To create underfloor heating, which are placed in a screed of concrete mix, it is recommended to carry out the reinforcement procedure using a mesh. The grid for a warm floor or cable type system is divided into several varieties and is created from a wide variety of materials. Before buying, it is useful to study the available types, the features of their installation and fastening.
Main purpose
Although the installation of the grid under any heated floor is not considered mandatory, experts recommend doing it. Due to it, it is possible to increase the strength and operation of the system, prevent its deformation and the appearance of cracks. The grid helps to evenly distribute the load across the base from furniture and the main cover. You can also reduce cement costs during the preparation of the mixture, reduce the thickness of the screed, which will not affect the strength properties of the device.
During installation, specialists fix heating elements and other parts on the base, reducing the need for additional clips. In addition to the main advantages, the grid increases the performance of the underfloor heating system. If it is installed, the heating cable and pipes with circulating coolant will not be adjacent to the base. Due to this, the thermal return of the floor increases markedly. The reinforced version evens the floor and makes it almost perfect.
Varieties of mesh
Before installing the system, you need to decide in advance which grid to use for a warm water floor. It is available in several versions, each of them has its own characteristics. The width of the cells varies from 5 x 5 to 30 x 30.
From wire
Wire mesh with a diameter of 2.5 to 6 mm is presented in rolls up to 25 meters in size, which eliminates unnecessary joints. Its cells are square in shape, they are as strong as possible, due to which the structure will not stretch during the entire reinforcement process. The surface part of the wire version is supplemented with notches that provide good adhesion to the concrete composition.
The coating is supplemented with a galvanized layer that protects the mesh from moisture and other components. Reinforcement with a metal base is available for pouring a dense layer of cement and helps to maintain shape. Elements for heating, for example, an electric cable or pipes from a water system, can be attached to such a grill. The main plus of the wire mesh is its strength, the main minus is corrosion.
Welded
A heat-insulated floor on a welded-type grid is installed in a shorter time. A welded element is required for the guide structure to which the pipeline elements are added. Size is of primary importance, in the selection process it is determined in advance whether it will be used as reinforcement for screed. In some cases, specialists take cell sizes into account during design.
The best choice is a welded mesh with cells measuring 50x50 mm. On it, pipes for underfloor heating are mounted most easily, since there are many fastening elements.
Reinforcing
The reinforcing mesh type is designed to prevent deformation and destruction of the concrete base. It can be metal, plastic or fiberglass. It is necessary to apply it to create floors with insulation. In the presence of a movable foundation, supplemented with expanded clay or crushed stone, such an element will be installed as a backup.
It is also advisable to use it for floors exposed to moisture, pressure, vibration and temperature extremes. Such systems are installed in garages, utility units, industrial buildings, under the fireplace, in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
Masonry
Masonry mesh made of basalt fiber has more advantages compared to analogues of this type. This material does not change dimensions during cooling and heating; it is resistant to corrosion and decay. Such a grid has a small weight, therefore it does not create loads on the floors, its optimal thickness cannot affect the parameters of the screed. It is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful fumes when heated, durable and able to withstand severe loads and damage. Also, the masonry mesh has reduced thermal conductivity, due to the reinforcing layer inside the system for the floor, cold bridges are not formed.
Polymer
The polymer mesh is designed for installation of lightweight construction, it has a long service life, does not collapse due to corrosion or moisture. It is sold in the form of rolls up to 50 meters long and up to 2 meters wide; its cells must be of different sizes. The floor construction made of polymers does not shrink with concrete, only slightly stretches during operation. Such products are characterized by increased strength, the absence of problems during installation and transportation, as well as low cost, when compared with metal structures.
The net is considered an important part of the flooring system. It is needed for laying and fixing heating elements, including pipes or electric cables. Due to the structural details in the form of cells, it can be laid on the floor without preliminary marking.
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- Polymer
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- Basalt fiber
Feature of the reinforcement procedure
The reinforcement procedure improves the quality of the screed coat, enhances its density and extends the service life. The loads begin to be distributed evenly on the floor surface from the standing furniture and while people are walking on it.
Before reinforcing, it is necessary to study the briefing and observe its stages and rules. To strengthen the screed, plasticizers are added to the pouring mixture to evenly distribute the solution.
Fundamental rules:
- the grid is made in the thickness of the concrete layer, and not on rough fields;
- nets in the cells are made in such a way that they do not inhibit the pouring of concrete;
- Do not allow dirt to enter the cells;
- to prevent corrosion, all elements are recessed in the screed so that they do not protrude beyond the surface.
To fix the contour for the floor or cable, clamps soaked in hot water are used. They become soft and fasten as conveniently as possible. They can be replaced with wire or tape if necessary.
Mounting technology
Before installation, it is necessary to level the floor base and eliminate possible defects, for example, cracks, chips and an old screed, they are coated and cleaned with a special mixture. At the second stage, a waterproofing layer is laid with the use of a polyethylene film, and two-layer insulation is placed on it. Around the perimeter of the room you need to glue the damper strip, compensating for the expansion after the solution dries. Next, beacons are placed over the insulation layer during installation to align the screed, then a reinforcing mesh is laid with an overlap of 10-15 cm.
Mesh pipe mounting
To fix the pipes on the grid, standard clamps for cars are purchased and tightened during installation. There are other options for fastening with reinforcing wire or fixing tapes, but clamps are considered the most reliable.
