YOUR GUIDE TO SUITABLE FLOOR COVERING AND SUBMATERIALS FOR USE WITH RADIANT HEATING
Traditional Wood Floors s System Suppliers s Engineered Wood Flooring s Laminates s Resilient Designer Cement s Tile s Stone s Marble s Carpet s Insulation s Hydronic & Electric Radiant
2012 EDITION
PUBLISHED ANNUALLY IN AFFILIATION WITH
RPA
RADIANT PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE
SEE OUR EXPANDED RADIANT FLOORING LISTINGS BEGINNING ON PAGE 54
A Supplement to:
environmental design + construction
©2012 Ad Uponor, Inc.
uponor logic = The more things you’re good at, the more things you can get paid to be good at.
WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? ADD UPONOR RADIANT HEATING AND MORE TO YOUR SKILL SET. OUR HANDS-ON TRAINING IN INSTALLATION AND CONTROLS GIVES YOU A COMPETITIVE EDGE. 800.321.4739 | UPONORPRO.COM/TRAINING
RADIANT HEATING PLUMBING FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS
The simplest,
Taco believes that radiant should be the least of your worries. So we design all-in-one products that make installing and controlling radiant systems easy. All-In-One Radiant. The Radiant Mixing Block® is a complete injection mixing system in one handy package. The X-Pump Block™ starts with the Radiant Mixing Block concept and adds a heat exchanger for complete system isolation. It’s the easiest, most cost effective way to add radiant.
most reliable
Add Precision Temp Control. For precise, cost-effective temperature control in every zone, we suggest iSeries® Mixing Valves. The iSeries modulates a 2-, 3-, or 4-way valve, and comes with a full featured outdoor reset or setpoint control built right into the actuator. Do it the 00® Way. Add 00 reliability to your radiant system with one of three styles of variable speed circulators: Outdoor Reset, Setpoint, or Variable Voltage. Or choose our 00R 3-Speed Radiant Pump for fine tuning your radiant system.
Circle 397
Learn More. Want more information? First, download our Radiant Made Easy Application Guide at www.taco-hvac.com. Then join the new Taco FloPro Team to get access to our radiant training webcasts taught by John Barba, one of the industry’s foremost radiant experts. With that kind of support, you’ll be in the loop in no time.
www.taco-hvac.com
Visit our booth!
i5IFZIFMQFEVTXJUIUIF EFTJHO XPSLFEIBOEJOIBOE XJUIUIFBSDIJUFDUT7JFHBXBT there from day one.”
AHR: #2610 IBS: #W3743
Eric Van Cleaf, Quality Control Manager, C Pyramid Enterprises
Viega provides customized design services to facilitate every Viega Climate Mat® installation. C Pyramid Enterprises of Trenton, NJ, experienced Viega’s personal, hands-on approach to customer service. Viega Support Advantages r .PSFUIBOTBMFTQFPQMFPGGFSJOHTVQQPSU across the continent r %FEJDBUFEEFTJHOUFBNGPSQSPKFDUTQFDJàD support and technical assistance r &YUFOTJWFUSBJOJOHPQQPSUVOJUJFTUPQSFQBSFZPVS UFBNGPSZPVSOFYUQSPKFDU %JTDPWFSIPX7JFHB$MJNBUF.BUDBOTJNQMJGZ BOEEFDSFBTFUPUBMQSPKFDUDPTUT
www.viega.com | 1-800-976-9819
Be prepared before you start XJUI7JFHBTVQQPSUTFSWJDFT The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems
Contents
14
26
Features and columns 8
Staying in step while breaking stride A message from the Radiant Professional Alliance’s director.
10 Beautiful, comfortable floors An overview on using this guide.
12 Radiant flooring team Selected to ensure proper installation and satisfied customers. 12 Architect/specifier 14 Homeowner 16 Builder/general contractor 18 Radiant contractor 20 Flooring contractor
21 Insulating for radiant A well-insulated home allows for more system and floor-covering options.
22 Hydronic systems Comfortable, versatile and easy to control.
40 Resources 30 Choosing and installing flooring Homes with radiant floor heat can enjoy a full range of beautiful flooring. 30 Wood flooring 36 Tile, marble and stone 40 Carpet and padding 42 Decorative concrete 44 Engineered wood 46 Laminate floors 48 Resilient flooring
50 Gallery of radiant systems A visual guide to 15 radiant floor heating options — hydronic and electric.
53 Flooring R-values: A comparison chart The first stop in decision-making for homeowners and their teams.
54 Radiant flooring/subflooring/equipment guide Build your own radiant floor sandwich by selecting from dozens of flooring, subflooring, cushioning, insulating and radiant heating products.
24 Electric systems Customizable for a particular room or project.
26 Going ‘green’ with radiant floor heat Eco-friendly homes also score highest in comfort.
62 Radiant heat and the green revolution
61 Advertiser index /product showcase
Personal observations from the editor of this guide.
For more information about the advertisements in this edition of the Radiant Flooring Guide, please visit the websites listed in the ad index on page 61.
30 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 5
THE CORE OF A PROFESSIONAL
HYDRONIC INSTALLATION
Published by BNP Media 2401 W. Big Beaver, Suite 700, Troy, MI 48084 Phone: 248-362-3700; Fax: 248-362-5103 www.bnpmedia.com The Radiant Flooring Guide is the intellectual property of the Radiant Professionals Alliance, 18927 Hickory Creek Drive., Suite 140, Mokena, IL 60448, 708/995-3003, www.radiantprofessionalsalliance.org.
RPA
RADIANT PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE
PATENTS PENDING
Webstone Isolator® with Rotating Flange & Drain
Precision-Crafted Closely Spaced Tees for Hydraulic Separation
Additional copies may be purchased for $15 each by contacting RPA.
RPA Director Kathleen Mihelich |
[email protected] Editor Kelly Faloon |
[email protected] Art Director Joe Kwasniewski |
[email protected]
Three Union Connection Styles 1. Basic Connection
Webstone Ball Drain™
2. 1 ⁄4" Plugged Pressure Gauge Port (shown) 3. With Multiple Device Ports
Production Manager Vince Miconi |
[email protected] Advertising Manager Roy Wagner Jr. |
[email protected] Hydronics Editor John Siegenthaler |
[email protected] Plumbing Group Brand Leader Bob Miodonski |
[email protected] ED + C, NFT Publisher Diana Brown |
[email protected] Tile Publisher Alex Bachrach |
[email protected]
T-Flow Ball for Compact Design
EASILY INSTALL & SERVICE ANY NEAR BOILER OR SECONDARY CIRCUIT LOOP
Directs flow into either the boiler or purge drain.
All drawings created by National Hydronic Publication Service, except as noted on pages 50-52. Additional drawings on those pages by National Radiant Design Center (NRDC), the Radiant Professionals Alliance, Legend Hydronics and Flextherm. Radiant sandwich graphic courtesy of: Gary A. Payne © 2005 Payne Design
• Replaces 15 components • Eliminates 13 connections • Saves nearly 2 hours of labor
Integrated Mesh “Y” Strainer with Rotating Flange
2012 AHR Expo®
AWARDS WARD WAR
Learn more:
www.webstonevalves.com/hydrocore HONORABLE MENTION
(800) 225-9529
INSTALLATION KITS AVAILABLE TO FIT OVER 100 DIFFERENT BOILERS FROM:
Corporate Directors John R. Schrei – Publishing Rita M. Foumia – Corporate Strategy Scott Krywko – Information Technology Vincent M. Miconi – Production Lisa L. Paulus – Finance Michael T. Powell –Creative Nikki Smith – Directories Marlene J. Witthoft – Human Resources Scott Wolters – Events Beth A. Surowiec – Clear Seas Research
BAXI • BIASI • BURNHAM • CROWN BOILER • ECR - DUNKIRK • ECR - UTICA • HEAT TRANSFER PRODUCTS • IBC TECHNOLOGIES • LAARS• LOCHINVAR • NAVIEN • NORITZ • NY THERMAL INC • PEERLESS • PENSOT TI • RAYPAK • SIME • SLANT FIN • TRIANGLE TUBE • VIESSMANN • WEIL-MCLAIN • WILLIAMSON-THERMOFLO BNP Media Helps People Succeed in Business with Superior Information
6 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
CIRCLE NO. 102
RPA NOTE
Staying in step while breaking stride
S The RPA Radiant Flooring Guide is one of the most important documents to enter the radiant heating industry in a decade. It unites the various floor covering industries and the mechanical heating trades with one goal in mind: To ensure maximum performance and satisfaction with all elements in a radiant floor heating system.
Since 1994, the RPA has been dedicated to providing information and education about radiant heat.
