Replies

1. 
   PAH | Oct 05, 2007 08:59pm | #1

   If you already have insulation below the floor, I'd suggest either QuikTrak (Uponor Wirsbo) or SubRay (Watts Radiant). Both will use just 1/2" of space above the existing floor.

   If you have access to the joist bays, then I'd probably recommend Watts Onyx to avoid dealing with the spiked forrest of flooring nails.

   Both companies have excellent design programs to determine heat loss and water temperatures you'll need to utilize.

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 05, 2007 09:08pm | #2

   I second the QuickTrak suggestion, but it will require more than 1/2". The track itself is 1/2", but you also have to add in the total thickness of the flooring that will be installed on top of it. The QuickTrack is a bit pricey, but is quick to install, requires minimal demo and does a nice job with heat. As with any radiant system, proper design is essential, so make sure somebody who knows what they are doing does the heat loss calcs and lays the system out for you.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   RayF | Oct 05, 2007 10:47pm | #5

   THat is kind of tricky finding someone who can calculate corectly and install..any way to make those determinations...

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 06, 2007 03:15am | #6

   Finding somebody to do good specs can be tough, but it's worth it. My Wirsbo dealer is great at this -- more than earns his commission just by doing the design IMHO. Somebody in this forum who's in Florida uses my local guy in Pittsburgh and gets his stuff shipped down to him just because he's such a great dealer.

   Also, I believe Wirsbo has a computer program that does this, and lays out the pipe pattern. A good Wirsbo dealer is where I'd look first. (Wirsbo sells the QuickTrak.)

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

   Edited 10/5/2007 8:17 pm ET by MikeHennessy

3. 
   frenchy | Oct 05, 2007 10:18pm | #3

   RayF

     another solution if you have acces to the bottom of the floor is to put the pex up with aluminum flashing run over a bead roller..  (they're portable and used a lot in the hotrod and race car community)

1. 
   RayF | Oct 05, 2007 10:44pm | #4

   Thanks the floor has been insulated and the covered with plywood in the open crawl space under the houe.  Much easier to work from above.