Underfloor Heating Pipe Clips 40mm or 60mm – Which Should You Choose?
Underfloor Heating Pipe Clips 40mm or 60mm – Which Should You Choose?
Installing a water underfloor heating system requires more than just quality pipe and insulation. One of the smallest components in the system—the underfloor heating pipe clip—plays a vital role in keeping the pipes securely in place before screeding. Choosing the correct clip size helps ensure a professional installation, prevents pipe movement, and makes the installation process much easier.
The two most common options are 40mm pipe clips and 60mm pipe clips. While they may look similar, each has been designed for different insulation thicknesses and installation methods.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between 40mm and 60mm underfloor heating clips, when to use each type, and how they contribute to a reliable and efficient underfloor heating installation.
What Are Underfloor Heating Pipe Clips?
Pipe clips, sometimes referred to as tacker clips or staples, are plastic fixings used to secure underfloor heating pipes directly into insulation boards.
They hold the pipe firmly in position while:
- installing the heating loops,
- pressure testing the system,
- pouring the screed.
Without properly secured pipes, the pipework can move or float during screeding, affecting pipe spacing and potentially reducing heating performance.
Our clips are compatible with 14mm–20mm underfloor heating pipe, making them suitable for the most common water underfloor heating systems.
What Is the Difference Between 40mm and 60mm Pipe Clips?
The main difference is the length of the clip legs.
40mm Pipe Clips
40mm clips are designed for installations where the insulation board provides sufficient grip without requiring a deeper fixing.
They are commonly used on:
- thinner insulation boards,
- high-density insulation,
- retrofit projects,
- floors with limited build-up.
The shorter legs make installation quick while still providing excellent pipe retention.
Each box contains 300 clips, supplied in convenient cartridges for use with a clip gun.
60mm Pipe Clips
60mm clips have longer legs that penetrate deeper into the insulation.
They are ideal when using:
- thicker insulation boards,
- softer EPS insulation,
- larger screed systems,
- new-build floor constructions.
The additional depth provides stronger holding power, reducing the chance of pipe movement during installation.
Like the 40mm version, they are supplied in boxes of 300 clips and are compatible with standard tacker guns.
Why Pipe Clips Are So Important
Although inexpensive, pipe clips perform several critical functions.
They help to:
- keep pipes accurately positioned,
- maintain consistent pipe spacing,
- prevent pipes lifting during screeding,
- speed up installation,
- produce a professional finish.
Even small pipe movements can alter heat distribution across the floor, so secure fixing is essential.
Compatible with 16mm Underfloor Heating Pipe
Most domestic water underfloor heating systems use 16mm PERT, PERT-AL-PERT or PEX pipe.
Both the 40mm and 60mm clips are suitable for pipe diameters between 14mm and 20mm, making them compatible with almost every modern screed-based underfloor heating installation.
How Many Pipe Clips Do You Need?
As a general guide, installers typically use around three clips per metre of pipe to keep the pipe securely fixed throughout the installation. This may vary slightly depending on bends and tighter pipe spacing.
For example:
| Pipe Length | Approximate Clips Required |
|---|---|
| 50m | 150 clips |
| 100m | 300 clips |
| 200m | 600 clips |
Ordering a few extra clips is always recommended, especially on larger projects.
Use a Clip Gun for Faster Installation
While individual clips can be installed manually, a clip gun (tacker gun) makes installation significantly quicker and more comfortable.
Benefits include:
- faster installation,
- improved consistency,
- less bending and kneeling,
- secure clip placement,
- reduced installer fatigue.
A quality clip gun compatible with 40mm, 50mm and 60mm clips allows installers to work efficiently across a wide range of projects.
Which Clip Size Should You Choose?
Choose 40mm clips if:
- you’re installing onto thinner insulation,
- the insulation is high-density,
- floor build-up is limited,
- standard grip is sufficient.
Choose 60mm clips if:
- insulation boards are thicker,
- the insulation is softer,
- additional holding strength is required,
- you’re installing large screed floors.
When in doubt, selecting the longer clip often provides additional security, provided it is suitable for your floor construction.
Ideal Applications
Both clip sizes are suitable for:
- new-build homes,
- extensions,
- renovations,
- commercial buildings,
- schools,
- offices,
- warehouses,
- self-build projects.
They work with virtually every screed-based water underfloor heating system.
Why Buy Quality Pipe Clips?
Good-quality clips make installation easier and improve long-term reliability.
Premium clips offer:
- durable plastic construction,
- excellent grip,
- compatibility with professional clip guns,
- reliable fixing in insulation boards,
- consistent pipe positioning.
Poor-quality clips can bend, break or fail to hold the pipe securely, slowing installation and increasing frustration on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 40mm clips with 16mm pipe?
Yes. Both 40mm and 60mm clips are suitable for 14–20mm pipe, including standard 16mm underfloor heating pipe.
Are they compatible with clip guns?
Yes. Both clip sizes are designed for use with compatible tacker guns, making installation much faster and more efficient.
How many clips are supplied?
Each box contains 300 pipe clips, supplied in cartridges for easy loading into a clip gun.
Do I need 40mm or 60mm clips?
The correct choice depends on the thickness and density of your insulation boards. Thicker or softer insulation generally benefits from 60mm clips, while thinner or denser insulation is often well suited to 40mm clips.
Conclusion
Although pipe clips are one of the smallest components in an underfloor heating system, they play a major role in ensuring a secure and professional installation.
Both 40mm and 60mm underfloor heating pipe clips are designed to keep heating pipes firmly fixed during installation and screeding. The right choice depends mainly on the insulation thickness and floor build-up, but both provide reliable performance when used correctly.
Combined with a professional clip gun, quality pipe clips help speed up installation, maintain accurate pipe spacing, and ensure your water underfloor heating system delivers efficient, even heat for years to come.