RPA
RADIANT PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE
ince 1994, the RPA has promoted the comfortable, efficient and healthy virtues of radiant heating on behalf of its network of dedicated members. These members include radiant and hydronics manufacturers, designers, suppliers and distributors, contractors and installers. To help advance understanding and acceptance of radiant heating, the RPA, in affiliation with BNP Media, publishes this Radiant Flooring Guide. This guide is one of the most important documents the RPA delivers annually in support of the radiant heating industry, which is why the RPA, staying in step, wouldn’t miss WKLVHGLWLRQħHYHQZKLOHLQWKHFRXUVH of reinventing itself. The RPA, in these difficult economic times, realized a reinvention was needed in order to continue to plan and deliver ILUVWĥUDWHVHUYLFHVIRUUDGLDQWDQGK\GURQLFV professionals. Breaking stride, the name was changed from Radiant Panel Association to Radiant Professionals Alliance to better communicate the message that the organization represents many stakeholder groups that have common goals and objectives. Then, the leadership began searching for a partner organization with the depth, strength and influence that could further the goals and objectives of the RPA. It’s a bright future for the RPA. Its new home is with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. IAPMO ħDVWKHVSRQVRURIWKH$PHULFDQ1DWLRQDO 6WDQGDUGĥGHVLJQDWHG8QLIRUP3OXPELQJ &RGH8QLIRUP0HFKDQLFDO&RGH8QLIRUP 6RODU(QHUJ\&RGHDQG8QLIRUP6ZLPPLQJ 3RRO6SDDQG+RW7XE&RGHħKDVDQ unmatched resource base of members and an infrastructure of staff equipped with what it takes to deliver to the RPA sustained growth, strong financial performance, and increased market reach domestically and internationally. In addition to enhanced visibility worldwide, RPA members will notice that IAPMO is at the forefront and works
8 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
\HDUĥURXQGWRDGYRFDWHFRGHUHIRUPVWKDW immeasurably benefit the industry. They immediately will have access to a team of technical experts in plumbing and mechanical codes and can even play a role in shaping the codes that govern the design, installation, methods and materials in the plumbing, mechanical and solar thermal systems in homes and businesses. RPA members also will experience the expertise of IAPMO’s training and certification professionals by participating LQVWDWHĥRIĥWKHĥDUWFRQWHPSRUDU\GHOLYHU\ systems. A new website will be launched early this year. Those outside the industry will benefit as well. Architects, builders, general contractors, flooring contractors and homeowners can be FHUWDLQWKDWZRUNLQJZLWKDQ53$ĥFHUWLILHG FRQWUDFWRUZLOOUHVXOWLQHQHUJ\ĥHIILFLHQW KLJKĥSHUIRUPDQFHKHDWLQJV\VWHPVLQVWDOOHG by professional heating contractors. Staying in step, all RPA memberships will remain intact and all of RPA’s reference materials will continue to be available. Publications, such as this outstanding resource, will continue to educate and promote the industry. The RPA’s new headquarters are located at IAPMO’s Chicago regional office: 18927 Hickory Creek Drive., Suite 140, Mokena, IL ĥ We encourage anyone who has questions about radiant and hydronic heating, or wants WROHDUQDERXWZKROHĥKRPHFRPIRUWWR contact us. KATHLEEN MIHELICH IAPMO DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
HOW DO YOU MAKE
INNOVATIVEEVEN & EASY BETTER? JUST ADD
t
Easy to install
t
All connections on top
t
Low pressure drop
t
Smooth stainless steel coil
t
Minimal standby losses
Introducing the NEW Dunkirk H2O Series. A complete line of Stainless Steel Single and Dual Coil Indirect Water Heaters, Storage Tanks, and Hydronic Buffer Tanks. The perfect compliment to our revolutionary 96% AFUE Helix VLT Stainless Steel Condensing Boiler.
Innovative. Efficient. Dependable. Dunkirk. Contractor Assistance: 800.325.5479 Hours Extended: 7am – 6pm, Est. Monday - Friday
®
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Photo credit: Armstrong Flooring/RFCI.
Many green flooring options, such as the vinyl tiles shown here, are approved for installation over a radiant floor-heating system.
Radiantly heated floors are comfortable and beautiful
t
he 2012 edition of the Radiant Flooring Guide provides a general overview of radiant floor heating and flooring materials from several viewpoints ħWKHDUFKLWHFWWKHKRPHRZQHU WKHEXLOGHUJHQHUDOFRQWUDFWRUWKH IORRULQJFRQWUDFWRUDQGWKHUDGLDQW FRQWUDFWRU,QYROYLQJWKHHQWLUH WHDPHDUO\LQWKHSURFHVVZLOOHQVXUH that suitable flooring materials are VHOHFWHGIRUWKHVSHFLILFUDGLDQWIORRU KHDWLQJV\VWHPLQVWDOOHGDQGWKH radiant heating system is designed SURSHUO\IRURSWLPDOSHUIRUPDQFH DQGFRPIRUW 7KLVLVQRWDFRPSUHKHQVLYH WHFKQLFDOPDQXDOEXWDUHVRXUFH for understanding the relationship
10 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
between flooring and radiant KHDWLQJV\VWHPV:LWKUHDVRQDEOH HGXFDWHGH[SHFWDWLRQV\RX¶OOHQMR\ a wonderful heating system and EHDXWLIXOIORRUV
ORVVħHYHU\VWUXFWXUHKDVDXQLTXH DQWLFLSDWHGKHDWORVVWKDWWKH UDGLDQWV\VWHPPXVWDGGUHVV1H[W WKHUHVLVWDQFHWRKHDWWUDQVIHUPXVW EHFDOFXODWHGIRUHDFKPHWKRGRI UDGLDQWKHDWLQJDVZHOODVWKHIORRU FRYHULQJVXVHG7KHVHDUHFDOOHG 5ĥYDOXHV :LWKUDGLDQWIORRUKHDWZKHWKHU K\GURQLFRUHOHFWULFIORRULQJJRRGV OLWHUDOO\EHFRPHSDUWRIWKHKHDWLQJ V\VWHP+HDWPXVWSDVVWKURXJK WKHPWRJHWWRWKHURRP LIWKH\¶UH WRRWKLFNRURYHUO\LQVXODWLQJ WKHUDGLDQWKHDWLQJV\VWHPZRQ¶W SHUIRUPWKHZD\\RXKRSH6RLW¶V important to give your radiant LQVWDOOHUDQDFFXUDWHGHVFULSWLRQRI WKHIORRUFRYHULQJV\RXKDYH LQPLQG
A-5043-1211 ©2011 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners.
LATICRETE Floor HEAT Floor Warming Made Easy. ®
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Receive custom layout details the next day.
Snap for more information. Get the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi ®
LATICRETE Floor HEAT As the only tile and stone installation manufacturer of both setting materials and electric radiant floor warming, LATICRETE offers the most comprehensive floor warming program in the industry. Projects can be laid out in minutes online and custom drawings are available within 24 hours. LATICRETE Floor HEAT mats are enhanced by a self-adhesive mesh, tape and wire system providing fast and easy installations. ®
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1.800.243.4788
Room installation in no time at all!
Photo credit: © iStockphoto.com/Roger Lecuyer
THE ARCHITECT/SPECIFIER
5 tips for selecting an architect Leading the team requires exceptional communications skills.
If your architect doesn’t prepare specs, you’ll likely be asked many questions during construction and end up with change orders — and more expense.
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12 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
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The FUEL SMART HydroStat now with Boiler Reset. ��� Temperature Limit Universal Aquastat* replacement
��� Low Water Cut-Off Protects boilers from damaging low water conditions
��� Boiler Reset Saves fuel by lowering the boiler temperature without sacrificing comfort.
The new Fuel Smart HydroStat’s Thermal Targeting™ technology provides boiler reset without requiring an outdoor sensor. Its universal mounting and industry standard wiring allows for easy, fuelsaving upgrades on boilers equipped with standard Aquastats®.
MODEL 3200 for gas-fired boilers MODEL 3250 for oil-fired boilers
For more information, go to
www.hydrolevel.com
NEW HAVEN, CT Circle 258
Patents Pending
*Aquastat is a registered trademark of Honeywell International, Inc.
THE HOMEOWNER
Be a part of the design and technical discussions of your heating system. f you have reasonable, educated expectations about \RXUUDGLDQWIORRUKHDWLQJV\VWHPħDQGWKH IORRULQJLQVWDOOHGRYHULWħ\RX¶OOHQMR\DZRQGHUIXO heating system and beautiful floors. 1./HDUQKRZDUDGLDQWIORRUKHDWLQJV\VWHP ZRUNV8QGHUVWDQGKRZIORRULQJDIIHFWVKHDW WUDQVIHUDQGOHDUQDERXWWKHIHZOLPLWDWLRQVLQFKRRVLQJ f looring for radiant heat. You can find much of that information in this guide. 2. Involve your entire team early in the process to arrive at the best solutions for flooring and heat. Realize that radiant heating systems can affect both the height of flooring DVVHPEOLHVDQGSURMHFWVHTXHQFLQJVRWKLVQHHGVWREH coordinated as early as possible. 3. 5HVHDUFKWKHTXDOLILFDWLRQVRIWKHUDGLDQWDQGIORRULQJ contractors, and encourage good communication among the ZKROHWHDP 4. *HWDQDFFXUDWHKHDWORVVDQGUDGLDQWSURMHFWGHVLJQ GRQHE\RQHRUPRUHUDGLDQWSURIHVVLRQDOV5HTXHVWWKDWLW LQFOXGHWKH5ĥYDOXHOLPLWDWLRQVRI\RXUGHVLJQ¶VVSHFLILFIORRU FRYHULQJV/RRNIRUIORRULQJSURGXFWVWKDWILWZLWKLQWKHVH parameters and are suited to radiant floor heating. 5.+DYHWKHIORRULQJLQVWDOOHUFKHFNZLWKIORRULQJPDQXĥ facturers and trade associations for their recommendations over radiant heat. Avoid using flooring that the manufacturer GRHVQ¶WUHFRPPHQGRYHUUDGLDQWKHDW 6.$VWKHSURMHFWSURJUHVVHVSD\DWWHQWLRQWRVHTXHQFLQJ DQGDQ\FRQVWUXFWLRQGHWDLOVXQLTXHWRDUDGLDQWKHDWLQJ system. 7. If your radiant system is being installed in cement or J\SVXPFHPHQWPDNHVXUHWKHV\VWHPKDVUXQORQJHQRXJK to drive out all the moisture before you install your flooring goods. This eliminates the single biggest possible source of trouble for your flooring: moisture. 8.5HDOL]HWKDWDTXDOLW\FRQWUROV\VWHPZLOODFFXUDWHO\ FRQWUROURRPDQGIORRUWHPSHUDWXUHDVZHOODVJXLGH\RXU floor through gradual temperature changes.
