QA

How To Install Radiant Floor Heating In Concrete Slab

Can you put radiant heat on existing concrete slab?

There are several manufacturers of electric radiant floor heating systems that can be placed directly on top of an existing concrete slab. These radiant floor heating systems can also be installed on top of a slab before the flooring goes down. There are several manufacturers of this type of radiant floor heating.

How thick should concrete be for radiant floor heating?

Radiant heat can be used in slabs as thin as 1.5″ (such as in cases where it’s placed over existing floors). However, for new construction, the slab should be typically at least 4″ thick and is dependent upon the soils conditions in your area.

Can you install heated floors on concrete?

You can install floor heating with your existing concrete floor or subfloor. If you already have a polished concrete floor, you may be able to fit insulation and a low-profile electric floor heater before adding a new layer of leveling compound and a polished concrete overlay.

Can you put underfloor heating on a concrete floor?

Underfloor heating can be fitted in both concrete and timber suspended floors, but for other floor constructions (for example we also offer a ‘floating floor’ solution) please contact us.

How does radiant heat in concrete slab work?

Quite simply, concrete floor radiant heat is a system of pex-tubes that carry hot water throughout a concrete floor or slab. radiant heat can be an electrical heating element embedded into a very thin concrete overlay, then tiled, carpeted, or have wood flooring installed over it.

How thick should topping slab be?

A topping slab will need to be at least 1 ½” thick in order to accommodate the tubing plus some reinforcing mesh over the top and then to have about ¾” of concrete over everything.

How much insulation do I need under a heated slab?

1 a minimum R-10 (in units of h·ft²·°F/Btu) perimeter insulation but if it’s heated an additional R-5 is required with the height/depth subject to climate zone. For commercial buildings, edge insulation of R 7.5 to R-20 is required for all heated slabs again depending on climate zone.

Why do they put foam under concrete?

This is to stabilise the slab beneath the building. This results in more concrete being used, as well as an increase in labour to prepare the site for the concrete pour.

Do you need insulation under radiant floor heat?

Many people ask us if it’s necessary to also install insulation below the radiant tubing, heat transfer plates, and reflective barrier. If you can only do this once because the ceiling will be finished then the answer is absolutely yes. The amount of insulation is dependent on what is above and below.

What is a good temp setting for radiant heat floor?

What are the best thermostat settings for radiant floor heating? Radiant floor heating produces room temperatures very close to ideal: about 75 F at floor level, declining to 68 F at eye level, then to 61 F at the ceiling.

Does concrete absorb heat?

In simple terms, thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb, store and release heat. Materials such as concrete, bricks and tiles absorb and store heat. They are therefore said to have high thermal mass. Materials such as timber and cloth do not absorb and store heat and are said to have low thermal mass.

What are the disadvantages of underfloor heating?

Cons of Underfloor Heating Installation Cost. Electric systems offer rapid installations times, with many systems able to be fitted in an average sized bathroom in just 1-2 days. Installation Time. Floor Height Issue.

Is concrete good for radiant heating?

The temperature of these floors is around normal body temperature. These kinds of radiant floors allow the concrete to warm up and store the heat. Hydronic radiant floors pump hot water into the tubes and warm up the surface of the concrete floors. You can use thermostats to regulate the room temperatures.

How do you heat a house on a slab?

For new-construction homes, electric heating cable is available that can be embedded within the concrete slab as it’s being poured. The most common application, however, is an in-floor heating system installed between the finished concrete slab and the flooring above.

What goes on top of concrete slab?

Like other flooring materials that work well over concrete slabs, laminate uses layers to fight moisture. This makes it a reliable option to install over your concrete slab. If you plan to transform your basement into a high traffic area for entertaining and relaxing, laminate could be a great option.

How do you put topping on a concrete floor?

Topping Slab Construction Prepare concrete slab surface if it is an existing surface. Fix forms. Place insulation in the case of unbonded topping such as plastic sheet. Apply adhesive agent to concrete surface in case of bonded topping. Install reinforcements. Pour concrete.

Can I pour concrete on top of old concrete?

You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.