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Here are some important decisions to make before you
start building.
First, the construction method depends on the type
of radiant heating system being installed.
Under Joist - This is tubes with heat-emitting
plates under the subfloor and insulation under the tubes
and plates.
Points that need to be considered in construction with
Under Joist:
- All support blocking between the floor joists has
to have a minimum 2-inch space between the floor and
blocking. All support beams must carry a minimum 2-inch
space between the floor and the beam.
- The plates and tubes should to be installed before the strapping for the sheetrock is done.
- You need to insulate under all floors that have
Under Joist heating. It is very important that no
air gap is left in the bay. Insulation should be pushed
up to the plates.
- The placement of manifolds when installing on second
floor is important. You need access panels to gain
access to manifolds to balance the system (usually
inside closets). That particular wall should be 2x6
construction. If you have a finished cellar, can manifolds
be located in the ceiling area?
- Fastening of the finish floor to the sub floor. Make sure the contractors are aware that the fasteners can not exceed the thickness of the finished floor product and the sub floor product. This can lead to a puncture of the tubing.
- For an existing home installing Under Joist, if there are any nails sticking thru the sub floor will have to be removed before the installation of plates.
Underlayment - Tubes are stapled to
the su floor and 1 ½" of concrete or gypcrete is poured
over the tubes.
Points that need to be considered in construction with Underlayment:
- With choosing this option you need to make sure the builder is aware and that he accounts for the 1 ½" difference. Putting an extra plate under the wall plate usually does this. Example; if the outside wall is 2 x 6 than a 2 x 8 is put down first. If the inside wall is a 2 x 4 than a 2 x 6 is put down first and the 2 x 4 wall is placed in the middle of the 2 x 6.
- If you are doing tile in an area, make sure the sleeper for nailing, on the outside wall is not installed.
- If you are going to install hardwoods in any given room, the carpenter has to fill in between the tubing, after it is laid, with 2x4's
- You need to account for the extra weight. Concrete (Special Mix) = 110 P.C.F Gypcrete = 115 P.C.F (18 lbs per square foot)
- If hard wood floors are being installed, you must determine which way the hardwood floors will be installed. This can not change after the pouring of the concrete or gypcrete.
- The placement of manifolds when installing on second floor. Need access panels to gain access to manifolds to balance system. (Usually inside closets) That particular wall should be 2x6 construction. If you have a finished cellar, can manifolds be located in the ceiling area?
- Floors need to be totally clean of sawdust and debris before installation can begin.
- You need to insulate under all floors that have radiant heating. It is very important that no air gap is left in the bay. Insulation should be pushed up to the sub floor.
Quik Trak - ½" plywood with heat transfer
plates attached to the bottom are installed on top of
the subfloor.
Points that need to be considered in construction with
Quik Trak:
- The placement of manifolds when installing on second
floor. Need access panels to gain access to manifolds
to balance system. (Usually inside closets) That particular
wall should be 2x6 construction. If you have a finished
cellar, can manifolds be located in the ceiling area?
- Floors need to be totally clean of sawdust and debris
before installation can begin.
- You need to insulate under all floors that have
radiant heating. It is very important that no air
gap is left in the bay. Insulation should be pushed
up to the sub floor.
- If you are installing a hardwood floor, you must
determine which direction do you want your flooring
to be installed. This can not be changed once the
Quik Trak is installed.
Select the type of floor covering you will be using. This is very important as each floor covering has a different insulation value (R-Value).
Select the way you prefer your house zoned. How many rooms do you want to control the heat in?
Construction of your house is a big factor in your heating system. It is very important to make sure air leaks are sealed tight before insulation and the drywall is installed. Air leaks are one of the biggest problems with not being able to heat your house to the desired temperature with radiant heat. Air leakage in the walls and floors also brings down the R valve of the insulation installed in the walls and floors, as well as further cooling an already low temperature water used to heat your home so efficiently. Common leakage problems are where the house sill plate meets the foundation, spaces that are left between the exterior doors and window jambs to allow correct leveling of them, soffits and eaves, and improper vapor barrier installation on the house before it is sided. Your contractor should be aware of this and make sure each sub performs there duty to assure a good quality job and air leak free installation.
Insulation, the more the better. A good insulation job will give you pay backs both in the summer and winter. Most people are unwilling to spend money on things they can't see.
Select a contractor. Gronski Plumbing and Heating can design and engineer the radiant heating system with you, the customer, along with performing the installation. If you do not have any say in the above items find someone else. You should also look for a company who does their own design work, and does not give it to someone else to design for them to install it. Ask for references, photos and/ or the ability to view the actual jobs that have been already installed by the contractor.
Look for a warranty on your radiant heating system. Gronski Plumbing & Heating is a certified Uponor Home Team Installer and Member. Along with our 1 year warranty on parts, labor, and any additional manufacturers warranties on the materials we install, comes an Uponor/Wirsbo warranty, the only product warranty that is the best in the business for radiant heating products they make and sell. These are the products we trust and choose to use as well.
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