Photo credit: Laufen.
8 tips for design success
I
14 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
As a consumer, you need to advocate for radiant to ensure you get the best system possible for your family’s comfort.
q&a What’s the difference between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ radiant heating systems? $ ZHW V\VWHP LV HPEHGGHG LQ SRXUHG FRQFUHWH or gypsum. Moisture is then cured out of the slab. A dry system is one that is either hung EHORZ WKH IORRULQJ RU WXEHG WKURXJK D SUHĥ FKDQQHOHG PRGXODU ERDUG ħ QHLWKHU RI ZKLFK involves moisture or curing.
Simple... Efficient... Versatile...
Ver sa Therm
™
snap-fit floor system
This VersaTherm™ Snap-Fit Hydronic Floor... ...was finished in four hours by only two installers. ...uses 1/2" tube for longer more efficient circuits. ...is only 3/4" thick with 1/2" of insulation built in. ...is constructed of water resistant high impact materials.
Find out more at our Website:
www.legendhydronics.com/versatherm Scan with your smart phone to learn more. Download the App from your phone’s App store.
Tel:1-866-752-2055 Fax:1-866-752-2054 © Copyright Legend Valve & Fitting, Inc., 2011
Photo credit: © iStockphoto.com/Bart Coenders
BUILDER/GENERAL CONTRACTOR
If clients have a good understanding of radiant heating, it allows them to have reasonable expectations and be happy with their heating system.
w
hether you’re starting a remodeling project, adding an addition to your house or building a new house, the builder or general contractor is a crucial part of the team. His attitude plays a major role in the ease and sucĥ cess of your radiant heating project. Here are a few tips in finding the perĥ fect builder for your home. 1. Check in the real estate section of your local paper to find out which builders are more active in the area, what types of homes they build, and what the prices of the homes are. Also check with local home builders’ associations. Does the builder/genĥ eral contractor specialize in bath and NLWFKHQUHPRGHOVHQHUJ\ĥHIILFLHQF\ XSJUDGHVRUZKROHĥKRXVHFRQVWUXFWLRQ" You also want to know how long the company has been around, if it has the correct licenses and the appropriate insurance. 2. When you have a list of prosĥ
16 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
5 tips for finding the perfect builder The right attitude plays a major role in the success of your radiant project.
pects, ask each builder or general conĥ tractor for the addresses of homes he’s recently built. Talk to the homeowners about the building process, what they liked or didn’t like about it or the builder. Look at the workmanship in each home. Ask for a detailed, written estimate from at least three builders. 3. Ask each builder if radiant heatĥ ing has been installed in any of the homes he has built. Has he worked ZLWKORFDOUDGLDQWFRQWUDFWRUV",VKH willing to be part of your radiant WHDP" 4. You can find out the financial stability of the builder with an online background check. Visit the county courthouse and see if the firm has any pending lawsuits or past actions against it. 5. Once you’ve settled on a builder, make sure the contract contains a start date, expected completion date, timeline of work to completed, scope of work, list of materials and supplies, and costs.
Tips for the builder/ general contractor 1. The builder or general contractor has the most responsibility for the construction of a home, so it’s essential you do your homework. With radiant floor heating systems, that requires coordination of trades, job sequencing, paying attention to floor thickness, understanding difĥ ferent radiant installation methods, understanding the affect on different flooring products of the heating system, as well as how radiant heat affects the chosen floors. 2. ,IFOLHQWVKDYHDJRRGXQGHUVWDQGLQJ of radiant heating, it allows them to have reasonable expectations and be happy with the heating system. Become an advocate of radiant heating and teach your clients what they need WRNQRZDERXWWKLVHQHUJ\ĥHIILFLHQW heating method.
Hydronic heat hat trick. Say that five times fast.
PRESTIGE SOLO
PRESTIGE EXCELLENCE
PRESTIGE CASCADE
If the goal is cool savings and consistent warmth, Prestige wall mounted gas boilers are the solution. Team up with the residential Solo Series for year-round radiant heat. Or, choose the Prestige Excellence, which beyond warming your customer’s homes also provides 180 gph of domestic hot water. For commercial applications, nothing beats the powerful flexibility of the Prestige Cascade Series and its factory-made prefabricated boiler manifolds—capable of capacities from 800,000 Btu/hr to 2 million Btu/hr. Of course no matter which system you recommend to your customers, one thing’s for sure: they’ll enjoy the same quiet and 95% energy efficient performance with all three. For more information, visit www.triangletube.com * Image shown with Plexiglas® front is for display purposes only. CIRCLE NO. 6
5 tips to selecting a radiant contractor
Photo credit: REHAU Construction
THE RADIANT CONTRACTOR
Choose a contractor who has experience and proper training to install radiant floor-heating systems. Check with the RPA for certified members in your area.
The wrong contractor can cost you time, money and peace of mind. he hardest part about using radiant floor heating in your home may be finding a qualified installer. You may be fortunate enough to live in an area where radiant heating is popular. For others, you may encounter objections to using radiant floor heat from those in the building industry. Objections to the unknown are normal. However, workĥ ing with professionals or trades people who are unfamiliar with radiant heating systems can result in inflated costs and potentially poor installation. Try these tips to select the right contractor for your radiĥ ant heating project: 1. Choose an installer who has the experience or proper training; avoid those who appear to be winging it when discussing radiant heating systems with you. Check with the Radiant Professionals Alliance for a list of experienced members. In addition, contact a few manufacturers and have them send you their literature as well as the names of installers or dealers in your area. 2. Ask the radiant contractor whether he warranties his work and for how long. 3. Be sure to talk over the different radiant floor heatĥ ing options with your radiant contractor, including perforĥ mance and energy savings. There are a diversity of systems in hydronic and electric floor heating. Flooring installation PHWKRGVIORRUWKLFNQHVVDQGIORRULQJ5ĥYDOXHVDOOYDU\E\ system type. 4. All the work to be performed in your home should be detailed in writing by your radiant heating contractor. The written contract should include the quantity and quality
t
18 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
of materials to be used, the work schedule that has been previously agreed upon and your final cost for the work described. 5. Since licensing laws are unique to each state, you will want to check your local state for information regarding proper licenses and insurance requirements. Make sure your contract clearly states the parameters regarding work permits and contract cancellations. Tips for radiant contractors Here are some tips to help make homeowners comfortĥ able with you and your business. 1. Certification by the RPA sends a message to consumĥ HUVħDQG\RXUFRPSHWLWRUVħWKDW\RXDUHDVWHSDERYHWKH average heating contractor. Certification not only improves and ensures high performance standards in the industry, it also adds credibility and recognition to qualified techniĥ cians. 2. Be prepared to do more than warm floors. Modern residential heating systems are being matched with various cooling systems, humidity control and renewable energy to SURYLGHZKROHĥKRXVHFRPIRUWIRUUHVLGHQWV7UDLQLQJDQG certification in green technologies will help you stand out among your peers. 3. Make sure the homeowner has a realistic understandĥ ing of his heating system’s performance and energy efficienĥ cy. Models can provide great system parameters, but how people actually use their heating systems is the determining factor on whether those systems are energy efficient.
THE FLOORING CONTRACTOR
Photo credit: ©iStockphoto.com/ferrantraite.
6 tips on hiring a flooring contractor
Once you've selected your flooring, the installer should check with the manufacturer to ensure the material is recommended for installation over radiant heat.
What you need to know to get the right installer for the job.
20 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
y
our radiant floor heating system is a major investĥ ment in your home; you want to make sure it is installed correctly, as well as the flooring you choose to go over it. Here are a few tips to make sure you select the right flooring contractor for your needs: 1. Learn about the differences in material costs for various flooring products if you are having new floors installed, and decide which type of flooring you want to use. Flooring types that can be used over radiant heat sysĥ tems are described in the back of this JXLGHĪSDJHVĥ ī 2. Ask friends and relatives for recĥ ommendations to help find a flooring contractor, or check with the Radiant Professionals Alliance. When calling the contractor, ask if he has experience with installing flooring over radiant heating systems. 3. Have contractors come to your home to measure and give estimates. Get several quotes. If you are looking for a contractor to do specialty work, such as parquet or inlays, ask to see pictures of past jobs. Also ask for referĥ HQFHVħDQGFKHFNWKHP 4. Once you’ve selected your flooring contractor, execute a contract specifyĥ ing the work to be done, price, payment schedule, start date and estimated comĥ pletion date. Try to pay the minimum possible deposit, and arrange a payment schedule that matches the completion of work and delivery of materials to the site. Also, make arrangements with the installer to cover damage to painted trim or other items that may be damĥ aged when adding a floor.
