FAQ

The function of heat distribution plates is clear from their name. Thanks to the excellent thermal conductivity of the materials used – usually aluminium or galvanised steel – the plates transfer heat from the heating pipes to the floor surface. This ensures even heat distribution and minimises thermal bridges between the pipes. The use of heat conduction plates increases the energy efficiency and response speed of the underfloor heating system. The required thermal comfort is achieved at a lower heating water temperature, which offers further energy benefits, particularly when used in conjunction with heat pumps.

Heat conduction plates are mostly installed in combination with dry-build systems, as the materials used here, such as gypsum fibre, polystyrene or wood, have lower thermal conductivity compared to wet screed. In standard wet screed systems using screed concrete or cement screed as the casting compound, heat conduction plates are rarely used, as the concrete handles the heat distribution.

Heat conduction plates are also unnecessary for low profile underfloor heating systems, as the thin pipes used here can be laid at close intervals. Furthermore, laying the pipes close to the surface ensures direct heat transfer into the room via the floor covering.

These are the reasons why the thin-bed heating system is effective even without heat-conducting plates

Wet installation

Our 10 mm systems use special studded panels or clip rails to secure the pipes. This ensures that the heat-carrying pipes are fully enclosed by levelling compound. The levelling compound acts as a heat-conducting layer and ensures heat transfer directly to the floor covering. For these reasons, we also recommend using a levelling compound specifically designed for underfloor heating systems to embed the pipes in our OSB and dry screed systems.

Tight installation spacing

Due to the flexibility of the thin PE-RT pipes, which allow for small bending radii, they can be laid at tight intervals of 10 cm or less. As a result, the temperature difference at the floor surface between two pipes is so small that no metal plates are required for the cross-distribution of heat

Potential air pockets

Heat-conducting sheets can be problematic in very thin floor constructions. If the pipe does not fit perfectly within the sheet, insulating air pockets can develop, which have a negative impact on heating performance. In thin-layer systems, the direct bond between the pipe and the grouting compound is crucial for stability and heat conduction.

Acoustic risks

If heat-conducting plates are not absolutely firmly bonded to the pipe, they can expand when heated and cause noise (cracking).

If you have any project-related questions regarding the use of heat conductive plates, please feel free to contact our technical support team.

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