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Renovating underfloor heating

Since 1985, the Naef GROUP has focused on one goal: renovation rather than replacement. It’s a true Swiss success story.

Renovate underfloor heating using the original

Between 1970 and 1990, floor heating made of simple plastic was often installed, enabling strong oxygen diffusion. The resulting accumulation of sludge and aging-related embrittlement lead to reduced heat output over time. Leaks can even occur if you wait too long. With the inexpensive HAT system, your underfloor heating will be sustainably renovated, without the need for a construction site. Our professional status analysis will give you a solid base to make decisions in advance.
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Romeo Geissberger
Head of Department HAT-System during status analysis
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Our analysis will give you clarity

A preventive analysis provides clarity about the condition of your underfloor heating. This must be carried out on site by a specialist. Various measurements are taken, the values are analysed and ultimately a recommendation for action is provided. This will serve as a basis for renovation or confirm that all is well.

Reliable water analysis
Our experts determine a total of six values based on a water analysis and assess them in accordance with the applicable SWKI guidelines. If there are substantial deviations from the defined reference values for one or more parameters, we will develop solutions for your system. We will give you a detailed analysis protocol together with a catalogue of measures that gives you complete transparency and a sound decision-making basis. Thermography images from a thermal imaging camera supplement the analysis and identify defects in heat distribution if necessary.

Embrittlement measurement
From time to time, we are asked about brittleness measurement. The ageing of pipes is examined by physical tests. In order to achieve a reliable result, samples must be taken from different areas of the underfloor heating, which requires extensive floor openings. In many cases, samples are only taken from the distributors, which is not sufficient since the embrittlement of a floor heating pipe can vary greatly over its entire length. The embrittlement in the bends is often greater due to the constant tension. Therefore, we advise against such tests, especially if samples are only taken in the visible locations.

We are celebrating 40 years of pipe interior renovations

and are offering our preventive analysis for only CHF 280.–throughout 2025 instead of CHF 380.–

The problem with underfloor heating

Since the early 1970s, underfloor heating has been installed in the majority of new Swiss buildings. Until 1990, plastic pipes were usually installed. These are subject to embrittlement and silting and can cause problems after just 30 years. It is important to recognise these at an early stage and to take the necessary steps to protect them. We can renovate your underfloor heating if necessary. Since about 1990, multi-layer composite pipes have been used, which, thanks to their aluminium core, are much more durable.
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Problems are mainly caused by simple, first-generation plastic pipes, which were installed until 1990. Oxygen molecules pass through the walls of the plastic pipes and attack metal parts such as fittings and boilers. The residue from such corrosion forms a tough sludge that collects everywhere in the heating circuit. The pipes are also constantly exposed to thermal fluctuations. This accelerates the evaporation of stabilisers in the plastic. The result is embrittlement: a creeping process that you won’t notice at first. However, over the years, brittleness can cause hairline cracks in pipe material, which are noticeable in the form of pressure loss in the heating system.

The oxygen input, which increases with embrittlement, causes further corrosion processes on the metal components, while the sludge progresses. Higher flow temperatures usually compensate for the heating’s decreasing efficiency. It is a vicious circle, as this further accelerates the embrittlement process of the plastic. The heating circuits are even more stressed by the excessive operating temperature. Leaks and water damage then crop up, and it becomes inevitable that the entire underfloor heating will need to be replaced at some point. Therefore, you should have a professional condition analysis carried out if you see the following signs.

Sustainable renovation of underfloor heating using the HAT system

Is renovation necessary and feasible according to the status analysis? Then we can offer you the original HAT system for interior underfloor heating renovations. We have been renovating old floor heating pipes since 1999, making them diffusion-tight in accordance with DIN 4726. And all without the need for a construction site.

The first step in a renovation is to completely dry the pipes with specially prepared compressed air. This is followed by internal cleaning with a gentle, chemical-free, delicate finish inside the pipes, to remove mud residues and incrustations. Each pipe is then evenly coated from the inside using a specially developed coating material. Once it has been left to dry for 48 hours, this coating will have created a new pipe within the old one, which can then connect to the existing plastic pipe. The coating provides long-term protection for the old underfloor heating and makes it waterproof against any diffusion in accordance with the DIN 4726 standard. We are the only company that can provide this level of work. We renovate underfloor heating within a very short period of time and with a minimum of noise and dirt emissions. A pipe renovation is around 10 times faster and much cheaper than a total replacement. You can still use your rooms during the renovation work. With our HAT system, we can demonstrably extend the functionality and durability of your underfloor heating by at least 20 years.

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Let us inspire you – our testimonials

We renovate around 1,000 properties every year. For us, having satisfied customers is not enough. We want to inspire you. We strive to receive the very best customer ratings, and work hard to achieve this goal – which makes the positive feedback we regularly receive even more satisfying. Thank you very much for your trust in us and our services.

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Total pipe interior renovation completed to the highest standard. The timing in January was perfect, as the impressive oil-saving effect was immediately apparent. I would highly recommend the Naef GROUP and its competent team.

Erwin Bänteli

Erwin Bänteli

The pipe renovation in our entire building was carried out cleanly, efficiently and neatly. We are very satisfied with the information provided and the work performed.

Martin C. Huber

Martin C. Huber

After hearing the positive experiences of two colleagues, we had our 39-year-old underfloor heating renovated by the Naef GROUP – and we were not disappointed. All employees of the Naef GROUP were very professional, competent and friendly, from the preliminary assessment to the follow-up work stage. The job was completed very neatly and precisely, and finished exactly on schedule.

Ruedi Grunder

Ruedi Grunder

Do you have any questions?

Frequently asked questions about the renovation of underfloor heating

We renovate around 1,000 properties every year. For us, having satisfied customers is not enough. We want to inspire you. We strive to receive the very best customer ratings, and work hard to achieve this goal – which makes the positive feedback we regularly receive even more satisfying. Thank you very much for your trust in us and our services.
What is pipe interior renovation, and how does it work?
How quickly will the renovation work be completed?
What advantages does pipe interior renovation offer compared to complete pipe replacement?
What is the lifespan of renovated underfloor heating systems?
Is renovation also suitable for older underfloor heating systems?
Do I have to move out during the renovation?

A consultation that makes all the difference

Ein Beratungsgespräch, das den Unterschied macht

Take the opportunity to arrange a free, no-obligation conversation with one of our technical advisors. Together, we’ll analyse your current situation and show how we can renovate your underfloor heating or drinking water pipes – all without the need for replacement.
Over 1,000 satisfied owners put their trust in our solutions every year.
Our consultants take the time to provide personalised advice – either over the phone or on site if desired.