5. Discuss the finishing/coating options with the contractor. Do you have children or pets who make greater SURWHFWLRQDPXVWVXFKDVXVLQJORZĥ VOC adhesives or varnish? 6. Have the flooring installer check with flooring manufacturers and trade associations for their recommendaĥ tions for installing over radiant heat. Avoid using flooring that the manufacĥ turer doesn’t recommend over radiant heat. You also can check the flooring/ subflooring/equipment guide on pages ĥ Tips for flooring contractors Here are some tips on installing floors over radiant heating systems. 1. When installing wood floors, keep in mind the moisture levels of the wood, the heat output of the radiant system and the heating control strategy. Radiant heat can be drying, so make sure the moisture content of the wood LVEHWZHHQİDQGİ 2. Wood flooring installed over slabs VKRXOGEH³IORDWHG´ħDWWDFKHGWRWZR layers of plywood that float indepenĥ dently. The flooring can expand and contract separately from the thermal mass of the slab. 3. Crack isolation membranes under tile flooring are not necessary. The best crack preventative measure is to check with the radiant contractor to make sure the control system changes the floor temperature gradually. However, they are recommended under marble or stone floors. 4. Laminate flooring should be installed two weeks after the radiant heating system is turned on.
Insulating for radiant A wellinsulated home allows for more system and floor-covering options.
i
nsulation figures into radiant system design
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in three distinct areas: in the structure
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itself, between floors in multilevel homes,
ers may have other requirements.
and in the foundation.
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Between floors, traditional fiberglass batt insuĥ
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PD\EHXVHG)RLOSURGXFWVRIWHQUHIHUUHGWR
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as “reflective insulation,” slow heat transfer in
V\VWHP¶VSHUIRUPDQFHDQGFRQWURO,QYHVWPHQWLQ
two ways: by reflecting the radiant energy back
quality insulation makes great sense.
to the heated surface, and by emitting lower
DPRXQWVRIKHDWWRWKHVSDFHEHORZ
%HWZHHQĥIORRULQVXODWLRQLQDUDGLDQWIORRU
heating system makes the system much easier to
control and assures the heat travels where you
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insulating floors, higher levels of insulation are recĥ
VWUHQJWKV)RUWKHFRUUHFWW\SHDQGVWUHQJWK
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jobsite in rolls instead of sheets are finding some
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SRSXODULW\GXHWRWKHLUHDVHRILQVWDOODWLRQXQGHU
moist, conductive soil beneath. Less stringent
VODEV7KHVHSURGXFWVDUHRIWHQDFRPSRVLWHRI
RSWLRQVLQFOXGHLQVXODWLQJHLWKHULQRUGRZQWKH
reflective material, bubble sheets and/or flexible
VLGHVLQSHULPHWHUDUHDV
IRDP.HHSLQPLQGWKDWUHIOHFWLYHLQVXODWLRQ
The Radiant Professionals Alliance has GHYHORSHGPLQLPXPJXLGHOLQHVIRULQVXODWLRQ
)OH[LEOHLQVXODWLRQSURGXFWVWKDWDUULYHDWWKH
PXVWKDYHVLJQLILFDQWDLUVSDFHWREHHIIHFWLYH 7KHDLUVSDFHFUHDWHGE\WKHSODVWLFEXEEOHVKHHW is not sufficient enough to make the reflective mateĥ rial effective when installed beneath a concrete slab. Any LQVXODWLQJYDOXHFRPHVSULĥ PDULO\IURPWKHHQWUDSSHG air of the bubble itself or the flexible foam. While these SURGXFWVFDQEHXVHGXQGHU slabs, be aware of the actual LQVXODWLQJSURSHUWLHVDQG install them accordingly. RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 21
Photo credit: Watts Radiant.
Hydronic systems Hydronic radiant heating can be designed as part of an integrated system — domestic hot water, pool/spa, hot water baseboards and radiators.
t
he quality of heat inherent
Placing tubing anywhere a slab is
in radiant floor heating has
DOUHDG\EHLQJSRXUHGLVFRVWĥHIIHFWLYH
been extolled on nearly every
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page of this guide. And the
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tremendous recent growth
VTXDUHIRRWIRUFRQFUHWHDQGIRU
of hydronic radiant floor heating
gypsum cement. Few framing changes
has inspired many innovative ways
are usually required by this weight,
They’re comfortable,
of installing tubing. Our Gallery of
though it needs to be considered.
6\VWHPVRQSDJHVĥLOOXVWUDWHVDQG
8VXDOO\DQDGGLWLRQDOERWWRPSODWH
versatile and easy
describes a number of them.
is added to the wall framing to accomĥ
to control.
ing, warm water is pumped through
With hydronic radiant floor heatĥ
PRGDWHWKHWKLFNQHVVRIWKHWKLQVODE. Several companies have developed
tubing, which transfers the heat
proprietary modular screed products
through the flooring.
designed for both attaching the tubing
Hydronic heating has great verĥ satility. It can use almost any fuel or
and allowing for placement of the conĥ crete or gypsum cement.
heat source: natural gas, propane, elecĥ tricity, oil, solar or geothermal heat
Modular boards,
pumps can all be used to heat water.
sandwich methods
Also, it can be designed as part
Many other installation methods,
of an integrated system that provides
ZLWKRXWDWKHUPDOPDVVZRUNZHOO
domestic hot water, heats a pool
also. There’s a range of modular board
or spa, or includes other forms of
systems which attach onto a subfloor
hydronic heat such as hot water baseĥ
and provide a channel for the instalĥ
boards and radiators.
lation of tubing. Most of these are designed with some form of metal or
In slab & thin slab
plates to enhance and disperse the
Tubing may be embedded in a conĥ
heat. A proprietary engineered subĥ
crete slab, or attached to the top
IORRUV\VWHPXVHVDQH[WUDĥWKLFNVXEĥ
of a subfloor, with a thin slab of
floor with a metal plate and grooves
gypsum cement or concrete poured
for the tubing.
over it. A large proportion of radiant
Tubing may also be installed in
floor heating is installed this way,
DVDQGZLFKEHWZHHQWKHVXEIORRU
since concrete and gypsum cement
and additional flooring layers, with
are dense and conductive and act
or without aluminum heat dispersion
as an ideal medium for distributing
plates. In this method, wood sleepers
even heat.
DUHLQVWDOOHGXVXDOO\WKLFNRQWKH subfloor to provide for the placement
22 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
of tubing and the attachment of
can control not only the water temperĥ
subsequent flooring layers.
ature, but the volume of flow, duration
to allow intermittent water flow. Maximum limits of desirable floor
of pulses of flow, or a combination of
temperatures are set to protect the
mal mass than slab systems, and some
all three. Most systems combine all
flooring and maximize homeowners’
allow for more rapid temperature
three strategies.
comfort. If exceeding those temperaĥ
These systems all contain less therĥ
Water temperature is usually conĥ
responsiveness.
trolled by either mechanical mixing
tures is a possibility, a floor sensor is often added. In a stable, modest climate, the
Beneath subfloor
YDOYHVPLFURSURFHVVRUĥFRQWUROOHG
Tubing may be installed from below a
PL[LQJYDOYHVRUPLFURSURFHVVRUĥ
simplest hydronic control system
subfloor with or without metal plates.
FRQWUROOHGYDULDEOHĥVSHHGSXPSVWKDW
PLJKWFRQVLVWRIDWHPSHUDWXUHĥOLPĥ
However, since the heat must travel
inject just the right mix of hot water
iting mixing device set to the lowest
through more flooring layers with
into the heating loops.
possible temperature, with the addiĥ
this method, heat output is more limĥ
Less common is a system that soleĥ
tion of a thermostat to control flow to the system.
LWHG0RGHVW5ĥYDOXHIORRUFRYHULQJV
ly controls the flow rate. It can involve
become more critical. Still, this methĥ
mechanical capillary controls or
od is widely and successfully utilized
YDOYHVZLWKPLFURSURFHVVRUĥFRQWUROOHG
predictive technology, such as outdoor
and is particularly useful in retrofit
motors. Controlling the duration of
temperature sensors. These adjust
applications.
pulses of the flow of warm water to
water temperatures according to anticĥ
the heating loops is a simple process,
LSDWHGKHDWORVV1HZHUGXDOĥVHQVLQJ
Control strategies
usually involving a thermostat that
thermostats monitor both room and
:LWKZDUPĥZDWHUKHDWLQJV\VWHPV\RX
controls a valve that opens and closes
floor temperatures.
More sophisticated systems add
Comfort by the foot. Whether hardwood, tile, vinyl, stained concrete or carpeting, we can make it comfortable. Watts Radiant is the only company offering numerous hydronic and electric radiant and snow melt solutions. Our range of composite tubings and application-specific electric heating products tackle under-floor, over-floor and in-slab applications with efficiency and ease. To see proof, visit our case study page at www.wattsradiant.com/casestudies.
800-276-2419 wattsradiant.com
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 23
Photo credit: Nuheat.
Electric radiant cable products can often be installed in a thermal mass of concrete, much like hydronic tubing.
