot water utilities. You can make a design in the apartment if you have an autonomous gas boiler and if the housing itself is located on the ground floor, and the levels below are not occupied by residential premises. The boiler is recommended to be replaced with a special one for the water floor. In apartment buildings, the design for floor heating must contain a "floating screed" of concrete. If the floors are made according to old technologies, then it will not be possible to arrange such heating there. In houses with an unheated basement, additional thermal insulation of the base of the floor will be required.
Advantages and disadvantages
Water-heated floors use energy efficiently. Underfloor heating increases comfort and ensures even heat distribution.Location under the floor is a safe option, as the likelihood of damage to the system becomes low, and the residents themselves will be protected from injuries and burns. Hidden heating is combined with cladding materials easier than other options. The device is covered with tiles, laminate or linoleum. Before finishing, check the chemical composition of the materials. Water floor connection is possible both to the main heating system and to a separate one. The underfloor heating has several disadvantages. In central heating, pressure drops occur. Installation itself takes a lot of time due to multi-layer installation. To eliminate leaks, you will have to open the coating and harm its appearance.
The water floor is not able to maintain the desired temperature throughout the room!
Where to use: room requirements
Installation of a warm water floor is possible in rooms with completed plastering work. Mandatory presence of windows and door leaf. Sewerage, electrical communications, water connection points must be prepared. The heating system is mounted on a clean, flat surface. The functionality of the base waterproofing should be checked before starting work. Pre-do and marking the level of flooring. Installation of a water system will not cause difficulties in homes with autonomous heating. A room in an apartment building will be equipped with a warm floor only after appropriate examination. A conclusion will be required about the potential negative impact on the building's communications. You will need floor wiring and a heat meter for the apartment. On the ground floor, a warm water floor is connected to the back riser.
Water floor device
It depends on the materials of execution. However, all water floors have similar communication systems. As a rule, they consist of several branches - contours.They gather in a control cabinet, where they carry out control. Each circuit consists of a segment along which water enters the room, and a section of the "return". On the floor, the system is arranged in several layers. Base requirements vary depending on the material used. To enhance the effect of the system, the circuit is finished with a heater. This is especially important in cold regions. The tubes are fixed on a reinforced mesh or a strob system. Then put a screed. If it is made of concrete, then a damper tape is installed around the perimeter of the room. Above put a substrate of cardboard or foamed polyethylene. The top layer, the finishing coating is usually made of laminate, parquet or tile.
Types of designs of a warm water floor
A warm water floor is made of:
concrete;
a tree;
polystyrene.
Priorities should be correctly set: take into account the permissible load and the necessary heating qualities. Concrete better retains and distributes heat, reliably protects against mechanical damage. Dry floor, in turn, is easier to manufacture. It is characterized by a higher level of aesthetics and better repair opportunities. A polystyrene structure, for example, can be placed on a concrete or wooden base. The light weight of the material makes it more versatile than concrete. Because of the lightness, polystyrene is used in any type of house: frame, panel, etc. Wooden structures are in demand among owners of wooden houses with the same interior. Wooden systems consist of a bottom layer of battens and a topcoat (often in the form of large slabs). Warm water floors made of wood are durable, environmentally friendly and take up little space.
Concrete structure
Such a system involves closing the pipe with light or heavy concrete. This kind of underfloor heating is not suitable for rooms with weak overlap and severe load requirements.The concrete structure is laid on the rough floor of the first floor (in the absence of a basement), a monolith or a surface made of floor slabs. An important advantage of concrete is the uniform distribution of heat throughout the coating. Inertness is characteristic of the material: it warms up for a long time, but at the same time it cools slowly. The installation process will be time-consuming, because in addition to multi-layered, the complexity of the floating screed device is semi-dry or wet. However, this is offset by the reliability of the design. Correct installation and accurate filling after several checks will provide the system with high-quality protection against mechanical stress.
Dry construction
Dry water floor (flooring) is laid in case the raising of the floor is not provided for by the design solution. Weak overlap is another reason to choose such a floor. The dry structure weighs 25-30 kg / m², which is about 10 times less than concrete with a height of 50 mm. Sometimes a dry floor is laid due to the difficulty of delivering concrete to the object. There are many benefits to such a design. As a material, polystyrene or wood is usually used, and since there is no need for drying, it will be possible to save at least a few days. The layer height rarely exceeds 60 mm, and sometimes is just over 30 mm. The assembly does not take much effort and is characterized by simplicity in technical terms. Dry water floor easily withstands temperature surges, provides high-quality sound insulation. Among other things, the system can be installed temporarily, with the possibility of dismantling and reassembly in another room.
