H E AT I N G A N D C O O L I N G

SOLUTIONS
TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

PkjijmPi_`mÙjjmC`\odib
Cjh`>jhajmoNtno`h
 >jio`ion
Introduction
History of underßoor heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Uponor underßoor heating system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Principle of heat ex-change by underßoor heating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

BeneÞts of Uponor underßoor heating

Comfortable system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Clean and healthy environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Complete design freedom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Adaptable and easy to install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Energy efÞcient with low maintenance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Energy-saving and environmental friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Range of applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Thermal comfort and standard requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Uponor underßoor heating system Ð Home Comfort

Modular approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Floor structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Uponor PE-Xa pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Uponor multi layer composite pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pipe Þxation methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Decision table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Design and calculation

Floor construction components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Weights of Uponor underßoor heating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Loop conÞguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Screed expansion joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Location of the manifolds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Calculation basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Calculation criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Practical calculation issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Calculation of heating capacity according to EN 1264 and EN 15377-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Pressure loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Expansion volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Calculation diagrams and tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Calculation spreadsheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Uponor calculation software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

2 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
 Installation
Floor preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Load bearing construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Installation guide Home Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Pipe loop connection and Þlling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Pressure test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Screeding and concreting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Initial heating up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Balancing of manifolds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Fault tracing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Controls
Water temperature control strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Response time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Self control effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Room temperature sensors - thermostats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
SpeciÞcation of Uponor radio and wired control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Uponor control stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Terminology, symbols and units

Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Symbols and units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
 Introduction
Diomj_p^odji
Cdnojmtjapi_`mÙjjmc`\odib
As early as 80 B.C. the Romans dis-
covered that the best way to heat
an enclosed space was to introduce
heat below the surface and let it
radiate upward through the struc-
ture. The concept of a warm ßoor
remains just as true today. The
Romans used a type of airborne
underßoor heating, the hypocaust,
a system where smoke from a fur-
nace chamber (the fuel was either
charcoal or wood) was led through
chimneys under the building to heat
the structure. The Koreans used a
similar system.
Hypocaust around 80 B.C.
Oc`Pkjijmpi_`mÙjjmc`\odibntno`h
Uponor system experience is the
pioneer in branch of underßoor
heating systems since many years.
Uponor offers a complete system
for underßoor heating, a system
which includes a full range of pipes
(PE-Xa and Multi layer composite
pipe) and accessories carefully
4 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Underßoor heating systems have
gradually become more and more
advanced. In the 1930Õs systems
were constructed using steel piping.
Later still, in the 1960Õs and 1970Õs,
they were made of copper. These
performed reasonably well but
proved unreliable in the long-term.
It was found that metal pipes were
simply not designed to withstand
the stress forces imposed by a con-
crete slab. Therefore systems using
plastic and composite piping were
developed.
selected for optimum performance.
Uponor offers the system which
meets all requirements for different
needs.
Today Uponor PE-Xa made from
cross-linked polyethylene and MLC
piping makes underßoor heating
the perfect long-term solution
for heating requirements. Unlike
its predecessors and some of its
current competitors, Uponor pipe
products are designed to withstand
the stresses placed upon underßoor
heating applications. So much so
that the Uponor underßoor heating
system is proving its effectiveness
worldwide in residential, commercial
and industrial applications.
Underßoor heating is mostly used
in residential buildings. However,
it is also applicable in commercial
and industrial applications. The
underßoor system may be used also
for cooling. This manual provides
the basic information required for
the design of underßoor heating
systems using Uponor PE-Xa and
MLCP pipes. The purpose is to
familiarise technicians, engineers
and other professionals with the
speciÞc advantages of the Uponor
underßoor heating system. The
material presented in this manual is
sufÞcient for the complete design
and calculation of underßoor heat-
ing systems. Installing guidance
for the Uponor underßoor heating
system is provided as well.
Introduction
Kmdi^dkg`jac`\o`s^c\ib`]tpi_`mÙjjmc`\odibntno`h
Important factors inßuencing the
heating capacity of water based
underßoor heating systems are
the heat exchange coefÞcient
between the heat emitting surface
and the indoor space (total heat
exchange coefÞcient = convection
+ radiation), the acceptable maxi-
mum surface temperature (based
on standard comfort requirements),
heat transfer between the pipes
and the ßoor surface, emissivity of
the radiant surface and view angle
between the surfaces and angle
factors between the occupant and
surfaces.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Heat exchange
Three physical mechanisms inßu-
ence heat transfer. The interaction
among these three types deÞnes
the character of the heat transfer:
Conduction Ð between the heat-
ing medium and the surfaces.
Convection Ð the transfer of
energy between air and surface
Radiation Ð the energy which is
transferred from one surface to
another through electromagnetic
waves in a range of 0.8-400 µm.
An underßoor heating system
consists of pipe loops embedded
in a ßoor construction, manifolds
and control equipment. The ßoor
surface temperature is clearly higher
than the temperature of other
surfaces. The heat exchange on the
surface occurs more than 50 % by
radiation.
View and angle factor
The value of the angle factor
between surface (e.g. ßoor) and
a person depends on the distance
between objects and the surface
area (size, shape) included into radi-
ant heat exchange. It means that
the closer heating surface is to the
person the higher inßuences has on
perceived personÕs temperature. The
biggest inßuence on the thermal
sensation of people has a ßoor,
because it is the largest and the
closest surface in the room respect
to occupied zone of persons.
Example
In comparison, one ¡C change of
the ßoor temperature will have
2.5 times the effect on the mean
radiant temperature (and opera-
tive temperature) than a change
of the ceiling temperature.
(Source: Olesen B. W 2002)
Thermal balance
model of a room
equipped with
surface heating.
5
 BeneÞts of Uponor underßoor heating
=`i`ØonjaPkjijmpi_`mÙjjmc`\odib
Demographic studies indicate
that nowadays people are spend-
ing more time than ever before in
the home environment, whether
because of increased leisure time,
or because of the greater scope
for working from home offered by
technological development. Home
comfort is more important than ever
to both homeowner and building
constructor alike and heating the
home in the best possible way is
given top priority. This is where
Uponor underßoor heating system
comes in.
The main advantages of Uponor
underßoor heating systems:
>jhajmo\]g`ntno`h
Investigations show that the ideal
vertical room temperature distri-
bution allowing for the highest
comfort varies for different heating
system as shown in Figure 1.1. The
most acceptable indoor climate is
one in which the ßoor temperature
ranges between 22 - 25 ¡C and
the head height temperature varies
from 19 - 20 ¡C. In other words
people feel most comfortable with
their feet a little warmer than their
heads. Underßoor heating is the
heating method that comes closest
to producing an ideal room tem-
perature distribution.
16 18 20 22 24 ¡C 16 18 20 22 24 ¡C 16 18 20 22 24 ¡C 16 18 20 22 24 ¡C 16 18 20 22 24 ¡C
Ideal heating Underfloor heating Radiant ceiling
6 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
More than 30 years of profes-
sional experience
Keeps the ßoors warm
Heat emitted mainly by radiation
for higher comfort
Consistent room temperature
Hygienic in operation Ð produces
no blown dust
Heating system suitable for
both new construction and the
renovation of existing buildings
Can be combined easily with wall
heating
No danger of burn injuries from
hot radiators
Outstanding energy savings for
heating system
Cost-efÞcient installation
Can be used with condensing
heaters and renewable energy
The entire ßoor surface area
becomes a low temperature radia-
tor, which warms up the surfaces
in a room, gives a horizontal even
temperature distribution and sur-
rounds the body with warmth. Heat
loss, one of the primary causes of
physical discomfort, is reduced to a
minimum. In particular, there is no
loss of heat owing to a cold ßoor
surface. Moreover air movement,
without the need for air circulation,
is also at a low level, which helps
prevent heat escape. Other forms of
heating cannot match this perform-
ance. Figure 1.1 below show that
External-wall
heating radiator heating radiator heating
sources like solar energy or heat
pumps
Can also be used to supply cool-
ing during hot periods of the
year
Low maintenance and service
costs
System is easy to lay and install
There is no need for costly sys-
tem separation measures (e.g. by
means of heat exchangers) for
reasons of corrosion protection
Can be adapted to any type of
architecture
System is vandal-proof
Free room design
Some of the key advantages are
listed below more in detail.
radiator, convection, and ceiling
heating systems do not deliver
sufÞcient warmth at or near ßoor
level, whilst in the case of forced
air systems, excess warmth at head
height is produced. In addition,
both radiator and convector heat-
ing systems create uneven pools of
warmth, which may cause discom-
fort, whilst forced air heating often
leads to an uneven temperature
distribution.
Figure 1.1
Ideal vertical
temperature proÞle
Internal-wall
BeneÞts of Uponor underßoor heating
>g`\i\i_c`\goct`iqdmjih`io
Convector and forced air heat-
ing systems rely on air circulation
for effect. The Uponor underßoor
heating system, meanwhile, allows
natural air movement. Thus dust
and other airborne particles such
as pollen are not spread so quickly
through the home, making the
house a healthier and cleaner place
to live in. Meanwhile there are no
radiators to gather dirt or cause
>jhkg`o`_`ndbiam``_jh
With the heating system out of
sight under the ßoor (and thus
protected from external damage),
a room may be designed, decorated
and furnished to the architect or
homeownerÕs preference. There is
more usable ßoor and wall space,
and there are no ugly heating
grilles or bulky radiators to detract
from the appearance of the room.
The Uponor underßoor heating
system is ideal for advanced interior
design.
<_\ko\]g`\i_
 `\ntojdino\gg
The Uponor underßoor heating
system is adaptable to a variety of
energy sources: geothermal, wood,
gas, oil, electricity or solar power.
As such it can be converted to
more cost-effective fuel sources as
circumstances dictate. Furthermore
it adapts to practically all kinds of
ßooring and can also be combined
with other types of heating systems
should the need arise. It is also easy
to install.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
injury, from scalding for example.
Moreover the Uponor underßoor
heating system runs quietly there
are no irritating or disturbing
background noises. Furthermore
because the ßoor surface is warm,
cleaning and drying is made quick
and easy, quick-drying ßoors being
of particular beneÞt in bathrooms
and hallways.
Figure 1.2
Architectonically
free space
@i`mbt`^d`iordocgjrh\dio`i\i^`
 ^jnon
Underßoor heating is the most there are few moving parts, the only
efÞcient mode of heat delivery. items that will ever need service are
It is designed to give comfort at simple and inexpensive to repair or
temperatures lower than those used replace.
in radiator and convector systems
because people and objects are
warmed directly through the ßoor
(ßoor surface temperatures are
generally designed to remain at or
below 29 ¡C). Temperatures can be
precisely controlled on a room-by-
room basis. In addition, because
7
 BeneÞts of Uponor underßoor heating
@i`mbt(n\qdib\i_`iqdmjih`io\gamd`i_gt
The thermal insulation Þtted to
a building, the choice of room
temperature and the type of heat-
ing system installed, all inßuence
the amount of the used energy for
heating. The larger radiant-heat
surfaces used with underßoor
heating mean that a pleasant room
climate can be achieved with room
temperatures 1 - 2 K below those
that conventional radiator systems
use to produce the same heating
effect. And a drop of just 1 K in
room temperature delivers energy
savings of around 6 %. New resi-
dential and commercial buildings
are nowadays Þtted with highly
efÞcient insulation, which Uponor
underßoor heating uses to produce
an ideal room climate with a supply
M\ib`ja\kkgd^\odjin
Uponor underßoor heating is a uni-
versal systems which can be used
in all kinds of private residential,
public, commercial and industrial
buildings. Almost 50 % of all new
detached and semi-detached hous-
es in Germany are now equipped
with an underßoor heating system.
Uponor underßoor heating systems
are especially suitable for the fol-
lowing applications:
8 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
temperature, during the warm- Figure 1.3
Uponor underßoor
up phase, of just 30 - 40 ¡C. The heating is a
reduced operating temperatures of environmental
friendly system
underßoor heating systems permit
the use of low-temperature and
condensing boilers, along with Solar panels
renewable energy sources like heat
pumps and solar power. Uponor
underßoor heating is a future-
orientated system, designed to
make an important contribution
to sustainable development, to
energy-saving and environmental
protection.
Low-temperature
Heat pump heating boiler,
oil-gas burner
condensing boilers
District heating
House construction in general
OfÞce and administrative
buildings
Industrial and commercial
buildings
Assembly and maintenance
workshops
Hangars, warehouses, logistics
and distribution centres
Hospitals, therapy centres, sen-
ior citizensÕ and nursing homes
Prisons and reformatories
Research facilities, laboratories,
food-industry plants
Schools and youth centres
Churches, museums
Bars and restaurants
Shopping malls, market halls and
exhibition centres
Indoor and outdoor swimming
pools
Open areas and green spaces
Garages, pavements, driveways
BeneÞts of Uponor underßoor heating
Oc`mh\g^jhajmo\i_no\i_\m_m`lpdm`h`ion
With pressure of international community on the indoor
environmental certiÞcation into classes and environ-
mental auditing of buildings it is more and more impor-
tant to deÞne the standard measures of a comfortable
environment for indoor human occupation.
The aim of HVAC systems in buildings is to provide a
healthy and comfortable indoor environment, which
enhances the performance of the occupants. The goal
is to provide this optimal indoor environment at low
energy consumption.
Thermal Environment
Thermal Environment represents the characteristics
of the environment which affect the heat exchange
between the human body and the environment.
Operative temperature
Optimal temperature for winter: 22 ¡C ‡ 5 % PPD 1)
Valid for: Typical winter clothing (1.0 clo):
Underwear with short sleeves and legs, shirt, trou-
sers, jacket, socks, shoes
Sedentary activity level (1.2 met): OfÞce, dwelling,
school, laboratory ‡ a person produces 70 W/m2
Example of higher activity level (2.8 met): Walking on
level ground 4 km/h ‡ a person produces 165 W/m2
Floor surface temperature
The ßoor temperature has a direct effect on comfort
of the feet. The recommended ßoor temperatures will
however depend on ßoors which people occupy with
shoes and spaces with bare feet.
Recommended ßoor temperature range 19 Ð 29 ¡C,
for rooms with sedentary and/or standing occupants
wearing normal shoes
Optimal ßoor temperature 24 ¡C ‡ 6 % PPD
Valid for: Typical winter clothing: Underwear with
short sleeves and legs, shirt, trousers, jacket, socks,
normal indoor shoes
Floor temperature max. just in peripheral area 35 ¡C 2)
1)
It is not possible to reach the satisfaction all of the building occupants. At least 5 % will be always complaining.
2)
The peripheral zone within 1 m from outside walls/windows.
3)
Phlebology is a medical branch that works on veins and vein diseases
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
The indoor environment consists of four interacting
factors, which should be controlled within standard
limits:
Thermal environment
Air quality
Acoustics
Lighting
Can the high ßoor surface temperature perform
harmfully on humans?
A clinical study was carried out by Dr. B. Scala from the
European Association for Phlebology3) to examine the
effect of underßoor heating systems on legs, veins and
vein diseases. This study showed that 69 % of tested
subjects reached stability of the clinical state, 7 % clini-
cal state got worse and the state of 25 % achieved an
improvement in the clinical state during 6 month testing
period.
How often has the surface of underßoor heating
high temperature?
Design maximum surface temperature of 29 ¡C may
be achieved just during a narrow time period when
the design outdoor conditions occur. It means during
a week with the lowest outdoor temperature. Else the
surface temperature will ßuctuate during the heating
season between 20 and 29 ¡C according to external
weather conditions and heat loss rate of space.
Radiant temperature asymmetry
There are seldom problems with radiant asymmetry from
cold windows in modern buildings. People are most
sensitive to radiant asymmetry caused by warm ceiling
or cool walls Ð windows. Temperature asymmetry of 5 K
for warm ceiling and 10 K for walls.
Draught and Air velocity
At air temperatures lower than 24¡C, up to 0.15 m/s air
velocity is accepted. If air velocity is higher than 0.15
m/s, this is due to incorrect adjustment of ventilation
or to surface temperatures in the room being too high
or too low. With temperatures above 24¡C, higher air
velocities are acceptable.
9
 BeneÞts of Uponor underßoor heating

Floor heating Vertical air temperature difference

Rooms with underßoor heating
Warm air heating
system have a uniform temperature
proÞle. The standard (EN ISO 7730)
requires the vertical temperature dif-
ference lower than 3 ¡C per meter;
preferably it stays below 2 ¡C. Bad
designed systems show gradients up
to 7 ¡C. In high ceiling spaces, such
as industrial workplaces, atria, and
hangars, increased stratiÞcation sig-
niÞcantly increases heat loss because
of the increase in average space
temperature. Floor heating is here a
perfect solution to keep warm just
Figure 1.4 Vertical air temperature difference in an airplane hangar equipped with ßoor heating
the in the occupied area and not to
and warm air heating heat the air under the ceiling.

Indoor air quality and allergies

Step against allergies
Surface radiant heating systems operate with less transportation of
Underßoor heating may also inßu-
dust compared to convective systems.
ence the indoor air quality in a
Underßoor heating avoid cleaning and maintenance of heat emitters
space.
Due to the higher surface temperatures, there is less chance for
condensation and mould growth. Floor heating also prevents cold
The German Allergy and Asthma
corners.
Association has conducted a study
Underßoor heating reduces the favourable living conditions for house
showing that ßoor heating reduces
dust mites compared to other heating systems.
the favourable living conditions
Higher temperatures in carpets and mattresses decrease the relative
for house dust mites compared to
humidity. Also, because mites seek the upper areas, they are more
other heating systems. Higher tem-
easily removed by vacuum cleaners.
peratures in carpets and mattresses
decrease the relative humidity. Also,
because mites seek the upper areas,
they are more easily removed by
vacuum cleaners.

Figure 1.5 Sample of creatures living in textile ßoor coverings and carpets

10 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Uponor underßoor heating system Ð Home Comfort

Pkjijmpi_`mÙjjmc`\odibntno`hÊCjh`>jhajmo
Home comfort is a complex and
professional underßoor heating
system with a wide range of offered
products. The use of the product
range is very ßexible thanks to a
modular approach, which allows
the interchangeable combination of
products. Systems offer the heating
solutions with two different pipe
types, different pipe dimensions,
pipe distances, wide range of Þxa-
tion methods for different market
needs and different construction
types. A wet system is available
for all common screeded installa-
tions and a lightweight system for
reconstruction business. Most of
the Þxation types are possible to
apply with both pipe types. This
complete system portfolio includes
also manifolds and wide range of
controls, accessories, tools. The
offer of the Home Comfort system
is supported by the designers train-
ings at Uponor Academy and by a
design tool Ð HSE Software with
Uponor product catalogue.

