Pex tubing – staple how often
tuesdayhouse
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
Hi – I have a dispute between two subcontractors that I need help resolving. The plumber installed by stapling Pex tubing on 3/4″ subfloor in preparation for a 1 1/2″ gypcrete lightweight floor. He installed the staples between 2-3 feet apart on some of the straight portions. The gypcrete contractor wants to require the staples every 12″ minimum. The plumber, of course, scoffs at this notion and said he had done this many times and never had to staple so often. He doesn’t want to come back and staple as the gypcrete contractor requires. The gypcrete contractor doesn’t want to install unless the tubing is stapled at 12″.
Any opinions? –James
Replies
Did gypcrete over tubing not long ago. The staples were closer to the 2-3' spacing than the 1' spacing. Is the gyp sub concerned that the tubing will float? I think it's only a possible concern at the looped ends.
Thanks for the input, David. - JMK
I'd think that if the tubing is laying right, no need for additional. I did a radiant slab pour ... tied my PEX to the WWM grid w/ plastic ties. Not sure of my spacing ... just whatever ensured it laid flat ... I'm sure it was in the neighborhood of 2 - 3 ft on the straightaways ... and maybe three at the switchbacks (start, mid, end). Never heard of 'floating' problems ... but I ain't no expert. PEX is pretty stiff. Once you have it all down, there shouldn't be enough slack to allow any floating to occur.
Maybe check the WIRSBO radiant floor heating design/install guide ... I'll bet it might have a recommendation on this.