Have a radiant heated concrete slab that carpet will be put over. Not the best for radiant heat…but it is desired.
Should I lay anythign on top of the concrete under the carpet? There will be a pad…the high density rubber pads I believe are best for radiant…high density…higher conductivity.
Should plastic go down? Or just a sealer on the concrete? Sealer was applied to the concrete when it was green.
Under the concrete is 2″ insualtion.
Thanks again!
Replies
Just off the cuff, impromptu, unresearched humble opinion........................
I would look to use an area rug/rugs where you want softness for the feet as opposed to covering the whole radiant concrete slab. Leave untraveled areas open to radiate. Some of the oriental/Persian rugs are awesome....visually and texturally.
If you cover the surface that is supposed to "radiate" heat into the room, then the ability of the system to "heat" your living area will be dramatically affected. Carpet and pad is effective insulation which will be very slow to release the captured heat it holds from the radiant floor. At that point the heating will be by convention and not radiance. You will not have that same "warm all over" feeling. Recovery and startup cycles will be extended and more heat will be driven down into the substrate.
If you proceed and elect to install I would be concerned about the type of glue that is used in relationionship to a hotter slab after the carpet is installed. Also I would ask about degregation of the pad at 100+ degrees of constant contact heat exposure.
I would monitor the temperature from the boiler to the carpeted slab to keep it in proper range. Check the tubing manufacturer's continuous use max heat limits.
IMHO........................Iron Helix