Radiant floor heat install

This is the most common method because the zip ties are inexpensive and most are willing to sacrifice a little time if it means saving a lot of money. These are also called heat transfer plates or aluminum fins. A study conducted by Kansas State University some years ago showed that systems using heat transfer plates vs. The significance is that you can typically lower the water temperature and reduce cycle times which can lower your operational cost. Radiantec also conducted our own plate study experiments and you can find the results here.

The most cost effective solution is to install the thin heat transfer plates in continuous coverage. Staple-up radiant install showing difference in plated vs.

This picture shows the benefits of full aluminum heat transfer plate coverage vs. Both areas were on the same zone and operated for the same amount of time. Our general rule of thumb is to space the aluminum plates continuously in carpeted rooms, bathrooms, and high heat loss areas such as great rooms. Aluminum heat transfer plates in continuous coverage. Photo of aluminum reflective barrier installed in one joist bay for radiant floor heating. Insulation is usually put in after this see next step so if you can find a foil faced insulation with high enough R-value, you can forgo this product.

If you can only do this once because the ceiling will be finished then the answer is absolutely yes. The amount of insulation is dependent on what is above and below. If there is carpeting or a high heat loss area above then you should put in R If not, you can probably get away with R but R is better.

Staple up insulation detail above a crawl space. If there is an unheated basement below then you should use R If the heat loss downward is entirely wasted to a crawl space, for example, then your insulation method should be extensive.

You should try to get in a minimum of R Some will insulate between the joists with fiberglass and then seal the entire underside with rigid foam. If the ceiling will not be finished, some will wait and see how the system performs and then add the insulation after if necessary. Since radiant heat will go in all directions, the heat will just as easily go downward. Aluminum is expensive. We get it! Everything we do and everything we quote is for the sole purpose of creating the most energy efficient system possible.

This in turn will save you money every single day that you operate the heating system. Will a radiant system without aluminum plates work? The problem is, air is an insulator and Pex directly in contact with wood is a poor conductor. In order to make up for this poor heat transfer, the water temperature must be raised significantly. In some cases, as high as degrees F.! Even then, on a cold day, the floor may not put out enough heat to heat the room if the home is older and not energy efficient.

Also, you may not be able to use a water heater as the heating source because the system requires much warmer water to make up for the poor heat transfer. In turn, your project may not be a great candidate for a solar hot water assist, either. What makes more sense, to install a system that can operate at lower temps around degrees F.

We get calls on a daily basis from people with existing systems not ours that are looking to improve the performance. The suspended slab radiant floor heating installation is sometimes used in new construction. This method involves the radiant tubing being installed on top of the subfloor. Typically, this is not a good retrofit possibility because existing homes were not engineered to withstand the added weight.

Pouring Maxxon Therma-floor over radiant tubing. Photo courtesy of Maxxon. These products typically have a layer of aluminum on the surface for optimal heat transfer. Plywood strips installed on top of subfloor. Design a floor heat product that allows kitchen and bath remodeling contractors to recommend radiant floor heat to their clients confidently.

No other manufacturer of electric radiant floor heat systems offers the fastest and easiest installation. Plus, Gold Heat is supportive of your kitchen and bath project, offering personal design assistance, installer training, diagnostics, and technical support. This award-winning, custom electric radiant floor heat mat is designed and made in Hillsboro, Oregon. The company has recently announced its plans to launch its award-winning floor heat product in the new home construction and the kitchen and bath industry.

You must be logged in to post a comment. Gold Heat wants to show you an electric radiant floor heat product that takes a flooring contractor less than 20 minutes to install and tile the same day.

Commodity floor heat products Installing a commodity radiant heat product from a home improvement or Internet store is a physical, mental, and time-consuming installation process. Award-winning vendor This award-winning, custom electric radiant floor heat mat is designed and made in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply You must be logged in to post a comment. Go to Top. Click here for tax credit information. Increased pride in your home and in yourself. Click here for more information about the benefits of radiant heat. Call customer service. You will get honest and sincere advice. Your technician promises to treat your project as if it were his own. Click here to see how customer service can help Installation manuals are free on this website.

Click here to view them. If you have a place for a few solar collectors, you can enjoy tax credits and lower energy bills. Feel free to browse the rest of our site for more information. See the many choices that are available to you. Radiantec technicians are always available for assistance.