What are the auxiliary materials for underfloor heating?

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials include insulation boards, reflective films, perimeter insulation strips, underfloor heating staples, expansion joints, silicon crystal mesh/wire mesh, etc. These also affect the energy efficiency and environmental protection of the underfloor heating system. Improper selection can increase energy consumption, and poor quality auxiliary materials may release harmful substances during use, affecting home health.

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials: Insulation boards:

Also known as extruded polystyrene boards, a key auxiliary material, providing insulation and preventing heat from transferring downwards, reducing ineffective heat loss. Specifications are generally 2cm and 3cm; one extruded polystyrene board is 1㎡.

Materials with low thermal conductivity and sufficient load-bearing capacity (＞38kg/m³) should be selected, and the materials must be environmentally friendly, emitting no odors or harmful volatile substances that may affect health.

Currently, the mainstream insulation board on the market is XPS extruded polystyrene board, which has good performance.

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials: Reflective film

Its function is to reflect energy upwards to reduce heat loss from downward conduction. A good reflective film can accelerate the heating speed of the underfloor heating system. Specifications are generally by roll, with one roll being 100㎡.

The reflective film should be selected for its high reflectivity, ability to isolate oxygen and moisture, and resistance to degradation.

Currently, the mainstream reflective films on the market are aluminum-plated, pure aluminum, mirror-like, and aluminum foil, all of which have good reflectivity. As long as non-woven reflective films (reflectivity 60%) are avoided, there should be no major issues.

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials: Perimeter insulation strips

Insulation to reduce heat loss through wall conduction and improve the thermal efficiency of the entire underfloor heating system. Specifications are generally * meters/strip.

Previously, many HVAC companies did not pay attention to wall insulation, using cut insulation boards instead, which was not effective. However, few HVAC companies do this now.

Perimeter insulation should use materials with good thermal insulation, i.e., low thermal conductivity, a good closed-cell structure, and extremely low water absorption to prevent wall dampness from causing mold growth and affecting home health.

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials: Silicon crystal mesh/wire mesh

Used to strengthen the ground structure and prevent cracking or collapse due to uneven ground load. Specifications are * meters/roll.

Silicon crystal mesh and wire mesh are available. For silicon crystal mesh, select those with high environmental protection coefficients, while for wire mesh, select those with good rust resistance. Although the wire mesh is buried in the cement layer, oxygen can still penetrate, so the wire mesh needs good rust resistance. Good galvanized wire mesh is recommended, with specific requirements for the inner diameter of the specifications, as it needs to withstand ground pressure for a long time.

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials: Underfloor heating staples

The main method for fixing underfloor heating pipes, determined by the diameter of the underfloor heating pipes. It allows for quick and easy fixing of underfloor heating pipes. It is generally a U-shaped structure, using the tension of the staple itself to securely fix the underfloor heating pipes.

Staples should be made of strong plastic with good heat and cold resistance. White staples are recommended, as most white ones are made of new materials and are environmentally friendly. Other colored staples, such as black or red, may be made from recycled plastic, have low strength, and perform poorly at high temperatures.

Underfloor heating auxiliary materials: Expansion joints

Expansion joints are needed when the underfloor heating area exceeds 30㎡ or the side length exceeds 6 meters to prevent thermal expansion of the insulation layer from causing the floor to bulge and damaging the floor's flatness.

Similarly, many HVAC companies previously did not pay attention to these issues, using insulation boards instead, which was ineffective. Specialized expansion joint materials should be selected and placed in appropriate locations.