Install radiant heat

Retrofitting radiant heat into existing floors is common, especially during remodeling. If you have the opportunity, the best time to install radiant heat is before the construction of a home or new addition is complete. However, installing radiant heat flooring can be done anytime following these guidelines. Standard safety precautions are the rule when using power tools. Choosing to install electrical in-floor heating will require working with V electrical wiring. Follow all electrical safety procedures.

Hydronic floor heating systems require plumbing connections to your boiler or water heater. You can remove ceiling drywall for access, but replacing it can be difficult or expensive. From underneath the floor, in the basement, mark a layout on the ceiling with a marker. Make marks at six- to eight-inch increments where the heat tubing will be placed. Also mark locations where the tubing will pass through the floor joists.

Be sure to follow local building codes regarding the quantity and location of the holes. Skip this step if you have truss-type floor joists common in newer construction. One section at a time, insert the PEX tubing into the aluminum heat transfer plates.

Secure them to the underside of the floor with heavy-duty staples following your marked pattern. As you go, pass the PEX tubing through the previously drilled holes.

Leave about two feet of extra tubing on both ends for making hot water connections later. Friction fit and staple the insulation batts in place with the faced side toward you. Leave the extra two feet of heat tubing exposed.

Make the plumbing connections to your boiler system or a dedicated water heater. This method works best for homes where there is little or no access to the space below the floor.

For the best results, any existing floor will need to be removed down to the subfloor. Lay out the electric heating mats or cables to cover as much of the floor space as desired. Place the thermocouple provided with the mats at least 12 inches from any walls and as close to the center of the floor as possible.

Gather the wires from the thermocouple and from each mat. Run them along the wall to where the electrical connections will be made. Isolate three feet of each wire by taping them to the wall above the floor. This will be important for the next step. Following instructions located on the bag, mix and pour the floor leveling compound evenly over the entire floor. Allow the compound to cure undisturbed for 24 to 72 hours. Comfort is always nice and energy efficiency is becoming more important every day.

Greatly improved health. Yes, radiant heat can make your family more healthy. Conventional systems blow dirt, dust, germs, viruses, allergens and pet dander around the home all winter long. It is easy to understand why people tend to be sicker during the winter.

The design of your heating system is a very big factor. A positive contribution to the environment. You can do something directly, with your own hands to make the world a better place for the next generation. A valuable energy system for a fraction of the cost that others have to pay. Buy directly from the manufacturer , without all of the middlemen. You will be in control of the project from start to finish. The latest in energy efficient technology. Slab on Grade Tubing is installed over rigid insulation before the concrete slab is poured.

Tubing would be tied off to rebar or wire mesh or in some cases stapled directly to the rigid insulation. This provides an efficient high-mass installation. Tubing Over Plywood with Gypsum Over-pour Tubing is stapled down over the plywood subfloor and would then be covered by a thin pour of light weight gypsum cement.

Pre-fab Panel Systems Panel systems are for installation over both existing concrete and wood subfloors. The panel systems are pre-engineered and have channels in the aluminum transfer plates where the tubing snaps into place.

Floor coverings are then installed over the panel system. Staple-Up Tubing is stapled to the bottom of the subfloor between the joists using aluminum heat transfer plates. The plates add to the efficiency and response of the installation. Insulation is then installed between the joists under the tubing to help drive the heat upwards.

Sleepers Over Wood Subfloors Plywood is cut down to provide wooden furring strips that are installed over the subfloor.