Lightweight wooden structure
Wooden systems are also rack and modular. In designs of the second type, the pipe is laid in the cut-out grooves, and not between the slats. Grooves are formed in chipboard. Installation is possible on the old coating, but still it is better to install the system on the logs. Lock fastening will ensure continuity of the coating.To create a modular system, fewer calculations are needed, so work is done faster, although the technology itself is similar to assembling a rack structure. The last supporting layer is a lath made of moisture-proof plywood, MDF, chipboard or boards. In this case, elements with a thickness of more than 2 cm and humidity up to 10% are used. The difference between the pitch of the heating pipe and the width of the slats should be 20 mm. Before installation, the bearing surface must be cleaned. On 1 m² it is permissible to leave no more than two irregularities.
Choosing a pipe for a warm water floor
Most significant aspects depend on the material of execution. Copper pipes conduct heat well. They quickly heat up and transfer thermal energy to the floor. However, the price of such products is higher than other options on the market. Polypropylene products, like copper pipes, are used only when other solutions are unavailable. And the main reason is the difficult installation. To install, you will need a lot of fittings of various shapes, and the stability of the system will be lower when compared with other materials. Pipes made of metal-plastic have good performance by most criteria. They do not clog inside, quickly warm up and are flexible enough so that the fixation does not cause problems. As fasteners, threaded or press fittings are used. Recently, cross-linked polyethylene pipes have gained popularity. Their installation does not require special skills. The main advantage of the material is increased strength.
Design Features
No more than 90-100 meters of pipe should be allocated to one circuit. Otherwise, the water in the return run will lose too much heat. For one circuit, an indicator of 70-80 m is considered the optimal length. In addition, the longer the length, the stronger the resistance. All heated rooms should be divided into circuits of approximately the same length. Calculations are carried out using a specialized calculator.The pipe pitch at the walls is selected in accordance with the temperature behind these walls. The standard values of the interval are in the corridor of 10-30 cm. It is permissible to go beyond this framework, but if exceeded, alternating sections with a noticeably different temperature will appear. Spacing shorter than 10 cm can cause tube bending problems. You will need to enter data such as the type of flooring, the temperature of the water supply, and the temperature of the treatment into the warm water floor calculator.
Other information for calculating in a calculator:
pipe pitch;
its variety;
screed thickness over the contour.
Contour styling methods
The pipes of the heating structure differ in the figure: they can take the form of a snake, a snail, etc. The quality of the heat distribution in the room, including on the floor itself, depends on the installation of the circuit. As a result of the movement through the pipes, the liquid cools, so it is important to establish perfect circulation. For the same reason, the system is mounted starting from the walls, moving to the exit or center. Most often, there are configurations in the form of a snail shell, snake and combined. The curving tube may have single or double / triple bends. The figures are formed by straight lines near three walls and only next to one do they make the transition to the desired figure. If we are talking about a snake, then one of the sides will be wavy. Lines of repeated bends form, as a rule, along the diagonals of the room. The water supply is arranged so that in each of the larger and closer to the walls coils, the water temperature is approximately 1 ° C higher.
Heater - type and thickness
The ideal thickness of the insulation layer depends on the structure of the material. In the case of mineral wool, 50 mm is enough, but loose insulation will need up to 150 mm. Another popular option is polystyrene. Mineral wool is good for its ability to organize moisture exchange equally well and keep the temperature at a constant level.High humidity in itself is a problem for mineral wool. A material oversaturated with moisture will not be able to properly perform the insulating function. Loose heaters are a budget material. But in some situations, it will not be possible to lay out a sufficient layer of such thermal protection. Polyfoam is not suitable in some cases, because it is not able to conduct steam. Moisture accumulated on the insulation will become a medium for mold and mildew. Styrofoam is not an acceptable option for wood floors.
The choice of collector-mixing unit
An important element of the heating system. All loops and branches converge here. There is a mixture of hot and cold streams to a predetermined temperature. In the collector-mixing unit (distribution cabinet) there are valves for regulating the volume of water in the circuits and, accordingly, its temperature, as well as the same indicator in the entire system. To make the right choice, you need to consider 3 main nuances. The number of valves must match the number of water inlet and outlet lines. Five valves of the water system will need 10 valves. The second aspect is management. Preference is given to adjustable valves. They provide the ability to separately configure branches. This is important not only because the rooms need different temperatures, but also because of the uneven distribution of heat between them, especially at different distances from the site. It is advisable to get a system with a valve to eliminate air bubbles.
