In a hydronic heat overpour or topping slab installation - radiant tubing is installed on top of an existing slab or sub floor with wire mesh, plastic clips or a track system. A thin cement slab is poured over the piping. The typical thickness is 1 1/2″ although other thicknesses are certainly possible.
This method is useful in retrofits over existing slabs, sub floors, and also post-tensioned slabs. If you are able to adjust for the door, cabinet andhydronic heatts, this is another great way to add hydronic heat to your existing home.
Technorati Tags: existing slab, hydronic heat, over pour, overpour, radiant tubing, retrofits, thin cement slab, topping slab
hydronic heat“163″ />Hydronic heat systems can be installed with grooved sub floor boards and pre-manufactured panels. These are normally installed on an existing sub floor or slab - the pre-manufactured panels can also be used as the structural sub floor.
Aluminum heat transfer plates help these systems heat rapidly and spread the heat evenly. Typical spacing for hydronic heat in a grooved sub floor is 12″ on center, but may vary with design.
Technorati Tags: aluminum heat transfer plates, grooved panels, grooved sub floor, hydronic heat, structural sub floor
hydronic heat16″ height=”162″ />In a hydronic heat staple-up system the radiant piping is attached to the underside of the sub floor by way of staples, j-hooks or metal plates. Insulation is recommended, but not always necessary.
A good rule of thumb would be 3-4 times the r-value below the tubing as above. R-values are cumulative, so if you have a sub floor with floor coverings that have a cumulative r-value of 3 - you should have at least r-9 to r-12 below your radiant tubing.
Staple-up systems may need to run at a higher temperature, it will depend on your radiant designer.
This method is often used in retrofits where joists are accessible as well as many new construction project. The benefits to this hydronic heat installation method are a low materials cost - it is however a more labor intensive installation.
Technorati Tags: hydronic heat, hydronic heat installation, joists, radiant designer, radiant piping, retrofits, staple-up system, staple-up systems
Parhydronic heathydronic heat - basics series, where we briefly give an overview of several common methydronic heating systemdronic heating system.
A hydronic suspended system is similar to a staple-up system, however the tubing is not attached directly to the sub floor. It may be stapled to the sides of the joists or suspended from the sub floor.
This installation method is often used in retrofits - including projects where access from below is limited. Hanging systems generally run at a higher operating temperature and because they heat the joist cavity - the heat above is very even.
The materials costs are normally low - but this can be a labor intensive way to install hydronic heat.
Technorati Tags: hydronic heat, hydronic heating system, hydronic heating systems, hydronic suspended system, retrofits, staple-up system, sub floor, tubing
