Our new addition consist of a lower level art studio and an upper level master bedroom. The bedroom may be hardwood or carpet, depending on the budget, but we wanted to know if anyone had strong feelings about using radiant floor systems. The ads are appealing, but there are no substitutes for field experience. Any horror stories? Is there any truth to the ads? Is it pretty easy to install, even for a first time, though experienced, contractor?
Dave and Barb.
Framing the floor inside a crawlspace foundation keeps a gable-end addition close to grade.
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Replies
If you have the opportunity to use radiant heat, do it. It's the most comfortable heating I've ever been in IMHO. It can be done by a do-it-yourselfer so your contractor should have no problems. Carpet is fine over the radiant heat, but the warmup time takes a little longer than wood or tile floors.Check out radiantcompany.com. They do a complete design, have very good supply prices and the phone support was very good.
Edited 10/31/2003 11:36:19 AM ET by steveodiy
Take a look here:
http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
1. It is a wonderful way to heat.
2. Stay away from the scams based out of Vermont. Their designs are often dangerous and often do not work well at all.
3. Watch out for those who just tell you carpet is fine. Because the floor covering issue is fairly complicated. Some floor coverings are fine. Some aren't. And the floor covering figures heavily into the design of the system.
4. You may be able to do it if you get a good design. I am seeing that most DIY systems are pretty sad. Many are trouble waiting to happen. I have seen a few DIY systems that were done well but they are rare.
Wethead,
I've been trying to get information from Stadler-Viega out of Colorado Springs, and have been completely frustrated. They won't send pricing information, after 6 separate requests. Have you experience with them, and if so, assuming positive, what am I doing wrong.
I wanted to use their Climate Panels, but as it stands now I'm so disgusted with them, that I probably won't.
Stef
I like their products but will not do business because they are tough to deal with. A friend in MO states a totally different experience. Sorry I can't help more.
To add to what Wet Head said, the biggest thing to remember is that you need a pro to do the design. The heat calcs are critical to a good system instead of a piece of ####. I did my own install (6000' tubing), but I had a pro do my design and install the boiler. Hope this doesn't scare you away because once you have it you will NEVER be soory.
Just to follow up:
Definitely stay away from scams in Vermont. Stick with the qualified companies in Vermont.
From the Radiant Panel Association: "Radiant floor heating, on the other hand, is quite tolerant of carpeting although there are limitations. The designer and installer of radiant systems should be aware of these limitations in order to direct the building owner into making wise floor covering decisions." Based on my bedroom with carpet and radiant heat I agree with them.
My field experience is I was adding 1000 sq feet on to my house and wanted radiant heat. Since the material cost was so low I retrofitted the rest of my house with radiant (2000 sq ft). I now have my house at a pretty constant temp. No setback at night - warmup in the morning. The water temp going into the system is 130 and its returning at about 125. And my oil consumption is lower. Total cost with tools about $5,000.
Do it yourselfers can do sub standard work or take shortcuts, so can licensed professionals. Good design is very important, implementing the design is even more important.