Calculations and proper pipe distribution
As for the diameter of the pipes, the most widespread are 2-centimeter options. The maximum distance between the turns is 30 cm, the minimum is 10. At the same time, it is recommended to observe the same interval between the pipe and the walls - 20 cm. Near the walls with windows, the distance between the rows is made smaller.Laying starts from the side of a short wall, and for this they take about 15 tubes to create a direct base of the pipe. The distance from the collector to the turns of the pipeline should not be less than 40 cm. Each circuit of the heating system within the rooms should have a length of 40 m, but preferably not more than 100. In large rooms, you should not invest in this indicator, but simply form 2 or more circuits, ideally the same length. Exceeding the limit of 100 m is still permissible: 120 m is considered a maximum for 18 mm cross-linked polyethylene pipes, 125 m for plastic pipes with a diameter of 2 cm.
Choosing a heating boiler and pump
Types of boilers for water floor heating:
solid fuel;
diesel;
pellet.
As for boilers, the long-burning model should be chosen. Heating problems can be avoided with options with buffer capacity. Diesel boilers are usually more expensive, but in terms of efficiency no better than solid fuel. Pellet models are slightly inferior to others in power. Using a water floor without a pump is a bad decision, because a minimal deviation from the norms can lead to leaks. An exception is possible in the case of operation with hot water supply or central heating. The choice of pump lies between wet and dry models. The first option is characterized by contact with the coolant. It is suitable for private estates, but is designed only for short contours. Dry type pumps are very noisy, but have high performance and are used in large multi-story buildings.
Among all types of boilers, the least justified option is diesel.
Self-assembly of a warm water floor
The work includes several stages:
Floor preparation.
Laying thermal insulation (insulation).
Installation of reinforcing mesh.
Installation of the pipeline.
Hydraulic tests.
Filling screeds.
Start the heating system.
The first thing to do is prepare the floor.The concrete base should be handled more carefully, as well as the base for filling with concrete. An important aspect is the thermal insulation device. The quality of the insulation directly depends on its price. In this case, one should not excessively sacrifice the height of the room for the sake of a thick layer of thermal insulation. A metal mesh is installed under the pipe or screed, but it happens that they use two layers or none. The key decision must be taken at the next stage - regarding the configuration of the pipe. Basically choose between the "snail" and the "snake". It makes no sense to make a picture symmetrical, because parts of the room require different amounts of heat. The pipe is collected, bent, stacked and fixed. There can be several circuits in one room. The preparation of the water floor is completed by laying the screed. Most often used concrete, less often - polystyrene and other materials. In the end, it remains to put the system into working condition, but the first checks are carried out before installing the beacons and filling the screed.
Floor preparation
If the base is concrete, then it is cleaned of reinforcement and bumps. Foil thermal insulation is laid on top. You can enhance the effect of it due to the dense polystyrene panels, with placement under the foil. This seal is not made if it is important to avoid loss of height in a room. Special waterproofing materials or ordinary plastic film play the role of waterproofing for a pie water system. Rolls are lapped, with approximately a 20-centimeter margin. On the floor around the perimeter glued (or fixed) damper tape. It can be cut out of thermal insulation. Ready-made substrates are also sold on the market, which replace foil, reinforcing mesh and pipe fittings. The technology of warm wood floors is mainly used on the second floors and above. The preparation of the floor is not particularly different: there should be no debris and more than two small irregularities per 1 m². A special wooden base with channels is used.
Insulation
The main task is to fix the joints with special adhesive tape. Usually use foam insulation, foam or some other material. In this case, the optimal thickness is 5 cm. When installed, this indicator is usually increased to 10 cm. In order to maintain additional heat, a heat reflector from the film is placed on top. Use aluminum foil, foam rubber, penofol. The structure of the floor includes different levels. The first may be a concrete base. Put on top, for example, expanded polystyrene. Next, place the pipe of the heating system. Six meters of length will cost relatively inexpensively, about 200 rubles. A concrete screed is installed on top of the tubular device. At the very end, the finish coating is attached. Typical finishes for water floors are laminate and tile.
Pipe installation
After the formation of the base and insulation, you can do the assembly and installation of the pipe. Depending on the form of the room and the wishes of the owners, the type of drawing (snail, snake) and its specific option, the most convenient for the room, are selected. Most craftsmen consider a spiral with a concentric structure to be the most universal solution. When laying take into account the thickness of the flooring, walls and the diameter of the pipe. The optimal length of a tube per room is approximately 80-100 m. From the side of the street, the rows are usually laid denser. As a material, even ordinary water pipes are used. The connection of the tubes into one is done using adapters. If metal-plastic options are used, the metal surface is removed in three centimeters from the beginning of the pipe. Connection with thermal insulation is carried out by fixing nodes. The latter not only facilitate installation, but also ensure proper positioning.