Hj_pg\m\kkmj\^c
Modular system ‡ means less items
Example
to be stored
one manifold for both pipe types (MLCP, PE-Xa)
basic kit + 4 extensions allow to create all necessary outlets
High ßexibility due to modular
max. 5 items to build at least 12 different manifolds
system ‡ Components are inter-
changeable

Agjjmnomp^opm`
The Uponor range of items for Uponor PE-Xa and MLC pipes Accessories
underßoor heating installation Different pipe Þxations Controls
includes the following system Insulation Tools
components: Manifold

Type A Type B Type G

Table 2.1
Chipboard or parquet Vapour barrier under Uponor heat Uponor PE-Xa pipe
ClassiÞcation of parquet emission plate 20 x 2.0 mm
Uponor underßoor
heating systems
according to
international 300 mm
standards; systems
with pipes in the
screed, pipes
outside the screed
(e.g. in thermal Insulation Battens minimum 22 x 95 mm with a Floor joist
pitch of 150 mm
insulation) and
system with pipes in
the wooden ßoor Uponor solution: Uponor solution: Uponor solution:
construction
clamp track lightweight panel heat emission plate
cable tie
pipe positioning panel
Comply to standard: Comply to standard: Comply to standards:
EN 1264 EN 1264 EN 15277-1
Legend: 1 Ð ßoor covering, 2 Ð heat diffusion layer, screed, 3 Ð heat emission plate, 4 Ð thermal insulation, 5 Ð building structure

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 11
 Uponor underßoor heating system Ð Home Comfort
PkjijmK@(S\kdk`
Uponor PE-Xa pipes are made from
a plastic raw material, HD polyeth-
ylene, which has a high molecular
weight. At high pressure and high
temperatures, chemical bonds - also
called cross-links - are formed
between the long molecular chains
in the polyethylene using the cross-
linking agent, peroxide. In this way
a three-dimensional lattice is cre-
ated. Thanks to that Uponor PE-Xa
is extraordinarily strong. Uponor
underßoor heating PE-Xa pipes are
produced in accordance with prEN
15785.
Uponor eval and pePE-Xa Q&E
pipes have an oxygen diffusion
barrier of EVOH (ethyl vinyl alco-
hol). This barrier consists of a layer
of EVOH that is extruded on the
outside of the PE-Xa pipe. The
pePE-Xa pipes have an additional
Pkjijmhpgodg\t`m^jhkjndo`kdk`
PE-RT Adhesive Adhesive PE-RT
Structure of Longitudinally welded
MLC pipe with aluminium
outer diameter
of 16 and 18 mm
The Uponor multi-layer composite
pipe (MLCP) is a pipe genera-
tion that unites the advantages of
a plastic and a metal pipe and
therefore offers a high degree of
ßexibility and toughness, coupled
with high pressure and temperature
resistance.
12
Structure of pePEX
pipe with outer
diameter of 17 and
20 mm
PE outermost layer. This layer is
very ßexible and does not affect the
ßexibility and pliability of the basic
pipe. Uponor eval and pePE-Xa
Q&E pipes fulÞl the requirements
for oxygen diffusion resistance as
per DIN 4726.
Uponor MLC pipe consists of a lap
welded aluminium pipe with an
inner and outer polyethylene layer.
All layers are permanently bonded
together by means of an intermedi-
ate adhesive layer. The PE material
is noncross-linked polyethylene
of raised temperature resistance
according to DIN 16833. Owing to
the speciÞc form of the octane side
chains in the molecular structure
of the material, a similar effect
is achieved when polyethylene is
cross-linked.
Lap welding of the aluminium
pipe produces a highly reliable and
lasting connection on account of
the wider joint. The thickness of
the aluminium layer is therefore
not decisive for welding and so can
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Basic PE-Xa pipe
Adhesive layer
Diffusion barrier EVOH
Adhesive layer
Scratch protection made of PE
be adapted to speciÞc handling
requirements. Smaller dimensions
of MLC pipes are designed so that
the aluminium layer neutralises
the snap-back forces of the plastic
material, enabling easier pipe instal-
lation with minimal effort.
The aluminium layer is important
for heat expansion. Owing to the
permanent bond between plastic
and aluminium, thermal expansion
is determined by the expansion
factor of the aluminium and roughly
corresponds to that of a metal pipe,
i.e. just approximately 1/7th of the
expansion of a pure plastic pipe.
Uponor underßoor heating system Ð Home Comfort

Technical speciÞcation of pipes

Uponor PE-Xa pipe Uponor MLC pipe
Pipe type Uponor PE-Xa Q&E Uponor MLC UFH pipe
Pipe dimensions 9.9 x 1.1, 14 x 2.0, 17 x 2.0, 16 x 2.0, 18 x 2.0 mm
20 x 2.0 mm
Basic material PE-Xa PE-RT / aluminium / PE-RT
Pipe structure pe PE-Xa: basic PEXa pipe / PE-RT / adhesive / longitudinally
adhesive / diffusion barrier EVOH / overlapped welded aluminium /
adhesive / scratch protective PE adhesive / PE-RT)
eval PE-Xa: basic PEXa pipe /
adhesive / diffusion barrier EVOH
Production according to DIN 16892/4729
Oxygen tightness according to DIN 4726 according to DIN 4726
Density 0.938 g/cm3 -
Thermal conductivity 0.35 W/mK 0.35 W/mK
Building material class B2 B2
Pipe roughness 0.007 mm 0.0004
Operating common range for heating 50 ¡C / 1.5 bar 50 ¡C / 1.5 bar
Operating max. range for heating 70 ¡C / 6 bar 60 ¡C / 6 bar
Malfunction temperature 95 ¡C 95 ¡C
Crystallite melting point 133¡C -
Optimum installation temperature ³ 0 ¡C ³ 0 ¡C
UV protection, storage opaque carton opaque carton
(leave unused pipe in carton) (leave unused pipe in carton)
Properties Diffusion tightness, scratch resist- Diffusion tightness, form stability,
ant envelope, 35 years tested scratch resistant envelope
durability, recyclable material

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 13
 Uponor underßoor heating system Ð Home Comfort

Kdk`Øs\odjih`ocj_n
Uponor offers different Þxation
methods which can be combined
with both Uponor pipes. This make
the Uponor underßoor heating sys-
tem suitable for various applications
(see decision table).

Overview on pipe Þxation methods

Pipe Type Pipe dimension Fixation
Uponor MLC 16 mm clamp track 16
clamp track

PE-Xa 14, 17, 20 mm clamp track 14 - 20

MLC 16, 18 mm +

Uponor PE-Xa 14, 17, 20 mm

cable tie /
tying wire
MLC 16, 18 mm

Uponor pipe PE-Xa 14 mm

positioning
panel
MLC 16 mm

Uponor PE-Xa 14 mm heat emission plate 14 mm

lightweight
panel
+

Uponor heat PE-Xa 20 mm heat emission plate 20 mm

emission plate

Uponor high PE-Xa 9.9 mm clamp track 9.9

performance
panel

14 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Uponor underßoor heating system Ð Home Comfort

?`^dndjio\]g`
Decision table for choosing the right Uponor underßoor heating
Uponor underßoor heating systems Uponor Uponor Uponor Uponor Uponor Uponor
Home Comfort: clamp Cale tie pipe posi- light- heat emis- high per-
track tying wire tioning weight sion plate* formance
panel panel panel
House age Newly built Ð
Reconstruction Ð Ð Ð Ð
Ceiling / ßoor construction Concrete heavy Ð
Wooden joist Ð Ð Ð Ð
Room shape Square shaped
DifÞcult shape Ð Ð
Room net height is sufÞcient Yes
No Ð Ð Ð Ð
Installation time for UFH Yes
(Þxation & feeds) is sufÞcient? No Ð
Total installation time incl. Yes**
screed drying is sufÞcient? No Ð Ð Ð Ð
Wet screed construction Yes Ð
No Ð Ð Ð Ð
One man installation Yes Ð
No
Thermal insulation supplied Yes Ð Ð***
locally No Ð Ð Ð Ð
* for wooden joist ßoors
** drying time differs according to screeding material
*** thermal insulation is included in reconstructed ßoor

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 15
 Design and calculation

?`ndbi\i_^\g^pg\odji
Correct design and installation are
crucial to the satisfactory operation
of the system. Design features such
as loop conÞguration, pipe size,
spacing and depth are fundamen-
tal, whilst other important aspects
which affect the systemÕs perform-
ance are the calculated values,
such as water temperature and
required ßow rate. Finally a correct
installation and a balancing of the
pipe loops will ensure an efÞcient
performance.
Following design and calculation
procedures are based on interna-
tional ISO standards, European EN
standards and if not available the
German DIN standards. In all cases
check also national regulations and
codes. The production requirements
are included, as well.

Agjjm^jinomp^odji^jhkji`ion
Gj\_]`\mdib The load bearing building construc-
^jinomp^odji tion must meet the static speciÞca-
tions with respect to the working-
load capacity of ßoor constructions.
The height and evenness of the
surface of the load bearing building
construction must conform, in terms
of maximum/minimum dimensions
and evenness tolerances, to the
speciÞcations of DIN 18202 ÒDimen-
sional tolerances in building con-
structionÓ, table 2 and table 3, line 2
and (for Uponor lightweight panel)
line 4. See the installation guides. Load capacity
The load bearing building construc-
tion must be sufÞciently dry. Table 3.1 stipulates different ßoor-
structure characteristics, depending
Pipe conduits, electrical wiring, on ceiling loads and type of use
etc. that run across the load bear- according to DIN 1055-3 ÒAction on
ing building construction must be structures - densities and weights
securely laid. The top surface should of building materialsÒ.
then be levelled once more for, sufÞ-
ciently at least for attachment of the
sound insulation layer. Do not level
with loose Þlling material consisting
of natural or reÞned sand.

Type of application SpeciÞed vertical working load

for ceilings conforming to DIN
1055 (kN/m2)
Dwelling areas, 1-2 family houses 2.0
Areas designed for ofÞce use 2.0
Lecture rooms, classrooms, treatment rooms, hotels 3.0
Large rooms in public buildings, e.g. churches, cinemas, gymnasiums, show- 5.0
rooms and shopping centres, shops and department stores, bookshops,
public-record ofÞces, catering establishments, commercial kitchens, bakeries,
factories and workshops with easy operation also for driveways and ramps in
underground garages and multi-storey car parks for passenger cars and other
vehicles with gross weights of up to 2.5 tons

16 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation
All loops are to be maintained at
normal operating pressure while the
screed is being laid. Heating screed
should be laid in conformity with
DIN 18560-2 ÒScreeds in building
construction; ßoating screeds on
insulation materialÒ. Cement-based
screed should normally be used
with Uponor screed additive. The
use of screed additive improves
heat conductivity, while increasing
bending tensile strength and crush
resistance. In case of cement-based
screed with strength-grade cement
ZE 20 and/or anhydrite screed AE
20, normally screed pipe coverings
of 45 mm are required for use in
residential buildings. When using
anhydrite screed, the height of the
covering may be reduced to 35
mm. The manufacturerÕs instruc-
tions must be observed at all times.
Thicker screed is normally required
in case of higher speciÞcations.
Observe the instructions of the
screed supplier.
Note: Use of Uponor screed addi-
tives with anhydrite liquid screed is
not allowed.
The screed additive is suitable for
cement-based screed ZE 20 improve
heat conductivity by homogenisa-
tion and quality-improvement of
the material. With a pipe cover-
ing of 45 mm and/or total screed
height of 65 mm, about 0.16 kg of
screed additive is required for each
m2. The proportion with respect to
Insulation without
pipe fix. foil
Conventional insulation
Screed
Heating pipe
Insulation PST 33/30
Concrete
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
the weight of the cement is 0.8 %
up to 0.12 %. Screed additive for
minor pipe coverage is suitable for
cement-based screed ZE 30. The
use of this screed additive improves
heat conductivity, while increas-
ing the bending tensile strength
and crush resistance of the screed.
The cement screed covering over
pipes can be reduced to 30 mm
when Uponor screed additive is
used; applicable for moving load up
to 2.0 kN/m2. With a total screed
height of 50 mm, approx. 1.3 kg of
screed additive is required per m2.
The proportion with respect to the
weight of the cement is 7.0 % up to
15 %. Experience suggests a recom-
mended average level of 12 %.
The amount of additive required
depends on the speciÞcations
involved. The supplierÕs instructions
should be taken into account when
laying liquid or anhydrite screed.
The screed should only be laid at
room temperatures of over 5 ¡C.
The system should be protected
from frost. Take suitable steps to
prevent the action of frost, and
avoid draughts during the drying
stage. Screed heating should be
carried out according to the techni-
cal standards EN 1264.
Insulation with
pipe fix. foil
pipe fix. foil
Screed
Insulation PST 33/30
Concrete
Floor construction Uponor Otk`njar`o
clamp track and cable tie or n^m``_`_Ùjjmn
tying wire
Uponor underßoor heating with
clamp track or cable tie/tying wire
conforms to building classiÞcation
B1 and is suitable for use with both
cement based screed (ZE), and
anhydrite liquid screed (AE). The
insulation roll with pipe Þxing foil
can be used with moving loads of
up to 5 KN/m2 (kPa). The available
type of installation is a pipe Þxing
foil and/or insulation roll with pipe
Þxing foil, with pipes secured by
means of clamp track.
Pipe Þxing foil and Insulation
roll with pipe Þxing foil
The pipe Þxing foil, used in con-
junction with the clamp track, is a
key element of the Uponor under-
ßoor heating system. It reßects the
heat emitted by the Uponor pipes.
There is an air-pocket layer on top
of the aluminium Þlm, containing
more than 8,000 tiny air chambers
per m2, which provides the required
reßection clearance between the
aluminium layer and the screed.
The use of pipe Þxing foil increases
the amount of heat radiated
upwards, thereby reducing the
amount wasted by being radi-
ated downwards. In comparison
to Uponor underßoor heating
without pipe Þxing foil, lower hot
water temperatures are required to
achieve a given heat output level.
Figure 3.1
Floor
construction
Uponor clamp
Heating pipe track
pipe Þx. foil
17
 Design and calculation

A main characteristic of Uponor
underßoor heating with pipe Þxing
foil is the waviness of the ßoor
surface temperature. The heat-
reßecting properties of pipe Þxing
foil reduce warm-up times, allowing
the ßoor heating surface to react
more quickly to changing condi-
tions. Pipe Þxing foil can also be
used with appropriate additional
heat insulation supplied locally by
the customer. It is impervious to
water vapour, thus preventing the
entry of damp into the insulation
material lying below it. The printed-
on grid pattern is suitable for any
type of laying, and helps with pipe
alignment during installation.
Insulation roll with pipe Þxing foil is
a ready-to-lay thermal and sound
insulation supplied in rolls, which
is designed to fulÞl the require-
ments of EN 1264-4 with respect
to ßoors shared by rooms with
similar heating systems. It consists
of a polystyrene thermal and sound
insulating layer EPS of 27 mm, plus
a laminated-on pipe Þxing foil layer.
The combination of pipe Þxing
foil insulation roll with PS insula-
tion boards and/or PUR insulation
boards, or with other standard
insulation material supplied locally
by the customer, can cover virtually
any type of situation.

Figure 3.2 Thermal

functionality of the Floor surface temperature
pipe Þxing foil

Uponor heating pipes

Pipe Þxing foil
Thermal insulation

Insulation roll with pipe Þxing foil is Advantages:

suitable for use with moving loads
of up to 5 kN/m2, making it not
only ideal for use in the construc-
tion of residential properties, but
also in the commercial and business
sector and for public buildings etc.
The use of pipe Þxing foil along
with additional insulation material
supplied onsite and/or insulation
roll with pipe Þxing foil can further
optimise sound insulation.
Uponor MLC pipe 16, 18 mm and
Uponor PE-Xa pipes dim 14, 17, 20
mm are Þxed to the pipe Þxing foil
and/or insulation roll with pipe Þx-
ing foil by means of clamp track 16
or clamp track 14 - 20 and fasten-
ing nails.
Note
Ready-to-lay thermal and sound
In case of combination of more
insulation supplied in rolls
sound and thermal insulation
Fast and simple laying
layers, the material with lower
Can be laid on standard insula-
compressibility should lay on the
tion in conjunction with pipe
top. The reason is to redistribute
Þxing foil
the concentrated pressure to
Can be installed with Uponor
larger area.
MLC pipe 16, 18 mm and
Uponor PE-Xa pipes dim 14, 17
and 20 mm
Printed-on grid pattern to act as
laying guide
Suitable for both biÞlar and
meandering installation
Can be laid by a single person
Insulation roll with pipe Þxing
foil suitable for moving loads of
up to 5 kN/m2
Pipe Þxing foil increases the
amount of heat radiated
upwards

18 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Example of the ßoor construction onto similarly-heated rooms:

Uponor clamp track and insulation roll with pipe Þxing foil
Uponor clamp track and pipe Þxing foil + standard thermal and sound insulation

Note
For improved ease and quality of insulation, we recommend the use of insulation roll with
pipe Þxing foil. The classiÞcation of thermal insulation requirements is listed in Table 3.2.

Figure 3.3 Uponor

clamp track and
insulation roll with
pipe Þxing foil Legend
1 1 Upper ßoor covering
3 2 Screed
Pipe-
covering 3 Edging strip
2
4 Uponor pipe

95 mm
4 45 mm*
5 Clamp track
5
20 mm 6 Insulation roll with pipe Þxing foil
7 Load-bearing construction
6 30 mm**

* Heating screed conforming to DIN 18560-2, table 2, screed-types AE 20 and ZE 20, building classiÞcation B1, 65 mm
screed thickness, 45 mm pipe covering. In case of anhydrite screed (AE), a screed thickness of 55 mm, and/or a pipe
covering of 35 mm are possible. Please observe the manufacturerÕs instructions. Screed additive: See system components
Consult the person responsible for laying the screed if the surface is to be subjected to moving loads higher than those
speciÞed.
** An increase of 10 mm in the height of the insulating layer EPS will increases thermal resistance by Rλ = 0.25 (m2 x K)/W.

Example of the ßoor construction with higher insulation requirements:

Uponor clamp track and insulation roll with pipe fixing foil + standard thermal and sound
insulation
Uponor clamp track and pipe fixing foil + standard thermal and sound insulation

Figure 3.4 Uponor

clamp track and
insulation roll with Legend
pipe Þxing foil and 1 1 Upper ßoor covering
PS insulation board 2 Screed
3 2 Pipe-
covering 3 Edging strip
45 mm* 4 Uponor pipe
4
115 mm

5 Clamp track
20 mm
5 6 Insulation roll with pipe Þxing foil
6 7 Load-bearing construction
50 mm 10 Standard thermal insulation
10 choose locally

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 19
 Design and calculation

Floor construction Uponor pipe
positioning panel
Uponor underßoor heating with
pipe positioning panel conforms
to building classiÞcation B1 and is
suitable for use with both cement-
based screed (ZE) and anhydrite
liquid screed (AE). When used with
suitable standard insulation materi-
als and load-distribution layers,
the Uponor pipe positioning panel
can bear moving loads of up to 20
kN/m2. It is thus also possible to
conÞgure commercial and indus-
trial installation with load-bearing
underßoor heating with the Uponor
pipe positioning panel.
The pipe positioning panel is
made of a moulded-polystyrene
foil material designed to permit
fast and simple installation on top
of standard heating and sound
insulation. The robust construction
of the Uponor pipe positioning
panel allows architects, planning
engineers, plumbers and building
owners to adapt thermal and sound
insulation precisely to individual
onsite conditions. When combined
with different types of insulation
materials approved for use in ßoors,
different conÞgurations can be cre-
ated according to the type of ßoor
required.
The simple push-in principle allows
sections of Uponor pipe positioning
panel to be joined together in any
location. The panels are trimmed to
Þt the shape of the ßoor using an
easily-available blade cutter, which
virtually eliminates rest material.
Special connection elements
located between the Þxing protru-
sions raise the Uponor pipe 4 mm
above the height of the base plate.
As these protrusions have no direct
contact with the installed pipes, the
Uponor pipe is completely sur-
rounded by heating screed - which
optimises heat distribution.
BiÞlar (coiled) and meandering
(snaking) installation of Uponor
pipes are both fully compatible with
the use of Uponor pipe position-
ing panels. The use of clips for
diagonal installation 14-16 also
allows Uponor PE-Xa pipe 14 x 2
mm and MLC pipe 16 x 2 mm to be
laid across Uponor pipe positioning
panels at an angle of 45¡. Attach-
ment of the Þxing clip 14-16 is
carried out by simple insertion into
the free space between the protru-
sions in the Uponor pipe position-
ing panel, at the points marked for
the purpose.
Advantages:
Can be laid on top of standard
insulation
No multiple handling of insula-
tion materials
Floor can be conÞgured individ-
ually according to local condi-
tions
Compatible with Uponor PE-Xa
pipe 14 x 2 mm and MLC pipe
16 x 2 mm
Less waste
Simple snap-on connection of
one section of panel to another
Can be laid by a single person
High weight-bearing capacity for
moving loads of up to 20 kN/m2
The few system elements
required are all short-weight and
clean to handle

Uponor pipe positioning panel is

used for securing Uponor PE-Xa
pipe 14 x 2 mm and Uponor MLC
pipe 16 x 2 mm, and also in order
to prevent screed and liquid cement
from seeping through to the
insulating layer below. The spe-
cially-designed shape of the Þxing
protrusions supplies each Uponor
pipe positioning panel with great
strength.

20 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Example of the ßoor construction onto similarly-heated rooms:

Uponor pipe positioning panel with standard thermal and sound insulation

Figure 3.5 Uponor

pipe positioning
panel with standard
thermal and sound
insulation Legend
1
3 1 Upper ßoor covering
Pipe-
2 covering 2 Screed
3 Edging strip

100 mm
4 45 mm* 4 Uponor pipe
5
20 mm 5 Uponor pipe positioning panel
7 6 Load-bearing bottom layer
35 mm
7 Standard insulation
6

Example of the ßoor construction with higher insulation requirements:

Uponor pipe positioning panel with more layers of standard thermal and sound insulation

Note
Refer to the site planner for details of the speciÞed U-value for newly-built constructions
with normal inside temperatures pursuant to ¤ 3 of EnEV. The value must not drop below the
minimum requirements for insulation conforming to EN 1264-4 (see Table 3.2 for thermal
resistance Rλ [(m2 x K)/W]).

