Hello everyone,
We have purchased a 20-year-old house. Recently, I saw a report on TV stating that you cannot trust underfloor heating systems older than 20 years.
In particular, plastic pipes are said to be very susceptible to oxygen diffusion. I have heard of a company called LSE System. Has anyone here had any experience with this company?
The HAT method involves cleaning the pipes of the underfloor heating system and then coating them from the inside with a new layer, almost like a pipe within a pipe. However, this renovation costs CHF 25,000.
Are there more affordable alternatives? For example, just removing the sludge from the pipes? Or does this only postpone the problem?
If the pipes are damaged, is my only option to replace the pipes or to break up the entire floor? Or is it possible to shut down the underfloor heating and install low-temperature radiators as a cost- and effort-saving solution?
Thank you very much for your feedback!
We have purchased a 20-year-old house. Recently, I saw a report on TV stating that you cannot trust underfloor heating systems older than 20 years.
In particular, plastic pipes are said to be very susceptible to oxygen diffusion. I have heard of a company called LSE System. Has anyone here had any experience with this company?
The HAT method involves cleaning the pipes of the underfloor heating system and then coating them from the inside with a new layer, almost like a pipe within a pipe. However, this renovation costs CHF 25,000.
Are there more affordable alternatives? For example, just removing the sludge from the pipes? Or does this only postpone the problem?
If the pipes are damaged, is my only option to replace the pipes or to break up the entire floor? Or is it possible to shut down the underfloor heating and install low-temperature radiators as a cost- and effort-saving solution?
Thank you very much for your feedback!
Heizungswasser schrieb:
Heating Water Analysis
I am a neutral heating water technician, and unfortunately, I have to explain the facts about underfloor heating to at least 4-6 homeowners each week.
The fact is, there is no widespread damage to underfloor heating pipes.
The aging behavior of plastics depends, besides the properties of the plastic itself, on time, temperature, pressure, and the composition of the conveyed medium.
However, the durability of the pipes is mainly affected by the effectiveness period of the stabilizers contained in the plastic. To put it bluntly, these additives have a shorter lifespan than the base material, the plastic. The material ages, becomes less flexible, that is, brittle. Especially older underfloor heating systems, which were operated with comparatively high supply temperatures (around 60°C to 70°C (140°F to 158°F)), age much faster than low-temperature systems commonly used in modern new builds.
What does this effect mean for the circuits of underfloor heating? Some important clarifications are necessary here:
Pipes for underfloor heating are made of polyethylene (PE), particularly cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X), polypropylene (PP) – including copolymer polypropylene (PPC) – or polybutylene (PB, also known as polybutene).
Secondly: According to a statement from EMPA, with project-specific and properly designed systems, a service life of 50 years is expected. Standards also assume this lifespan. The SIA suggests 30 years as the calculated service life of an underfloor heating system. Within these timeframes, the mentioned embrittlement effects are completely uncritical.
Conversely, the aging process of the plastic until a leak occurs takes much longer than the typical service life of the underfloor heating system. Conclusion: Underfloor heating pipes tend to become brittle but generally do not cause damage.
Maintenance and care of an underfloor heating system:
Homeowners should have a heating water analysis performed annually. If the values comply with VDI 2035 part 1 + part 2, the intervals can be extended to 2-3 years.
A heating water analysis should be professionally conducted, that is, using accredited measuring devices and performed by a trained specialist.
The analysis should be impartial.
A clear interpretation of the results is necessary, along with a comparison to the guidelines, so that the customer knows exactly the condition of their system and what actions might be required.
Best regards,
Daniel WeissR
Ricardo-121 May 2015 12:19Hello,
But plastic does not last forever, especially in underfloor heating. The plastic is exposed to thermal cycles there. The heat also accelerates the process, resulting in embrittlement. This can cause hairline cracks in the material. That can lead to pressure loss. I think a water analysis needs to be carried out then.
Regards
But plastic does not last forever, especially in underfloor heating. The plastic is exposed to thermal cycles there. The heat also accelerates the process, resulting in embrittlement. This can cause hairline cracks in the material. That can lead to pressure loss. I think a water analysis needs to be carried out then.
Regards
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