Reinforcing mesh installation
Reinforcing mesh is used for high-quality pipe fastening. The reinforcement layer is placed on top of the insulation, all sections are fastened with wire.The cells are formed in accordance with the planned step of the pipeline. The pipe itself is then installed on this grate. To protect against various loads, another reinforcing mesh is laid on the circuit. It also reinforces the concrete screed, preventing cracking and maintaining its solidity. If the mortar is mixed with high-quality concrete, then a metal mesh is not needed. Sometimes it can even be replaced, for example, with fiber. Theoretically, you can do without a reinforcing mesh under the pipeline, but then you need clips, and during the placement of beacons on the floor it will be inconvenient to walk. If there are large irregularities on the rough floor, then it is either leveled with concrete or expansion joints are created.
Reinforcement should be carried out at a temperature not lower than +20 ° C.
System filling and hydraulic tests
Before pouring the screed, the system is tested - crimping. First, the floor pipeline is filled with water, and then the rest of the heating system, including a section with radiators and a boiler. There are alternative verification options - using air or antifreeze. In the second case, all the water needs to be drained from the system. Before filling the water system, open all the taps and valves, which are placed in such a position for transition to working condition: automatic air vents, three-way valve, circuit valves. Filling a closed system begins with the opening of combs and valves. You will hear the movement of air through the auto eraser. When it ceases to be removed through the air vents, you need to turn on the circulation pump. When all the air comes out of the system, the flow meters and valves close and pump one circuit until the sound of bubbles appears. Filling the open system is carried out through the drain hose at the bottom of the heating structure. Before this, the warm floor is filled through taps on the collector.
Beacon Installation
Lighthouses are used for several purposes: for screeding and leveling the floor.First, dowels are fixed on opposite walls along a previously prepared line of the upper boundary of the screed. Between them establish a strong lace. Next, expose the metal profile so that its top matches the level of the lace. Lighthouses are located half a meter from the walls and at a distance less than that used to level the screed. Beacons should be securely fastened. To this end, screws are screwed to the overlap - near the profile. He, in turn, should not sag between the fasteners. If necessary, add a few more supports. Next, they use knitting wire - the rails are screwed to the hardware, achieving the most rigid fastening. So that the screed does not deform, tape is laid on all the walls below.
Screed - pouring mortar
It is permissible to fill the floor with mortar only after checking the correct operation of the heating system. If, after increasing pressure in the pipes, they did not leak and did not expand significantly, then pouring should be started. It is necessary to fill the floor at a time, the exception is if the floor is placed on several levels in the room. It is desirable that the room was warm, and at a negative temperature, such work is not carried out in principle. The filling starts from the far corner and ends near the exit. The mixture is poured between the beacons and leveled, without bringing the layer above the level of the marks. For the upper concrete screed, it is advised to leave a strip up to 15 cm wide around the perimeter. This gap will be between the wall and the pipe. The water floor can be operated before the screed is completely dry, however, such a need will not arise until the surface is ready.
Some nuances about improving screed quality:
To eliminate excess air in the screed, it is recommended to make small holes, because under the mass of the solution it is difficult for air voids to break out to the surface.
The first week after pouring, the surface is moistened several times a day from the spray gun, otherwise the concrete will dry out more than harden.
Starting the heating system
First, check the possibility of circulation inside the pipeline and in the whole system. Then the lever of the mixing valve is transferred to the position corresponding to the minimum temperature. After that, the circulation pump of the floor water supply is started. At the same time, the boiler pump (boiler) is turned off. On manual air exhausters, the accumulated air is periodically released. The circulation should go in all branches, so it is checked by flow meters. The circuit can stretch from the collector to the bathroom at the next level, so that in the absence of a tie-in, removing air from it becomes difficult. In this case, overlap the remaining branches and turn on the pump to the maximum. Use and water pressure. The supply valve to the control cabinet is closed and the drain valve on the return assembly is abruptly opened. All air is gradually removed, after which the tuned system is started. For heating, please read the detailed instructions.
Conclusion
Warm floors throughout the house will make life more comfortable. And now this is not an attribute of luxury, but an ordinary functional device. Warm water floors "compete" with electric ones, and as practice shows, many people choose the first option. The heat from the water system is distributed more evenly, although the setup process requires a lot of manipulation. Despite the restrictions in multi-apartment buildings, installing a water system in the country is easier and more profitable than an electric one. Designs are made of three basic materials: concrete, polystyrene or wood. In terms of aesthetics, the third option is better. It is easier to assemble a concrete structure with your own hands, if you do not take into account ready-made options from other materials. The latter can not always be combined with the parameters of the room.The shape of the pipelines of the water floor system, in turn, is selected only individually. In addition to the formation of the contours themselves, you need to select and install a heater, screed and finish coat.