Figure 3.6 Uponor

pipe positioning
panel with higher
insulation
requirements
1 Legend
3 Pipe- 1 Upper ßoor covering
2 covering 2 Screed
4 45 mm* 3 Edging strip
5 20 mm 4 Uponor pipe
150 mm

5 Uponor pipe positioning panel

7 6 Load-bearing bottom layer
7 Standard insulations, PS insulation
85 mm** board on top and other standard
insulation
7

* Heating screed conforming to DIN 18560-2, table 2, screed-types AE 20 and ZE 20, building classiÞcation B1, 65 mm
screed thickness, 45 mm pipe covering. In case of anhydrite screed (AE), a screed thickness of 55 mm, and/or a pipe
covering of 35 mm are possible. Please observe the manufacturerÕs instructions. Screed additive: See system components
Consult the person responsible for laying the screed if the surface is to be subjected to moving loads higher than those
speciÞed.
** An increase of 10 mm in the height of the insulating layer increases thermal conduction resistance by Rλ = 0.25 (m2 x K)/W.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 21
 Design and calculation
Otk`njaÙjjmn Dry screeding boards are used with
rdoc_mtn^m``_ Uponor lightweight panel. Those
boards are supplied locally.
Floor construction Uponor
lightweight panel
The Uponor lightweight panel is a
special underßoor heating system
developed for use in a dry instal-
lation manner that ensures a quick
installation and application in
reconstruction business.
The Uponor lightweight panel sys-
tem is the ideal complement to the
Uponor underßoor heating system
with wet screed. It is equally suit-
able for the modernization of exist-
ing buildings and for use in new
constructions. Special applications
(e.g. underßoor heating for large
indoor sports facilities) can also
be catered for. Uponor lightweight
panel underßoor heating can be
combined with standard dry-screed
elements. The 25 mm-thick light-
weight panel basic element, which
is made of polystyrene foam EPS,
permits installation over entire room
surfaces. It acts both as heat insula-
tion and as a weight-bearing base
for installation of heat emission
plate of the lightweight panel. The
all-round stepped rebate with built-
in tenons and indentations permits
the secure interconnected attach-
ment of basic-elements to edge of
the plate. The conÞguration of the
slots in the basic-element permits
meandering conÞguration of the
Uponor PE-Xa pipe 14 x 2 mm.
The 0.5 mm thick heat emission
plate of the lightweight panel
(made of aluminium sheet, λ =
200 W/mK) provides optimum
transmission of heat to the dry-
screed elements. Two integrated
pre-cuts ensure easy shortening
and installation.
22
Advantages:
Floor structures are less thick in
comparison to wet-screed sys-
tems, means also lower structure
weight
The system elements of low-
weight and clean to handle
Installation of the Uponor
lightweight panel system without
waste
The entire system can be installed
by one person working alone
Insulation and pipe assembly
installed at same height, leaving
ßoor at same level as unheated
ßoors (e.g. underßoor heating in
bathroom only)
Omega-shaped pipe conduit
ensures good contact between
Uponor PE-Xa pipes 14 x 2 mm
and heat emission platesÕ bend
area
The use of dry-screed elements
(commonly 25 mm thick) means
no drying time of heat screed
No onsite delays - operatives can
walk on top of underßoor heating
immediately after installation
No damp-penetration of the
buildingÕs structure (an important
point where old buildings, pre-
fabricated houses and wooden-
frame houses are concerned)
Ceilings can be plastered just
one day after installation of the
dry-screed elements. As there is
hardly any vibration, the occur-
rence of cracking in ceramic
coverings, if correctly laid, can
virtually be ruled out.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Example of the ßoor construction onto similarly-heated rooms:

Uponor lightweight panel
Uponor lightweight panel with thin standard thermal and sound insulation

Figure 3.7 Uponor

lightweight panel
Suggested solution Legend
for modernising . 1 Upper ßoor covering
Existing insulation
may be taken into 2 Edging strip
account. 3 Screed element 25 mm (please
consult supplier)
7 Uponor pipe
1 8 Uponor lightweight panel
3 25 mm

45 mm
2 9 Load-bearing bottom layer with
10 existing insulation
25 mm
8
10 Heat emission plate
9

Figure 3.8 Uponor

lightweight panel
with a thin standard Legend
thermal and sound
insulation
1 Upper ßoor covering
Suggested solution 2 Edging strip
for modernising 3 Screed element 25 mm (please
Existing insulation consult supplier)
may be taken into
7 Uponor pipe
account. 25 mm
8 Uponor lightweight panel
55 mm

25 mm 9 Load-bearing bottom layer

10 mm 10 Heat emission plate
12 EPS insulation board of 10 mm

Example of the ßoor construction with higher insulation requirements:

Uponor lightweight panel with layers of standard thermal and sound insulation of higher requirements

Figure 3.9 Uponor

lightweight panel
with layers of Legend
standard thermal 1 Upper ßoor covering
and sound 2 Edging strip
insulation of higher 3 Screed element 25 mm (please
requirements
25 mm consult supplier)
7 Uponor pipe
25 mm
105 mm

8 Uponor lightweight panel

9 Load-bearing bottom layer
55 mm* 10 Heat emission plate
13 EPS high-resistance foam* of
55 mm

* An increase of 10 mm in the height of the insulating layer increases thermal conduction resistance by Rλ = 0.285 (m2 x K)/W.
Note: In order to prevent any spring-bending of the structure, you are recommended to stick the additional insulation onto a Þrm and even base
using a solvent-free dispersion adhesive

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 23
 Design and calculation

Floor construction Uponor
lightweight panel with liquid
screed
The Uponor lightweight panel
is a standard dry system for a
quick installation and recon-
struction business. However, it is
optionally also used with anhydrite
liquid screed. This will decrease the
thickness of the system in compari-
son to other wet screeded types of
system
Remarks on the Uponor light-
weight-construction system
with wet screed
The pipe lies within the thermal
insulation, thus reducing the
construction height relative to
conventional wet-screed systems
Approx. 2 cm less heat screed,
thus permitting faster drying of
the screed used
Lower weight due to thinner
screed layer (with cost savings of
heat screed)
The thinner screed layer ensures
faster warm-up times and
shorter delays for the underßoor
heating system, in comparison to
conventional wet-screed systems
Lower supply temperatures
Separation between heating level
and load-distribution layer (and
so fewer problems with joints)
Clear separation between the
works of underßoor heating
system and screed/natural-stone
Þnishes

Example of the ßoor construction onto similarly-heated rooms:

Uponor lightweight panel
Uponor lightweight panel with thin standard thermal and sound insulation

Figure 3.10 Uponor

lightweight panel
Legend
1 Upper ßoor covering
2 Edging strip
4 Liquid screed 35 mm
6 PE-foil
1 7 Uponor pipe
4 35 mm 8 Uponor lightweight panel
60 mm

2 9 Load-bearing bottom layer with

6
10 existing insulation
8
25 mm
10 Heat emission plate
9

Example of the ßoor construction with higher insulation requirements:

Uponor lightweight panel with layers of standard thermal and sound insulation of higher requirements

Figure 3.11 Uponor

lightweight panel
with standard Legend
thermal and sound
1 Upper ßoor covering
insulation
2 Edging strip
35 mm 4 Liquid screed 35 mm
6 PE-foil
120 mm

25 mm 7 Uponor pipe
8 Uponor lightweight panel
9 Load-bearing bottom layer
60 mm1)
10 Heat emission plate
14 EPS insulation board* of 60 mm

* An increase of 10 mm in the height of the insulating layer increases thermal conduction resistance by Rλ = 0.25 (m2 x K)/W

24 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation
Floor construction Uponor
heat emission plate for wooden
ßoors
The piping with Uponor heat emis-
sion plate may be applied also on or
under suspended wood ßoors (walls
or ceilings) using several methods
of construction. Piping may be
attached to the surface of the ßoor
or may be embedded in a layer of
concrete or gypsum, mounted in
or below the sub ßoor, or attached
directly to the underside of the
subßoor with aluminium panels
to improve heat transfer from the
piping.
The heat improves the tempera-
ture spread, and the heat can be
evenly distributed throughout the
ßoor. Pipes are generally installed
on 300 mm spacing. The thickness
of the embedding material (con-
crete or gypsum) is generally 25
Chipboard or parquet
Insulation
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
to 50 mm when applied to a wood
subßoor. Gypsum products spe-
ciÞcally designed for ßoor heating
can generally be installed 25 to 40
mm thick because they are more
ßexible and crack resistant than
concrete. When concrete is used,
it should be of structural quality to
reduce cracking due to movement
of the wood frame or shrinkage.
Embedding material must provide a
hard, ßat, smooth surface that can
accommodate a variety of surface
coverings.
For the information on the ßoor
structure see the installation guide-
line in Chapter 4.
Figure 3.12a Uponor heat emission plate for wooden ßoors
Figure 3.12b
Uponor heat
Vapour barrier under Uponor heat Uponor PE-Xa pipe emission plate for
wooden ßoors in
parquet emission plate 20 x 2.0 mm cross-section
300 mm
Battens minimum 22 x 95 mm with a Floor joist
pitch of 150 mm
25
 Design and calculation
Floor covering materials
The versatility of modern construc-
tion materials makes available a
wide range of different products
and types of covering for the
ßoors of living areas Þtted with
integrated underßoor heating.
The typical characteristics of each
material should be established at
the project-design stage in order to
prevent problems arising at a later
time. Special attention should be
paid to the subsequent Rλ,B value
of the ßoor covering eventually
chosen (see EN 1264-3). The ßoor
covering should not exceed a value
of Rλ,B = 0.15 (m2 x K)/W. The lower
is the Rλ,B value the more efÞcient is
the Uponor system
Ceramic, natural and cast stone
These Þnishes can be laid using
either the thin or thick mortar-bed
technique. It should however be
Figure 3.13
Approximated levels
of thermal
conduction
resistance Rλ,B for Parquet block
details ask the
supplier.
Plastic
Ceramic
0 0.05
Levels of thermal resistance RMB
Ocd^fi`nnjaoc` The depth of the pipe is directly
g\t`mjq`mkdk`n related to the water temperature
(heating capacity). In a system
where the pipe is installed deeper
as standard position, the water tem-
perature must be set higher in order
to achieve the same heating capac-
ity. However, in a deeper installa-
tion the ßoor temperature will be
more even. Standard thickness of
the cement screed over pipes is su =
45 mm, an anhydride screed can be
reduced to 35 mm.
26
noted that the greater structural
height resulting from use of the
thick mortar bed technique gives
rise to considerably longer warm-up
and reaction times where underßoor
heating is concerned.
Carpet coverings
Textile coverings are normally
suitable for use on ßoors Þtted
with underßoor heating. Cover-
ings of this type must be stuck
to the entire surface, and their
correspondingly lower thermal
conduction resistance taken into
account. Certain types of covering
possess very high insulation proper-
ties, which can reduce the emission
capacity of the heating system.
Suitable carpet coverings carry the
corresponding seal of approval,
consisting of an underßoor heating
layout diagram with three arrows at
the top.
Carpeting
max. 0.15
0.10
[(m2 x K)/W]
Note
In installations where the
material above the pipe has
lower thermal conductivity
(wood), the pipe can be posi-
tioned closer to the surface.
When setting pipes in screed
it is important to prevent air
pockets, which can impair the
transfer of heat to the screed,
from forming around the
pipes.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Plastic coverings
The typical heat-expansion prop-
erties of plastic products, when
they are subjected to temperature
changes, tends to make them
unsuitable for full-surface bonding
with adhesive.
Wood coverings
Floors can be Þtted with parquet
blocks or other wooden coverings.
The thermal conduction resist-
ance of the covering should not be
increased using additional Þttings
materials such as corrugated card-
board. When prefabricated panels
consisting of plain and mosaic-
pattern parquet blocks are used,
Þttings can be carried out without
problem using a suitable heat-
resistant bonding product, while
taking into account the required
expansion joints.
Rλ,B = 0.1 is applied, when the real
property of surface covering is not
known.
Note: See thermal resistances of
various ßoor coverings in section
Calculation diagrams.
0.15
Design and calculation
Pipe spacing between 120-300 mm See the capacity diagrams for avail-
is suitable for Uponor underßoor able pipe spacing for each of the
heating, however in some special construction system type.
cases can be applied also range
between 100-400 mm. There are three main variables for
One important factor determining the design of underßoor heat-
the pipe spacing is the temperature ing; heat demand in W/m2, water
variation on the ßoor surface. temperature and pipe spacing. Heat
Energy saving is world wide impor-
tant task. European Union and
also in many other countries there
is a strong energy-saving restric-
tions proposed by governments.
Related to this topic come also new
Green building standards. See also
topic downward heat loss. Thermal
insulation includes also property of
an acoustic insulation, therefore the
acoustic requirements will not be
dealt separately since the thermal
insulation is always present in ßoor
structure of the system.
Thermal Heated room Unheated or External air temperature below
condition intermittent
under ßoor heated room External design
structure or directly on temperature
the ground1)2)3) θe,d ³ 0 ¡C
Resistance 0.75 1.25 1.25
(m x K/W)
1)
With ground water level ² 5m, the value should be increased.
2)
EnEV Directive: Ceilings neighbouring onto cellars and unheated rooms. The Minimum requirements of ceiling pursuant to EnEV ¤ 3, ¤ 7 and
¤ 8, plus appendix 3, table 1 no. 5a, c, d and f.
Rλ = 2.00 (m2  K)/W and/ or UMax = 0.50 W/(m2  K) (Rλ,Ceiling = 0.07 (m2  K)/W (concrete ceiling 15 - 16 cm) and contact resistance
Ra = 0.17 (m2 x K)/W could be taken into account.)
3)
Directive EnEV ¤ 3, ¤ 7 and ¤ 8, plus appendix 3, table 1 no. 5a, c, d and f: Ceilings neighbouring onto soil.
Rλ = 2.00 (m2  K)/W and/ or UMax = 0.50 W/(m2  K), (Rλ,Ceiling = 0.07 (m2  K)/W (concrete ceiling 15 - 16 cm) and contact resistance,
Ra = 0.17 (m2 x K)/W could be taken into account.)
For further details on see section Floor constructions.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
demand is of course the determin- Kdk`
ing variable. In order to simplify the nk\^dib
design hand-calculations, either
water temperature or pipe spacing
can be kept constant. The design
using Uponor HSE software is more
ßexible and comfortable.
Thermal insulation requirements Dinpg\odji
m`lpdm`h`ion
The insulation Þtted beneath
underßoor heating systems is sub-
ject to the following regulations:
EN 1264-4 (introduced in 2001)
ÒUnderßoor heating systems
and componentsÒ establishes
the minimum levels of thermal
conduction resistance for insula-
tion layers installed beneath
underßoor heating systems.
There are however some addi-
tional local standards for both
existing and newly-constructed
buildings with respect to insula-
tion and heating (e.g. German
EnEV).
Table 3.2 Minimum
thermal resistance
of insulating layers
below the
External design External design underßoor heating
temperature temperature system (EN 1264-4)
0 ¡C > θe,d ³ -5 ¡C -5 ¡C > θe,d ³ -15 ¡C
1.50 2.00
27
 Design and calculation

Determining additional transmission heat-loss to the ground

This additional transmission heat-loss from an underßoor heating system into the soil is especially very low with the
insulation thickness of 8 cm and more (heat conductivity λ = 0.04 W/m x K). It means less than 2 % of the annual
primary energy requirements Qp.

Table 3.3
SpeciÞcation of
Insulating elements Available with Uponor system Height Rλ
Uponor insulation [mm] [(m2  K)/W]
materials
Uponor insulation roll with pipe Uponor clamp track 16, 27 0.75
Þxing foil consisting or Uponor pipe Uponor clamp track 14-20
Þxing foil with polystyrene1)
Uponor pipe Þxing foil 4 0.09
Uponor lightweight panel2) Uponor lightweight panel 25 0.62
1)
Rated thickness 27 mm, compressibility 2 mm, material is expanded polystyrene, thermal conductivity λ = 0.035 Ð 0.040 W/(m  K), internal
insulation under screed with acoustic protection requirement, with low compressibility.
2)
Expanded polystyrene, thermal conductivity λ = 0.030 Ð 0.035 W/(m  K), internal insulation under screed without acoustic protection requirement

The layers of insulation are laid in a lattice pattern and pushed tightly together. The different layers should be laid at
an angle to one another. The joints between the sections of one layer must not coincide with those of the next layer.
Only standardized and/or ofÞcially approved insulation materials should normally be used. The insulation layers must
comply to the standardsÕ laid down by EN 13162 to EN 13171.

Determining the insulation-layer thickness

At the planning stage, the Uponor underßoor heating system offers a wide range of possible variations with respect
to insulation conÞguration. In the design stage it is important to fulÞl the requirement of the min. Rλ, which depends
on the ßoor construction.

Table 3.4 The

following table gives Panel Thermal conductivity
an overview of thickness λ ² 0.025 λ ² 0.030 λ ² 0.035 λ ² 0.040 λ ² 0.045
various insulation
materials, indicating W/(m  K) W/(m  K) W/(m  K) W/(m  K) W/(m  K)
their different mm Rλ (m2  K)/W Rλ (m2  K)/W Rλ (m2  K)/W Rλ (m2  K)/W Rλ (m2  K)/W
thermal resistance
depend on thermal 10 0,4 0,333 0,285 0,25 0,222
conductivity and
thickness.
15 0,6 0,5 0,428 0,375 0,333
20 0,8 0,666 0,571 0,5 0,444
25 1.000 0,833 0,714 0,625 0,555
30 1.200 1.000 0,857 0,75 0,666
35 1.400 1.166 1.000 0,875 0,777
40 1.600 1.333 1.142 1.000 0,888
45 1.800 1.500 1.285 1.125 1.000
50 2.000 1.666 1.428 1.250 1.111
55 2.200 1.833 1.571 1.375 1.222
60 2.400 2.000 1.714 1.500 1.333
65 2.600 2.166 1.857 1.625 1.444
70 2.800 2.333 2.000 1.750 1.555
75 3.000 2.500 2.142 1.875 1.666
80 3.200 2.666 2.285 2.000 1.777
85 3.400 2.833 2.428 2.125 1.888
90 3.600 3.000 2.571 2.250 2.000
95 3.800 3.166 2.714 2.375 2.111
100 4.000 3.333 2.857 2.500 2.222

28 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Constructions adjacent to soil prevented by a PE foil (0.2 mm).

have to be permanently protected Please consult the manufacturersÕ N`\gdib
against moisture penetration into instruction for dry ßooring ele-
ßoors and walls. In case solid ßoors ments.
(e. g. concrete ßoors in new build-
ings) contain residual moisture,
the rising of moisture into the dry
original ßoor structure has to be

The term Òedging stripÓ refers to
any point where the screed meets
the side of an installed structural
component. A sound-insulation
edging strip must be applied to all
joins shared with walls and other
vertically-oriented items (such as
doorways) before the screed is
laid. The edging strip, which must
conform to EN 1264 ÒScreeds in
building constructionÒ, must be
laid from the load-bearing building
construction to the upper surface
of the Þnish, and must (in case of
heating screed) permit movement
of at least 5 mm.
Uponor edging strip conforms to @_bdib
the speciÞcation of EN 1264. The nomdk
edging strip is 10 mm thick and
thus conforms to the requirements
of the leading suppliers of liquid
screed. It consists of PE foam and
can be compressed by at least 5
mm. The rear and skirt-side of the
strip are both self-adhesive to per-
mit easy and simple installation.

In case of multi-layer insulation, the

edging strip must be laid before the
Þnal top-layer of insulation mate-
rial. The edging strip must be Þxed
Þrmly to prevent any shifting of
position when the screed is being
laid.

The surplus section of edging strip

and pulled-up covering material
must not be trimmed off prior to
laying the ßoor-covering has been
laid, or (in case of textile and other
elastic coverings) until the Þller has
hardened completely.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 29
 Design and calculation

R`dbconjaPkjijmpi_`mÙjjmc`\odibntno`h
Figure 3.14
Weights of Uponor Uponor underßoor heating with clamp track or cable
underßoor heating tie/tying wire, Pipe covering 45 mm cement screed.

Pipe-
Weight including water Þlling of Uponor pipe
covering approx. 132 kg/m2 without top layer.
45 mm

95 mm
20 mm

30 mm

Uponor underßoor heating with pipe positioning

panel, Pipe covering 45 mm cement screed.

Pipe- Weight including water Þlling of Uponor pipe

covering approx. 130 kg/m2 without top layer.
100 mm

45 mm

20 mm
35 mm

Uponor underßoor heating with lightweight panel

and aluminium heat emission plates, Pipe covering
25 mm screed elements.
45 mm

25 mm Weight including water Þlling of Uponor pipe

25 mm
approx. 31 kg/m2 without top layer.

Uponor underßoor heating with lightweight panel

and aluminium heat emission plates, Pipe covering
25 mm 25 mm screed elements.
105 mm

25 mm
55 mm Weight including water Þlling of Uponor pipe
approx. 36 kg/m2 without top layer.

Uponor underßoor heating with lightweight panel

and aluminium heat emission plates, Pipe covering
35 mm liquid anhydrite screed AE 20 or AE 30.

35 mm
60 mm

Weight including water Þlling of Uponor pipe

25 mm
approx. 76 kg/m2 without top layer.

30 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation
Gjjk^jiØbpm\odji
Uponor pipes can be laid out in
any standard way. There are three
main types of loop conÞguration for
underßoor heating. The choice of
conÞguration depends on the con-
struction techniques, room shape
and practices in different countries.
In general when pipe layout plans
are being formulated, attention
should be paid to Þrst routing the
supply ßow to the external walls or
other potentially cold areas.
Note: A distance of 5 cm between
the pipe and the wall must be main-
tained for all types of layout.
Note that at this stage also, consid-
eration should be given to ensuring
that the pipes do not run through
the expansion joints (see Figure
3.21 below) incorporated in the slab
design.
The peripheral area, with an
increased surface temperature (up
to a maximum of 35 ¡C) is generally
situated along the outer walls of a
room with a maximum width of 1 m.
Design of peripheral areas is based
on a higher limit curve. In case a
series circuit is formed with a heat-
ing circuit in the occupied area, the
temperature drop in the peripheral
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
The temperature drop in the
pipe loops should be kept low,
at approximately 5¡C, in order to
avoid uneven ßoor temperature.
In order to maintain as uniform as
possible the ßoor surface tempera-
ture, in the case of pipes in series
the biÞlar shape is preferred. The
supply is generally close to the
external surfaces.
Note: According to EN 1264-4,
section 4.2.6.2, stipulates that
Uponor installation must be at least
50 mm from vertical structural com-
ponents and at least 200 mm from
chimneys, open Þreplaces, open or
bricked-up shafts, and lift shafts
area shall be selected, so that the Kdk`ndi
supply differential temperature, cal- k`mdkc`m\g\m`\
culated from the lower limit curve,
is not exceeded by entry of the
heating medium from the peripheral
area into the occupied area.
31
 Design and calculation

ConÞguration A is easy to install and Figure 3.15

H`\i_`mdib Meandering layout
g\tjpo#<$ gives a more even distribution of heat with temperature
over the ßoor surface. Temperature distribution across
the room
variations within small areas are kept
to a minimum.The main advantage of
conÞguration A is that it adapts to all
kinds of ßoor structures. It can also
be easily modiÞed for different ener-
gy requirements by altering the pipe
pitch. ConÞguration A is suitable for
most underßoor heating installations
in the home. In view of the relatively
narrow bend radii, the use of a more
ßexible pipe is recommended.

