Radiant Floor Slab Construction

Insulating a slab on grade depends on at least four factors.

Radiant floor slab construction. Radiant floors are a comfort thing not about efficiency. From a radiant heating perspective it doesn t matter if the slab is actually at grade or is poured several feet below grade as part of a full foundation. 1 2 oxygen barrier pex is the most popular size used for radiant floor heating in both thick and thin slabs. The climate the type of foundation whether the slab includes hydronic tubing for radiant heat and the severity of the local termite problem.

If you are new to radiant heat our design and construction manual is a must read this manual provides a wealth of general information about radiant heat. Martin holladay explains insulating a slab on grade in the energy smart details department. Slab insulation methods calculating heat loss tubing options system options and much more all written in easy to understand language for the homeowner with pictures and diagrams. The workers in the photograph at page top where our concrete slab.

Warmboard for example manufactures 4 x 8 radiant floor panels for new construction and 2 x 4 panels for remodeling that are lined with aluminum sheeting for even heat distribution. Check out our video how to install radiant floor heat tubing in a slab on grade and read this page for a full description. 5 8 barrier pex can be used for larger projects where high btu load is present due to lack of proper insulation larger than normal slab thickness or special project considerations. Although the heating system installer is probably not responsible for this aspect of construction failing to check for proper sub grade preparation could eventually compromise the embedded tubing circuits.

Radiant heating system design or installation mistakes that must be avoided. Radiant floor concrete slab r 1 1 note. This article explains how to avoid some fatal mistakes when installing radiant heat in a concrete floor slab by describing an incompetent radiant heat floor installation along with an explanation of why things went wrong and how to avoid these errors. The final step in preparing for our concrete slab is finished.

Watch and see how to install radiant heat especially if you re thinking of doing it in your ne. This size is adequate for all small to medium size jobs both in residential and commercial projects. The installation of a radiant heated floor slab begins by verifying the sub grade has been properly leveled and compacted.