Selecting the appropriate underfloor heating pipes is essential for effective and efficient building heating systems. The 16×2 mm pipe is a frequently utilized type that is renowned for its adaptability and efficiency. Without the need for radiators, these pipes are made expressly to distribute warm water evenly beneath the floor, guaranteeing a comfortable interior climate.
In underfloor heating systems, 16×2 mm pipes are usually composed of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). This material is preferred because of its resilience to scaling and corrosion, as well as its flexibility and durability. The pipe’s outer diameter (16 mm) and wall thickness (2 mm) are indicated by the 16×2 mm dimension. This size balances flexibility during installation with effective heat transfer.
Underfloor heating uses 16×2 mm pipes primarily of two types: non-barrier (NB) and oxygen barrier (OB). An extra layer on oxygen barrier pipes keeps oxygen from seeping into the system. This is important because oxygen can corrode metal heating system components like boilers and pumps. Conversely, non-barrier pipes work well in closed-loop systems where oxygen intrusion is not an issue.
A number of factors must be taken into account when calculating the necessary length of 16×2 mm pipes for underfloor heating, including the floor area that needs to be heated, the required heat output per square meter, and the system layout. Professional installers typically use specialized software to accurately complete these calculations. Ensuring that every room has enough heat without taxing the system or sacrificing effectiveness is the aim.
In underfloor heating systems, 16×2 mm pipe installation is done in a methodical manner. In order to reduce heat loss below, insulation panels are first placed on the floor. To ensure even heat distribution, the pipes are then arranged across the floor area in a serpentine pattern. The manifold, which regulates the temperature and flow of the water flowing through the system, is connected to the ends of the pipes.
In conclusion, because of their ideal size, long-lasting material, and effective heat distribution, 16×2 mm pipes are a dependable option for underfloor heating systems. Comprehending the various varieties, computations, and implementation techniques contributes to guaranteeing that heating systems operate efficiently, delivering both comfort and energy economy in buildings.
- What is it?
- When will they fit?
- Varieties
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Metal-plastic
- Copper and stainless steel
- How to choose correctly?
- Overview of manufacturers on the market
- Henco
- Rehau
- Sanext
- Emmeti
- Uponor
- Calculation rules
- Features and rules of application
- Nuances and differences in the installation process
- Pros and cons
- Video on the topic
- Main mistakes when installing underfloor heating
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What is it?
16 mm pipes are frequently used when setting up a warm water floor system in apartments or country homes / cottages. This indicates that a continuous flow of coolant, or hot water, will pass through a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm.
However, the size of the room is not particularly important; it can be as small as 45–50 square meters for a standard apartment or as large as 200–300 square meters for a large house. Nonetheless, consideration is given to the amount of floor load resulting from exposed furniture, machinery, and equipment as well as the average overall traffic.
For instance, pipes with a diameter of 20 mm or more would be the ideal choice for installing warm water floors in a shopping center with large areas, large equipment, and maximum constant traffic, or in a gym where heavy, massive exercise equipment will be displayed.
In addition to a thick, dense screed that lowers the room’s height, these items call for improved subfloor wear resistance and thermal insulation.
To varying degrees, the coolant flowing through the pipes heats the surrounding air. Water or another liquid is used as the coolant in heated floors that use water. In general, a heating system is more economical the less heat is circulating through the pipes when it is heated.
A warm water floor pipe with a diameter of 16 mm allows 110 ml of coolant per running millimeter, while a module with a diameter of 20 mm can already pass 180 ml of water per running millimeter, which results in a 40% increase in energy costs.
However, the laying step can also be increased in the second case because of its larger heat transfer area. For 20 mm – up to 200 mm, and for 16 mm – 150 cm. The pipe’s length will consequently shorten. Additionally, the overall efficiency will be nearly the same.
When will they fit?
When laying indoors, pipes with a diameter of 16 mm are used, provided that the total pipe circuit needed is between 60 and 75 meters. It is more economical to select a model with a wider diameter of 20 mm or 25 mm, respectively, if it increases (up to 90 m, up to 120 m).
Varieties
The following materials are among the many types of pipes (16 mm in diameter) for water-heated floors that are available on the sales market.
Polyethylene
While these materials were being created:
- polyethylene is processed under high pressure with complex innovative chemical compounds – peroxides;
- the technological process continues irradiation with X-rays;
- it can be replaced by treatment with silane gas (an inorganic compound).
Three-dimensional molecular carbon bonds are delivered to the material. Upon completion of the process, a PEX pipe with the best technical attributes—strength, durability, and resistance to temperature increases—is produced, which is a modernized "product."