Examples External wall External wall

Lightweight panel layout, just

meandering layout is possible

Meandering layout Meandering layout with periph-

In a meandering (snaking) layout,
the loops normally run inward from
an external wall. This provides the
highest surface temperature and
thus the greatest heat output, for
this area. The water then cools
down as it runs into the room, caus-
ing the surface temperature and
consequent heat output to drop.
eral areas
The use of smaller laying intervals
in the peripheral areas produces
higher surface temperatures and
thus greater heat output from
the underßoor heating along the
external wall.

Characteristic for this conÞgura- Figure 3.16

?jp]g`(h`\i_`mdib Double-meandering
g\tjpo#=$ tion is that the supply and return layout with
pipes in the loop layout run paral- temperature
distribution across
lel to each other. ConÞguration B the room
provides an even mean temperature
but higher temperature variation
within small areas. It is suitable for
heating larger areas with a higher
heat demand, such as churches and
hangars.

32 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

This conÞguration is basically a =dØg\mjm^jdg`_

variation of conÞguration B, but is g\tjpo#>$
shaped as a spiral.
ConÞguration C is suitable for
housing with a higher heat demand.
It is less suitable for installation in
wooden ßoor structures.
This conÞguration overcomes the Figure 3.17
rigidity problem encountered in BiÞlar layout with
temperature
some pipes since there are no sharp distribution across
bends. It also allows the pipe to be the room

laid at a small pitch.

Examples
External wall External wall

BiÞlar or coiled layout BiÞlar layout with peripheral

In a biÞlar (coiled) layout, the sup-
ply and return points lie adjacent to
each other. This provides the ßoor
with a relatively consistent surface
temperature.
area
The use of smaller laying intervals
in the peripheral areas along exter-
nal walls produces higher surface
temperatures and thus greater heat
output in these zones.

Entire room is connected as a loop Separate loops in peripheral and occupied A loop with combined zone layout
zone

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 33
 Design and calculation

N^m``_`sk\indjiejdion
Figure 3.18 Joints in the structure and also in surface becomes wider or narrower.
Dividing of a room
to joint areas the insulation layer must be in the These expansion joints which divide
form of screed expansion joints. the screed as far as the insulation
³8m

In order to prevent damage to the layer, are to be based on a 10 mm-

screed and ßoor coverings that
may result from the thermal expan-
sion of the heating screed, screed
³8m
sections measuring more than a
maximum of 40 m2 are likewise to
be divided with expansion joints.
Screed surfaces measuring less
than 40 m2 must also be Þtted with
³8m
thick joint proÞle. The top surfaces
of the expansion joints between the
screed Þelds should be treated with
a suitable sealant.
Note: As far as possible, the plac-
ing of settlement joints should

begin from nooks (e.g. on pilasters

expansion joints if one of their lat- and Þreplaces), i.e. at points where
³8m

eral lengths exceeds 8 m. L-, T- and an expansion or narrowing of the

Z-shaped screed surfaces should screed surface has occurred. Dum-
be divided into areas that are as my or settlement joints are placed
³8m near as possible to being square or in door reveals and passageways.
rectangular.

The length-to-width ratio should

not exceed approx. 1:2. When
deciding on the position of expan-
sion joints re-entering angles
should be used wherever possible,
i.e. in those places where the screed

Figure 3.19
Expansion joint Legend
1 Floor covering
2 Screed
1 3 Gap
4 Pipe conduit
5 Uponor pipe
3 6 Splitting layer
2
7 Building damp
8 Penetration layer
4
5

6
7
8

34 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Dummy shrinking joints
Dummy joints (trowel cuts) can be
made in cement-based screed to
provide further division of screed
surfaces already Þtted with expan-
sion joints. They may penetrate no
more than one third of the screed
thickness, and care should be taken
to avoid damage to underlying
heating conduits when cutting.
Once the screed has hardened and
dried out, dummy joints should be
sealed by Þlling with (for example)
poured-in plastic resin. The heating
conduits at the crossover points of
expansion and dummy joints must
be Þtted with a ßexible, 400 mm-
long joint protection tube.

Legend
2 1 Floor covering
3
2 Filling
1 3 Moos-gum
4 Screed
10 5 Uponor pipe
4 6 Splitting layer
7 Building damp
9 8 Penetration layer
9 Fine crack
5 10 Shrinking crack

6
7

8 Figure 3.20
Shrinking joint

Design of heating coils layout underßoor heating only, and only

with respect to expansion joints
The loops should be arranged in
such a way that the expansion
and edging joints are cross-beam
by the connecting conduits of the
at one level. The heating pipes at
the crossover points of these joints
must be Þtted with a ßexible,
400 mm-long joint protection tube.

Figure 3.21
wrong right Right position of
expansion joint

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 35
 Design and calculation
Gj^\odjijaoc`h\idajg_n
Careful consideration should be giv-
en to the location of the manifolds
at the initial stage of the project.
Manifolds should be located as
near to the centre of the building
as circumstances allow, so that the
length of the pipe running between
the manifolds and the individual
heating zones is kept to a minimum.
This will help to balance the sys-
>\g^pg\odji]\ndn
Planning principles
The requirement for the correct
project design of an underßoor
heating is the drawing-up of precise
plans containing the correspond-
ing data. The planning engineer is
to receive them from the customer,
countersigned whenever possible.
Building plans and drawings
Precise ground plans and cross-
sectional drawings, in a scale of
1:50 if possible, with details of site
location, position, etc. The plan-
ning documents must show all
dimensions, especially of windows
and doors, along with details of
intended room use and the desired
inside temperature for each room. If
the latter details are not available,
room temperatures are to conform
to EN 12831.
36
tem and improve the temperature
control of the individual rooms.
They should also be positioned
so that maintenance can be easily
carried out thus helping to minimize
any water damage during mainte-
nance. The aesthetics are a minor
issue since the manifolds should be
concealed, for example within walls.
Manifolds can be located in a ward-
Components
Details of the construction materials
and components to be used includ-
ing thermal insulation measures (U-
values from relevant standards and
EnEV calculation method). ConÞgu-
ration of windows, doors, rollerblind
housings and skylights, etc.
Fixed ßoor spaces
IdentiÞcation in ground plan of
ßoor spaces areas, such as Þtted
kitchens, wall units, tiled stoves or
open Þreplaces, etc. along with the
Þxing method and type of plumbing
facilities.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
robe or a box-room, below a sink or
recessed in a wall with a cupboard
cover. In public buildings a lockable
steel plate cabinet can be used.
Control system
Uponor offers different control
systems suitable for all applications
(see Chapter Controls)
Floor coverings
Details of the intended type of
ßoor covering and its levels of
thermal conduction resistance Rλ,B.
If this information is missing, work
should proceed according to
EN 1264 for living areas, with a
thermal conduction resistance of
Rλ,B = 0.10 (m2 x K)/W, for bath-
rooms: Rλ,B = 0.00 (m2 x K)/W.
Other values, up to a maximum of
0.15 (m2 x K)/W, are to be agreed
on a case-by-case basis.
The following forms can be used for
quick and clear entering of basic
calculations and data.
Design and calculation

General details for calculations

Building owner Date
Place of residence Tel.:
Street
Site address
Street
Planning engineer Tel.:
Heating installation Tel.:

Attached documents: Floor plans, cross-sectional drawings and elevations in 1:100 or 1:50 scale

Determining of room temperatures

Room temperatures as per EN 12831: Yes No

Desired room temperature (¡C) deviating from EN 12831 ÒRules for calculating the heat requirement of buildingsÓ

Room Temperature Screed height in mm Floor covering Type/height in mm

Living room ¡C
Study ¡C
Kitchen ¡C
Shower ¡C
Vestibule ¡C
Bedroom ¡C
Utility room ¡C
Bathroom ¡C
Entrance hall ¡C
ChildrenÕs room ¡C
Storeroom ¡C
WC ¡C
Hall ¡C
¡C
¡C
¡C

Building type: Terraced house Detached house Exposed to strong winds

Basement ßoor: Heated* Unheated* Not exposed to strong winds
Attic ßoor: Heated* Unheated*
* Please indicate in building plan

Place, Date CustomerÕs signature

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 37
 Design and calculation

Building-material details for calculating heat requirements

2 1
3
SH
4
5
6
7
9 8 SH

10
1 11
12 SH

13 14

Building-material details for calculating heat requirements

No. Building component U-value W/(m2 x K) Material Details

1 Ceiling
2 Skylight
3 Roof pitch
4 Gable
5 Jamb wall
6 Outer jamb wall
7 Ceiling neighbouring onto attic
ßoor (or ßat roof)
8 Internal wall
9 Window
10 External wall
11 Basement ceiling
12 Basement window
13 External basement wall
14 Basement ßoor
15
16

Storey-height SH:_m

Place, Date CustomerÕs signature

38 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation
>\g^pg\odji^mdo`md\
A room operative temperature of
20 ¡C (bathrooms 24 ¡C)
A heat requirement is estimated
based on local standards and
climatic conditions
A heat requirement for the
house <100 W/m2, excluding
downward heat loss (to limit the
ßoor temperature to 29 ¡C)
A temperature drop across the
pipe loop of approx. 5-10 ¡C
Three loop conÞgurations of
type A, B and C (section Loop
conÞguration)
Km\^od^\g^\g^pg\odjidnnp`n
A complete underßoor heating
installation design includes:
SpeciÞcation of the material
required
A pipe layout drawing
Technical information regarding
pressure drop, water tempera-
ture and settings for balancing
the pipe loops.
The design can be done manually
according to equation provided in
relevant standards. The design can be
accomplished by means of software
HSE. The Þrst step before beginning
on the design and calculations is to
check that all necessary information
is at hand. There should be:
A legible, simpliÞed plan of the
building, indicating the scale.
Details of the heat demand in
(W/m2).
An indication as to where the
boiler is placed in the building
and of the location of risers or
branches within the construction.
Practical items such as a measur-
ing wheel, a device to measure
distances in drawings, and a
template to draw the pipe loops.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Available standard pipe spacing
according to system between
120-300 mm (in some cases also
between 100-400 mm)
Pipe loops consisting of pePEX,
evalPEX and MLC pipes (various
dimensions)
pePEX, evalPEX and MLC pipes
as supply pipes.
The location of the manifolds
should be given Þrst priority, (see
previous section). Manifolds can be
located in a wardrobe or a box-
room, below a sink or recessed in
a wall with a cupboard cover. In
public buildings a lockable steel
plate cabinet can be used. The
principle is to assign one pipe loop
to each room. Larger rooms might
require 2 or more loops. In normal-
size houses manifolds can serve 6-8
loops (max. 10-12).
With regard to the ßoor structure,
applicable national regulations
and standards regarding drain-
age, vapour barriers etc. must be
observed. In houses built on a
concrete slab the insulation should
be increased by 80 mm in order to
reduce the downward heat loss. The
thickness of the insulation must be
homogeneous over the whole area.
Suspended ßoor structures should
also be insulated (for further details
see section Floor constructions
- Insulation requirements). In all
cases instructions supplied by the
manufacturer of the ßoor covering
material should be followed.
39
 Design and calculation

>\g^pg\odjijac`\odib^\k\^dot\^^jm_dib
 oj@I,-1/\i_@I,0.22(,
Limitations of ßoor surface temperature and heat- The relationship between heat ßow density and mean
ing capacity differential surface temperature so called characteristic
curve (see also Calculation diagrams and three Equa-
Maximum ßoor surface temperature is based on the tions below) depends on the type of heat emitting
physiological reasons limited and consequently also surface (ßoor, wall, ceiling) and if the temperature of
limits the maximum heating capacity from the surface: the surface is lower (cooling) or higher (heating) than
the space temperature. Heat exchange coefÞcient is the
occupied zone θF,max = 29 ¡C parameter that affects the amount of heat transferred
peripheral zone θF,max = 35 ¡C between surface and the space related depends on the
bathrooms θF,max = θi + 9 ¡C = 24 ¡C + 9 ¡C = 33 ¡C position of the surface and the surface temperature in
relation to the room temperature (heating or cooling).
Due to a limited surface temperature, is needed in some
cases the additional heat emitter.

300
Figure 3.22 Floor Heating q = 8,92 (θi Ð θF,m)1,1
Basic characteristic
curve for ßoor 200
heating θi Nominal indoor operative temperature
θF,m Average surface temperature
Heat ßow density q (W/m2)

100
For other types of situations the following equations
should be used:
50 Wall heating: q = 8 (| θi Ð θF,m |)
40 Ceiling Heating: q = 6 (| θi Ð θF,m |)
30

20

10
1 2 3 4 5 10 20 30

Mean differential surface temperature (θF,m - θi) in K

Table 3.5
Total heat exchange
Total heat exchange Acceptable surface Maximum capacity
coefÞcient (combined coefÞcient [W/mK] temperature [¡C] [W/m]
convection + radiation)
between surface and Heating Maximum Heating Heating
space for heating and Floor occupied zone 11 29 99
cooling, acceptable
surface temperatures Floor perimeter zone 11 35 165
and capacity by 20¡C Wall 8 ~ 401) 160
room temperature for
heating and 26¡C Ceiling 6 ~ 272) 42
room temperature for
cooling (EN 15377-1).
1)
The risk of hand burning at the temperature of 42 ¡C should be avoided. In the spaces with for more sensitive persons like children or elderly and
where the occupants may easily get contact with the surface 35 ¡C should not be exceeded.
2)
The radiant asymmetry should be lower than 5 K (EN ISO 7730).

40 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation
Note to estimated heating
capacity
It must be mentioned here that
the system capacity is always
restricted in a manner to not exceed
the hygienic and comfort criteria
for surface temperature listed in
relevant standards (see Table 3.5).
For instance the maximum allowed
heating ßoor surface temperature
in occupied zone is deÞned 29 ¡C.
In the room with room temperature
of 20¡C (winter) is the capacity
limited to 100 W/m. In peripheral
area with surface temperature of
allowed to swing up to 35 ¡C the
system could achieve the capacities
of 165 W/m. In case if the room
temperature would increase to 22 ¡C
the maximum allowed surface tem-
perature would limit the capacity
to approximately 77 W/m and by
The heat ßow density is propor- The design supplement is x = 0
tional to ΔθH: whenever an increase in heating
capacity can be brought about by
q = KH . ΔθH raising the temperature of the heat-
ing medium. This applies in case
Where the heating medium differ- of the Uponor underßoor heating
ential temperature (ΔθH) is: system. A short-term peak in excess
of the maximum allowable surface
temperature is possible. Calculated
RV  R R
%R H  heat demand QH should thus be
R Ri
ln V equated with the corrected heat
RR Ri demand estimate QBer in case of
and KH is the equivalent heat underßoor heating.
transmission coefÞcient between
the temperature of heating medium The heat gain from through-going
and room temperature determined connection conduits can be deduct-
by one of the following depending ed if equal usage applies. In case of
on the type of system: certain rooms (e.g. entrance halls),
m where the manifold is located, the
K H  B – ” ( ai i )
i entire system heating capacity can
in accordance with EN 1264-2 valid be covered by connecting conduits.
for underßoor heating system; In certain cases, the upper faces
of connecting conduits must be
19 ¡C to approximately 140 W/m.
The room temperature of 26 ¡C is
assumed for summer. In any case
during the summer; the tempera-
ture difference between room and
outside temperature should not
exceed 8 K.
Heat emission from underßoor
heating
The heat ßow density q at a surface
is determined and inßuenced by the
following parameters:
Pipe spacing T
Thickness su and thermal con-
ductivity λE of the layer inward
of the pipe (screed).
Thermal conduction resistance
Rλ,B of surface covering.
Pipe external diameter D = da,
and the thermal conductivity of
the pipe λR
Heat conducting devices, char-
acterised by the value KWL in
accordance with EN 15377-1, A 3
K H  1 / R HC  R i
in accordance with EN 15377-1
valid for heating system with a heat
emission plate in wooden ßoor.
In the case of the use of Uponor
underßoor heating systems in a
special manner of application and
special ßoor construction; the KH
may also be determined by Finite
Element Method or Finite Differ-
ence Method calculations according
to EN 15377-1.
In case of multi-storey buildings
with underßoor heating, heat gain
from the rooms located above can
only be taken into account if unlim-
ited operation is in force.
System heating capacity QH is
obtained from the corrected heat-
demand estimate QBer multiplied by
design supplement x determined by
DIN 4701-3.
covered with insulation material to
prevent the maximum surface tem-
perature from being exceeded.
Back-side thermal insulation
In order to limit the heat ßow
towards the outside (not exceed
10 % of total heat ßow) or to
adjacent spaces, a minimum ther-
mal resistance of the insulating
layer, Rλ,ins, shall be speciÞed in
the design. EnEV and EN 1264-4
establish certain requirements for
the minimum thermal conduction
resistance of the insulating layer
Rλ,ins or ceilings Rλ,ceiling in order to
limit the downward ßow of heat
through the ceiling. Please refer
also to the planning instructions in
section Thermal insulation require-
ments.
All types of application can be cov-
ered using Uponor system compo-
nents insulation roll with pipe Þxing
QH  (1  x) s Q Ber
Contact between the pipes and foil, or suitable additional insulation
the heat conducting devices or locally supplied (See also Types of
screed, characterised by the fac- Screeded and dry ßoors). It is also
tor aK. possible to construct the ßoor by
using pipe positioning panels or
pipe Þxing foil and standard insula-
tion.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 41
 Design and calculation
For underßoor heating systems with
clamp track, cable tie, pipe position-
ing panel and lightweight panel,
the back-side thermal resistance is
calculated by following equation,
where sins means effective thickness
and λins thermal conductivity of the
insulation:
sins
R M ,ins  heating should be operated, in order
Mins
The effective thickness of the
insulating layer, sins, depends on
the construction of the underßoor
heating. For Uponor system with
ßat thermal insulating panels, the
effective thickness is identical to the
physical thickness of the thermal
insulating panel. For the system with
proÞled thermal insulating panels
(lightweight panel), a surface-related
weighted calculation is made for
determining the effective thick-
ness of the insulating layer, where
sh means distance from founding to
heat emission plate and sI distance
from founding to lowest part of the
pipe surface.
Note: The capacity diagrams show
the output value for various room
temperatures, along with average
heating medium excess temperature
for different types of ßoor covering.
With the help of these tables, it is
also possible to quickly ascertain
the average heating medium excess
temperature at which the underßoor
to obtain a speciÞc output. The heat
densities are distributed, proportion-
ally to surface, across the peripheral
and living areas.
See also section Floor construction
and Insulation requirements.
Design heat ßow density
Design heat density qs,des in W/m2 is
calculated according to EN 1264:
QF
qs , des =
AF
The heat output of the underßoor
heating system totals:
Q F = q x AF
The heat transfer of the entire
When carrying out the calculation,
it is assumed that a uniform level
of thermal conduction resistance
applies to the ßoor coverings in all
the rooms to be heated. For living
areas has a uniform value of RλB =
0.10 (m2 K)/W. In case of bath-
rooms, the value is RλB = 0.00
(m2 K)/W. The temperature differ-
ence σ between supply and return
may come to a maximum of 5 K
(3 K in peripheral areas) on applica-
tion of the limit heat density, other-
wise wider differences are permitted.
System heating medium ßow
rate
When determining the heating
medium ßow rate for a room, both
the desired upward heat densities
and downward heat loss should be
taken into account. Downward heat
density qu is independent of the
temperature difference between the
rooms in question, while depend-
ing on the thermal conduction and
contact resistance of the individual
layers of the ßoor structure.
s h – (T  D )  s I – D
sins 
T QF, is proportional to the length of
The standard recommended values
from thermal insulations are given in
Table 3.2, depending on the thermal
conditions under the ßoor structure.
Note: The factor that most inßu-
ences the performance of an under-
ßoor heating system is the operating
water temperature. The supply
temperature of the heating water is
normally the same for the various
rooms served by the system. The
selection of suitable heating-pipe
laying intervals and adjustment of
the ßow rate can be used to adapt
the level of heat output for each
room. This produces different return
temperatures for each loop. An
average can be taken for the heating
medium excess temperature in the
event of a small difference between
supply and return in order to simplify
the calculation.
42
surface Þtted with heating proÞles,
The design medium ßow rate mH of
pipe laid: a surface heating circuit is calculated
QF = q x T x L R as follows:
Whereby q is distributed proportion-
ally to area across peripheral zone AR
(max. 1 m wide) and living area AA: Note: When using this numeri-
AR A cal value, q in W/m2 is used in this
q= x qR + A x q A equation; mH is then produced in
AF AF
kg/s.
Required length of the heating
circuit: The required length of the For further details see standard EN
heating or cooling circuit, with no 15377-2.
particular consideration given to the
pipe bends, is estimated by: The mass ßow rate mH is expressed
A to by conversion to volume ßow rate
LR = F
T VH in m3/h.
mH
Design supply water temperature VH =
r
The design supply temperature is The density ρ of the water totals
determined as per EN 1264 for the 0.998 kg/dm3 or 0.998 kg/l.
room with the highest design heat
density qmax (bathrooms excepted).
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation
Km`nnpm`gjnn
The calculation of the lift of a cir-
culation pump depends on the loop
with the largest amount of pressure
loss. The pressure loss in the pipe
and the pressure loss in the mani-
The pressure loss in the Uponor
manifold ÆpVert is obtained from the
technical diagram and include this
to the calculation.
Estimation of the manifold set-
tings for balancing of loops
Two manifolds are available:
Uponor modular plastic manifold
fold with feed valve and top-meter
give the pressure loss of the loop.
The total pressure drop can be
obtained by adding the pressure
drop across:
1. The underßoor heating pipe
loop(s)
2. The manifold(s); including shut
off valves and the mixer
3. The supply and return pipes
4. The boiler, valves etc.
In order to able to calculate pres-
sure loss, the total pipe length
of the loop LHK (m) must Þrst be
determined, including the supply
and return pipe from the manifold
to the loop.
Using the pressure loss diagram for
PE-Xa and MLC pipe and the vol-
ume ßow rate per loop VHK (l/h) it
is possible to calculate the pressure
loss due to pipe friction R (Pa/m).
In order to determine overall loop
pressure loss, this value is multiplied
by the total number of loops.
@sk\indjiqjgph`n
In underßoor heating systems, the
demands on expansion vessels do
not differ from other systems. The
water volume in the Uponor under-
ßoor heating system can be calcu-
lated as follows:
V = Vpipe x L
Example: For Uponor pePEX
20 x 2.0 mm with 150 mm pipe
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
%pHK  R s L HK  %pVert
Given that individual loops possess
different lengths and spread vari-
ations, they bring about different
pressure drops. A pressure com-
pensating procedure must be used
to ensure that all loops are also
supplied with the desired amounts
of water. This pressure compensa-
tion is carried out at the manifold
arrangement, by adjustment of the
ßow-rate per minute.
Limit values
The maximum supply tempera-
ture must not exceed 55 ¡C.
Total pressure loss for all com-
ponents forming part of the
circulation pump system must
not exceed 300 mbar.
The water capacity of the entire
system determines the conÞgura-
tion of the expansion tank.
Manifold and manifold cabinets
Uponor produces and offers mani-
folds and cabinets suitable for all
underßoor heating applications and
Uponor systems
spacing the water volume in 1 m of
pipe (Vpipe) will be approx. 0.2 l/m
and total pipe length (L) will be
6.67 m/m2. The water volume per
m2 according to the above Þgures
will be approx. 1.3 l/m2. The water
volume in supply pipes and boiler
must be included when selecting
the expansion vessel. The expansion
coefÞcient of water is 1.8 x 10-4/K
at 20 ¡C.
with balancing screw
Uponor modular plastic manifold
with ßow meter
An installation with different
pipe loop lengths and water ßow
requirements will have different
pressure drops for the different
loops. In order to achieve an even
heat distribution between the
rooms at the installation stage the
pressure drop in the different loops
must be calculated, the setting of
each balancing valve must be esti-
mated by using a table or diagram
provided by Uponor and later on
during installation balanced.
In the Uponor underßoor heating
system this can be done by means
of the lockshield valves in the
return manifold. For further infor-
mation on the manifold installation
and valve setting see balancing of
the manifold in the section instal-
lation.
See pressure loss diagram for set-
ting the lockshield valves in this
chapter.
Note: The water volume per meter
length for all other Uponor pipes
should be calculated.
43
 Design and calculation
>\g^pg\odji_d\bm\hn\i_o\]g`n
The use of calculation diagram
The diagrams provide a complex
overview on the inßuence of
following parameters and joint
interaction:
1. Heat ßow density at the ßoor
q in [W/m2]
2. Thermal resistance of surface
covering Rλ,B in [m2K/W]
3. Pipe spacing T in [cm]
4. Heating medium differential
temperature ΔθH = θH Ð θi in [K]
5. Limit heat ßow density following
limit curve
6. Floor surface differential tem-
perature θF,m Ð θi in [K]
Calculation heating capacity of
Uponor UFH included in diagrams is
carried out in accordance with Euro-
pean Standards for embedded water
based surface heating systems.
Calculation approach can be adapt-
ed (adjusted) locally according to
national codes and standards.
Three input parameters are sufÞ-
cient estimating all the remaining
UFH system parameters by using
just one diagram. A quick estimation
of heat ßow density for the UFH
system with various ßoor coverings
and heating medium differential
temperatures is provided as well.
44
Floor surface differential Thermal resistance of various
temperature ßoor coverings
The physiological limit for maxi- Carpet ca. 0,10 - 0,15 m2K/W
mum ßoor surface temperature Parquet ca. 0,04 - 0,11 m2K/W
must be taken into account. The PVC ca. 0,025 m2K/W
amount of heating capacity on the Tiles, marble ca. 0,01 - 0,02 m2K/W
ßoor surface is calculated by con-
sidering the difference between
mean ßoor surface temperature and
indoor temperature in relation to
the basic characteristic curve of the
UFH system. Maximum ßoor sur-
face temperature corresponds to
the limit heat ßow density which is
determined according to EN 1264.
This limit is shown in the calcula-
tion diagram as a theoretical calcu-
lation limit.
Max. surface temperatures
according to EN 1264:
29 ¡C in the occupied zone
35 ¡C in the peripheral zone
33 ¡C in bathrooms
Heating medium differential
temperature
Heating medium differential tem-
perature ΔθH is calculated as a
logarithmic average of supply,
return and standard indoor opera-
tive temperature in accordance with
EN 1264.
According to EN 1264 Part 3:
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor clamp track 14 Ð 20, cable tie or tying wire with 14 x 2 PE-Xa pipe and
cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,2 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))
180
15
Limit curve
peripheral zone T 2) K

