Hi,
I just had radiant heat installed in my house, specifically, under the first floor. The radiant heating tubes (pex) were stapled up to the basement ceiling. At one end of the bay the tubes make a U turn. At the other end of the house the tubes drop down along and under each floor joist. The plumber said he did not drill holes in the joists because the code specifies that holes cannot be drilled within 3 feet from the end of the house … and that would compromise the strength of the joist. Is this true? I’ve read a little about radiant heat installation and it always looks like the holes where the pex tubing passes through are very close to the end of the bay. Also, the insulation company tells me I should insulate the pex tubing that drops down along and under each floor joist before the insulation is installed in the bays. The plumber says it’s not necessary as not much heat will be lost. I’m leaning towards doing it. Also, should I insulate all the pex tubing that is running along the top of the foundation? See attached photo. Any advice is welcome!
Thanks.
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Here's a pic from a professional installer
View Image
Most codes will specify where notching/drilling is allowed, what size, and in what location.
I personally have not seen a building code which restricts small hole like those shown above. That doesn't mean some jurisdictions have a different requirement...but I would be very surprised...this picture is from Seattle which has earthquake codes...not sure where you're from...well you get the point.
As far as insulation...the heat will go somewhere...it just a matter of where. If you want to have control over that - then insulate.
RBean
http://www.healthyheating.com
http://www.healthyheating.com/blog
Edited 1/31/2005 2:23 pm ET by RB