Select 16 mm PEX a, b, and c pipes, which are cross-linked polyethylene pipes with a cross-linking degree of up to 75–85%, for underfloor heating. Experts advise being aware of Rehau products.
Advantages:
- anti-diffusion protection;
- light weight;
- flexibility – easy to bend at the desired angle;
- easy installation;
- minor pressure fluctuations in the heating system are damped;
- shape is restored after overstress in the pipe;
- the material is resistant to temperature changes and frost;
- there will be no corrosion.
Reasonably priced, long-lasting service.
Cons:
- many fastening modules are required for strong fixation and retention of a given shape;
- not resistant to UV rays;
Care must be taken during installation to prevent damage to the outer anti-diffusion shell.
Polypropylene
Because of their extreme rigidity, polypropylene pipes cannot be twisted into spiral shapes. This is accomplished by using a variety of fittings in various configurations during the warm water floor installation process. The pipe in this section appears like this:
- inner layer of polypropylene;
- basalt or fiberglass, in some types reinforcing aluminum foil;
- two adhesive layers;
- outer protective layer.
The technical characteristics may vary depending on the product type, category, and brand. Advantages:
- durability;
- affordability;
- competent installation with strong fixation will ensure reliability.
Models last for a very long time.
Cons:
- minimal plasticity;
- no possibility of bending.
A warm water floor system requires a lot of corners, tees, etc. to be installed. components.
When connecting pipes and fittings during installation, a soldering iron is necessary to guarantee total sealing and structural integrity.
Metal-plastic
Among the most widely used materials for warm water floor installations. Multilayering and the presence of an aluminum layer in the pipe allow for good thermal conductivity.
- inner layer – made of cross-linked polyethylene;
- two adhesive layers, between which there is a reinforcing aluminum layer;
- outer layer – cross-linked polyethylene.
The existence of multiple layers prevents deposits from forming on the tube’s inner surface.
Pouring concrete or cement screed at the pipe joints during this kind of pipeline installation is not acceptable because there is a chance that a leak will occur during operation and that leak cannot be repaired while screeding is being applied. The lack of molecular memory distinguishes metal-plastic pipes from one another. The tube easily assumes the desired shape when bent.
Advantages
- high heating temperature up to +95°C – the best thermal conductivity of all polymer pipes;
- operating pressure up to 10 bar.;
- retains its shape when bent;
- low coefficient of thermal expansion.
Because the minimum bending radius is equivalent to five pipe diameters, the material is much more functional, more affordable, and easier to install in a variety of difficult-to-reach places.
Copper and stainless steel
Copper or stainless steel pipes are currently used to create warm water floors in country homes. Relevant pipeline types are two:
- annealed copper – highly flexible;
- stainless steel annealed corrugation made of high quality steel, which is annealed like copper in the previous case.
When bent, these metals take on supple, elastic qualities and do not distort. Their ease of installation, even in confined spaces, sets them apart.
Copper (16 mm in diameter) has a maximum heating temperature of +200°C and can withstand operating pressures of 60–67 Bar. Corrugated stainless steel pipe that is suitable for 15 bar and +150°C. Benefits
- high thermal conductivity;
- elasticity and flexibility;
- minimal linear expansion;
- do not allow oxygen to pass through;
- durability.
Keeps its required shape while being installed. Drawbacks:
- high price;
- stainless steel corrugated pipe has significant hydraulic resistance to the flow of coolant – wavy structure, in the depressions of which the smallest particles and sand also accumulate;
- experience is required for careful bending in the required places;
- the resulting kinks can only be eliminated by soldering;
- are subject to corrosion.
How to choose correctly?
In order to determine which 16 mm pipe option is best for setting up warm water floors, you can consider the guidance of experts and professionals in this field:
- Polypropylene is too laborious, requires a lot of fitting and zeal in the installation. It is rarely chosen for a water warm floor.
- Stainless corrugation pipes will be appropriate in small areas. For example, when connecting the plates. Laying in the screed of these models is not the best solution.
- Copper options are distinguished by high efficiency, functionality. All the main technical characteristics of copper models are many times higher than all analogues. But copper tubes have a high cost. If this is not a problem, then copper pipeline is the best solution for arranging a country house and public facilities. In apartment buildings, this material cannot be chosen on your own because of its large weight (as metal). A competent preliminary design calculation from a specialist is required.
- PE-RT polyethylene with excellent heat resistance also stands out due to its affordable price. It should be remembered about oxygen permeability, which reduces the life in cases of overheating.
- Re-x stitched polyethylene is professional material. The pipe perfectly restores the shape after the crease, but has not the highest thermal conductivity, and also expands greatly when the coolant is heated to high temperatures.