K
10 25

K
40

K
35

30
14
160

13

140
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

12 K
20

11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10

100 Limit curve occupied zone T 101) K

9 15
T 15
8 T 20

80
7 T 30

6
10 K
60

4 40

K
3 - θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H

2 20

0 0

0
T1
5 T 10
30

T2
Thermal resistance of surface

T
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

T qúN ΔθH
0,10
cm W/m2 K
10 98 15,4
15 95 17,5
20 91 19,4
30 78 22,0

0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 45
 Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor clamp track 16, clamp track 14-20, cable tie or tying wire with 16 x 2 mm
MLC pipe and cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,2 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))
180
15
Limit curve
peripheral zone T 2)
10 K

K
25

K
40

35
14

30
160

13

140
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

12
K
20
11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10

9 100 Limit curve occupied zone T 101) K

15
T 15
T 20
8

80
7 T 30

6 10 K
60

4 40

K
3 - θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H

2 20

0 0

T2
0
T1
5 T 10
30
Thermal resistance of surface

T
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

0,10 T qúN ΔθH

cm W/m2 K
10 98 15,2
15 95 17,1
20 91 18,9
30 77 21,3
0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

46 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor clamp track 14-20, cable tie or tying wire with 17 x 2 mm PE-Xa pipe and
cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,2 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))
180
15
Limit curve
peripheral zone T 2)
10 K

K
25

K
40

35
14

30
160

13

140
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

12
K
20
11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10

9 100 Limit curve occupied zone T 101) K

15
T 15
8 T 20

80
7 T 30

6 10 K
60

4 40

K
3 - θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H

2 20

0 0

0
T2 T1
5 T 10
30
Thermal resistance of surface

T
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

T qúN ΔθH
0,10 cm W/m2 K
10 98 15,1
15 95 16,9
20 90 18,6
30 78 21,4

0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 47
 Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor clamp track 14-20, cable tie or tying wire with 18 x 2 mm MLCP and
cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,2 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))
180
15
Limit curve
peripheral zone T 2)
10 K

K
25

K
40

35
14

30
160

13

140
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

12
K
20
11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10

9 100 Limit curve occupied zone T 101) K

15
T 15
8 T 20

80
7 T 30

6 10 K
60

4 40

K
3 - θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H

2 20

0 0

0
T2 T1
5 T 10
30
Thermal resistance of surface

T
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

T qúN ΔθH
0,10 cm W/m2 K
10 98 15,0
15 95 16,7
20 90 18,4
30 76 20,6

0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

48 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor clamp track 14-20, cable tie or tying wire with 20 x 2 mm PE-Xa pipe and
cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,20 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))

180
15 Limit curve peripheral zone T 10 2)

K
K

K
35
40
14

30
160
K
25
13

140
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

12

11 K
120 20
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10

Limit curve occupied zone T 101)

9 100

T 15 K
T 20 15
8

80
7 T 30

6
60 T4 10 K
0
5

4 40

3 K
- θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H
2 20

0 0

30 5 T 10
0

0 T1
T2
T4
Thermal resistance of surface

T
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

T qúN ΔθH
0,10 cm W/m2 K
10 98 14,9
15 94 16,6
20 90 18,3
30 76 19,8
40 56 20,4
0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 49
 Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor pipe positioning panel with 14 x 2 mm PE-Xa pipe and cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,2 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))

180
15
Limit curv
peripheralezo
ne T 122)

K
K

40
14 25

K
160

35

30
13

140
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

12
K
20
11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10

9 100 Limit curve occupied zone T 121)

K
15
T 18
8
T 24
80 T 30
7

6 10 K
60

4 40

3 K
- θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H
2 20

0 0

30 4 T1
8
T T2 T 12
Thermal resistance of surface
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

0,10 T qúN ΔθH

cm W/m2 K
12 97 16,3
18 93 18,7
24 86 20,7
30 81 23,1
0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

50 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor pipe positioning panel with 16 x 2 mm MLC pipe and cement screed

(su = 45 mm with λu = 1,2 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))

180
15
Limit curve
peripheral zo
ne T 122)

K
K

K
14 25

40

35

30
160

13
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

140
12
K
20
11
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

120

10

9 100 Limit curve occupied zone T 121)

K
15
T 18
8
T 24
80 T 30
7

6 10 K
60

4 40

3 K
- θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H
2 20

0 0

30 4
T1
8 T 12
T T2
Thermal resistance of surface
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

T qúN ΔθH
0,10
cm W/m2 K
12 96 15,7
18 92 17,9
24 85 19,5
30 80 21,6

0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the perature cannot be assumed higher
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for θi bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should as following:
24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
and θF, max 35¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
ed. The design supply water tem- in the occupied zone.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 51
 Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor lightweight panel with 14 x 2 mm PE-Xa pipe and dry screed boards

(su = 25 mm with λu = 0,28 W/mK, various pipe spacing (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))

180
15

K
K

30
40

35
14
160 Limit curve
peripheral zo
ne T 15 2)
13 K
25
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

140
12

11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

K
20
10

9 100
Limit curve occupied zone T 151)
8 K
15
T 22,5
80
7
T 30

6
60
10 K
5

4 40

3
K
- θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H
2 20

0 0
0
Thermal resistance of surface

,5

15
T3

22

T
T
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

0,10 T qúN ΔθH

cm W/m2 K
15 90,8 21,7
22,5 81,1 25,0
30 70,1 30,9

0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the as following:
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
θi 24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
and θF, max 35 ¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- in the occupied zone. Max. tem-
ed. The design supply water tem- perature load should respect the dry
perature cannot be assumed higher screeding plates.

52 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor heat emission plate with 20 x 2 mm PE-Xa pipe and wooden joist ßoor

(su = 25 mm with λu = 0.13 W/mK, pipe spacing 300 mm (T) and heating medium differential temperature (ΔθH))

90

K
K

30
40

35
80

K
25
70

60
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

K
20

50

K
15
40

30
10 K

20

K
- θi = 5
Δθ H = θ H
10

0
0
Thermal resistance of surface

T3
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

0,10

0,15

Note: This diagram is valid just for
one typical case with wooden ßoor
boards of 25 mm over the pipes. In
normal case the RλB = 0.0 m2 K/W.
Maximum permissible water tem-
perature in pipes embedded into
the wooded construction is 55 ¡C.
For a room with 20¡C design
internal temperature and 5 K water
temperature drop, the maximum
corresponding heating capacity will
be limited to approx. 60 W/m2.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 53
 Design and calculation

Calculation diagram for Uponor high performance panel with 9.9 x 1.1 mm PE-Xa and 15 mm screed

180
15
K K

K
30 25

35
14 Limit curve peripheral zone T 52)
160

K
13
Vz
T 100 20
Floor surface differential temperature (θF,m Ð θi) in [K]

140
12

11
120
Heat ßow density q in [W/m2]

10 K
15
9 100 Grenzkurve
Limit curveAufenthalt
occupiedszone T 552)1)
zoneVz

8 Vz
T 10
10
80
7 Vz
10 K
T 15
15

6
60

4 40
K
Ð Ri = 5
%RH = RH
3

2 20

0 0
5 0
T1 T1 T5
Thermal resistance of surface
covering Rλ,B [m2 K/W]

0,05

T qú N %RN
cm W/m2 K
0,10 5 94,4 11,59
10 82,6 12,33
15 71,8 12,91

0,15

1)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C Note: According to EN 1264 the as following:
and θF, max 29 ¡C as well as for bathrooms, showers, WC etc. should θV, des = ΔθH, g + θi + 2,5 K.
θi 24 ¡C and θF, max 33 ¡C be excluded from this estimation of ΔθH, g will from limit curve accord-
2)
Limit curve is valid for θi 20 ¡C design supply water temperature. ingly result in smaller pipe spacing
and θF, max 35 ¡C The limit curves cannot be exceed- in the occupied zone. Max. tem-
ed. The design supply water tem- perature load should respect the dry
perature cannot be assumed higher screeding plates.

54 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

Pressure loss diagram for Uponor MLC pipe

1000
18 x 2
800 0,2 m/s 0,3 m/s 0,4 m/s 0,5 m/s 0,6 m/s 0,7 m/s

600 16 x 2
500
400

300
Mass flow m in [kg/h]

200

100
80

60
50
40

30

20

10
0,1 0,2 0,3 0,5 1 2 3 4 5 10 20 30
0,01 0,02 0,03 0,05 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 1 2 3
[mbar/m]
Pressure loss R [kPa/m]

Pressure loss diagram for Uponor PE-Xa pipes

400

300

200 mm
x2
20
Mass flow m in [kg/h]

0,6

mm
0,5

x2
m/

17
s
m/

100
0,4

m
m/

80
2m
0,3

x
14
m/

60
s

50
0,2
m/

40
0,1

s
5m

30
/s
0,1
m/

20
s

Medium: water
10
0,1 0,2 0,3 0,5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0,01 0,02 0,03 0,05 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5
[mbar/m]
Pressure loss R [kPa/m]

Note:
Recommended maximum pressure loss of 250 mbar (25 kPa) per loop should not be exceeded.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 55
 Design and calculation

Pressure loss 400

diagram for PE-Xa 300
pipe
200

0,7
100

0,6

m/
80

0,5

m/

s
s
m/
0,4
60
mm

s
m/
50
,1
Mass flow in [kg/h]

0,3

s
40
9, 9x

m/
s
0,2
30

m/
0,1

s
20 5m
/s
0,
1
m/

Medium: Water
s

10
0,1 0,2 0,3 0,5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 [mbar/m]
0,01 0,02 0,03 0,05 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5
[kPa/m]
Pressure loss R

Pressure loss
diagram for Uponor
plastic manifold
connection valve

500 50
Uponor plastic manifold connection
400 40
valve set will be used for hydronic
300 30


balancing and/or shut out of



200 20 supply/return of the Uponor

manifold. Can be used for zone


temperature control. Diagrams show




100 10
the valve setting.

8
$
 

80

60 6

50 5

40 4

30 3
 "


20 2
 

"
!
10 1
100 200 300 500 1000 2000 3000


#




Pressure loss for

Uponor plastic
manifolds - setting
of the lockshield
valves
Pressure loss (kPa)

56 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Design and calculation

>\g^pg\odjinkm`\_nc``on
Clamp tracks

Laying of 16 - 18 mm MLC pipes and 14 Ð 20 mm PE-Xa pipes with Uponor pipe Þxing foil material with and without insu-
lation, pipes Þxed with Uponor clamp track
Spacing (cm) Pipe length Edging strip (m) Pipe Þxing foil with/without Tape (m) Clamp track (m)
(m/m2) insulation (m2)
10 10 1 1 1 1
15 6.7 1 1 1 1
20 5 1 1 1 1
25 4 1 1 1 1
30 3.4 1 1 1 1
If cement-based screed is used instead of its anhydrite equivalent, add a further 0.16 kg of screed additive per m of underßoor heat-
ing surface. When using screed additive for minor pipe coverage add a further 1.3 kg/m screed additive.

Pipe positioning panel

Laying of 16 mm MLC pipes and 14 mm PE-Xa pipes with Uponor pipe positioning panel
Spacing (cm) Pipe length (m/m2) Edging strip (m) Pipe panel type 1 (m2) Fastening nail (pcs)
6 16.7 1 1.15 1
12 8.4 1 1.15 1
18 5.6 1 1.15 1
24 4.2 1 1.15 1
30 3.4 1 1.15 1
If cement-based screed is used instead of its anhydrite equivalent, add a further 0.16 kg of screed additive per m of underßoor heating
surface. When using screed additive for minor pipe coverage add a further 1.3 kg/m screed additive. The required quantity of polyethylene
foil should be determined onsite, as individual room geometry makes it impossible to carry out an advance estimate.

Lightweight panel

Meandering laying of 14 mm PE-Xa pipe with Uponor lightweight panel

Spacing Pipe length Edging strip Lightweight panel Heat emission plate
(cm) (m/m2) (m) (m2) (pcs/m2)
15 6.6 1 1 5.6
22.5 4.4 1 1 3.7
30 3.3 1 1 2.8

Heat emission plate for wooden ßoors

Meandering laying of 20 mm PE-Xa pipe with Uponor heat emission plate 20

Spacing Pipe length Heat emission plate
(cm) (m/m2) (pcs/m2)
30 3.3 2.5

When making your estimates, ensure that you also take into account such required accessories as manifolds, room thermostats and actu-
ators, etc. All data should be checked for correctness, BEFORE the system is placed into use, by the engineer/plumber responsible for
installation. Uponor will accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from a failure to check the guideline values for
correctness with respect to the installation in question. Such liability may only be assigned in the event of gross or wilful negligence on
the part of Uponor or its representatives or agents.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 57
 Design and calculation

Pkjijm^\g^pg\odjinjaor\m`
Uponor HSE software Uponor Quicky software

Impressive in terms of its capabili- The Uponor software programme

ties and superbly quick and easy to
use. The software Uponor HSE is
the optimal tool for the planning,
drawing and calculation of sanita-
tion and heating pipe networks and
under ßoor heating systems. In fact
no additional CAD programme is
required when working with HSE.
Simple drawing functions are avail-
able - whilst one can also import
external drawings, a facility which
enables the drawing of installations
on underlying plans.
The complete tabular inputting of
ßoor plans and building structures
is not needed any more. The export
process can take place with or with-
out the plan documents. The opti-
misation of planning using the HSE
software can be targeted towards
either the operational or investment
costs. Any wiring diagrams required
can be automatically generated
using the ground plans.
Quicky offers you the option of car-
rying out calculation processes for
Uponor underßoor heating systems.
All the necessary input information
are available at a glance in menu,
and the material requirements for
the project will be calculated in an
instant. The bill of materials as an
output in generated in PDF format.
The provision of accompanying
data with images and programme
ãHelpÒ facility all serve to make the
design work easier. The wide range
of options available in the selection
or replace of system components
allows for the individual conÞgura-
tion of materials, and the calcula-
tion of a unique quote.

The software package also comes

with the heating load calculation
amendments deÞned in EN 12831
with change A1 to supplementary
sheet 1. The logging and evalua-
tion of data is thus possible in both
tabular and in graphic modes.

Updates for the new planning soft-

ware are quick and easy to access
and download from the software
menu via the internet, 24 hours per
day. This provides the engineer the
possibility to work with the latest
technical status of the software
development all the time.

The software with English menu

includes the catalogues of Uponor
underßoor heating systems. More
information are listed in the HSE
handbook which includes detailed
description of calculation examples.

58 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation

Dino\gg\odji
Agjjmkm`k\m\odji
Before the installation, all the plas-
ter must be Þnished, and openings
closed to avoid draught.

Load bearing foundation is prepared

to create a clean and ßat plane that
will be covered by thermal insula-
tion and screed with pipes. The
constructive ßoor height must be
considered.

Gj\_]`\mdib^jinomp^odji
The load bearing construction
should be without cracks and dry
before installation. The height and
evenness of the surface of the load-
bearing bottom layer must conform,
in terms of maximum/minimum
dimensions and evenness toler-
ances, to the speciÞcations of
DIN 18202, table 2 and table 3,
line 2 and (for Uponor lightweight
system) line 4.