Many can be customized for a particular room or project.
e
Electric systems
lectric radiant floor
fits is its method of installation.
heating sytems
Many electric systems can be
have seen treĥ
installed in a very thin thermal
mendous growth
mass or mortar layer on top of a
in residential applications, due
subfloor, with a minimal increase
in part to the varied, innovative
in finished floor height, a major
products introduced that cater to
advantage. Flooring dealers are
many needs. Electric radiant can
beginning to sell electric radiant
be used as a primary source of
products as a companion to floorĥ
heating or simply to take the chill
ing, particularly to their tile cusĥ
off some of the cooler flooring
tomers, since many systems can
products people like, such as tile.
be sold in quantities customized
In floor warming applications,
to a particular room or project.
just enough heat is supplied to the floor to combat the chill and
Diversity of systems
make the material feel warm. This
You’ll find great variety in electric
is attractive in all climate areas
radiant systems. Some electric
because wherever you live, it feels
radiant systems are intended
good to wake up to a warm floor.
only for floor warming, and only under specific flooring materials.
Retrofits & remodels
Others are designed to be used as
Electric systems can also be
primary heating systems. Some of
FRVWĥHIIHFWLYHO\LQVWDOOHGLQVPDOO
these systems are designed solely
SURMHFWVRQDURRPĥE\ĥURRP
for use under tile, but there are
basis. This is particularly useful in
many that can support a range of
remodeling projects, where a few
floor coverings.
rooms are being added to a home.
Discuss the diversity of
Another plus for using electric
electric products with your
radiant in remodels and retroĥ 24
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
radiant professional, and check
with individual manufacturers for
the cable. But note: Topping your cable
specific installation requirements and
system with boxes, bean bag chairs
floor covering limitations. Electric systems are available in
layer of concrete or mortar. This allows for installation of a wider range of flooring products.
RUKLJK5ĥYDOXHIORRUFRYHULQJVLVQRW
many configurations, both in low
advised, since those covered areas
Control strategies
and high voltage. They’re available as
won’t allow the heat of the cables to
cable, as thin cable in preformed mats
dissipate and the cables may become
WUROOHGZLWKGXDOĥVHQVLQJWKHUPRVWDWV
or in mesh, elements embedded in
too warm. This type of system is
that include an air sensor and a floor
SODVWLFILOPRUDVVHOIĥUHJXODWLQJPDWV
mostly used under tile.
temperature sensor.
DQGFDEOHVĪVHHSDJHī
systems are available in thin mats
with different floor coverings is posĥ
formulated so that as the temperature
and films that can be installed under
sible and practical with electric radiĥ
of the mat or cable increases, the
almost any floor covering, as can
ant systems because of the precise
resistance goes up, which limits the
several systems installed from below
temperature control. This is a big
heating output to a fixed temperaĥ
the subfloor. Cable products can
selling point for exotic wood flooring
ture. Fixed output cable systems in
often be installed in a thermal mass
VXSSOLHUVħSURSHUPRLVWXUHLQWKH
a thin mortar layer put out a
RIFRQFUHWHħPXFKOLNHK\GURQLF
IORRULQJSUHYHQWVZDUSLQJRUEXFNOLQJ
uniform heat extending the length of
WXELQJħDQGFRYHUHGZLWKDWKLFNHU
of wood floors.
Plainsawn 30 years in production
Quartersawn 15 years in production
Solid Plainsawn 3/8" presanded, ready to finish. Available in 2¼", 3", 4" or 5" widths.
Solid Wide Plank Quartersawn 3/8" packaged 12' & shorter. Mixed widths 4"- 8", comes with pattern. Also available in clear or color variation with some knots.
6HOIĥUHJXODWLQJSURGXFWVDUH
/RZYROWDJHDQGVHOIĥUHJXODWLQJ
0RVWHOHFWULFV\VWHPVDUHFRQĥ
Having zones in different areas
Three Quarter Tongue and Groove dimensionally stable available up to 11½" wide.
Narrow Quartersawn 3/8" packaged 8' & shorter. Available in clear or color variation with some knots. Available in your choice of 2¼" , 3", 4", 5" widths. Test Lab
We are leading the industry in testing our wood floors for Radiant Heat applications.
Contact us today for more information: 384 S. Every Rd. • Mason Michigan 48854 Toll-Free: 888-339-4639 • Local: 517-676-1133 Fax: 517-676-6379 • www.launstein.com
Wide Plank Quartersawn, 3-ply Floating Floor 9/16", 4"- 7" wide, 12' & shorter. Custom handscraped available.
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 25
Photo credit: Watts Radiant and John Herr Photography.
Eco-friendly homes also score highest in health and comfort.
Going ‘green’ with radiant floor heat
m
ost consumers with radiant heat become loyal fans that embrace its comfort and efficiency like they would a home town sports team. Many of them also become captivated with radiant’s “green” qualities that parlay a KHDOWK\DQGFRVWĥHIIHFWLYHLQGRRUHQYLURQPHQWLQWRODUJHU ecological concerns. Properly designed and installed radiant systems improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The impact is mulĥ tiplied when radiant gets combined with renewable energy technologies such as solar and geothermal systems to produce warm water. Indoor air quality 5DGLDQWKHDWLQJĪRUFRROLQJīRIIHUVDKHDOWKLHUDOWHUQDĥ 26 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
With the implementation of a combination geothermal/radiant heating system, the homeowners of this custom-built home are saving money on utility bills vs. a typical HVAC system.
tive to conventional heating and cooling systems because no air passes through dusty or dirty ducts to be blown about a room. This benefit may be especially important for those with allergies, asthma and other sensitivities. 7KLVGXVWĥIUHHRSWLRQPLQLPL]HVWKHFLUFXODWLRQRISHW dander and other irritating particulates through the air. And WKHUHDUHQRGXVWĥFORJJHGILOWHUVLQODUJHGXFWVWKDWQHHGWR be replaced to maintain a healthy system. Radiantly heated homes generally include an efficient system to exchange a modest amount of air in a healthy and controlled way. Energy efficiency Radiant panels or tubing direct heat to the interior of buildings and significantly reduce excessive temperatures on outside walls and ceilings. In other words, heat gets directed toward warming up human bodies rather than wasted.
JURXSVWKDWSURYLGHVWKLUGĥSDUW\WHVWĥ ing, rating and certification of solar FROOHFWRUVDQGVRODUGRPHVWLFZDWHUĥ heating systems. In many cases, meetĥ ing these standards serves as the basis for qualifying installations for federal and state tax credits, as well as for other organizations offering finanĥ cial incentives for solar installations. There’s also a movement to certify installers of solar thermal systems via the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners ĪZZZQDEFHSRUJī While the solar market collapsed in the United States, other countries still had to contend with high energy prices. As a result, progress in product improvements didn’t collapse. The efficiency of today’s solar heating collectors is typically at least five times that of photovoltaic modules. Geothermal technology taps another form of renewable energy that harvests the consistent earth WHPSHUDWXUHIRXQGĥSOXVIHHWGHHS in most areas of North America and DVOLWWOHDVIHHWGHHSLQKDOIRIWKH United States. Geothermal heating systems extract this energy by pumping
Renewable energy sources Solar and geothermal systems are the most practical ways to generate the warm water needed for radiant heating using renewable energy sources. Solar thermal has made a comeĥ back after all but disappearing since Congress removed solar tax credits in WKHODWH V5LVLQJIRVVLOIXHOSULFHV combined with new tax credits have dramatically reduced payback periods for these systems. Reliability has also gotten a boost from IAPMO R & T ĪZZZ,$30257RUJīDQGWKH6RODU Rating and Certification Corp. ĪZZZVRODUĥUDWLQJRUJīQRQSURILW
water or other fluid through a piping ORRSĪW\SLFDOO\YHUWLFDORUKRUL]RQWDOī buried underground, which absorbs the earth's heat energy. Note that piping loop also can be placed in a pond or lake on the propĥ erty if it meets minimum volume, depth and quality criteria. Your system installer should evaluate the geological, hydrological and spacial characteristics of your property to determine the best type of ground loop for the site. Geothermal will use one unit of electricity and provide up to three units of heat. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pumps can reduce HQHUJ\FRQVXPSWLRQħDQGFRUUHĥ VSRQGLQJHPLVVLRQVħXSWRİFRPĥ SDUHGWRDLUĥVRXUFHKHDWSXPSVDQGXS WRİFRPSDUHGWRHOHFWULFUHVLVWDQFH KHDWLQJZLWKVWDQGDUGDLUĥFRQGLWLRQLQJ equipment. They also improve humidity control E\PDLQWDLQLQJDERXWİUHODWLYH indoor humidity. Geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexĥ ibility and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations.
Photo credit: Lou Lifrieri.