Water floor - a kind of warm floor, along with electric. Its wide distribution is explained by the desire for comfort, because walking on a warm surface is much more pleasant. Sometimes it is just a necessity, for example, if the coating is too cold due to the characteristics of the materials. The design has a structure in the form of a curved pipe for hot water. Such a heating system reduces the need for general heating. The temperature can be adjusted over a wide range, so that in case of heat, for example, it is possible to make the floor slightly warm, and not to turn it off completely. In winter, the hot surface does not cope with the function of heating the room, and already in the middle of the room the air will not warm up. Due to some drawbacks and operating features, private houses have become the main option for arranging a water heated floor. Such heating is very useful for families with small children.In addition, it has long been used in baths, bathrooms and in kitchens.
Content
Features
The main distinguishing feature of the water floor is a curved pipe through which hot water flows. In this case, the coating temperature will also depend on the thermal conductivity of the materials. In multi-unit buildings, the installation of such heating is difficult due to the danger of leaks. Heating systems cannot be embedded in central heating and hot water utilities. You can make a design in the apartment if you have an autonomous gas boiler and if the housing itself is located on the ground floor, and the levels below are not occupied by residential premises. The boiler is recommended to be replaced with a special one for the water floor. In apartment buildings, the design for floor heating must contain a "floating screed" of concrete. If the floors are made according to old technologies, then it will not be possible to arrange such heating there. In houses with an unheated basement, additional thermal insulation of the base of the floor will be required.
Advantages and disadvantages
Water-heated floors use energy efficiently. Underfloor heating increases comfort and ensures even heat distribution.Location under the floor is a safe option, as the likelihood of damage to the system becomes low, and the residents themselves will be protected from injuries and burns. Hidden heating is combined with cladding materials easier than other options. The device is covered with tiles, laminate or linoleum. Before finishing, check the chemical composition of the materials. Water floor connection is possible both to the main heating system and to a separate one. The underfloor heating has several disadvantages. In central heating, pressure drops occur. Installation itself takes a lot of time due to multi-layer installation. To eliminate leaks, you will have to open the coating and harm its appearance.
Where to use: room requirements
Installation of a warm water floor is possible in rooms with completed plastering work. Mandatory presence of windows and door leaf. Sewerage, electrical communications, water connection points must be prepared. The heating system is mounted on a clean, flat surface. The functionality of the base waterproofing should be checked before starting work. Pre-do and marking the level of flooring. Installation of a water system will not cause difficulties in homes with autonomous heating. A room in an apartment building will be equipped with a warm floor only after appropriate examination. A conclusion will be required about the potential negative impact on the building's communications. You will need floor wiring and a heat meter for the apartment. On the ground floor, a warm water floor is connected to the back riser.
Water floor device
It depends on the materials of execution. However, all water floors have similar communication systems. As a rule, they consist of several branches - contours.They gather in a control cabinet, where they carry out control. Each circuit consists of a segment along which water enters the room, and a section of the "return". On the floor, the system is arranged in several layers. Base requirements vary depending on the material used. To enhance the effect of the system, the circuit is finished with a heater. This is especially important in cold regions. The tubes are fixed on a reinforced mesh or a strob system. Then put a screed. If it is made of concrete, then a damper tape is installed around the perimeter of the room. Above put a substrate of cardboard or foamed polyethylene. The top layer, the finishing coating is usually made of laminate, parquet or tile.
Types of designs of a warm water floor
A warm water floor is made of:
Priorities should be correctly set: take into account the permissible load and the necessary heating qualities. Concrete better retains and distributes heat, reliably protects against mechanical damage. Dry floor, in turn, is easier to manufacture. It is characterized by a higher level of aesthetics and better repair opportunities. A polystyrene structure, for example, can be placed on a concrete or wooden base. The light weight of the material makes it more versatile than concrete. Because of the lightness, polystyrene is used in any type of house: frame, panel, etc. Wooden structures are in demand among owners of wooden houses with the same interior. Wooden systems consist of a bottom layer of battens and a topcoat (often in the form of large slabs). Warm water floors made of wood are durable, environmentally friendly and take up little space.
Concrete structure
Such a system involves closing the pipe with light or heavy concrete. This kind of underfloor heating is not suitable for rooms with weak overlap and severe load requirements.The concrete structure is laid on the rough floor of the first floor (in the absence of a basement), a monolith or a surface made of floor slabs. An important advantage of concrete is the uniform distribution of heat throughout the coating. Inertness is characteristic of the material: it warms up for a long time, but at the same time it cools slowly. The installation process will be time-consuming, because in addition to multi-layered, the complexity of the floating screed device is semi-dry or wet. However, this is offset by the reliability of the design. Correct installation and accurate filling after several checks will provide the system with high-quality protection against mechanical stress.