Table 4.1
Maximum angle
Section Covering Nominal measurement between two walls located
tolerances opposite one another, in m:
up to 1 1-3 3-6 6 - 15 15 - 30 over 30
1 Vertical, horizontal and inclined 6 8 12 16 20 30
surfaces
Max. deviation from horizontal, gauged in mm

Table 4.2
Maximum evenness
Section Covering Distance between measuring points, in m:
tolerances 0.1 1.0 4.0 10.0 15.0
2 UnÞnished upper surfaces of ceil- 5 8 12 15 20
ings, under concrete and founda-
tion ßoors with high speciÞcations,
e.g. for the laying of ßoating screed
industrial ßoors, tiled and panelled
surfaces, composite-screed prefab-
ricated surfaces for underground
areas such as basement storerooms
and cellars
3 Finished-surface ßoors with higher 1 3 9 12 15
speciÞcations, e.g. with self-level-
ling Þller products (distributed-load
layer: dry-screed elements)
Max. evenness tolerances, in mm

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 59
 Installation
Dino\gg\odjibpd_`Cjh`>jhajmo
Installation of Uponor clamp
>g\hkom\^f track system
The edging strip is to be Þtted be-
fore the Uponor insulation board is
laid.
Laying the Uponor insulation
roll/pipe Þxing foil
The Uponor insulation roll is to be
laid in preferably continuous lengths
in the longitudinal direction of the
room. For an easier division of the
heating loops the marking frame is
to concur with the side-by-side in-
sulating lengths. Left-over surfaces
in recesses, at the door passages
and strips remaining on the walls are
to be subsequently Þlled in with
left-over pieces.
Always place ãfree-handÒ cut sides
of the boards up against the peri-
meter strip to stop gaps appearing
in the board laminate.
Additional insulation
An additional heat insulation may be
needed in keeping with the DIN EN
1264-4, EnEV or local requirements.
50 cm max. 1.50 m
for
16 x 2 mm
17 x 2 mm
max. 1.0 m
for
14 x 2 mm
60
Sticking the joints of the insula-
tion roll/pipe Þxing foil
Sticking all joined insulating lengths
(together with the glued-on perime-
ter strip apron) creates a seal-tight
trough for taking up the heating
screed. Precise bonding stops both
any screed or screed water from
penetrating the insulation and also
stops acoustical bridges from being
formed.
Sealing the perimeter strip
The perimeter strip foil apron must
be bonded with the insulation
boards to the exclusion of any gaps
or cavities. This is to stop the foil
ripping and the resultant ingress of
screed or screed water.
max. 1.50 m 50 cm
for
18 x 2 mm
20 x 2 mm
max. 1.0 m
for
14 x 2 mm
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Uponor clamp tracks
At a max. 1.50 m (for pipe dimension
16 - 20 mm) or a max. 1.0 m (with
pipe dimension 14 mm) spacing, the
Uponor clamp tracks are afÞxed par-
allel to each other onto the Uponor
pipe Þxing foil or the Uponor insula-
tion roll with texture foil. The reverse
loop is not to be less than 50 cm
from the wall. An extra fastening
point at a 50 cm spacing is recom-
mended should the track length be
over 1 m. Depending on spatial ge-
ometry, 0.75 -1.00 m of clamp track
is needed for a 1 m2 ßoor area. To
produce expansion joints, the
Uponor joint proÞles are glued at
the required positions.
Pipe laying
The Uponor clamp track is to be used
to fasten the heating pipes on the
boards at the calculated spacing. In
so doing the permitted minimum
bending radii are to be kept to. The
pipes must be pressed in at right an-
gles into the clamp track. Laying can
be of the meander or biÞlar method.
It could be helpful to mark supply and
return of the heating loops to ensure
the correct manifold connection.
Installation

Insulation and perimeter strip Kdk`kjndodjidib

k\i`g
Heat and sound impact
insulation
A suitable insulation which meets
the requirements for heat and
impact sound insulation has to
be installed. Only such insulation
materials are to be used which
meet the standards as well as the
specific construction and quality
assurance regulations. When using
conventional insulation materials,
one has to pay attention that with
multi-layer insulations a maximum
of two layers consists of impact
sound insulation materials. The
compressibility of all insulation
materials must not exceed 5 mm.
When combining heat and impact
sound insulation boards, the insu-
lation with the lesser compressibi-
lity must be installed on top.

1 2 3

Edging strip The PE foil of the edging strip is In case of multi-layered insulation,
Fix the edging strip with the self- laid on top of the insulation. the edging strip has to be installed
adhesive strip on the backside so prior to the topmost insulation
that the integrated breaking points layer.
show upwards. The edging strip
is continuously fixed on the wall
and reaches from the concrete
floor up along the complete floor
structure. The strip must be unbro-
kenly installed along the walls, door
frames, pillars or steps.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 61
 Installation
Areas without pipe
positioning panel
4 5
Transition to areas without pipe
positioning panel
In areas without pipe positioning
panel, e. g. in front of the heating
manifold, in doorways and in areas
with expansion joints, the insulation
has to be covered with the 0.2 mm
thick PE foil. In the transition areas,
the pipe positioning panel laid on
top has to overlap the PE foil by at
least 250 mm. The PE foil can be
fixed on the insulation using the
Uponor foil nail.
62
6
Attention: The pipe positioning panel is laid
In an ambient temperature below on top of the PE foil (overlapping
0 ¡C or above 35 ¡C it is recom- approx. 250 mm).
mended to cover the complete At the transition, the pipe position-
insulation with the 0.2 mm thick PE ing panel have to be fixed on the
foil. At the joints, the foil should be insulation using the fastening nail.
overlapped by 80 mm.
clear areas, where no pipe
positioning panel is installed
fixation of the foil with the foil
nail
area to be covered with the
pipe positioning panel
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation

Installation of the pipe posi-

tioning panel

The pipe positioning panel provides

for positioning and fixation of pipes
dimension 14 up to 16 mm, as well
as for a barrier against penetra-
tion of screed and laitance into the
insulation underneath. Start laying
out the pipe positioning panel in
the corner of the room, whereas at
the wall edges the panels have to
be laid on top of the PE-foil of the
edging strip (approx. 10 cm over-
lapping). Due to the ãpress-studÒ
function, the panels can be joined
by pressing one row of studs on
top of another one, e. g. by step-
ping on the joint row. The punch-
out of one stud at the edge of the
panel prevents a multiple overlap-
ping when joining the panels. Cut if required for the joint. In order to on the insulation using the fasten-
the panels to size at the edges of prevent the panels from lifting from ing clip. For fixing the panels on
the room. The offcut can be used the insulation in the room corners the insulation, the pipe positioning
to start with the next row, whereas when the pipe is installed, the pipe panel shows special markings.
the panel can be turned by 180¡ positioning panel have to be fixed

7 8 9

Joining of the pipe positioning
panel
The pipe positioning panel can
easily be joined due to the ãpress-
studÒ function.
In case of 45¡ angled walls, the Offcuts can be integrated anywhere
pipe positioning panel can also be in the installation.
cut diagonally.

Cutting the panels to size

Using a conventional blade knife
the pipe positioning panel can
be notched and then broken off.
The pipe positioning panel can be
joined at any point.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 63
 Installation

Pipe installation with pipe

positioning panel

With the pipe positioning panel,

pipes 14 x 2 mm up to 16 x 2 mm
can be installed. For an easier
installation, we recommend to use
the pipe uncoiler. The length of
pipe in a heating circuit should not
exceed 120 m. Install the heating
circuits according to the design
layout. The pipe can simply be
uncoiled by hand or using the pipe
uncoiler. Simply press the pipes
between the stud rows with your
foot. Necessary pipe bends can be
made by hand. The smallest admis-
sible bending radius must be kept.
This bending radius corresponds to
a 180¡ bend over 3 stud rows. The
6 cm installation pattern of the
pipe positioning panel provides for that piece has to be replaced by a rosion. The heating circuits have
pipe distances of 6, 12, 18, 24, permanently tight press or screw/ to be designed in a way that no
30 cm and larger. compression coupling immediately. expansion joints are crossed.
In the same manner, the pipe can
Attention: In case the pipe gets be extended. The metal fittings
snapped or damaged otherwise, have to be protected from cor-

10 11 12

Diagonal installation Connection of pipes to the Expansion joints

With the Uponor clip 14/16, the
pipes can also be installed in a
diagonal way on the pipe position-
ing panel. The Uponor clip 14/16
is simply pushed into the clear
area between the studs of the pipe
positioning panel where a special
marking is shown. Shorter pipe
lengths like e. g. in doorways or in
front of the manifold do not have
to be fixed.
manifold
The pipe end on the outside of the
coil is led under the pipe guiding
track of the manifold cabinet. The
pipe has to be pre-bent carefully
before guiding it into the manifold
cabinet in order to avoid damaging.
The adjustable screed shield can be
removed for that and put back on
after all pipes have been inserted.
Cut, centre and bevel the pipe as
described in the fitting instructions.
Then connect the pipe to the heat-
ing manifold using the Uponor
compression adapters.
In case expansion joints are
required, e. g. in doorways, the
supply pipes crossing the expansion
joints have to be covered with the
longitudinally slit Uponor joint pro-
tection tube. Then the expansion
joint is produced by pressing the
10 mm thick and 100 mm high PE
foam joint strip into the joint pro-
file which has been taped onto the
PE foil covering the area without
pipe positioning panel.

64 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation
The Uponor MLCP and PE-Xa pipes
can be also fixed to a reinforcement
mesh by using tying wires or cable
ties.
The installation of the required heat
and sound impact insulation and
the edging strip is according to the
installation guide for pipe position-
ing panel.
Concrete
Insulation
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
The top layer of the insulation has Otdibrdm`n*
to be covered with a separation ^\]g`od`n
layer of PE-foil to prevent penetra-
tion of moisture from the screed
under the insulation.
The pipe will be fixed to the rein-
forcement mesh with 2 tying wires
or cable ties per m of pipe.
Uponor MLCP or PE-Xa pipe fixed with tying wires
or cable ties to the reinforcement mesh
Reinforcement mesh PE-foil
65
 Installation
Gdbcor`dbco On-site conditions
k\i`g
Floor construction
It is very important that the exist-
ing floor is clean and level. Smaller
bumps can be levelled out with
conventional filler. In case of larger
bumps, a levelling compound (e. g.
Fermacell¨ or Perlite¨) should be
used. Between the levelling com-
pound and the lightweight panel,
pressure resistant load distribution
panels have to be laid. It is impor-
tant that the panels used are suit-
able and certified for this purpose.
Please consult the manufacturersÕ
instructions for dry flooring ele-
ments.
Sealing of the building
Constructions adjacent to soil have
to be permanently protected against
moisture penetration into floors and
walls. In case solid floors (e. g. con-
crete floors in new buildings) con-
tain residual moisture, the rising of
moisture into the dry original floor
structure has to be prevented by a
PE foil (0.2 mm). Please consult the
manufacturersÕ instructions for dry
flooring elements.
Expansion joints
Above construction joints, expan-
sion joints have to be integrated in
the dry flooring layer. Furthermore,
only edge joints (edging strip) are
required when installing the light-
weight panel in connection with dry
flooring panels (e. g. Fermacell¨ or
Perlite Perlcon¨-TE) in rooms up
to 20 m length. Please consult the
manufacturersÕ instructions for dry
flooring elements.
66
1 Insulation
Before laying out the basic compo-
nents, the underground surface has
to be clean and level. Height varia-
tions have to be levelled out.
2
Fix the edging strip with the self-
adhesive strip on the backside so
that the integrated breaking points
show upwards. The edging strip
is continuously fixed on the wall
and reaches from the concrete
floor up along the complete floor
structure. The strip must be unbro-
kenly installed along the walls, door
frames, pillars or steps.
In case of multi-layered insulation,
the edging strip has to be installed
prior to the basic elements.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Thermal insulation / additional
insulation
The 25 mm thick basic component
has a thermal insulation resistance
of RhS = 0.62 m2 K/W. If the local
standards require other thermal re-
sistance this value can be achieved
by laying an additional polystyrene
insulation board (thermal con-
ductivity rating 040) underneath
the basic element. In renovations,
already existing insulations in the
floor structure can be considered
for the layout.
In connection with dry flooring
panels, only insulation materials
with high density must be used
(e. g. polystyrene PS 30, wood fibre
insulation panels make Pavatex,
type Pavapor or extruded PUR).
Impact sound insulation
With the lightweight panel e. g. in
connection with dry flooring panels
on solid floors, the impact sound
transmission can be reduced by up
to 22 dB. Further impact sound in-
sulation, which might be addition-
ally required, has to be adapted to
the existing floor structure. Please
consult the manufacturersÕ instruc-
tions for dry flooring elements (e. g.
Fermacell¨ or Perlite Perlcon¨-TE).
In connection with Fermacell¨ also
wood fibre panels 17/16 (make:
Pavatex Pavapor with a weight of
150 kg/m3) can be used.
When using cement or self-levelling
screed, the required impact sound
insulation can be achieved by add-
ing a layer of suitable thermal and
impact sound insulation material
underneath the lightweight panel.
The thermal and impact sound in-
sulation panels are laid in a stag-
gered way to the basic elements
on top.
Installation

Installation of basic elements

Lightweight panels along the walls have The lightweight panels have to be laid on the complete surface of the room.
to be pushed underneath the foil of the
edging strip.

If necessary the lightweight panel can be cut by using a blade The lightweight panels in different rows have to be laid without
knife. any shift between the grooves for the pipe.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 67
 Installation

Installation of heat emission plates

The heat emission plates are pushed into the grooves of the The heat emission plates have 2 predetermined breaking points.
lightweight panel. In places where a pipe bend has to be realised They can be separated into different lengths by repeated bend-
a distance of 9 cm between the heat emission plate and the ing at these points.
angular point of the pipe bend has to be kept.

Installation of the pipe

Push the 14 mm PE-xa pipe into the

grooves of the heat emission plates with
your foots.
Note: Please wear sturdy shoes

Connection to the manifold

In front of the manifold additional

grooves can be cut into the lightweight
panel using a polystyrene cutter.

Note: The manifold should be installed in

a central location. Thus heating loops can
be connected from different directions

Screed / Dry flooring panels

When using screed (cement or self-levelling screed), the lightweight panel has to be completely covered with a 0.2 mm thick PE-foil.
This foil serves as separation layer. The individual foil webs have to overlap by at least 5 cm. When using self-levelling screed, the joints
of the foil have to be taped. In order to prevent the penetration of screed or screed water at the edges, the PE-foil of the edging strip
also has to be taped on the separation foil.

In case dry flooring panels (e. g. Fermacell¨ or Perlite Perlcon¨-TE) are installed as load distribution layer, the separation foil is not nec-
essary. When using screeds, the system has to be heated up according to DIN 4725. Please see heating report.

68 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation
Wooden suspended floors do not
conduct heat as efficiently as
concrete. Therefore in this type of
installation heat emission plates
are required in order to achieve an
even floor temperature.
Chipboard or parquet
Insulation
Nail battens measuring at least
22 x 95 mm using two nails to each
joist (use hot zinc coated nails
preferably). The first batten should
be nailed approx. 50 mm from the
outer wall so that the aluminium
plate can be positioned correctly.
Leave half the distance between
the two last joists free of battens.
Another batten is then laid along
the last joist by the cross wall.
Ensure that there is enough room
left to allow for the positioning of
the pipe loops .
Lay the heat diffusion plates start-
ing from the outer wall. Leave
300 mm free from the cross wall
in order to allow the pipe to loop
around. Cover as much as possible
of the area with the diffusion plates
(70 - 90 %). The diffusion plates
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Ensure that the wood is properly
dried (maximum humidity content
10 %). The following guidelines
are general and are based on a
centre distance between joists of
600 mm (they are also applicable
Vapour barrier under Uponor heat Uponor PE-Xa pipe
parquet emission plate 20 x 2.0 mm
300 mm
Battens minimum 22 x 95 mm with a Floor joist
pitch of 150 mm
can be divided and adapted to
room length. The gap between the
plates should be at least 10 mm but
not more than 100 mm.
Pin the plates onto the battens
ensuring that the pipe grooves are
in alignment.
Position the pipes according to the
layout pattern.
Lay a vapour barrier as required.
Mark the routing of the pipes in
order to prevent accidental perfora-
tion with screws.
The chipboard (minimum thickness
of 22 mm) is then laid across the
battens in 600 mm sections and
fixed with screws. Tongues and
grooves are glued.
to centre distances of less than C`\o`hdnndjikg\o`
600 mm). ajmrjj_`iÙjjmn
When laminated parquet is laid
directly without chipboard beneath,
the following should be observed:
The structure must be reinforced.
The battens must be at least 28 x
70 mm. They should be laid allow-
ing for a gap of 25 - 30 mm to the
wall and should be nailed to all the
joists except for the last one. Then
the ends of the battens should be
lifted whilst the pipe loops are slot-
ted round and underneath them
before the nailing process is com-
pleted, the laminated parquet is
laid across the battened area.
Note that the battens should be
nailed with hot zinc coated nails
and that every fourth batten only
need be nailed.
69
 Installation

Cdbck`majm( Load-bearing subsoil

h\i^`k\i`g
Coordination through discussion
between the heating specialists and
the other trades is required. If the
subsoil does not meet the require-
ments of DIN 18202 for approved
subsoils, it has to be levelled using
an appropriate Þlling compound.
The existing load distribution layer
and the newly applied Þlling com-
pound must allow linear expansion
(Edge insulation strips). The insula-
tion regulations must be followed
(see DIN 18560 and EN 1264). For
further details see Uponor mount-
ing instruction.
The subsoil must be solid, load-
bearing, clean, skid-proof, free
from parting substances and dry.
The load distribution layer must
be checked and any cracks must
be repaired. Wax and similar layers
should be removed mechanically,
ßoor boards must be mounted
properly and old ßoor coverings
such as linoleum, carpet or laminate
should be completely removed
without leaving a residue.

l [m] 0.1 1 4 10 15
2

t [mm] 2 4 10 12 15
1 2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
9
8
7
6
5

t
4
3
2
1

70 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation

Edging stripe High performance panel

1 2

1
3 4

3 2 1

6 5 4

16 9 8 7

17 12 11 10

18 15 14 13

Expansion joint profile

DIN 4726
x1,1
B 9,9
0W
X 11
PE
elta
V
or
on
Up
T

2
xT
r

r ³ 50 mm

Possible pipe spacing Optimum installation tem- Application temperature for Application temperature for
perature high performance panel pipe/pipe coupling
5 cm | 10 cm | 15 cm Å 15 ¡C 5 Ð 40 ¡C 0 Ð 40 ¡C

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 71
 Installation

EN 1264-4
Minimum distance from vertical components Minimum distance from chimneys and open Þreplaces, open or
walled shafts as well as elevator shafts
> 50 mm > 200 mm

Mounting/operating instructions for Uponor modular

plastic manifold and Uponor push 12

Heat up according to EN 1264-4. Set the automatic regula-

tion connected in series on manual mode, for instance at 60 ¡C
constant

Pipe couplings and pipe repairing

b
max. 136°C

EN 1264-4
?m
Revision draft

?m

In case of any coupling is used, a revision drawing has

to be listed in project documentation.