Surrounded by warm surfaces, occuĥ pants are usually comfortable at lower thermostat set points, and radiant heat can be efficiently zoned. When thinking green, look for IXHOĥHIILFLHQWKHDWVRXUFHVFHUWLILHG by the U.S. Environmental Protection $JHQF\¶V(QHUJ\6WDUSURJUDPĪZZZ HQHUJ\VWDUJRYī$FFRUGLQJWRWKH EPA, a typical household spends more WKDQIJSHU\HDURQHQHUJ\ELOOV Replacing old heating and cooling HTXLSPHQWZLWK(QHUJ\6WDUĥUDWHG equipment can cut homeowners’ DQQXDOHQHUJ\ELOOVE\IJGHSHQGLQJ upon where they live. ,Q1RYHPEHUWKH86 Department of Energy announced the Home Energy Score pilot program. Homeowners receive a report with a KRPHHQHUJ\VFRUHEHWZHHQDQG DVFRUHRI³´UHSUHVHQWVDKRPHZLWK excellent energy performance, while a KRPHZLWKDVFRUHRI³´ZRXOGEHQĥ efit from major energy upgrades. Visit www.HomeEnergyScore.gov to learn more about the program.
This log cabin home in the Pocono Mountains features a radiant heating system that operates off solar energy.
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 27
Green building programs 6RĥFDOOHGJUHHQEXLOGLQJLQFRUSRUDWHV HQYLURQPHQWDOFRQVLGHUDWLRQVħKRZ EXLOGLQJVLWHVXVHHQHUJ\ZDWHUDQG PDWHULDOVWRUHGXFHWKHLPSDFWRQ KXPDQKHDOWKDQGWKHHQYLURQPHQWħ LQWRHYHU\SKDVHRIWKHKRPHĥEXLOGLQJ SURFHVVLQFOXGLQJGHVLJQFRQVWUXFWLRQ DQGRSHUDWLRQ 6HYHUDOSURJUDPVKDYHHYROYHG WRSURPRWHJUHHQEXLOGLQJ7ZRRI WKHPRVWSURPLQHQWSURJUDPVDUH /(('Ī/HDGHUVKLSLQ(QHUJ\DQG (QYLURQPHQWDO'HVLJQīGHYHORSHGE\ WKH86*UHHQ%XLOGLQJ&RXQFLOĪZZZ XVJEFRUJīDQGWKH1DWLRQDO$VVRFLDWLRQ RI+RPH%XLOGHUV*UHHQ%XLOGLQJ 3URJUDPĪZZZQDKEJUHHQRUJī,QDGGLĥ WLRQWKH86(QYLURQPHQWDO3URWHFWLRQ $JHQF\KDVLQWURGXFHGDQHZ(QHUJ\ 6WDUSURJUDPIRUKRPHV 7KH5DGLDQW3URIHVVLRQDOV$OOLDQFH
ZRUNHGDFWLYHO\ZLWKWKH1$+% LQGHYHORSLQJLWV*UHHQ%XLOGLQJ *XLGHOLQHVZKLFKDGGUHVVKRPH FRQVWUXFWLRQ7KH1$+%JXLGHOLQHV DZDUGSRLQWVWRZDUGD*UHHQ%XLOGLQJ GHVLJQDWLRQRQDQXPEHURISULQFLSOHV LQFOXGLQJPDWHULDOVDQG+9$&GHVLJQ HTXLSPHQWDQGLQVWDOODWLRQ7KH53$ *XLGHOLQHVIRUWKH,QVWDOODWLRQRI 5DGLDQW3DQHO+HDWLQJDQG6QRZ,FH 6\VWHPVLVLQFOXGHGDVDUHFRJQL]HG GHVLJQUHIHUHQFHIRUDZDUGLQJJUHHQ EXLOGLQJSRLQWV $GGLWLRQDOO\SRLQWVZLOOEHDZDUGHG IRUXVLQJDQ53$ĥFHUWLILHGWHFKQLFLDQ 6SHFLILFDOO\IRUWKHUDGLDQWKHDWLQJ FRPSRQHQWWKHJXLGHLQVWUXFWVWKH EXLOGHUWR³DVN\RXU+9$&FRQWUDFĥ WRUWRXVHWKH5DGLDQW3URIHVVLRQDOV $OOLDQFHGHVLJQJXLGHOLQHVLQGHVLJQLQJ DK\GURQLFV\VWHP7KHUHDUHWUDLQLQJ
DQGFHUWLILFDWLRQSURJUDPVWKURXJKWKH 5DGLDQW3URIHVVLRQDOV$OOLDQFHWKDW\RXU +9$&FRQWUDFWRUPD\KDYHWDNHQDQG KHPD\EHZHOOĥTXDOLILHGWRFRPSOHWH WKHGHVLJQ´ 7KH/(('*UHHQ%XLOGLQJ5DWLQJ 6\VWHPLVDYROXQWDU\FRQVHQVXVĥEDVHG QDWLRQDOVWDQGDUGDLPHGDWGHYHORSLQJ KLJKĥSHUIRUPDQFHVXVWDLQDEOHEXLOGĥ LQJV7KH86*%&¶V/(('IRU+RPHV 5DWLQJ6\VWHPEXLOGVRQWKHH[LVWLQJ UDWLQJV\VWHPIRUFRPPHUFLDOEXLOGLQJV DQGDGGUHVVHVWKHXQLTXHQHHGVRIWKH KRPHEXLOGLQJPDUNHW $SURSHUO\GHVLJQHGDQGLQVWDOOHG UDGLDQWKHDWLQJV\VWHPPD\FRQWULEXWH WRHDUQLQJ/(('SRLQWV,QDGGLWLRQWR VFRULQJDSURMHFWHQHUJ\RSWLPL]DWLRQ FUHGLWVUDGLDQWV\VWHPVXVHGLQFRQĥ MXQFWLRQZLWKFRPSOHPHQWDU\IORRULQJ RSWLRQVDQGRWKHUHIILFLHQWPHFKDQLFDO
The Convenience of Combined Space and Water Heating The Combi2 ™ is the ultimate system for home space heating and potable hot water from a single energy-saving source. The secret lies in the double-walled, heat exchanger coil. Each Combi2 ™ model features a double-wall, carbon steel heat exchanger coil that is Vitraglas®-lined for corrosion resistance and long life.
Atmospheric Venting
Power Venting
COMBI2™ FEATURES • Double wall 11⁄2" O.D. glass coated (Vitraglas® ) steel coil heat exchanger • Up to 10 GPM flow, with less than 5 ft. of head loss • Vitraglas lining provides a tough, corrosion resistant interior surface ®
Combi2 ™ models heat the potable water in the tank. Heat from the hot water is then efficiently transferred through the heat exchanger to the fluid within the coil for use in radiant heating applications. The result is a highly effective combination system…and another great idea from Bradford White.
• Heavy gauge steel tank automatically formed, rolled and welded to assure a continuous seam for glass lining. • Integrated Mixing Device supplied with unit • Defender Safety System® on 50-gallon models
Built to be the Best
™
www.bradfordwhite.com
800.523.2931 © 2010, Bradford White Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
28 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
systems have the potential to generate points in several categories. Radiant heating could even help earn a project /((',QQRYDWLRQ&UHGLWVĪIRUH[FHSĥ WLRQDOSHUIRUPDQFHDERYHWKHUHTXLUHĥ PHQWVVHWE\WKH/(('V\VWHPī (QHUJ\6WDUĥTXDOLILHGKRPHVDUH LQGHSHQGHQWO\YHULILHGWRPHHWVWULFW JXLGHOLQHVIRUHQHUJ\HIILFLHQF\VHWE\ WKH(3$7KHVHKRPHVDUHDWOHDVWİ PRUHHQHUJ\ĥHIILFLHQWWKDQKRPHVEXLOW to the 2004 International Residential Code and include additional energy saving IHDWXUHVWKDWW\SLFDOO\PDNHWKHPİĦ İPRUHHIILFLHQWWKDQVWDQGDUGKRPHV These homes can include a variety RIHQHUJ\ĥHIILFLHQWIHDWXUHVWKDWFRQĥ WULEXWHWRLPSURYHGKRPHTXDOLW\DQG KRPHRZQHUFRPIRUWDVZHOODVORZHU energy demand and reduce air pollution. 7\SLFDOIHDWXUHVLQFOXGH īDQHIILFLHQW
KRPHHQYHORSHLQFOXGLQJHIIHFWLYHLQVXĥ ODWLRQ īHIILFLHQWDLUGLVWULEXWLRQ DQG īHIILFLHQWHTXLSPHQWIRUVSDFHKHDWLQJ cooling and water heating. Programs also have arisen to promote green remodeling projects. NAHB’s Green Building Standard SURYLGHVJXLGDQFHIRUJUHHQUHPRGHOLQJ DQGDEDVLVIRUVFRULQJJUHHQUHPRGHOLQJ SURMHFWV$QRQOLQHVFRULQJWRROIRXQG DWZZZQDKEJUHHQRUJFDQEHXVHGWR VWUHDPOLQHWKHSURFHVVRI³JUHHQLQJ´D remodeling project. The REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines ĪZZZUHJUHHQSURJUDPRUJīZHUH released through the USGBC and the $PHULFDQ6RFLHW\RI,QWHULRU'HVLJQHU¶V Foundation. The guidelines address the PDMRUHOHPHQWVRIDQ\JUHHQUHQRYDWLRQ SURMHFW WKHVLWHRIWKHKRPH ZDWHU
HIILFLHQF\ HQHUJ\DQGDWPRVSKHUH material and resources; and indoor HQYLURQPHQWDOTXDOLW\ Green flooring )LQGLQJJUHHQIORRULQJRSWLRQVFDQEH easier via the Internet. Here are three GDWDEDVHVWRVWDUWZLWK Environmental Design + Construction’s GREEN BOOK: $GLUHFWRU\RIVXVWDLQDEOHSURGXFWV DQGUHVRXUFHVĪZZZHGFPDJFRP JUHHQERRNī Oikos Green Building Source: $VHDUFKDEOHOLVWRIJUHHQSURGXFWV RUJDQL]HGE\&6,FDWHJRULHV ĪZZZRLNRVFRPJUHHQBSURGXFWVī Green Pages: Green America SURYLGHVDVHDUFKDEOHOLVWRI HQYLURQPHQWDOO\UHVSRQVLEOHSURGXFWV DQGVHUYLFHVĪZZZJUHHQSDJHVRUJī
C L I M A T H E R M ®:
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FOR YOUR PROJECT Aquatherm’s polypropylene pipes have all the right features: Reduced thermal expansion
Timesaving fusion outlets
Non-corroding material Freeze resistance 10-year warranty
BRVBUIFSN Contact your local rep today! www.aquathermpipe.com 801.805.6657
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 29
The key to installing wood floors over radiant lies in extra care — to wood species, dimensions, moisture levels, heat requirements, installation methods and controls.
