Replies

1. 
   Vivian_MacDonald | May 31, 2001 12:35am | #1

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   We are building a new home in South Western Ontario and are planning on using radiant floor heating. Question: We have different opionions regarding pouring in cement over sub flooring. Any feedback pro and con regarding this?

   Vivian

1. 
   David_Thomas | May 31, 2001 02:23am | #2

   *Pro: Very even heat distribution from such a large area. Low temperature water can be (and has to be) used. Adds thermal mass to the house so temperature swings more slowly.Con: Adds a lot of weight and your floors must be able to handle it. More dead load is not good in an earthquake. The large thermal mass and slow response time means that you'll want more sophisicated controls and a more sophisicated installer. Fixing leaks in the future is bothersome (but doable).I like my own radiant slab on the ground floor, but for the second floor I went with tubing between the floor joists. Works fine (with hotter water), responds quicker, stops putting out heat as soon as the pump stops, and doesn't add mass to the house.Put a lot of thought into how many zones the house should be divided into. Staple-up installations are pretty easy. For the gypcrete floor approach, definitely get and check references. There are lots of ways to screw it up. Ask at plumbing supply shops for referrals. They'll have a sense of who knows what they're doing and who runs their business well enough to pay their suppliers on time. -David

1. 
   Narunas_Bukauskas | Jun 01, 2001 01:01am | #3

   *We are considering installing radiant heating in a town house that we are renovating, the baement and first floor has been totaly redone, with 3/4 plywood ready to be "floored". At this point we are heated by steam radiators, but since everything is open, it might make sence for us to consider at least installing the PEX tubing before covering with tiles/flooring. Where do I buy it?, is there any design or project guides on the net that I could read up on? Please help.

1. 
   Don_Papenburg | Jun 01, 2001 03:57pm | #4

   *Narunas, go to Radiantec.com Lots of info, and helpby phone....................................Dave, Could you have used a closer tube spacing on the second floor rather than hotter water ? I was thinking 4" rather than 6" or 8". If I am carful I can bend a 4" return without a kink.

2. 
   Vivian_MacDonald | Jun 01, 2001 03:57pm | #5

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   We are building a new home in South Western Ontario and are planning on using radiant floor heating. Question: We have different opionions regarding pouring in cement over sub flooring. Any feedback pro and con regarding this?

   Vivian