72 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation

1 2 3 4

3–5x

Leakage test after

qi 0 – 5° C qi 0 ≥ 5° C
2h 0,5 h

1 2 3 4
3–5x

Note: mount the pipe

on the support body
up to the end stop
5

1 2 3 4

Existing expansion joint

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 73
 Installation
Commissioning/heat up/
functional test/operation
Proceed to commissioning accord-
ing to suitable installation instruc-
tions (Þlling, washing, ventilating,
pressure test, fan preadjustment).
Provide a Þlter
Feeding the levelling compound
Vacuum clean the surface before
feeding the compound. During
the feeding of the levelling com-
pound, all heating circuits should
Kdk`gjjk^jii`^odji\i_Øggdib
Manifolds, pipes loops and
Þttings
Fix the manifold wall bracket on
to the wall.
Assemble the manifold onto wall
bracket and clamp it into position.
Mount a bend support by Uponor
PE-Xa pipe on the supply pipe
at the base of the wall beneath
the manifold leaving sufÞcient
pipe length for connection to the
manifold.
Connect the pipe to the mani-
fold and set out the pipe loop
in accordance with the layout
drawing. Pipe loops should be
laid in an orderly manner for
neat installation. Mount a bend
support on the return pipe in the
same way as for the supply pipe.
Cut the pipe and connect it to
the manifold.
Mark the loop number for identi-
Þcation purposes.
Note the precise length of each
loop using the metre markings on
the pipe and compare with the
layout drawing. A major deviation
in length may require an adjust-
ment of the loop balance set-
tings.
74
be kept under working pressure.
The system should be kept safe
from frost.
Follow the manufacturerÔs
instructions for the levelling
compound.
Levelling compound: Initial heat up
minimum 3 days after feeding the
compound.
Thin screed: Initial heat up minimum
7 days after feeding the compound.
The use of only special screed is
allowed, please contact Uponor.
Filling
Fill the installation according to the
following instructions:
Close all valves on the manifolds,
both supply and return, as well as
shut-off valves. Ensure that the
aeration valves, on the manifoldÕs
end caps are closed (screwed in)
and the valves for Þlling are open
(unscrewed).
Connect hoses to the two end
caps on the manifolds. Connect
one of the hoses to the water
tap. Run the other hose to a suit-
able drain.
Turn on the water from the tap.
Open the end cap valves for the
Þlling and draining of the system.
Open the supply and return
valves for one loop. Let the water
ßow through the loop until all the
air has been expelled. If the water
does not ßow through the loop
check to see that the pipe is not
buckled.
Close both valves and repeat the
cycle for the other loops, one by
one, until all the loops have been
Þlled and bled of air.
Without by-pass: A. Close the
Þlling valves, switch off the mains
water, undo the hose nipples and
hoses and replace the covers.
B. Open the loopsÕ valves and
check, using the aeration valves,
that there is no remaining air.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
The system is introduced into opera-
tion in from of heat up steps from
max 25 to max 53¡C, in 5 K steps
which takes in total 1 day. The notes
are recorded into protocol for initial
heat up. This is accomplished in a
manual hand mode operation. The
after is tested functionally of entire
system (including controls) under
real operating conditions and the
test is documented. ProoÞng of the
temperature range 15 Ð 53 ¡C, and
pressure test to 6 bar.
With by-pass: A. Close the Þll-
ing valves. Remove the aeration
valve from the end cap of the
return manifold using the tool
from the basic kit. B. Remove the
outlet hose and protective cover.
Connect the by-pass. C. Connect
the venting hose to the aeration
valve on the supply manifold.
Open both the shut-off valves
and vent via the aeration valve.
Switch off the tap water, close
the return lineÕs charging valve,
remove the hose and hose nipple
and replace the protective cover.
Open all the valves and carry out
pressure testing (3-4 bar; 0.3-
0.4 MPa). The pressure will drop
during the Þrst hours but will
then remain steady, as long as
there are no leaks and provided
that the ambient temperature has
been constant.
The ßoor can be Þnished (con-
creting, covering with chipboard,
parquet etc.) after a Þnal inspec-
tion has been carried out to
ensure that the system is water-
tight.
Note: There is a risk of frost damage
to the system when temperatures are
below freezing.
For further information see also
Initial heating up
Installation

System Þlling and ßushing / venting

1 2 3
open max.open
close
open
close

close close close

open
open max.open
close min.open
close

open
close close close

max. 5 bar max. 5 bar

open open open

Repeat filling and flushing (steps 1-3) for all

additional heating circuits

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 75
 Installation
Km`nnpm`o`no
Pressure testing of underßoor
heating-loop conduits in accord-
ance with EN 1264-4. The loops,
once Þtted, are to be leak-tested
using pressurized water or air before
applying the screed.
The loops must be completely Þlled
and purged of air before pressurized
water-testing takes place. Leak-
testing should be carried out both
immediately before and during the
screed-laying operation.
The test pressure must be at least
1.3 times maximum operating pres-
sure. We recommend testing the
Uponor system in underßoor heat-
In pressure test the whole system
is subjected to the test pressure
by pumping for 30 minutes, after
which the pressure is noted and the
test continues for 30 + 120 minutes
without further pumping. Test is
passed if the drop in pressure is less
than 0.6 bar (60 kPa) after the fol-
lowing 30 minutes (preliminary test,
system relaxation and temperature
equalising), and 0.2 bar (20 kPa)
after the further 120 minutes (main
test), and there is no visible leak-
age throughout the test. It means
an allowed pressure drop of 0.2
bar (20 kPa) during the 2-hours
main test.
76
ing loops at a minimum of 4 bar
and a maximum of 6 bar (0,6 MPa)
for 2 hours (in special cases longer,
24 hours). Do a visually inspect the
joints. Ensure when doing so that
the shutoff devices immediately
upstream and downstream of the
underßoor heating system manifold
are closed, in order to limit the test
pressure to the zone being exam-
ined. The balance between ambi-
ent temperature and Þlling-water
temperature should be taken into
account by a corresponding waiting
period after achievement of test
pressure. By the air test the suf-
Þcient time for the relaxation of the
pressed air temperature and volume
Max. 0.6 bar drop period
Preliminary test
Pumping stops
Test
pressure
System
pressure
0
0 10 20 30 60
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
is needed. The test pressure must
be recovered as required after the
waiting period.
All pressure-measuring instruments
used must be reliably accurate to
0.1 bar (10 kPa). The test pressure
must not drop by more than 0.2 bar
(20 kPa), and there should be no
leaks. When the screed is being laid,
the test pressure must be main-
tained at the systemÕs maximum
permitted operating temperature.
Take appropriate measures if there
is any danger of pipes freezing up
heating the building, etc.
Max. 0.2 bar drop period
Main test
mins. 120 180
Installation

Pressure / Functional test

1 2

2x

open 2x

2h max. 6 bar

2x

Operating pressure
After 2 hrs., check
for leakage

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 77
 Installation

Pressure test report

Pressure test for underfloor heating system in accordance with DIN EN 1264-4

Project:

Project phase:

Person responsible for inspection:

Max. allowable operating pressure: = _____________ bar

(with reference to lowermost point of system)

The balance between ambient temperature and filling water temperature should be taken into account by a corresponding waiting
period after achievement of test pressure. The test pressure must be recovered as required after the waiting period.

Note: By the air test the sufficient time for the relaxation of the pressed air temperature and volume is needed.

Preliminary test

Test start: _____________ , _______________ Test pressure: _____________ bar

Date Time (max. 6 bar)

Test end: , Test pressure: bar

Date, Time (max. drop in pressure 0.6 bar)

Main test

Test start: _____________ , _______________ Test pressure: _____________ bar

Date Time

Test end: , Test pressure: bar

Date, Time

Pressure loss during the main test : bar (max. 0.2 bar)

It was determined, at the end of the test period, that there were no leaks in the above-mentioned system.

Confirmation

Building owner/Customer: Site management/Architect: Heating company:

Stamp/Signature Stamp/Signature Stamp/Signature

Place, Date Place, Date Place, Date

78 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation
N^m``_dib\i_^ji^m`odib
The construction of the screed layer
differs for Uponor systems and is
depended from Þxation method.
The thickness should be calculated
according to carrying capacity
speciÞed in national codes. The
screed thickness above pipes must
be at least 30 mm, and in standard
The work over the screed can be
carried out only with a permit by
the resident engineer:
Uponor screed additive VD 450
Is dedicated for use with cement-
based screed, homogenises and
improves quality of screeding mate-
rial in order to increase level of heat
conductivity and crush resistance.
Consumption by 70 mm screed
thickness is approx. 0.2 l/m for
screed with thickness of 30-45 mm.
Water curing takes approximately
21 days.
When using Uponor screed addi-
tives VD 450 and VD 550, thickness
of the screed over the pipes can
be reduced from 45 to 30 mm for
working load up to 2,0 kN/m2.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
case 45 mm. The maximum temper-
ature around the heating elements
(plastic pipes) in the screed shall
not exceed 55 ¡C. The Òefßores-
cenceÓ should be taken off.
The temperature of the liquid
screed and the room should not
Uponor screed additive VD 550
Is dedicated for use with cement-
based screed, improves heat con-
ductivity, bending strength and
crush resistance. Consumption by
70 mm screed thickness is approxi-
mately 0.2 l/m. Water curing takes
ca. 8 days.
Note: Use of Uponor additives with
anhydrite and cement liquid screed
is not allowed.
The resident engineer must be advised of suitable measuring points for measuring the humidity
(1 point per room – with a minimum of 3 points per 200 m2 or dwelling)
be lower than 5¡C for at least 3
days. Hardening screed should be
protected from draught, fast drying
and harmful effects.
Max. Working load over the 30 mm
screed is 1.5. kN/ m2 resp. for
45 mm screed 5.0 kN/m2
Uponor marking set
Is dedicated for controlling the mois-
ture of the screed. The consultant
must enter the approximate arrange-
ment of the measuring point(s) in
the room centre in the drawing. The
measuring points must be marked
according to the drawing speciÞca-
tion by the screed layer. Underßoor
heating pipes must be distant at
least 10 cm from the measuring
point, and the most suitable point is
inside the pipe bending.
≥ 100
79
 Installation

Didod\gc`\odibpk
Heating report

Heating report for Uponor underfloor heating systems (functional heating) for anhydrite and/or calcium sulphate screed and cement
screed, used with radiant heating as per EN 1264-4

Person responsible/Project:
Section/Floor/Room:

Anhydrite and/or calcium sulphate and cement screed, should be heated up before the floor covering is laid. Procedures require that the
heated floor structure should not be heat tested for correct functioning for the first 21 days after laying, in case of cement-based screed,
or 7 days for anhydrite and/or calcium sulphate screed (or as per supplierÕs instructions).

Testing involves maintaining the supply temperature at 25 ¡C for three days, followed by four days at maximum supply temperature. The
leak resistance of the loop should be determined, by means of water-pressure testing, both immediately before and during the screed
laying process. Any supplier data that differ from those contained in this report and/or EN 1264-4 (e.g. for liquid screed) must be taken
into account.

1. Type of screed, manufacturer:

Binding agent used:
2. End of work on heating screed:
3. Start of heating procedure (functional heating) at constant supply
temperature of 25 ¡C (manually regulated):
4. Start of heating procedure (functional heating) at max. supply
temperature (system temperature) of _____¡C. (as per DIN 18560
max. 60 ¡C. With laying of anhydrite or calcium-sulphate screed
max. 55 ¡C, or as per supplierÕs indications):
5. End of heating procedure (functional heating) (not earlier than four
days after no. 4):
6. Heating procedure (functional heating) was interrupted. Yes No
If ÒYesÓ: from to
7. The heated floor surface was free of building materials and other
covering items: Yes No
8. The rooms were ventilated (but draught-free) and, once the radiant
heating system was switched off, all windows and outside doors were
closed. Yes No
The system was approved for further installations at an outside The system was shut down at this stage.
temperature of _____¡C. The floor was heated at a temperature of ______ ¡C.

Please confirm the above details with signature and company stamp.

Heating procedure (functional heating) was not able to determine whether the screed has reached the moisture-content level specified
for further laying operations. Further heating may be needed in order to achieve the required level of preparation (see also technical
regulations on functional heating and drying of screed). When the radiant heating system is switched off at the end of the heating
procedure, the screed should be protected from cold draughts in order to prevent rapid cooling down.

Confirmation

Building owner/Customer: Site management/Architect: Heating company:

Stamp/Signature Stamp/Signature Stamp/Signature

Place, Date Place, Date Place, Date

80 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation
=\g\i^dibjah\idajg_n
Since the loop length is not always
equal, the balancing of loops is
required. The calculation of pres-
sure loss per loop and estimation
of the valve setting is accomplished
according to a table or a diagram.
To balance each individual under-
ßoor heating loop, close the valve
on the supply manifold (clock-
wise) and lift and turn a setting
ring, graduated 0.5 Ð 5. Once the
required setting value appears in
the centre of the black indicator
line on the manifold neck, press the
ring down. The valve will then open
as far as the stop lug on the limiting
ring. To prevent the balancing valve
from clogging, setting values below
1.5 should not be used.
If the supply valves have been
replaced with ßow meters, adjust
these instead until all ßows cor-
respond to those calculated. The
setting ring can subsequently be
used to prevent any loop opening
too far.
The ßow through the by-pass can
be reduced or shut off using the
supply lineÕs Þlling valve.
If the red wheel has been removed,
it can end up in the wrong position
so that the adjustment values no
longer apply.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
To obtain the correct setting:
Remove the red wheel. Close the
valve without using excessive force
(torque approx. 3 Nm). Mount the
setting ring with the Ô5Õ digit in the
centre of the indicator line. Replace
the red wheel with the wheelÕs stop
lug against the ringÕs stop lug (by
the Ô5Õ digit).
Adjust the balancing screw:
Close the hand wheel on the
supply manifold
Lift the setting ring and turn it
CLOCKWISE until the desired
setting value is in the centre of
the marker point
Push the setting ring down
Open the hand wheel to the
stop lug
Hand red wheel
Stop lug
Indicator line
Setting ring
81
 Installation

Adjustment of the inlet valves/Adjustment of the manifold lead valve

1 2 3

close
Uponor Fußbodenheizungsberechnung
Uponor floor heating calculations
Uponor vloerverwarmingsberekening
Calculation du chauffage par le sol Uponor
Calcolo riscaldamento a pannelli radianti Uponor
Raum-Heizkreis-Daten
Room heating circuit data
Ruimte- en verwarminggroepsgegevens
Données des pièces - circuits de chauffage
Dati circuito riscaldamento locale

B Raum-Nr
Room No.
Heizkreis-Nr
Heating circuit No.
Wassermenge
Quantity of water
Ventileinstellung
Valve adjustment
Ruimte-Nr Verwarmingsgroep nr Hoeveelheid water Ventielvoorinstelling
N° de la pièce N° du circuits de Quantité d’eau Réglage de la vanne
Num. locale chauffage Quantità di acqua Tartura della valvola
Num. circuito
riscaldamento locale l/min

1 1 4 1
1 2 10 4
2 3 5 2
3 4 11 5
4 5 1,5 1,5

1 2

close
Uponor Fußbodenheizungsberechnung
Uponor floor heating calculations
Uponor vloerverwarmingsberekening
Calculation du chauffage par le sol Uponor
Calcolo riscaldamento a pannelli radianti Uponor
Raum-Heizkreis-Daten
Room heating circuit data
Ruimte- en verwarminggroepsgegevens
Données des pièces - circuits de chauffage

B
Dati circuito riscaldamento locale

Raum-Nr Heizkreis-Nr Wassermenge Ventileinstellung

Room No. Heating circuit No. Quantity of water Valve adjustment
Ruimte-Nr Verwarmingsgroep nr Hoeveelheid water Ventielvoorinstelling
N° de la pièce N° du circuits de Quantité d’eau Réglage de la vanne
Num. locale chauffage Quantità di acqua Tartura della valvola
Num. circuito
riscaldamento locale l/min

1 1 4 4
1 2 10 8
2 3 5 5
3 4 11 11
4 5 1,5 4,5

1 2 3
5

Rohrnetzberechnung
Pipe system calculations
Leidingnetberekening
Calculation des circuits de tuyau

Strang 1 Ventileinstellun
Riser pipe 1
Strang 1
g
Valve adjustment
Conduit principal 1
Ventielvoorinstelling

Verteiler 1
Distributor 1 8
Verdeler 1
Collecteur 1

Verteiler 2
Distributor 2
Verdeler 2
Collecteur 2
5
Strang 2 Ventileinstellun
Riser pipe 2
Strang 2
g
Valve adjustment
Conduit principal 2
Ventielvoorinstelling

Verteiler 1
Distributor 1 8
Verdeler 1
Collecteur 1

Verteiler 2
Distributor 2 5
Verdeler 2
Collecteur 2

max open 500 50

40
400

max close 300 30

2

2,5

200 20
3
5

4
5
6

100 10
8
Druckverlust Dp in [mbar]

80 8

36mm
mm 5x 60 6
7

50 5

40 4

30 3

20 2
[kPa]

Medium: Wasser
10 1
100 200 300 500 1000 2000 3000

Massenstrom m in [kg/h]

82 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation
>jhhdnndjidib
Follow these instructions when
starting up the system:
1. Once all the pipe loops have
been Þlled, deaerated and pres-
sure tested, close all the loop
valves and open the shut-off
valves instead.
2. Fill the supply pipes and boiler
with water and deaerate. Deaer-
ation can be carried out at the
end caps of the manifolds (sup-
ply and return). In houses with
several storeys begin by deaerat-
ing the manifolds located in the
basement.
3. Open all the loops and check
once more to ensure that they
are bled of air as described
above. If there is still air in the
loops repeat the Þlling opera-
tion.
4. The system is normally put
under a pressure of 0.5-1.5
bar (50-150 kPa). Start up the
pump and boiler. Open one loop
in the manifold. The temperature
should now increase slowly. In
a while you should be able to
feel the hot water reentering the
manifold. Repeat the procedure
with all the loops.
In large installations it is conven-
ient to open one manifold and
then one loop in the manifold at
a time. Normally every manifold
should be equipped with a shut-
off valve.
5. Set the calculated throttling
values on the lockshield valves
(return valves) for each loop.
Count the number of turns from
a closed valve (see also ÒBalanc-
ing of manifoldsÓ). This opera-
tion is done by means of a 4 mm
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Allen key. If this procedure is
not done thoroughly, the entire
heat demand of the house may
be covered by just one or two
loops.
6. In the case of manual control
valves, the water temperature
from the boiler must be control-
led in order to avoid excessive
temperatures. This can be done
by an outdoor temperature
sensor or by a centrally-located
indoor sensor and the relevant
control equipment.
Since underßoor heating is a
low-temperature system, the
maximum water temperature in
wooden suspended ßoor struc-
tures need not be more than
about 55¡C. This should be even
lower in concrete.
Where the supply water temper-
ature is controlled by a central
unit, sensing for instance the
outdoor temperature, set a ßat
response curve on the panel in
order to let the system operate
within the required range of the
heating system.
7. When controlling room tem-
peratures with room thermostats
and actuators, the supply water
temperature can be kept at a
constant level all year round.
The heat is sent out in pulses of
5-6 minutes only until the room
temperature setting has been
reached.
8. It is important that the control
equipment at the heat source
and the room thermostats work
properly and are correctly set,
particularly so when the ßoor
covering material is parquet.
Comments
A. Concrete slab
When the underßoor heating
installation has been completed
and provided that the heat source
is already installed, it is possible to
run the whole system at the time
the concrete slab is poured. Howev-
er note that until the concrete has
cured (this takes about 17 days in
a one-family house), the maximum
water temperature should be 25 ¡C.
After this period the underßoor
heating system can be run at the
designed temperature.
B. Wooden suspended ßoor
structure
In timber-built houses, local regula-
tions or recommendations regarding
the moisture content of the timber
should be observed. ManufacturerÕs
instructions on moisture content
in parquet ßooring should also be
followed. An underßoor heating
installation will help maintain the
prescribed moisture level.
According to SS-27 23 44 (Swed-
ish Standard) the moisture content
should not exceed 10% either in
the ßoor structure as a whole or in
the parquet. See ÒFloor construc-
tion Uponor heat emission plate for
wooden ßoorsÓ and ÒFloor covering
materialsÓ.
83
 Installation

H\dio`i\i^`
Uponor underßoor heating system
is in principle maintenance-free and
designed to work for many years.
There are however some aspects to
consider:
1. The pressure in the heating
system should be checked now
and again. If the pressure in the
system is incorrect, check by
means of the deaeration valves
that the system has been bled of
air. A large air bubble can disturb
the circulation.
2. If the system still malfunctions,
check for leakage. It may be
necessary to tighten couplings.
3. If necessary, the system may
need reÞlling. If the pressure
cannot be maintained despite
these measures, you must carry
out more careful fault tracing
and if necessary call in experts
to go through the entire system.
When tracing a fault follow the
procedures indicated below.
A\pgoom\^dib
1. Check that the installation has
been carried out in accordance
with UponorÕs instructions.
In particular the loops should
have been laid according to
the drawing. The heat demand
and the type of ßooring should
also correspond to the drawing
speciÞcations.
2. Make sure that the installation
has been properly marked. The
loops should have been clearly
marked and should indicate
which room they serve, the
better to prevent loops from
becoming cross-connected to
the manifolds. Ensure that all
loops are correctly connected.
3. Check that the hot water tem-
perature to the manifold is
correct.
If not, check the following:
¥ The boiler has sufÞcient
capacity
¥ All valves are opened
¥ The correct circulation pump
has been selected and has
been set for the right curve
¥ The control equipment for the
supply water temperature is
correctly adjusted.
4. Ensure that the installation
has been Þlled with water and
deaerated according to UponorÕs
instructions.
Air in the loops is the most
common cause of poor perform-
ance in a system. That is why
the Þlling instructions should be
closely observed.
Note: It is almost impossible to
deaerate the loops without shut-
off valves on the manifolds.
5. Make sure that the installation is
correctly balanced.
6. Check once more that the heat
demand, the loop length, the
dimensions and the layout of the
supply pipes correspond with the
drawing. If this is not the case,
new calculations should be made
with corresponding balancing
adjustments.

Note 1: In the event of long

supply pipes running from the
boiler to the manifolds, it may
be necessary to bypass the
manifold so that water circulates
in the supply pipes.
Note 2: Concrete ßoors and
walls consume a considerable
amount of heat whilst drying
(evaporation heat). Concrete
ßoors should be allowed to cure
before heat is applied. Alterna-
tively, the procedure outlined in
the section on commissioning
above can be followed.
Note 3: When checking large
installations, it is easier to deal
with one section at the time.

84 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Installation

Omjp]g`ncjjodib
One of the rooms is cold
All the loops work satisfactorily.
However one of the rooms is cold
and the return water temperature
drop is too high.
If this is the case, the heat demand
for this room is higher than calcu-
lated. Check to see if the ventila-
tion supply temperature is too high
and if the insulation of the room
is sufÞcient. If neither is the case,
and yet the problem remains, open
the return valve approx. 1/2 turn
at a time.
If necessary increase the supply
water temperature and rebalance
the loops. Also close the return
valves for the rooms that are too
warm, approx. 1/2 turn at a time.
The ßoor temperature in the
room is too high
When the ßoor temperature in a
room is too high, it means that the
water temperature in the loop is
too high. One probable reason is
that the valve spindle on the supply
manifold is not watertight.
Shut off the ßow through the loop
at the manifold. This can be done
by means of the manual valve
handle or if the manifold is provided
with an actuator by disconnecting
the auxiliary voltage to the actuator.
Shut off the return valve as well.
Disconnect the return pipe of the
loop. If the supply valve is water-
tight no water should come out of
the pipe.

