Hello everyone
We have purchased a 20-year-old house. Recently, I saw a report on TV stating that you cannot fully trust underfloor heating systems older than 20 years.
In particular, plastic pipes are said to be very susceptible to oxygen diffusion. I have heard about a company called LSE System. Has anyone had any experience with this company?
The HAT process involves cleaning the pipes of the underfloor heating and then applying a new inner lining, essentially creating 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 that only delay the problem?
If the pipes are defective, is replacing them or breaking up the entire floor the only option left? Or is it possible to deactivate the underfloor heating and install low-temperature radiators in a cost- and effort-effective way?
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 fully trust underfloor heating systems older than 20 years.
In particular, plastic pipes are said to be very susceptible to oxygen diffusion. I have heard about a company called LSE System. Has anyone had any experience with this company?
The HAT process involves cleaning the pipes of the underfloor heating and then applying a new inner lining, essentially creating 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 that only delay the problem?
If the pipes are defective, is replacing them or breaking up the entire floor the only option left? Or is it possible to deactivate the underfloor heating and install low-temperature radiators in a cost- and effort-effective way?
Thank you very much for your feedback!
M
Maier GmbH29 Sep 2008 14:39What I’m sharing here is non-binding!
I think cleaning the heating system from dirt can be done with a “flushing” process, which is not too complicated.
However, the main issue is probably the pipes, which, as mentioned, become more porous over time due to the hot water. But I wouldn’t recommend a complete renovation just yet. Maybe have a professional inspect the pipes first?
I might have misunderstood something about the supply line.
I think cleaning the heating system from dirt can be done with a “flushing” process, which is not too complicated.
However, the main issue is probably the pipes, which, as mentioned, become more porous over time due to the hot water. But I wouldn’t recommend a complete renovation just yet. Maybe have a professional inspect the pipes first?
I might have misunderstood something about the supply line.
B
Benutzer2064 Oct 2008 23:28Heating Water Analysis
I am an independent heating water technician, and unfortunately, I have to inform at least 4-6 homeowners per week about the facts regarding underfloor heating systems.
The fact is that there is no widespread damage to underfloor heating pipes. Applying an inner pipe coating to underfloor heating pipes is pointless because oxygen still penetrates through the inner pipe coating! Also, the aging process continues unaffected even with an inner pipe coating.
The aging behavior of plastics is influenced by factors such as the properties of the plastic itself, time, temperature, pressure, and the composition of the medium being conveyed.
However, the durability of the pipes is primarily affected by the effective life of the stabilizers contained within the plastic. To put it bluntly, these additives have a shorter lifespan than the base material, the plastic itself. The material ages, becomes less elastic, and consequently brittle. Older underfloor heating systems, which were operated with comparatively high supply temperatures (around 60° 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? Here, some important clarifications are needed:
Underfloor heating pipes are made of polyethylene (PE), especially cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X), polypropylene (PP) – including copolymer polypropylene (PPC) – or polybutylene (PB, also known as polybutene).
Secondly, according to a statement by EMPA, if the systems are correctly designed and dimensioned for the specific building, a service life of 50 years is expected. The relevant standards also assume this lifecycle. The Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) suggests a calculated lifespan of 30 years for an underfloor heating system. Within these timeframes, the mentioned embrittlement effects are entirely uncritical.
Conversely, the aging process of the plastic leading to a leak takes much longer than the typical service life of an underfloor heating system. In 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 and Part 2, the interval can be extended to every 2-3 years.
A heating water analysis must be carried out professionally, meaning using accredited measuring devices and performed by a qualified specialist.
The analysis must be strictly neutral; it must not be conducted by a provider dependent on any specific product.
A clear interpretation of the measured values and a comparison with guidelines are necessary so that customers know exactly where they stand and what actions may be required.
Best regards
I am an independent heating water technician, and unfortunately, I have to inform at least 4-6 homeowners per week about the facts regarding underfloor heating systems.
The fact is that there is no widespread damage to underfloor heating pipes. Applying an inner pipe coating to underfloor heating pipes is pointless because oxygen still penetrates through the inner pipe coating! Also, the aging process continues unaffected even with an inner pipe coating.
The aging behavior of plastics is influenced by factors such as the properties of the plastic itself, time, temperature, pressure, and the composition of the medium being conveyed.
However, the durability of the pipes is primarily affected by the effective life of the stabilizers contained within the plastic. To put it bluntly, these additives have a shorter lifespan than the base material, the plastic itself. The material ages, becomes less elastic, and consequently brittle. Older underfloor heating systems, which were operated with comparatively high supply temperatures (around 60° 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? Here, some important clarifications are needed:
Underfloor heating pipes are made of polyethylene (PE), especially cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X), polypropylene (PP) – including copolymer polypropylene (PPC) – or polybutylene (PB, also known as polybutene).
Secondly, according to a statement by EMPA, if the systems are correctly designed and dimensioned for the specific building, a service life of 50 years is expected. The relevant standards also assume this lifecycle. The Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) suggests a calculated lifespan of 30 years for an underfloor heating system. Within these timeframes, the mentioned embrittlement effects are entirely uncritical.
Conversely, the aging process of the plastic leading to a leak takes much longer than the typical service life of an underfloor heating system. In 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 and Part 2, the interval can be extended to every 2-3 years.
A heating water analysis must be carried out professionally, meaning using accredited measuring devices and performed by a qualified specialist.
The analysis must be strictly neutral; it must not be conducted by a provider dependent on any specific product.
A clear interpretation of the measured values and a comparison with guidelines are necessary so that customers know exactly where they stand and what actions may be required.
Best regards
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