If you are living in an extremely chilled environment, and would like to enjoy the warmth of the stovetop around you, you can try installing radiant floor heat system at your home or at your business place. It is truly a wonderful experience and keeps you quite comfortable throughout the day.
Types:
There are primarily three types of radiant floor heat system : (1) air heated, (2) electric and (3) hydronic. All of these 3 types have their own pros and cons. While air heated radiant floor heat system can incorporate solar energy system, it is quite expensive. Thus it is hardly used for personal reasons.
On the other hand, electric radiant floors could be cost effective, if they use considerable amount of thermal mass. However, the most popular version of radiant floor heat system is hydronic system, as it is not only cost effective, but also you have a control over the room temperature just by regulating the water flow.
There are several installation methods for radiant floor heat. Here we will discuss 4 methods out of the lot.
Method 1: Wet Concrete Slab Installation
This is the oldest form of radiant floor heat installation. In this method, radiant mat, cable system or tubing is embedded to the concrete slab structure. This method is also known as slab on grade installation procedure as this is installed more than a few feet degree below of the slab. Wet concrete slab installation is typically used in new construction. If you would like to take the advantage of this method, you must seek professional help.
Method 2: Over Subfloor Installation
Both hydronic and electric radiant floor heating system can be installed using over subfloor installation method. As the name suggests, this installation is done over the subfloor and not in the beneath. In this method, professionals use pre-manufactured radiant heating system such as electric mesh that can be placed just below the floor covering. On the top of that, hydronic or electric tubing is placed like a sandwich between the wood or concrete subfloor and cement or ply-board underlayment.
Method 3: Under Subfloor Installation
With this method, the radiant floor heat system is attached between floor beams. Basically, the air space of the beams is used to suspend the heating system. You need to install proper insulation below the heating system, so that the heat produced can be reflected upward direction towards the surface along with the room on the top. This is a dry method and particularly useful when you plan to renovate your room.
Method 4: Built in Subfloor Installation
In this method, the system is designed in such a way that it produces heat for both the system and subfloor. This system is also known as structural radiant subfloors. This method is comparatively easier for installing both electric and hydrnic radiant floor heat system. However, you must consult professional to do it at your home.
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