Dry construction
Dry water floor (flooring) is laid in case the raising of the floor is not provided for by the design solution. Weak overlap is another reason to choose such a floor. The dry structure weighs 25-30 kg / m², which is about 10 times less than concrete with a height of 50 mm. Sometimes a dry floor is laid due to the difficulty of delivering concrete to the object. There are many benefits to such a design. As a material, polystyrene or wood is usually used, and since there is no need for drying, it will be possible to save at least a few days. The layer height rarely exceeds 60 mm, and sometimes is just over 30 mm. The assembly does not take much effort and is characterized by simplicity in technical terms. Dry water floor easily withstands temperature surges, provides high-quality sound insulation. Among other things, the system can be installed temporarily, with the possibility of dismantling and reassembly in another room.
Lightweight wooden structure
Wooden systems are also rack and modular. In designs of the second type, the pipe is laid in the cut-out grooves, and not between the slats. Grooves are formed in chipboard. Installation is possible on the old coating, but still it is better to install the system on the logs. Lock fastening will ensure continuity of the coating.To create a modular system, fewer calculations are needed, so work is done faster, although the technology itself is similar to assembling a rack structure. The last supporting layer is a lath made of moisture-proof plywood, MDF, chipboard or boards. In this case, elements with a thickness of more than 2 cm and humidity up to 10% are used. The difference between the pitch of the heating pipe and the width of the slats should be 20 mm. Before installation, the bearing surface must be cleaned. On 1 m² it is permissible to leave no more than two irregularities.
Choosing a pipe for a warm water floor
Most significant aspects depend on the material of execution. Copper pipes conduct heat well. They quickly heat up and transfer thermal energy to the floor. However, the price of such products is higher than other options on the market. Polypropylene products, like copper pipes, are used only when other solutions are unavailable. And the main reason is the difficult installation. To install, you will need a lot of fittings of various shapes, and the stability of the system will be lower when compared with other materials. Pipes made of metal-plastic have good performance by most criteria. They do not clog inside, quickly warm up and are flexible enough so that the fixation does not cause problems. As fasteners, threaded or press fittings are used. Recently, cross-linked polyethylene pipes have gained popularity. Their installation does not require special skills. The main advantage of the material is increased strength.
Design Features
No more than 90-100 meters of pipe should be allocated to one circuit. Otherwise, the water in the return run will lose too much heat. For one circuit, an indicator of 70-80 m is considered the optimal length. In addition, the longer the length, the stronger the resistance. All heated rooms should be divided into circuits of approximately the same length. Calculations are carried out using a specialized calculator.The pipe pitch at the walls is selected in accordance with the temperature behind these walls. The standard values of the interval are in the corridor of 10-30 cm. It is permissible to go beyond this framework, but if exceeded, alternating sections with a noticeably different temperature will appear. Spacing shorter than 10 cm can cause tube bending problems. You will need to enter data such as the type of flooring, the temperature of the water supply, and the temperature of the treatment into the warm water floor calculator.
Other information for calculating in a calculator:
Contour styling methods
The pipes of the heating structure differ in the figure: they can take the form of a snake, a snail, etc. The quality of the heat distribution in the room, including on the floor itself, depends on the installation of the circuit. As a result of the movement through the pipes, the liquid cools, so it is important to establish perfect circulation. For the same reason, the system is mounted starting from the walls, moving to the exit or center. Most often, there are configurations in the form of a snail shell, snake and combined. The curving tube may have single or double / triple bends. The figures are formed by straight lines near three walls and only next to one do they make the transition to the desired figure. If we are talking about a snake, then one of the sides will be wavy. Lines of repeated bends form, as a rule, along the diagonals of the room. The water supply is arranged so that in each of the larger and closer to the walls coils, the water temperature is approximately 1 ° C higher.
Heater - type and thickness
The ideal thickness of the insulation layer depends on the structure of the material. In the case of mineral wool, 50 mm is enough, but loose insulation will need up to 150 mm. Another popular option is polystyrene. Mineral wool is good for its ability to organize moisture exchange equally well and keep the temperature at a constant level.High humidity in itself is a problem for mineral wool. A material oversaturated with moisture will not be able to properly perform the insulating function. Loose heaters are a budget material. But in some situations, it will not be possible to lay out a sufficient layer of such thermal protection. Polyfoam is not suitable in some cases, because it is not able to conduct steam. Moisture accumulated on the insulation will become a medium for mold and mildew. Styrofoam is not an acceptable option for wood floors.