Wood warrants meticulous care
t
he inherent natural beauty of traditional wood flooring lies in its variabilĥ LW\ħLQHDFKSODQN¶VXQLTXH H[SUHVVLRQDVDSURGXFWWKDW ZDVRQFHDOLYLQJWUHH:KLOHWKLV variability is what we tend to admire DHVWKHWLFDOO\LWDOVRXQGHUOLHVWKHFKDOĥ lenges wood flooring installers must RYHUFRPH7KHVHLQFOXGH H[SDQVLRQDQGFRQWUDFWLRQRI WKHZRRGGXHWRWHPSHUDWXUH FKDQJHV WKHKXPLGLW\RIWKHZRRGDW WKHWLPHLW¶VLQVWDOOHG WKHHIIHFWVRIWKHZD\LQZKLFK WKHZRRGZDVVDZHGGULHGDQG VWRUHG WKHKXPLGLW\RIWKHMREVLWH ZKHUHLWZLOOEHLQVWDOOHG VHDVRQDODQGUHJLRQDOFOLPDWH FRQGLWLRQV DQG WKHPDWHULDOVLQWKHVXEIORRU 7KHNH\WRLQVWDOOLQJZRRGIORRUV RYHUUDGLDQWKHDWLVWRJLYHH[WUDFDUH WRZRRGVSHFLHVZRRGZLGWKDQG WKLFNQHVVPRLVWXUHOHYHOVLQVWDOĥ ODWLRQSUDFWLFHVWKHKHDWRXWSXW UHTXLUHPHQWVRI\RXUV\VWHPDQG UDGLDQWKHDWLQJFRQWURO7KHUHVXOW" 7KHUHZDUGLQJFRPELQDWLRQRIDIORRU WKDW¶VERWKEHDXWLIXODQGZDUP 7DONFDUHIXOO\WRWKHIORRULQJ LQVWDOOHUDERXWKRZ\RXFDQZRUN WRJHWKHUWRPDNHJRRGFKRLFHV
30 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
2XUILYHSHUVSHFWLYHVĪSDJHVWRī SURYLGHJRRGLQVLJKWLQWRWKHSURFHVV Dimensional stability 8VHTXDUWHUĥVDZQZRRG,W¶VVLJQLILĥ FDQWO\PRUHVWDEOHWKDQZRRGWKDWLV SODLQĥVDZQ3LFNDZRRGWKDW¶VNQRZQ IRULWVGLPHQVLRQDOVWDELOLW\$PHULFDQ FKHUU\DVKPRVWVRIWZRRGVDQGWHDN ILOOWKLVELOODQGRDNLVUHDVRQDEO\ VWDEOH%\FRQWUDVWKLFNRU\PDSOH PDGURQQHDQG$PHULFDQEHHFKDUH NQRZQWREHOHVVVWDEOH Board width :KHQXVLQJSODLQĥVDZQIORRULQJ QDUURZERDUGZLGWKVDUHSUHIHUDEOH XVXDOO\´RUOHVV6LQFHSODLQĥVDZQ ZRRGWHQGVWRPRYHIURPVLGHWRVLGH QDUURZERDUGVSURYLGHPRUHJDSVIRU H[SDQVLRQDQGFRQWUDFWLRQDFURVVD IORRU WKHUHIRUHJDSVUHVXOWLQJIURP QDWXUDOPRYHPHQWDUHPXFKOHVV QRWLFHDEOH7KHPD[LPXPUHFRPĥ PHQGHGERDUGGHSWKLV´ 7KLFNHUERDUGVDGGWRRPXFK UHVLVWDQFHWRKHDWWUDQVIHU
WKDWFDQDIIHFWWKHZRRGODWHUDVLW H[SDQGVDQGFRQWUDFWV,I\RXUVXSSOLĥ er has stored the wood in your region ZLWKQRSUREOHPVIRURQHWRWZR\HDUV VXUSULVHVWUHVVĥUHODWHGSUREOHPVDUH PXFKOHVVOLNHO\7KRXJKLWFDQEHIXQ WREHXQLTXHDYRLGSLRQHHULQJWKHXVH of a wood where there is little inforĥ PDWLRQRQLWVGLPHQVLRQDOVWDELOLW\ Moisture :RRGQDWXUDOO\H[SDQGVDQGFRQWUDFWV LQUHVSRQVHWRFKDQJHVLQPRLVWXUH
q&a Can you break the rules on board width?
Age and drying in tropical woods
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Photo credit: Armstrong International/HardwoodInfo.com.
With this in mind, avoid installing wood flooring durĥ ing stages like sheet rocking or painting, when signifiĥ cant moisture may be introduced into a structure. When radiant heat is installed in concrete, mortar EHGVRUJ\SVXPFHPHQWLWLVYHU\LPSRUWDQWWRRSHUĥ ate the heating system until these are completely dry before you install your wood flooring on top. This can take several weeks. Be patient. Operate the heating system until the humidity in the structure stabilizes to the average level expected for the area in which the wood floor will be installed. Then, allow the wood to DFFOLPDWL]HWRWKLVKXPLGLW\OHYHOE\³VWLFNLQJ´ĪXVXĥ DOO\VHYHUDOZHHNVīEHIRUHLQVWDOODWLRQ7KLVZLOOPLQLĥ mize dimensional changes due to moisture. Make sure the wood is dry, since radiant heat itself FDQEHGU\LQJ([SHULHQFHGIORRULQJLQVWDOOHUVUHFĥ RPPHQGEX\LQJZRRGIRUUDGLDQWDWDURXQGİWR İPRLVWXUHFRQWHQW7KLVILJXUHPD\FKDQJHVRPH regionally. Use a moisture meter during the construcĥ tion process, and then use the average of many readĥ ings. Remember, the average expected humidity level of a structure is an average of seasonal conditions. So
When selecting wood flooring to go over your radiant floor-heating system, look for species with dimensional stability, such as the American cherry shown here.
BarrierX5™
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4
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)NSTALL WHEREVER RADIANT HEATING IS USED 0ANELS PROVIDE AN EFlCIENT THERMAL AND SOUND BARRIER BETWEEN GROUND AND SLAB 4HEY ALLOW FOR PRECISE RADIANT TUBE LAYOUT AND LOWER LABOR COST
7 77# 2 % !4 (% 2 - # / - I NF O # 2 % !4( % 2 - # /-
New Revolution in Under Concrete Insulation
New! 1.25” Thick
1.25” Thick 4’x60’ Rolls Flexible will not break Insulates from Heat Loss Patented Self Taping Seams 100% Moisture-Proof
Call Northwestern Ohio Foam Products to find about the first product of its kind to incorporate EPS foam into a roll-out underslab insulation.
Radiant floors Snow and ice melt Sub-floor insulation Vapor Retarder Radon Retarder
800-339-4850
WWW.THEBARRIER.COM RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 31
WOOD FLOORING NWFA DOUBLE LAYER METHOD (2 layers 1/2” plywood) Wood Flooring nailed to plywood Plywood laid diagonal to first layer attached with 7/8” screws on 6” grid pattern First layer of plywood is installed on unattached 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrior
Radiant slab
Plywood and wood floor “floating” on slab
if the structure is expected to average İKXPLGLW\LQWKHZLQWHUDQGİLQ WKHVXPPHUWKHDYHUDJHZRXOGEHİ 7KLVHTXDWHVWRDERXWDİPRLVWXUH FRQWHQWLQWKHZRRG0RVWLQVWDOOHUV FRQVLGHUWKLVDYHUDJHWKHLGHDOPRLVWXUH OHYHODWZKLFKWRLQVWDOOZRRGIORRULQJ 7KHVHQXPEHUVFDQYDU\E\UHJLRQ ,IWKHIORRULQJLVEHLQJLQVWDOOHGRQ RWKHUVXEIORRULQJFRQVLGHUWKHVXEĥ IORRU¶VPRLVWXUHOHYHODQGPDWHULDO0RVW LQGXVWU\H[SHUWVUHFRPPHQGWKDWWKH PRLVWXUHFRQWHQWRIWKHIORRULQJDQG VXEIORRULQJPDWHULDOVEHZLWKLQİRI WKHH[SHFWHGDYHUDJH 0RVWLQVWDOOHUVSUHIHUSO\ZRRGIRU VXEIORRULQJVLQFHLWKDVDORQJVXFFHVVIXO KLVWRU\RIZRUNLQJZHOOEHQHDWKZRRG IORRUV2ULHQWHGVWUDQGERDUGDOVRLV EHJLQQLQJWRJDLQDFFHSWDQFHDVD VXEIORRULQJPDWHULDO
Complete System Offering for Radiant Floor Heating, Radiant Cooling and Snowmelting
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800-716-3406 mrpexsystems.com 32 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
Bamboo: star of sustainability Although bamboo is classified as a grass and not a wood, it’s become a popular alternative to traditional hardwood floors — and has demonstrated a successful track record over radiant floor heating.