- PEX-AL-PEX Metal-plastic is a material that professionals put in the first place, as the most practical and highly functional version of all of the above. This is confirmed in practice by many years of operation. Modern and inexpensive material is practical and durable, it is easy to put it on its own. He gives perfectly heat and slightly changes the shape when heated.
When comparing all of the 16 mm diameter pipe options available for setting up warm water floors, it is clear that copper models "go" far ahead in terms of features, but at a premium price. Since stainless steel models are more costly than polymers and perform worse in hydraulics, they might not always be the top choice.
In order to minimize "elongation," heating pipes should not be longer than 100 meters in a single circuit. The range of 70–80 meters is ideal.
Overview of manufacturers on the market
The following manufacturers produce the most widely used 16 mm pipes for warm water floors.
Henco
A Belgian brand creates a cutting-edge, all-purpose polyethylene (diffusion-cross-linked) pipeline with an extra layer of aluminum reinforcement for underfloor heating systems. This pipeline can be used for up to 50 years thanks to innovative production technology that processes both the internal and external surfaces and uses an electric beam for cross-linking. Economical metal-plastic pipes for heating systems in multi-story buildings or rural homes are part of the RIX line. After bending, a pipe that is completely shielded from oxygen and water vapor diffusion maintains its shape.
Additionally, it ensures durability at high coolant flow rates and is resistant to corrosion. The model’s unique corrugation shields it from mechanical harm. Operating temperature maximum: +95°C; operating pressure: 16 bar. Cost for a 100 m coil is 267 rubles/m, or 26,700 rubles.
Fittings made of proprietary PVDF are resistant to the aggressive properties of materials found in cement screed. Moreover, fluoroplastic alternatives have a 50-year lifespan.
Rehau
One of Germany’s top producers of cross-linked polyethylene pipes for underfloor heating systems holds a dominant position in the industry. A high-quality pipe has a high wear resistance, is completely protected from mechanical damage, and can easily tolerate maximum water heating up to +90°C.
Products can be used for flooring in open spaces, stadiums, terraces, and loggias in addition to residential buildings and apartments. Strong and dependable connection zones are created by patented technology on a movable sleeve connecting the design modules, which also greatly simplifies the connection process. In coils, for instance, the Rautitan stabil model is universal. It can be used to install water supply and underfloor heating. Ten Bar is the maximum working pressure, and it can heat up to +95°C (or +100°C in the short term). 50 years warranty, smooth type interior, wall thickness of 2.6 mm. 240 rubles per meter in cost.
Additionally, the brand provides all of the consumables needed for the installation, including mats with clamps, heat-insulating mats for dry installation, rotary clips for fasteners, and two kinds of collectors.
Sanext
The domestic company also specializes in producing all the fittings (brass) required for the installation of cross-linked polyethylene pipelines in the kit. Warm water floor pipes are produced in coils ranging in length from 100 to 500 meters. The brand’s goods are very well-made, functional, and GOST compliant. Experts emphasize that Sanext offers the highest degree of flexibility, enabling you to work with the material at -20°C.
In addition to having hydrostatic strength at high temperatures and resistance to thermal wear and aging, the pipeline is resistant to chemical influences. This material has an extended service life of up to 50 years, making it the most economical and functional option. The brand also provides collectors, distribution units, and automatic energy consumption control for installation work. As an illustration, consider the 100 m coil SANEXT PE-Xa / EVOH 16×2.2 model:
- universal model with an oxygen barrier;
- resistant to overgrowing and abrasive wear.
Creative elastic glue is used to join the layers together. 16 Bar of working pressure and +90 + 95°C of heating temperature. Avoid staying out in the sun for an extended period of time. The budget was 115 rubles per meter.
At Sanext, 85% of the polyethylene cross-linking produced in this segment is produced using a patented, unique technology, compared to an average of 75% for other manufacturers.
Emmeti
For nearly fifty years, the Italian manufacturer has been producing systems for the supply of heat and water. Modern cross-linked polyethylene with an oxygen barrier makes up the Gerpex series of underfloor heating system pipelines, which are available in two versions: one for high pressure heating and the other for additional underfloor heating. either as standard models or with extra insulation.
The company manufactures pipes made of updated metal-plastic for coolants that can heat up to +95 °C. The material bends well during installation and has the best coefficient of thermal conductivity. When fixing, a little linear expansion lowers the quantity of clamping clips needed. As an illustration, consider the metal-plastic pipe GERPEX PEX-b EMMETI 16x2mm coil 200m composed of PE-Xb (body material):
- with a maximum working pressure of 10 Bar;
- universal model;
- operating temperature +95°C.