The choice of collector-mixing unit
An important element of the heating system. All loops and branches converge here. There is a mixture of hot and cold streams to a predetermined temperature. In the collector-mixing unit (distribution cabinet) there are valves for regulating the volume of water in the circuits and, accordingly, its temperature, as well as the same indicator in the entire system. To make the right choice, you need to consider 3 main nuances. The number of valves must match the number of water inlet and outlet lines. Five valves of the water system will need 10 valves. The second aspect is management. Preference is given to adjustable valves. They provide the ability to separately configure branches. This is important not only because the rooms need different temperatures, but also because of the uneven distribution of heat between them, especially at different distances from the site. It is advisable to get a system with a valve to eliminate air bubbles.
Calculations and proper pipe distribution
As for the diameter of the pipes, the most widespread are 2-centimeter options. The maximum distance between the turns is 30 cm, the minimum is 10. At the same time, it is recommended to observe the same interval between the pipe and the walls - 20 cm. Near the walls with windows, the distance between the rows is made smaller.Laying starts from the side of a short wall, and for this they take about 15 tubes to create a direct base of the pipe. The distance from the collector to the turns of the pipeline should not be less than 40 cm. Each circuit of the heating system within the rooms should have a length of 40 m, but preferably not more than 100. In large rooms, you should not invest in this indicator, but simply form 2 or more circuits, ideally the same length. Exceeding the limit of 100 m is still permissible: 120 m is considered a maximum for 18 mm cross-linked polyethylene pipes, 125 m for plastic pipes with a diameter of 2 cm.
Choosing a heating boiler and pump
Types of boilers for water floor heating:
As for boilers, the long-burning model should be chosen. Heating problems can be avoided with options with buffer capacity. Diesel boilers are usually more expensive, but in terms of efficiency no better than solid fuel. Pellet models are slightly inferior to others in power. Using a water floor without a pump is a bad decision, because a minimal deviation from the norms can lead to leaks. An exception is possible in the case of operation with hot water supply or central heating. The choice of pump lies between wet and dry models. The first option is characterized by contact with the coolant. It is suitable for private estates, but is designed only for short contours. Dry type pumps are very noisy, but have high performance and are used in large multi-story buildings.
Self-assembly of a warm water floor
The work includes several stages:
The first thing to do is prepare the floor.The concrete base should be handled more carefully, as well as the base for filling with concrete. An important aspect is the thermal insulation device. The quality of the insulation directly depends on its price. In this case, one should not excessively sacrifice the height of the room for the sake of a thick layer of thermal insulation. A metal mesh is installed under the pipe or screed, but it happens that they use two layers or none. The key decision must be taken at the next stage - regarding the configuration of the pipe. Basically choose between the "snail" and the "snake". It makes no sense to make a picture symmetrical, because parts of the room require different amounts of heat. The pipe is collected, bent, stacked and fixed. There can be several circuits in one room. The preparation of the water floor is completed by laying the screed. Most often used concrete, less often - polystyrene and other materials. In the end, it remains to put the system into working condition, but the first checks are carried out before installing the beacons and filling the screed.
Floor preparation
If the base is concrete, then it is cleaned of reinforcement and bumps. Foil thermal insulation is laid on top. You can enhance the effect of it due to the dense polystyrene panels, with placement under the foil. This seal is not made if it is important to avoid loss of height in a room. Special waterproofing materials or ordinary plastic film play the role of waterproofing for a pie water system. Rolls are lapped, with approximately a 20-centimeter margin. On the floor around the perimeter glued (or fixed) damper tape. It can be cut out of thermal insulation. Ready-made substrates are also sold on the market, which replace foil, reinforcing mesh and pipe fittings. The technology of warm wood floors is mainly used on the second floors and above. The preparation of the floor is not particularly different: there should be no debris and more than two small irregularities per 1 m². A special wooden base with channels is used.
Insulation
The main task is to fix the joints with special adhesive tape. Usually use foam insulation, foam or some other material. In this case, the optimal thickness is 5 cm. When installed, this indicator is usually increased to 10 cm. In order to maintain additional heat, a heat reflector from the film is placed on top. Use aluminum foil, foam rubber, penofol. The structure of the floor includes different levels. The first may be a concrete base. Put on top, for example, expanded polystyrene. Next, place the pipe of the heating system. Six meters of length will cost relatively inexpensively, about 200 rubles. A concrete screed is installed on top of the tubular device. At the very end, the finish coating is attached. Typical finishes for water floors are laminate and tile.
Pipe installation
After the formation of the base and insulation, you can do the assembly and installation of the pipe. Depending on the form of the room and the wishes of the owners, the type of drawing (snail, snake) and its specific option, the most convenient for the room, are selected. Most craftsmen consider a spiral with a concentric structure to be the most universal solution. When laying take into account the thickness of the flooring, walls and the diameter of the pipe. The optimal length of a tube per room is approximately 80-100 m. From the side of the street, the rows are usually laid denser. As a material, even ordinary water pipes are used. The connection of the tubes into one is done using adapters. If metal-plastic options are used, the metal surface is removed in three centimeters from the beginning of the pipe. Connection with thermal insulation is carried out by fixing nodes. The latter not only facilitate installation, but also ensure proper positioning.
