FAQ

Yes, Aquagem recommend the use of corrosion inhibitors in all warm water heating systems.

The pump circulates the water within the Underfloor Heating system and will continue to operate after the injector valve has closed and hot water is no longer being mixed with the return water. It is required when either;the pump on the boiler would not achieve the required flow rates in the system,or the incoming water supply to the manifold exceeds 55°C.

The manifold can be positioned virtually anywhere in the building, as long as there is enough heat output to supply the demand. However, it is preferable to site the manifold centrally in the building to ensure pipe runs to circuits are kept to a minimum reducing the effects of unwanted background heat.

Yes, carpet will slow the heat transmission down because of its thermal resistance; but should not significantly affect the overall performance of the system.It is important that carpeting is specified as a requirement during the design of the system and that the correct underlay is fitted; this preferably should have a tog rating of less than 1.

Yes, however care should be taken when selecting laminate underlay. The manufacturer’s advice should be sought regarding suitability for use with underfloor heating, as some laminate underlays are highly insulating.

Yes, it can be installed on any sealed or open vented type system.

Normally from cold, a typical solid floor system will take 3-5 hours to reach temperature. However when the system is operational, it will only lose on average 4°C in an 8 hour period, therefore it will only take a couple of hours to reach operating temperature in normal operation.

In most cases normal sharp sand and cement mix can be used for a standard 65-75mm screed. If the screed is to be less than 75mm other options should be considered. Advice should be sought from a screed manufacturer as additives and fibres can be added for additional strength and flexibility.For very thin screeds a special mix is required, however there is a possibility that the floor temperature will not be even, with warm strips above the pipe centres.

No, however it is important when screeding an underfloor heating system that the screed envelopes the pipe fully for it to work to its full potential.  Screed is normally installed very dry, therefore care must be taken to avoid air pockets around the UFH pipe.  Adding a plasticizer to the mix can help the screed flow better, thereby avoiding air pockets. 

Screed as a wet mix should be avoided because this can cause shrinkage and cracking when drying out.  It is advisable to seek expert advice from a screed manufacturer.

Edge insulation strip serves two purposes. Firstly it forms an insulation barrier around the floor slab and therefore prevents heat loss to surrounding walls. Secondly, it acts to fill the expansion gap around the slab, allowing the floor to expand and contract as it warms up and cools down.

On screeded installations the conduit is installed over the underfloor heating pipes, where they cross into adjoining rooms (generally at doorways). This is important because if a room is heated and an adjacent room is not, the floors expand in different directions and the pipe passing through the doorway could be damaged. The conduit pipe can also be used to sleeve underfloor heating pipe when it passes through an area that is not to be heated, e.g. under kitchen units.

Aquagem Heating underfloor systems are individually designed to meet requirements. Please refer to your design data sheet or call our design office.

Electrical actuator heads are fitted to each underfloor heating pipe circuit. These actuators are controlled either by a central thermostat or individual room thermostats, linked together with a time clock/set back through a wiring centre.When a thermostat in a room demands heat; only the actuators for the corresponding pipework loops are opened, and a signal sent to the primary heat source (optional). The primary heat source would then supply hot water to the underfloor heating manifold, circulating through the open valves only, thus ensuring only areas requiring the heat are supplied.A weather compensation circuit may also be incorporated in the system to adjust for outside temperature variations.

A 16mm pipe will contain 0.113 litres per linear metre of pipe. In addition there will be an amount of water in the manifold and pump.

Yes, however air locks may occur.