Starting at 110 rubles per m.
Emmeti manufactures all of the consumables required for system installation, including strong, branded press fittings with exceptional functionality.
Uponor
Superior cross-linked polyethylene pipes with an oxygen barrier are available from a Finnish brand, offering the best possible defense against corrosion for the metal components of the floor heating system. The pipeline is capable of withstanding coolant heating to +90°C and pressures up to 6 Bar. Hydraulic resistance is reduced when internal roughness is minimal. As an illustration, consider the following pipe: Uponor Comfort Pipe Plus S5.0 – 16×2.0 (PE-Xa/EVOH, PN6), cross-linked polyethylene
- 1 m section;
- made of cross-linked polyethylene PE-XA, using the Engel method with corrosion protection.
The underfloor heating system can reach a maximum temperature of +90°C and an operating pressure of up to 6 bar.
Starting at 166 rubles per m.
The producer provides enhanced seamless technology-made high-strength pipes. The brand additionally offers related consumables (made of premium brass) for installation.
Calculation rules
A skillful computation will be the best method to choose a pipe for a warm water floor in each unique situation. The first step is to draft a laying plan:
- the floor area is indicated in the diagram;
- places for installing furniture – the pipeline is not laid under heavy furniture, household appliances;
- the area under the furniture is subtracted from the total area;
- it is recommended to lay the pipes, retreating 10-20 cm from the walls on all sides along the perimeter.
Standard distance to lay: 30–40 cm. The floor will heat "zebra"—unevenly—if you raise it. Using a step of 20 cm per 1 m2, you require 5 running steps per m2. Once the pipe laying plan is worked out, measure the circuit’s overall length and multiply the result by the scale of choice to determine the number of pipes. Heat can be transferred from a 16 mm diameter pipe to the "space" on either side of the pipe by 10–15 cm.
The temperature regime in each zone is shown in the prepared, developed plan-project:
- corridors, hallways up to +16+18°C;
- bedrooms, living rooms up to +22+24°C;
- bath up to 26°C;
- kitchen up to +21°C.
Each room must have a specific installation type chosen, such as simple or serpentine, snail or double options, etc. Think about a pipe’s heat transfer capacity if it is composed of a particular material.
Use a manual method or online services to determine the precise number of meters of pipes needed for installation. An estimate of the approximate quantity of material needed is provided by the first approximation. When a specialist prepares a project, he gets precise data in the automatic calculation mode.
To calculate manually, use this formula:
- L – how many pipes are required (total pipes).
- S is the area of the room.
- n is the stacking step.
- LK – distance to the start of the collector.
These indicators are used in place of the others in the formula to determine how many pipes need to be installed.
Features and rules of application
There are some application guidelines that need to be considered. 16 mm pipes for floors with warm water:
- Choosing the diameter of the pipe, necessarily take into account the level of heat transfer of the material from which it is made. Metal -plastic and copper are ideal in a diameter of 16 mm.
- You can not use ordinary pipes for cold and hot water supply for the heating circuit of the floors. They are not designed to withstand large pressure loads.
- The pipeline for water warm floors, according to its specialized technical characteristics, perfectly opposes sharp pressure drops in the system and temperature change.
- The pipe is also resistant to chemical and bacteriological exposure.
- These models must be highly sealed and resistant to oxidation.
- The best in this segment are 16 mm pipes with the greatest elasticity and flexibility – they bend easily and do not crack, break or deform.
- Cross-linked polyethylene options are inert to electricity and chemistry. Inside they are absolutely smooth, which does not create hydraulic resistance.
It is not necessary to screed a wooden room in order to install a water circuit. For a room measuring 60-75 meters, a pipe with a diameter of 16 mm is the best choice; for a longer pipe measuring 90 meters, it should already be 20 mm; and for a longer pipe measuring 120 meters, it should be 25 mm.
Nuances and differences in the installation process
Notice the following subtleties and variations when installing 16 mm diameter pipes for water-heated floors:
- the equipment must correspond to the capacity installed by the manufacturer per 1 m2;
- during installation work on laying, it is prohibited to change the diameter and size of the pipes, as well as the laying steps;
- modules should not be stretched too much either;
- the cable must be grounded according to standards;
- the circuit is laid from a solid pipe, avoiding overlaps, damage, kinks;
- thermostats are essential to accurately control the temperature regime.