Reinforcing mesh installation
Reinforcing mesh is used for high-quality pipe fastening. The reinforcement layer is placed on top of the insulation, all sections are fastened with wire.The cells are formed in accordance with the planned step of the pipeline. The pipe itself is then installed on this grate. To protect against various loads, another reinforcing mesh is laid on the circuit. It also reinforces the concrete screed, preventing cracking and maintaining its solidity. If the mortar is mixed with high-quality concrete, then a metal mesh is not needed. Sometimes it can even be replaced, for example, with fiber. Theoretically, you can do without a reinforcing mesh under the pipeline, but then you need clips, and during the placement of beacons on the floor it will be inconvenient to walk. If there are large irregularities on the rough floor, then it is either leveled with concrete or expansion joints are created.
System filling and hydraulic tests
Before pouring the screed, the system is tested - crimping. First, the floor pipeline is filled with water, and then the rest of the heating system, including a section with radiators and a boiler. There are alternative verification options - using air or antifreeze. In the second case, all the water needs to be drained from the system. Before filling the water system, open all the taps and valves, which are placed in such a position for transition to working condition: automatic air vents, three-way valve, circuit valves. Filling a closed system begins with the opening of combs and valves. You will hear the movement of air through the auto eraser. When it ceases to be removed through the air vents, you need to turn on the circulation pump. When all the air comes out of the system, the flow meters and valves close and pump one circuit until the sound of bubbles appears. Filling the open system is carried out through the drain hose at the bottom of the heating structure. Before this, the warm floor is filled through taps on the collector.
Beacon Installation
Lighthouses are used for several purposes: for screeding and leveling the floor.First, dowels are fixed on opposite walls along a previously prepared line of the upper boundary of the screed. Between them establish a strong lace. Next, expose the metal profile so that its top matches the level of the lace. Lighthouses are located half a meter from the walls and at a distance less than that used to level the screed. Beacons should be securely fastened. To this end, screws are screwed to the overlap - near the profile. He, in turn, should not sag between the fasteners. If necessary, add a few more supports. Next, they use knitting wire - the rails are screwed to the hardware, achieving the most rigid fastening. So that the screed does not deform, tape is laid on all the walls below.
Screed - pouring mortar
It is permissible to fill the floor with mortar only after checking the correct operation of the heating system. If, after increasing pressure in the pipes, they did not leak and did not expand significantly, then pouring should be started. It is necessary to fill the floor at a time, the exception is if the floor is placed on several levels in the room. It is desirable that the room was warm, and at a negative temperature, such work is not carried out in principle. The filling starts from the far corner and ends near the exit. The mixture is poured between the beacons and leveled, without bringing the layer above the level of the marks. For the upper concrete screed, it is advised to leave a strip up to 15 cm wide around the perimeter. This gap will be between the wall and the pipe. The water floor can be operated before the screed is completely dry, however, such a need will not arise until the surface is ready.
Some nuances about improving screed quality:
Starting the heating system
First, check the possibility of circulation inside the pipeline and in the whole system. Then the lever of the mixing valve is transferred to the position corresponding to the minimum temperature. After that, the circulation pump of the floor water supply is started. At the same time, the boiler pump (boiler) is turned off. On manual air exhausters, the accumulated air is periodically released. The circulation should go in all branches, so it is checked by flow meters. The circuit can stretch from the collector to the bathroom at the next level, so that in the absence of a tie-in, removing air from it becomes difficult. In this case, overlap the remaining branches and turn on the pump to the maximum. Use and water pressure. The supply valve to the control cabinet is closed and the drain valve on the return assembly is abruptly opened. All air is gradually removed, after which the tuned system is started. For heating, please read the detailed instructions.
Conclusion
Warm floors throughout the house will make life more comfortable. And now this is not an attribute of luxury, but an ordinary functional device. Warm water floors "compete" with electric ones, and as practice shows, many people choose the first option. The heat from the water system is distributed more evenly, although the setup process requires a lot of manipulation. Despite the restrictions in multi-apartment buildings, installing a water system in the country is easier and more profitable than an electric one. Designs are made of three basic materials: concrete, polystyrene or wood. In terms of aesthetics, the third option is better. It is easier to assemble a concrete structure with your own hands, if you do not take into account ready-made options from other materials. The latter can not always be combined with the parameters of the room.The shape of the pipelines of the water floor system, in turn, is selected only individually. In addition to the formation of the contours themselves, you need to select and install a heater, screed and finish coat.