The ßoors are cold Note: When valve spindle failure

occurs the whole supply manifold
The ßoors are cold although the should be replaced.
room temperature is correct. This
means that there is another source
of heating in the house. If for
example, the heating system is a
combination of underßoor heating
and ventilation, check the tempera-
ture of the air inßow. It should be
2-3¡C lower than the desired room
temperature.

If the room is heated by other

heat sources (for example ofÞce
machines, lamps etc.) the room
thermostat and actuator should be
replaced by a manual valve handle
on the manifold, to give a constant
ßow through the loop.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 85
 Controls

>jiomjgn
An effective temperature control
system needs to supply heat at the
same rate, at which the building
loses heat under dynamic condi-
tions, thereby maintaining a stable
and comfortable indoor tempera-
ture. The air temperature of a room
takes the value that balances all
heat supplies and losses.
The results of real testing show that
with the right control concept and
due to the beneÞts of a high degree
of Òself-controlÓ a ßoor heating and
cooling system is capable of com-
pensating for variation in external
and internal loads. For the optimal
performance it is recommended to
use a combination of central and
individual room control. The central
control shall control the mean or
supply water temperature accord-
ing to the outside weather. The
individual room control is the most
important control for comfort and
savings of energy.
The heating systems with auto-
matically operated elements must
be equipped with room-by-room
thermostatic control. Uponor offers
both radio and wired control sys-
tems for this purpose, and Uponor
control system is suitable for all
kinds of underßoor heating systems
and solutions.

Individual room temperature Zone control

Generally the best is a combined
control concept:
ÒLocal (individual) control is applied ÒZone control is applied when the
when the heat supplied to heated heat supplied to a zone normally
The central control in the heat
space is controlledÓ. The main idea consisting of several spaces (rooms)
source will control the supply
of individual control is to improve is controlledÓ. Zone control is
water temperature to the ßoor
the local thermal comfort in cer- applied for a certain group of rooms
system according to the external
tain room and save the energy by or open-plan spaces.
climate. The individual room
means of setting the expected room
control will then control the
temperature set-point directly from Central control
water ßow rate or water temper-
a person.
ature (mean water temperature
Central control is applied when the
as the best) individually for each
Room temperature control is heat supplied to the whole build-
room, according to the set-point
required to achieve the best indoor ing or manifold is controlled by a
selected by the user.
climate comfort. Different heat central system in control station or
requirements exist within a building boiler room.
depending on external factors (ori-
entation of the building, wind etc.)
or internal factors (lights, open Þre,
time of occupancy etc.). Underßoor
heating can cope with all these
requirements. Every room can be
controlled accurately by means of
a room thermostat. However, in
open-plan design, the different
ÓroomsÓ can be considered as one
(zone control). Here Uponor recom-
mends the use of only one room
thermostat to control the whole
open space, the thermostat being
installed in the ÓroomÓ with the
highest heating demand. Normally
this is the room with the highest
number of outer walls or windows.

86 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Controls
R\o`mo`hk`m\opm`^jiomjgnom\o`bd`n
There are different principles for
controlling the water temperature in
underßoor heating.
Constant supply water tempera-
ture at constant ßow
This technique is to be used only
if the heated ßoor is used as a
secondary heating source. It will
satisfy only the minimum basic
heating demand. Another heating
system will have to control the room
temperature. Under these condi-
tions a constant supply tempera-
ture will give a near constant ßoor
surface temperature. If the room is
designed for a certain temperature
the supply water temperature must
be set 2-3 K below this level. Oth-
erwise the ßoor temperature can, in
some situations, override the room
temperature control system.
Constant return water tempera-
ture at constant ßow
To be used as above. If the room is
designed for a certain temperature
the return water temperature must
be set 8-10 K below this.
Indoor temperature compensa-
tion of supply water tempera-
ture at constant ßow
Some experts on indoor climate
control are of the opinion that an
indoor temperature control tech-
nique is the best technique to use.
The reason for this is the fact that
most buildings have a very high
thermal inertia. This means that a
quick change in the outdoor tem-
perature will start only a very slow
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
change in the indoor temperature.
It may take several days before the
indoor temperature changes. In
other words an indoor temperature
control will harmonize with the ther-
mal inertia of the house. In using
this control technique, the risks for Boiler UFH
above and below temperature peaks
in the indoor climate are minimized.
Outdoor temperature compen-
sation of supply water tempera-
Figure 5.1 Principle diagram for constant sup-
ture at constant ßow ply water temperature at constant ßow
Contrary to the above an outdoor
temperature control is regarded
by some experts as the best tech-
nique. The reason for this is that
it is possible then to work with a
pre-set supply water temperature
curve as a function of the outdoor
temperature. The major advantage
here is that when an increase in
the outdoor temperature occurs
the control system will immediately
lower the supply water temperature,
thus minimizing unwanted heat
loss. On the other hand a decrease
in the outdoor temperature will
always create an above temperature Figure 5.2 Heating curve example
peak in the indoor climate.
Supply water temperature is com-
pensated according to the external
temperature. The adjustment of
the control is made by choosing
the right slope according to the
premises, internal or external loads.
The adjustment device is the 3-way
valve of the central control.
87
 Controls
Variable ßow at constant supply
water temperature
Some experts consider that the
techniques of indoor climate control
using a variable supply water ßow
at a constant temperature, are the
Þrst modern temperature control
techniques. Generally the heat
output can be estimated by meas-
uring the difference between the
supply and return temperatures
of the heating installation. A large
temperature difference would then
mean a low heating output and a
small temperature difference conse-
quently would mean a high heating
output.
Constant ßoor surface
temperature
The technique using a constant
ßoor temperature is often used
in places where ßoor temperature
M`nkjin`odh`
Different interrelated factors to do
with climatic conditions and building
design, affect the response time of
an underßoor heating installation.
Figure 5.3 Typical response time diagram.
88
is essential, such as in swimming
baths, shower rooms etc. The use
of a constant ßoor temperature is
to be seen only as part of an indoor
climate control system. Room tem-
perature control will be regulated by
another heating system. Whatever
the case, if the ßoor surface tem-
perature is higher than the pre-set
room temperature, the heated ßoor
will in some instances override the
indoor temperature control system.
Night temperature set-back and
boost up period in the morning
Night setback is a technique which
aims to save the energy cost in
the time with decreased need for
heating (decreased room tem-
perature e.g. during nights by 2 K
is accepted). The additional heat
requirement compared to an ÒidealÓ
night set-back (no thermal mass of
system ) is 10-15 %. Of course the
Climatic conditions
Response times vary in accord-
ance with the outside temperature.
Heating systems are designed to
cope with temperatures during the
coldest months of the year. How-
ever, they are not designed to work
properly only during that period,
because in the months before and
after the cold season, there is a
capacity reserve which will speed up
the response time.
Building design
The insulation in a building, the
U-value, will complement the
performance of the underßoor
heating system. If the structure is
poorly insulated, resulting in energy
wastage, the response time will be
affected by the heat loss.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
absolute heat requirement com-
pared to no night set-back will be
lower. The energy savings by night
set-back in residential buildings
are, however, relative low nowadays
due to the high thermal insula-
tion standard in new houses. The
advantageous here is also a boost
heating, i.e. the water temperature
is increased above the temperature
corresponding to the heating curve
during the beginning of the re-heat
period in the morning. This reduces
the re-heat time and a longer set-
back period is possible. The Boost
re-heating improves the energy
performance with around 8 %.
The ßoor structure will also affect
the response time. In houses with
concrete screeded ßoors, the
screed will store energy, initially
slowing response time. In public
buildings this storage effect can
be used to save energy at night or
at weekends, a temperature drop
being acceptable when the build-
ings are not occupied. The system
can, for example, be controlled by
a seven-day timer programmed to
allow for system response. Houses
with wooden suspended ßoors or
ßoating ßoors will, conversely, have
a faster response time, since wood
has low thermal mass.
Controls

N`ga^jiomjg``^o
Due to the high impact the fast
varying heat gains (sunshine
through windows) may have on the
room temperature, it is necessary
that the heating system can control
for that, i.e. reduce or increase the
heating output. For a low tempera-
ture heating system like ßoor heat-
ing a important effect is so called
Óself controlÓ. The Òself controlÓ
depends partly on the temperature
difference between room and ßoor
surface and partly on the difference
between room and the average
temperature in the layer, where
the pipes are embedded. It means
that fast change of room operative
temperature will equally change of
heat exchange and result in great
inßuence of total heat exchange.
The self control is applicable only for
water-based surface systems, not for
electric heating. The self regulation
effect will automatically control the
heat supplied to the room accord-
ingly to thermal needs.
Table 5.1 shows the percentage
decrease of the heat emitted from
the ßoor by a 1 K increase of the
room temperature. A well insulated
house has on average for the heat-
ing season a heat load of 10 to
20 W/m. For these types of houses
the Òself control-effectÓ corresponds
to 30 - 90 %.

Table 5.1 Percentage decrease in the heat exchange from the ßoor by a 1 K increases in θi.
(Source: Olesen B. W. 2001)

Average Floor Average temperature Percentage decrease of heat output by

Heating temperature of heating medium 1 K increase of room temperature
requirement (20 ¡C room
temperature) Reference temperature
Tile Carpet Floor surface Water
0.02 mK/W 0.1 mK/W Tile carpet
W/m ¡C ¡C ¡C % % %
40 23.9 26.2 29.4 26 16 11
20 22.1 23.3 24.9 48 30 20
10 21.1 21.7 22.5 91 59 40

Mjjho`hk`m\opm`n`injmn(oc`mhjno\on
Air temperature sensors
Operative temperature sensors
The Uponor room temperature sen-
sor will integrate the inßuence of air
and mean radiant temperature in the
same ratio as a person exchanges
the energy with room environment,
and will show the temperature which
a person feels. This is result of an
accurate design of size, shape and
colour of the temperature sensor.
The operative temperature in room
will be controlled exactly according
to the desired temperature setting in
the room location where a person is
located. This is enabled by wireless
date transfer.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 89
 Controls
Nk`^dØ^\odjijaPkjijmm\_dj\i_rdm`_^jiomjg
Uponor radio control
The Uponor control system is a
complete management for under-
ßoor heating systems. Comfort,
user-friendly handling and tem-
perature control for each room can
be combined through the different
components like the remote room
thermostat wireless connected to
the radio control unit, actuators
wired to the base control unit and
optional interface. An ergonomic
interface can be added in order to
facilitate the setting and optimise
the management.
Pkjijm^jiomjgno\odjin
Uponor control stations are avail-
able for:
Constant supply water tempera-
ture
Electronically controlled weather
compensated water supply tem-
perature
Figure 5.4 Circuit diagram for Uponor Push
90
Uponor wired control (24 V)
The Uponor control system is the
complete management for under-
ßoor heating systems. The tem-
perature control for each individual
room can be combined through
the use of room thermostats wired
to the base control unit or ßoor
temperature sensors, in the same
manner like with radio controls. An
Uponor interface can be used in
order to facilitate the setting and
optimise the management.
Note: Installation of the wired con-
trol system (24 V) can be accom-
Pump and shunt groups are normal-
ly required to provide the correct
water temperature and pressure
in the underßoor heating system.
Underßoor heating systems oper-
ate with a low temperature drop
and need to be adapted to different
heat sources and the Uponor push
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
plished by a standard installer,
because no electrical connection is
needed.
The ßoor sensor can be used for
maximum or minimum limitation of
the ßoor temperature, regardless of
the room temperature. For exam-
ple, the maximum limitation can
protect a sensitive ßoor covering
from exposure to too high tempera-
ture (wooden max. 55 ¡C) when
there is a high heat demand. The
minimum limitation can keep a tiled
ßoor warm even when there is a no
general demand for heat supply to
the room.
gives a possibility to be connected
to a high temperature heat source
as primary circle. The Uponor
underßoor heating system can be
provided with pump and shunt
groups.
1. Primary ßow connection with
thermo-electrical valve
2. Primary return connection with
return valve
3. Built-in balancing valve with
check valve
4. Outer handle for balancing valve
5. Circulation pump
6. Secondary ßow connection
7. Secondary return connection
8. Underßoor heating manifold
9. Primary pump
Available for type Ð electronically
controlled:
10. Central control unit
11. Outdoor sensor
12. Supply line sensor
Terminology, symbols and units

O`mhdijgjbt'nth]jgn\i_pidon
O`mhdijgjbt
Term DeÞnition
Area, heating surface Area of surface (ßoor, wall, ce iling) covered by the system between the
pipes at the outer edges of the system with the addition of a strip at each
edge of width equal to half the pipe spacing but not exceeding 0.15 m.
Characteristic curve, basic Curve or formula reßecting the relationship between the heat ßow density
and the mean differential surface temperature. This is depending on
heating and surface (ßoor/wall/ceiling) but not of the type of embedded
system.
Loop Section of system connected to a distributor which can be independently
switched and controlled.
Metabolic rate (met) Rate of energy production of the body. Note: The metabolic rate varies with
the activity. It is expressed in the met unit or in W/m; 1 met = 58.2 W/m.
One met is the energy produced per unit surface area of a sedentary person
at rest. The surface area of an average person is about 1.8 m.
Manifold Common connection point for several circuits.
Energy source Source from which useful energy can be extracted or recovered either
directly or by means of a conversion or transformation process.
Energy source, renewable Energy from a source that is not depleted by extraction, such as solar
energy (thermal and photovoltaic), wind, water power, renewed biomass.
Energy use for space heating Energy input to the heating system to satisfy the energy need for heating.
Heating medium Substance or ßuid that can be used to produce or transport heat or to
operate physical processes.
Heat ßow density Heat ßow between the space and surface divided by the heated/cooled
surface.
Heat ßow density, design Heat ßow divided by the heating surface taking into account the surface
temperature, required to reach the design thermal capacity of a surface
heated space less the thermal capacity of any supplementary heating
equipment if applicable.
Heat exchange coefÞcient The combined convective and radiant heat transfer coefÞcient between
the heated/cooled surface and the space operative temperature (design
indoor temperature).
Heating capacity, design Thermal output at design conditions of a surface heated/cooled room.
Heating medium ßow rate, design Mass ßow rate in a heating circuit which is needed to achieve the design
heat ßow density.
Insulation, clothing (clo) Resistance to sensible heat transfer provided by a clothing ensemble (i.e.
more than one garment) Note: It is described as the intrinsic insulation
from the skin to the clothing surface, not including the resistance provided
by the air layer around the clothed body and is expressed in the clo unit or
in m.K/W; 1 clo = 0.155 m.K/W.
Predicted percentage of Index that predicts the percentage of a large group of people likely to feel
dissatisÞed (PPD) thermally dissatisÞed for the body as a whole, i.e. either too warm or too
cool.
Set-back temperature Minimum internal temperature to be maintained during reduced heating
periods.
Set-point temperature of a Internal (minimum) temperature, as Þxed by the control system in normal
conditioned zone heating mode.

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 91
 Terminology, symbols and units
Term
Temperature, average surface
Temperature, design indoor
Temperature, external
Temperature, mean radiant
Temperature, maximum surface
Temperature, operative
Temperature asymmetry,
radiant
Temperature difference,
heating medium
Temperature difference,
mean surface
Temperature difference,
vertical air
Temperature drop
Temperature of the
heating medium
Thermal comfort
Thermal environment
Underßoor heating system,
water based
Zone, occupied
Zone, peripheral
92
DeÞnition
Average value of all surface temperatures in the occupied or peripheral
area.
Operative temperature at the centre of the conditioned space used for
calculation of the design load and capacity.
Temperature of external air.
Uniform surface temperature of an enclosure in which an occupant would
exchange the same amount of radiant heat as in the actual non-uniform
enclosure.
Maximum temperature permissible for physiological reasons or building
physical , for calculation of the limit curves, which may occur at a point
on the surface (ßoor, wall, ceiling) in the occupied or peripheral area
depending on the particular usage at a temperature drop σ of heating
medium equal to 0.
Uniform temperature of an enclosure in which an occupant would
exchange the same amount of heat by radiation plus convection as in the
actual non-uniform environment.
Difference between the plane radiant temperature of the two opposite
sides of a small plane element.
Logarithmically-determined average difference between the temperatures
of the heating medium and the design indoor temperature.
Difference between the average surface temperature and the design
indoor temperature. It determines the heat ßow density.
Air temperature difference between head and ankles of a person.
Note: 0.1 and 1.1 m for sedentary and 0.1 and 1.7 m above ßoor for
standing.
Difference between the supply and return temperatures of the heating
medium in a circuit.
Average temperature between the supply and the return temperature.
That condition of mind, which expresses satisfaction with the thermal
environment.
Characteristics of the environment which affect the exchange between the
human body and the environment.
Floor (wall, ceiling) system where pipes carrying water with or without
additives as a medium are laid in the ßoor (wall, ceiling).
That part of space designed for human occupancy and where the design
criteria are required to be met.
Surface area which is heated or cooled to a higher or lower temperature.
It is generÂally an area of 1 m maximum in width along exterior walls. It is
not an occupied area.
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
Terminology, symbols and units

Nth]jgn\i_pidon
Symbol Quantity Unit
AA Surface area of occupied zone m2
AF Heated area m2
AR Surface area of peripheral zone m2
B System-dependent coefÞcient W/(m2 x K)
cW speciÞc heat capacity of the water (4190 J/kg.K) J/kg x K
D, da Pipe external diameter m
ht, α Total heat exchange coefÞcient W/(m2 x K)
KH Equivalent heat transmission coefÞcient W/(m2 x K)
LHK total pipe length of the loop m
LR Calculated pipe length m
mH,sp SpeciÞc design heating ßuid mass ßow (related to the pipe covered area) kg/s
q Heat ßow density at the surface W/m2
qA Heat ßow density of occupied area W/m2
qN Nominal heat ßow density W/m2
qR Heat ßow density of peripheral area W/m2
qs,des Design heat ßow density at the surface W/m2
QBer Corrected heat demand W
QF Heat ßow of the heating system W
QH Calculated heat demand W
Æp Pressure loss, total kPa
ÆpHK Pressure loss per loop kPa
ÆpVert Pressure loss in the manifold kPa
R Pressure loos per meter kPa/m
RHC Thermal resistance from the heating medium to the heat-conducting layer m2 x K/W
Ro Partial inwards heat transmission resistance of the structure m2 x K/W
Ru Partial outwards heat transmission resistance of the structure m2 x K/W
Rλ Thermal resistance of the material m2 x K/W
Rλ,B Thermal resistance of surface covering m2 x K/W
Rλ,ins Thermal resistance of thermal insulation m2 x K/W
sh Distance from founding to the heat emission plate m
SI Distance from founding to the lowest part of the surface m
sins Thickness of the insulation m
sR Pipe wall thickness m
su Thickness of the layer above pipes m
T Pipe spacing m
U Thermal transmittance W/(m2 x K)
Uins Thermal transmittance of thermal insulation W/(m2 x K)
V Water volume in the underßoor heating pipes l
VH Volume ßow rate m3/h

U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 93
 Terminology, symbols and units

Symbol Quantity Unit

Vpipe water volume in 1 m of pipe l/m
x Design supplement -
ÆθH Heating medium differential temperature K
ÆθH,g Limit of the heating medium differential temperature K
ÆθN Nominal heating medium differential temperature K
θH Heating medium temperature ¡C
θi Temperature, nominal indoor operative ¡C
θR Return temperature of heating medium ¡C
θF Temperature, ßoor heating surface ¡C
θF,max Temperature, maximum surface ¡C
θF,m Temperature, average surface ¡C
θV Supply temperature of heating medium ¡C
λ Thermal conductivity W/(m x K)
λE, λu Thermal conductivity of the screed W/(m x K)
λins Thermal conductivity of thermal insulation W/(m x K)
ρ Density kg/m3
σ Temperature drop θV - θR K
mi
Пai Power product -

<]]m`qd\odjin
Abbreviation DeÞnition
DIN German institute for standardisation
EnEV German directive for energy saving
EN European standard
EPS Expanded polystyrene
EVOH Ethyl vinyl alcohol
HD High density
HVAC Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
ISO International organization for standardization
MLCP Multi layer composite pipe
PE-RT Polyethylene with raised temperature resistance
PE-Xa Polyethylene, cross-linked, type a
PPD Predicted percentage of dissatisÞed
PUR Polyurethane, abbreviation acc. to DIN
Q&E Quick & Easy
UFH Underßoor heating

94 U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M 95
 Uponor Ð partnering with professionals

Uponor is a leading supplier of plumbing and heating systems for the

residential and commercial building markets across Europe and North
America, and a prominent supplier of municipal infrastructure pipe systems
in Europe. UponorÕs key applications are radiant heating, tap water systems
and infrastructure solutions. The Group employs 4,500 people globally. In
2007, UponorÕs net sales totalled 1.2 billion euros. Uponor Corporation is
listed on the Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland.

Uponor International Sales takes care of all business activities in Western

Asia, Far East, Africa and Latin America.

Uponor. Simply more.

????? Ð 09/2008 Ð Subject to modiÞcations

Uponor Europe Ð East and International International Sales

P.O. Box 1641
97433 Hassfurt
Germany
T +49-(0)9521 690 0
F +49-(0)9521 690 750
E export@uponor-europe.com
W www.uponor.com/international
U P O N O R U N D E R F LO O R H E AT I N G H O M E C O M F O R T S Y S T E M