Ok, I know the codes are just guidelines, and in building a new place it seems potentially wise to spend a few more insulation dollars to get a higher r-value than the energy code requires. However, in the case of underslab insulation, where I will have hydronic tubing does it pay to better the required R-10 which I intend to achieve with 2″ foam (the entire slab will have R-10 beneath and I will provode a thermal break around the perimeter) or am I wasting money?
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need to know if you have full basment or a slab on grade building.
Slab on grade.
I would definitely try to get at least R20 for the perimeter. To determine if more than R10 is warranted under slab, do you know the cost per R of the foam and the cost per million BTU's of the heating fuel.
That's a great idea, I will go to a higher R around the perimeter, since that is the area with greatest potential temperature differential. It won't cost too much more yet seems to give me the greatest return. As far as knowing the cost per R of foam vs. the cost per million btu's of heating fuel, that's up in the air since I'm still debating the boiler type for the radiant system. I had pretty much settled on using a Munchkin boiler, but the more I think about the current and future state of the petroleum industry the more I think it might be wise to consider an electric boiler. I have been looking at the Monitron cast iron electric boiler, this might actually be the subject for another post, since I'd really like to hear what other people think of these boilers and the idea in general.