Spiral laying is the most popular method for installing 16 mm pipelines. This method involves laying pipes at a 90-degree slope. The angle is 180 degrees while laying in a "snake" pattern. and the installation here is more intricate. Complicated double schemes are employed when highlighting distinct zones in a large or intricately shaped room. For instance, the laying step is lowered in the room’s coldest area, which raises the coolant’s volume and warms the space.
Conversely, the step is increased – the coolant becomes less, the floor area is heated weaker – if, for example, a long arch-corridor leaves the room, where it is not necessary to maintain the same temperature as in the room.
A large diameter pipe step cannot be permitted with a small pipe step, and vice versa. This causes the circuit to overheat or fail.
During installation, the room’s dimensions and area, as well as the thermal load calculation, must be taken into consideration:
- load 50 W/m 2 – a suitable step of laying 30 cm;
- Higher load of 80 W/m 2 – 15 cm.
The second choice works best for setting up a bathroom where people are most likely to want a warm floor and a warm, comfortable temperature. Use variable pipe laying options (16 mm) where there is significant heat loss, such as near windows or doors or at the wall (if the apartment is in a corner). There appears to be a denser concentration of pipes on a particular section. Step up by 60% of the required distance. Pipe installation is done on polystyrene plates, a concrete base, or a wooden base. The best heat transfer and maintenance will come from a foil substrate.
On a ready, level, and unadulterated basis:
- a damper tape is laid around the perimeter – it will protect against cracks after the screed dries;
- a reinforcing mesh is installed as thermal insulation – the circuit pipes will be attached to it;
- laying starts from the boiler.
The process of installing pipes is made much simpler by using specialized panels. The last step is known as required preliminary pressure testing; the system is examined before the water is turned on. The system is full of screed if there are no flaws. It is advised that the screed be positioned 15 cm above the circuit.
This article from "All about concrete" examines the key elements of underfloor heating pipes that measure 16 by 2 mm. We’ll go over the various kinds of pipes that are available, how to figure out how much you’ll need for your project, and how to install each one step-by-step. It is essential for anyone wishing to install underfloor heating systems to comprehend these fundamental components. This guide will give you useful information to make sure your underfloor heating project is effective and successful, regardless of whether you’re a contractor looking for in-depth insights or a homeowner planning a renovation.
Pros and cons
The use of 16 mm diameter pipes for a warm water floor has both benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages:
- uniform heating of the air in the room;
- an energy-efficient way of heating the room with a relatively low heating of the water in the pipe;
- no batteries – increases the usable area;
- improved interior;
- Durability – a guarantee for decades up to 50 years;
- range of materials from which pipes are made – for each specific case, you can choose the best option;
- structural memory – for cross-linked polyethylene pipes;
- environmental friendliness – polymer models can be used to supply drinking water, they are safe for human health and the environment;
- elasticity, ability to fit into certain steps;
- no corrosion – rust does not appear in plastic pipes;
- light weight of modern polymer models – lightweight material compared to classic steel pipes.
It is impossible to hear the movement of water along a circuit when there is a high absorption capacity.
Cons:
- diameter limitation along the length of the pipeline;
- under the influence of UV rays, polymers lose technical characteristics;
- it is necessary to take into account the laying step;
- before installation, a mandatory calculation is made.
Copper and stainless steel corrugation models are expensive.
Choosing the right pipes for underfloor heating is crucial to ensure efficiency and longevity of the system. The 16×2 mm pipes are among the most common choices due to their flexibility and durability. These pipes are typically made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), which is known for its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
PEX-A and PEX-B are the two primary 16×2 mm pipe types used in underfloor heating. Because PEX-A pipes have shape memory and are more flexible, installing them in intricate layouts without fittings may be simpler. PEX-B pipes, on the other hand, work well in underfloor heating applications and are generally more economical despite being slightly stiffer.
A number of factors, including the size of the area that needs to be heated, the required amount of heat output, and the pipe layout, must be taken into account when determining the length of pipes required for an underfloor heating system. In order to achieve uniform heat distribution across the floor surface, installers typically use specialized software or adhere to manufacturer guidelines to ensure optimal pipe length and spacing.
There are several crucial steps involved in installing 16×2 mm pipes in underfloor heating systems. The subfloor must first be made sure to be level, clean, and dry. After that, the pipes are arranged in the specified pattern and spacing. Extreme caution is taken to prevent kinks or bends that could impede water flow and lower heating efficiency.
In general, careful planning and attention to detail are needed when selecting and installing 16×2 mm pipes for underfloor heating. Through careful selection of the right kind of pipe, accurate measurement of length, and adherence to installation guidelines, builders and homeowners can guarantee that their underfloor heating system functions effectively and efficiently for many years to come, distributing cozy warmth throughout the living area.