Heating Systems & Products

FAQ's

What Happens if There is a Leak Under the Floor?

Probably the most commonly asked question! There are no joints in the floor and Unipipe is extremely tough. It is good practice during installation for a high-pressure test to be applied before the floor is poured (to many times the pipes working pressure). Furthermore, Unipipe is placed through the highest possible quality control procedures, including high-pressure tests during manufacture of every single metre produced. If for instance a nail is accidentally hammered into a pipe, a simple mechanical joint or press fitting can be used for a quick and totally reliable repair.

Is Underfloor Heating More Expensive to Run than Radiators?

No, in fact floor heating, being a radiant heat coming from a low level is between 15 to 40% less to run, depending on ceiling heights, controls etc

How Warm Does the Floor Surface Get?

A comfortable 27°C on average…not hot enough to notice unless you are walking in your bare feet…what could be more luxurious!

Is it More Expensive Than Radiators to Install?

Usually, yes it is a little more expensive in the first instance but bearing in mind the lower running costs, higher comfort and added value to the building the extra outlay is well justified…and you won’t have to buy radiator covers!

How Difficult is Floor Heating to Install?

It’s not difficult at all! The pipe is really easy to handle because of its metal core and it is simply laid out as per the AutoCAD drawings Unipipe provide. There are no joints to be made in the floor and the manifolds, which the pipes are connected to, are pre-assembled and just need fixing to the wall. Unipipe will also provide schematic layouts showing interconnection to boilers, cylinders etc. to ensure compatibility.

Can our Regular Plumber Fit It?

Yes, of course! Also Unipipe can usually suggest an installer in your area and we provide on-site training.

Can We Mix Floor Heating and Radiators?

Yes, the control systems and design allow hotter water for radiators, towel rails, whilst cooler water flows to the floors.

Do you have to leave Floor Heating on all the time?

No, it is a common misconception that this is the case; your floor heating system is turned on and off to suit your needs by the controls.

Can You Control Each Room?

Yes, individual stats are usually placed in each room or area for this purpose. In setting up the system there is also control (by flow-meters) over the speed of water down each circuit to control floor temperatures over each circuit, so areas needing more heat such as conservatories can be catered for.

What Kind of Floor Coverings Can We Use?

Is Floor Heating Suitable for Old Buildings or Restorations?

Yes, if you are prepared to lift the floorboards or raise the floors in height a little (see our floor sections for details). Floor heating will not only preserve the look of an old building, but quite often has a huge advantage over radiator heating, where there are high ceilings such as is typical in period buildings.

Can we Fit Floor Heating Upstairs where there are Wooden Joists?

No problem…see the floor sections for either of the two different methods!

Can You Heat Through Wooden Floors?

Yes, see our separate data sheet for special procedures with wooden floors.

Are There Any Special Requirements for Tiled Floors?

Not really, but some tiles such as Terracotta can often get a hairline crack due to the settlement of the under structure, so a Latex additive could be used with the grout. Attention should also be given to adequate expansion joints in large areas and also weak points such as doorways between tiled rooms.

Does Your Pipe have an Oxygen Barrier to prevent Diffusion?

That is one of the main functions of the aluminium in Unipipe. Unlike the very thin plastic barriers used to reduce diffusion on most of the other systems, the aluminium layer will not allow the ingress any oxygen at all. (See our separate data sheet on oxygen diffusion)

How is Unipipe Joined?

With either a simple compression fitting with a special Unipipe insert for the sizes 16, 20 and 25mm. There is also in addition a complete press fitting system with which stainless steel sleeves are squeezed for a permanent joint on all pipe sizes right up to 110mm diameter.

What kind of a Boiler does Floor Heating Need?

Any boiler that will heat water will do; so gas, oil, even solid fuel will work. As floor heating only needs around 45ºC (I.E. only about the temperature of water in a bath), higher efficiencies can be also be attained from the use of heat pumps or condensing boilers. Unipipe will gladly provide specialist guidance to you on heatpump and /or boiler selection.