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Please forgive me if this question has already been answered. I’ve searched this site and archives and haven’t really found an answer. What are the pros and cons for using either Pex board or light crete when doing an infloor system? (3200 sq. ft., bi level w/basement). There aren’t many installers here (Ann Arbor MI) and I’m trying to get the best advice before we make our decision. Are there any outstanding web sites/books on the subject that you know of? Thanks Dan
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Dan,
I'm looking into doing the same thing. from what I've found the gypcrete over pour is less expensive than the warmboard. from your message when you said "pex board" I'm assuming you meant warmboard and "light crete" you mean gypcrete. to find a gypcrete installer look for maxxon's web site, that is who makes the product. warbboard also has a web site, you can email them with questions and they are very helpful. the warmboard is around $4/sq. ft and the gypcrete is roughly half (at least in my area). since I have an older home with uneven floors I'm probably going with the gypcrete since it is somewhat self leveling. there are still more pros and cons to both but if you contact both Maxxon and Warmboard they can give you good info to help you make up your mind what's best for you. hope this helps some
Ed
*I've taken the Warmboard approach... it's a heafty $4 bucks a squarefoot! But evaluate ALL your costs for the gypcrete approach.... sleepers for wood floors and anti-fracture membrane for tile add cost above the raw cost of gypcrete. Plus, beam sizing must carry 14 lbs of deadload for the gypcrete.The other positive was low mass for a quicker response. Adding all that gypcrete only makes the heat linger longer... I'm part of the instant gratifications crowd. My design temps are 100F for 44000 BTU/hr into a 4000 sqft house.I was ready to take the gypcrete approach until really researching the WarmBoard stuff. Take a look at their www site. Good luck.PS the warmboard folks will do the panel layout and design calcs. I'll have WB on-site in mid-June. If you're interested drop an eMail.
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Please forgive me if this question has already been answered. I've searched this site and archives and haven't really found an answer. What are the pros and cons for using either Pex board or light crete when doing an infloor system? (3200 sq. ft., bi level w/basement). There aren't many installers here (Ann Arbor MI) and I'm trying to get the best advice before we make our decision. Are there any outstanding web sites/books on the subject that you know of? Thanks Dan