Underfloor heating in combination with a pivot door

Why underfloor heating is something to consider

The bottom pivot hinge of a pivot door is drilled one centimetre deep into the floor and anchored. Holes are also drilled four centimétres deep into the ceiling. Do you drill in the wrong place? Then the underfloor heating may be damaged: in water-based underfloor heating systems, this leads to leaks, pressure loss and water damage.

Because every underfloor heating system has different risks, installing a pivot door When combined with underfloor heating, this isn’t a DIY job. So leave the measuring and installation to the experts at Aluwdoors. They’ll check the drilling locations and securely anchor your pivot door without hitting any pipes. It does, however, depend on how the underfloor heating has been installed. 

Isn't it clear exactly where the pipes are located? Then the pivot door cannot be installed immediately. It must first be clear where the underfloor heating is located precisely. Therefore, check this first in the construction drawings or with the underfloor heating installer.

Types of underfloor heating and suitability

With underfloor heating in a cement screed, a pivot door can usually be installed without any issues. With routed underfloor heating systems, the pipes are shallow. Installation is only possible if there are no pipes in the way or if the door's mounting system is relocated. Electric underfloor heating mats lie directly beneath the top flooring. In this case, the drilling work for pivot doors will almost certainly cause damage. It is better to choose an alternative to a pivot door, such as a hinged door with frame.

Inspection and preparation

Always check where pipes run prior to installation. Turn the underfloor heating on for 20 to 30 minutes and investigate where the hot water pipes are located using a thermal imaging camera or infrared thermometer. Mark pipe-free zones on the floor with masking tape. 

Use a handy pipe detector/scanner. For water-based underfloor heating systems, a thermal scan works best. 

Pay attention to risk areas such as routed curves and by doorways. The responsibility for the initial inspection and the provision of correct information lies with you.

Alternatives in high-risk situations

Can't drill into the floor? Then there are two simple options. Choose a standard hinged door with hinges in the wall or in the door frame. Drilling into the floor is then not necessary. Do keep a turning circle in mind. 

Advice for safe assembly

It is clever to plan the installation of your pivot door step by step. Start by determining the type of underfloor heating: do you have cast-in, routed or electric underfloor heating? Then request the installation plan for your heating, turn the heating on for 20–30 minutes and read the pattern of the pipes with a thermal imaging camera or pipe finder. 

Make sure you take the floor into account in any case. Are you getting a tiled floor? In that case, this is often already a centimetre thick, meaning a pivot door is possible with all types of underfloor heating. A PVC floor is slightly thinner. With a floor like that, you need to take the underfloor heating into account.

Determine the dimensions and the desired direction of rotation, and consult with Aluwdoors. We’ll then plan the next steps: will it be a pivot door in the approved location, will we move the pivot point, or will we opt for an alternative (wall hinges or a door frame)? Finally, arrange a site survey. As soon as you’re ready, simply book an appointment with Aluwdoors. Please contact us opportunity to schedule the measuring appointment together.