FAQ's

The range of Polyplumb floor heating systems has a solution to all your heating requirements. Here are just a sample of the most frequently asked questions, but if there is anything else you need to know simply contact our technical team on 01709 770000.

Can I fit floor heating in just one room?
Yes, our unique OverlayTM system is laid over existing solid or timber floors, and is ideal for single room retro-fit projects or extensions. The unique and innovative products within the Polypipe range also allow our under floor heating to be installed in room extensions or refurbishment projects with minimal disruption to existing heating and electrical supplies.
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Can floor heating only be used with tiled or solid floors?
No. Polypipe's floor heating systems will function efficiently under any type of flooring - carpet, timber, laminate, tiles or vinyl, as long as it is well insulated underneath to prevent excessive heat loss.
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Can the temperature in rooms be individually controlled?
The Polypipe range incorporates a wide variety of control products: including single zone control, allowing upstairs and downstairs to be controlled separately; and individual room control, allowing complete freedom over the temperature in each room.
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How do I decide if my project is suitable for Polypipe House Packs?
To ensure your project is suitable you should use the Compatibility Check. Here you will be able to calculate heat losses and check the required manifold position.
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How do I calculate heat loss figures?
The performance of under floor heating systems is partly dependent on the floor construction and floor covering, which will determine the heat output.
Heat loss calculations must be undertaken using the elemental method: (Wall loss + Ceiling loss + Window loss + Ventilation loss) x margin.
Floor losses can be ignored, as the floor is warmer than the room temperature. A degree of downward transmission will occur and it is therefore advisable to add 10% to the heat loss total when calculating the boiler requirement. Although ceiling losses are reduced due to temperatures being lower at ceiling level than at floor level, and therefore the temperature difference across the fabric being lower, for calculation purposes, the room temperature should be used.
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How do I convert heat loss to heat requirement?
To convert the heat loss to a heat requirement simply divide the heat loss by the floor area available. The available floor area will in most cases be the total floor area. However, in kitchens pipework would not be laid under the units and the available floor area would therefore be less than the total floor area.
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Do Polypipe offer a design service?
Yes. Our Room Packs and House Packs are designed to suit the majority of new build properties and those built to current Building Regulations. However, if your project falls out of the scope of these systems we can offer a full bespoke design scheduling service. To utilise this facility, simply complete the Design Enquiry Form and submit your drawings to Polypipe. You will then receive a complete design and component list for your project.
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Do Polypipe offer a technical support service?
Yes, we can provide dedicated field based site support engineers or office based technical support staff, to provide assistance throughout the whole of the design and installation process. They can answer queries ranging from which floor heating system is suitable for your project, through to how to commission the installation.
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Do Polypipe offer a complete floor heating solution?
Yes, as well as having a comprehensive set of flooring solutions we can also supply a range of control products. This includes both fixed head and energy efficient modulating water temperature control units, and a series of room temperature control products, providing the user with total control of the system.
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Are Polypipe floor heating products guaranteed?
All our floor heating products, excluding manifold and control products, are covered by the Polypipe 50 year guarantee, and our systems are virtually maintenance free.
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Are Polypipe floor heating systems compatible with existing heating systems?
Yes, all Polypipe floor heating systems are compatible with standard central heating boilers, and are especially suited to condensing boilers. The unique and innovative products within the Polypipe range also allow our under floor heating to be installed in extensions or refurbishment projects with minimal disruption to existing heating and electrical supplies.
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How do I connect the floor heating system to a boiler?
Floor heating systems are normally connected directly to the primary boiler pipework. It is recommended that a zone valve be installed on the pipe flow prior to each manifold. When connecting the floor heating directly to the main heating primary pipework it is important to ensure that the boiler is compatible with secondary pumps, and that the recommended flow rate through the boiler is compatible with the flow requirement of the floor heating system.
Where several manifolds are used on large installations, installers may consider indirect connection to the boiler through a thermal store. The use of a thermal store ensures that the demands of the under floor heating do not directly affect the hydraulics of the boiler or the primary pipework. As a large volume of water is stored at high temperature, this reduces the number of firing sequences of the boiler. It is recommended that a zone valve be installed on the flow pipe prior to each manifold.
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Where should the manifold be positioned?
Each manifold must be located within 6m of the room entrance (12m total flow and return length). If you require more than one manifold to achieve this you will require one pack per manifold.
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Do Polypipe systems take a long time to install?
No, screeded floor applications can be installed up to 20% quicker than radiator based systems, using the unique red floor panel. The revolutionary OverlayTM system can be installed into existing spaces quickly, easily and practically, and most projects can be completed within a day.
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