what kind of radient heat for the DIY
I want to install radient heat in our new home that is being built in Northern New England, and would like to do some of the work myself (like installing the “plates” and tubing. Since the floors are already built, Warmboard is not an option. What are the best types and sources for radient heat installed under the plywood floor joists (the finish flooring will be vinyl tile).
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There are 3 major joist methods.
Suspended tube hangs from the bottom of the subfloor in a 2" air cavity between subfloor and insulation. Cheap and weak.
Light plates use flashing-type preformed plates with an "omega" groove around the pipe to conduct to the subfloor. More expensive and better, but you need to address expansion issues... either with your control system, or by using PEX-AL-PEX, which can be tough to work with in joist bays.
Best are extruded aluminum plates like Radiant Engineering's "Thinfin" or "thermofin" plates. Done right, no noise, great output, and of course highest cost of the underfloors.
Which one(s) you need depends on your heat loads and heat source.
-=Northeast Radiant Technology=-
Radiant Design, Consultation, Parts Supply
http://www.NRTradiant.com
U need to be very carefull that you are online with whoever will be installing the PEX tubing into these plates, having it all mapped and planned especially at the turnabouts, or they will have to take half of it down again to redo it. Joints must align properly too. I would not like to work behind a HO doing a portion of this...
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Radiant can be DIY, but you need to train like a pro to get it right. Far more complex than one might imagine.
Strongly suggest this textbook as the best resource, though you really need to do a lot of research:
http://www.hydronicpros.com/publications_content.php?id=24