Underfloor heating: function, types and regulation

Benefits of underfloor heating

What you can expect from the Vitoset underfloor heating system:

How does underfloor heating work?

A distinction must be made between electric and hot water underfloor heating. Viessmann sells the electric version in the Vitoplanar range. The basic function is the same for both. As an area heating system, underfloor heating gives off heat to the rooms across the entire surface of the floor. As a result, many people also find it very pleasant. In addition, a rather low flow temperature of the underfloor heating is possible, as already highlighted in the benefits. An underfloor heating system operated with hot water is connected to the central heat generator. An electric Vitoplanar underfloor heating system is operated independently of this and is usually used in retrofit projects. In the following, we will go into more detail about hot water underfloor heating and its special features in terms of structure, function and installation systems. 

Underfloor heating components

Underfloor heating is installed in either a wet or dry system. With the underfloor heating wet system, the heating pipes are laid directly in the heated screed and thus directly surrounded by it. This method is particularly suitable for new buildings, as this is the first time a floor is being laid. The heat is distributed here via the heated screed. In contrast, the Viessmann underfloor heating dry system is accommodated in the insulating layer. Here, the heating pipes lie directly under the floor covering in dry screed panels. The version with underfloor heating in the dry system is therefore more likely to be chosen for modernisation projects, i.e. if you want to retrofit an underfloor heating system.

The following components are important for both variants:

• Insulating layer (including impact sound)

• Edge insulation strip

• Heating pipes

• Carrier systems (including mats, clamping rails)

• Heated screed or dry screed panels

• Flooring

Tip: When it comes to flooring, you have a wide range of design options. Just make sure that the manufacturer has approved the floors for use with underfloor heating. The following floor coverings are a possibility: ceramic tiles, slabs, natural stone, concrete block, textile coverings, PVC, linoleum, laminate, parquet, and cork. Particular consideration must be given to the thermal conductivity,. This should match the corresponding heat requirement and heating behaviour. It is best to obtain comprehensive advice from a Viessmann partner beforehand.

Different types: stud, tacker and modernisation systems

Viessmann offers three systems for underfloor heating. The stud and tacker system is the best choice when it comes to laying in a wet system. The tacker system for hot water underfloor heating is characterised by the fact that the pipes are laid on coated insulation boards and fixed with special tacker staples. With the stud system, the heating pipes are laid between the studs and do not require any additional fixing. The structure of the stud plates ensures a minimum distance at all times. Both right-angled and diagonal routing are possible.

The modernisation system is particularly suitable for renovation projects. This means that the system can be installed on existing screed. The Viessmann underfloor heating modernisation system is even suitable for other types of surface heating such as wall or ceiling heating. In addition to the system boards, the system consists of the corresponding system pipes. A quick setting and high performance filling and grouting compound is used to create the optimum bond to the substrate. Concrete, cement screed, calcium sulphate-bonded screeds or ceramic coverings, among others, are suitable for this. Thorough preparation of the substrate is important here.