Growing up to two feet daily, Moso bamboo reaches full maturity in 5.5 to 6 years, compared with the 60 years or more hardwood trees can take to mature, and can be harvested repeatedly from the same root system. Bamboo harvested and manufactured correctly can be 25% harder than oak and twice as stable as maple. Strand bamboo is even more durable; manufactured through
safe adhesive, it can be 100% harder than oak.
Once bamboo is harvested, it is cut into strips, flattened and laminated together. A process called caramelizing can give bamboo a range of colors. Bamboo can serve as the finishing veneer layer on an engineered wood floor, or the strips can be laminated on edge in either direction to make a solid bamboo board.
A wide variety of bamboo flooring is available, but the quality between brands varies significantly. It’s important to do your
Photo credit: Teragren® Synergy strand bamboo/chestnut, www.teragren.com.
a process that fuses together bamboo strands with an environmentally
Strand bamboo is more durable than oak; strands are fused together with an environmentally safe adhesive.
research before purchasing.
Surface temperature The maximum surface temperature of a wood floor should be limited to 85°F. Use a control strategy that assures this will not be exceeded and brings the floors through temperature changes gradually. Humidity control ,QFOLPDWHVZLWKODUJHKXPLGLW\YDULĥ ations, install humidity control. In vacation cottages with intermittent XVHFRQVLGHUEDFNĥVHDOLQJERDUGV before installation to make them more stable to changes in moisture in the structure. Wood floor installation When possible, use a “floating” method of installing wood floors over slabs. The National Wood Flooring $VVRFLDWLRQĪZZZQZIDRUJīGHYHORSHG
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 33
WOOD FLOORING general guidelines for installing tradiĥ tional wood floors over radiant floor heat. It is strongly recommended that these guidelines be studied prior to installation.
SINGLE LAYER METHOD (1 layer of 3/4” plywood) Wood flooring nailed to plywood 8’ x 16” strips of 3/4” plywood are kerfed to lay flat, then staggered side-by-side on an unattached 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier Radiant slab
Photo credit: Mullican Flooring/HardwoodInfo.com.
Plywood and wood floor “floating” on slab
Experienced flooring installers recommend buying wood for radiant at around 6% to 8% moisture content.
34 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
'Floating' Basically, “floating” a wood floor over radiant slabs involves attaching the IORRULQJWRRQHRUPRUHOD\HUVRISO\ĥ wood that “float” independently, unatĥ tached to the slab. This way, the wood flooring can expand and contract separately from the thermal mass of the slab. The NWFA guidelines for installĥ ing strip wood flooring over radiant call for two layers of 1/2” plywood, installed at 45° angles to each other and screwed together. The wood floorĥ ing is then nailed on top. Since the ĥLQFKWKLFNQHVVRIWKHWZROD\HUVRI SO\ZRRGDGGV5ĥWRWKHUHVLVWDQFH WRKHDWWUDQVIHUWKHUHLVDOVRDOHVVĥ resistant alternative. In this method, ´Ī5ĥīSO\ZRRGLVFXWLQWR¶[´ VWULSVODLGVLGHĥE\ĥVLGH7KHSO\ZRRG VWULSVDUHNHUIHGRQWKHERWWRPWRJHW them to lie flat. Then the strip wood flooring is nailed to the plywood. Since this system adds less resistance to heat WUDQVIHULW¶VPRUHDWWUDFWLYHLQSURMHFWV with a high heat load. Installing over a thin slab Floating can also be used over a thin slab. When a thin slab with sleepĥ ers is used, NWFA suggests either the “direct nail to sleeper” method or methods that include layers of plywood nailed to the sleepers. The GLUHFWĥQDLOPHWKRGZLWKIHZHUOD\HUV of wood, obviously offers better heat transfer. This method is particularly useful when using materials with temĥ
Floating over a thin slab directly nailed to sleeper
One layer of plywood nailed to sleeper with wood flooring nailed directly to plywood
perature limitations, such as gypsum cement. However, since the wood doesn’t “float” in this method and is closer to the thermal mass, a good control system is crucial. It allows the floors to change temperature gradually, putting less stress on your wood flooring system.
Installing from below When the radiant system is installed from below the subfloor, traditional wood flooring is attached to the top of the subfloor in the normal way. In this case, proper nail selection is essential. Otherwise the nails may penetrate through the subfloor and damage the radiant system.
Conventional installation method over system installed from below
Do you need to research flooring trends before your remodel? Visit National Flooring Trends at www.ntlfloortrends.com.
Spend less time searching for information and more time using it www.radiantandhydronics.com/ radiantflooringguide
Radiant Flooring Guide
s Search by product category or company name s Downloadable product spec sheets s Alpha company listings s Live web & email links s Product photos Scan with your smartphone to access the RFG directory
BROWSE
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http:/ / gettag.mobi
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 35
Photo credit: Laufen.
With radiant heating, traditionally cool surfaces take on a whole new level of comfort.
Tile is thin, dense and conductive. Radiant heating can be installed in tub surrounds and walls to provide extra comfort in the bath.
Warm & sensual: stone, tile and marble
r
adiant floor heating has
warmth possible with a radiant heating
transformed these elegant but
system.
formerly cool surfaces into an inviting source of warmth.
Hydronic or electric?
This heat has solved the perplexing
,QKRXVHVZLWKK\GURQLFUDGLDQWV\Vĥ
problem of how to make stone, tile
tems, there are many successful ways
and marble floors behave as beautifully
to install tile, stone and marble.
as they look. With radiant, tile has it
Electric radiant systems, too, have
all! It may be warmed in cold weather,
seen tremendous market growth in
then turned off for a cool feel in
ZDUPLQJWLOHħHYHQLQVRXWKHUQFOLĥ
warmer months.
PDWHVħVLQFHLWFDQEHLQVWDOOHGRQD
&RQVXPHUVDQGIORRULQJFRQWUDFĥ
URRPĥE\ĥURRPEDVLV0DQ\RIWKHUDGLĥ
tors are now celebrating the radiant
ant electric floor warming and heating
transformation by installing more tile
systems are designed to go directly in a
DQGVWRQHLQUDGLDQWĥKHDWHGKRPHV
mortar layer under the tile.
$GGLWLRQDOO\WKHUHDUHVRPHSURSULĥ
Naturally warm
etary systems on the market that come
Tile and radiant floor heating are a
ready with an integrated floor assemĥ
great match because tile is thin, dense
bly recommended for use with tile.
and conductive, which means it transĥ fers heat exceptionally well. The floor
Recommended
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installation tips
DQWKHDWLQJV\VWHPDUHZHOOĥVXLWHGWR
0HWKRGVIRULQVWDOOLQJWLOHVWRQHDQG
properly installed tile.
marble over radiant heat are evolving.
Imagine a dark tile floor in a VXQĥILOOHGURRPħWKDW¶VWKHOHYHORI 36 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
0DQ\PHWKRGVUHFRPPHQGWKHXVHRI a crack isolation membrane as added
crack isolation membrane
For the Ultimate Return from Your Radiant Floor Heating Investment...
Therma-Floor Delivers the Heat.
Tile installed over slab (above) and thin slab (right) with crack isolation membrane.
For pure comfort and efficiency, nothing maximizes radiant floor heating like Therma-Floor. It’s the specially formulated underlayment that... N Pours 11⁄4” to 11⁄2” thick over any brand of hydronic tube or electric heating cable N Accommodates an entire home or individual rooms
crack prevention. In many applications,
N Weighs less than 12 lbs./sq. foot, the same as a typical tile bed
this has proven to be unnecessary. As
N Provides a smooth, tough surface for easy installation of any floor covering.
with all radiant flooring, a control system
Therma-Floor delivers luxurious comfort and efficiency as it...
that changes floor temperatures gradually
N Enhances heating system responsiveness due to its thin thermal mass
is the best preventative measure. The Standard Guidelines for the Design and Installation of Residential Radiant Panel Heating Systems, pubĥ lished by the RPA, makes the following recommendations for hydronic radiant systems: “Ceramic, Quarry Tile And Marble … installed over suspended radiĥ ant floor panels shall have a crack isolaĥ tion membrane placed between the tile and the thermal mass.” This applies to tile installed over thin slabs on subfloors. Manufacturer guidelines
N Provides quieter living because of the mass it adds to the floor/ceiling system N Creates a safer home — Therma-Floor is tested and UL listed for fire resistance N Stiffens the floor, reducing floor bounce N Provides smooth transitions between floor coverings of different heights, eliminating toe-stubbing, uneven floors. Go “Green” with Therma-Floor... N GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certified N Now always a “green” building material.
NEW!
Maxxon and Mer-Krete
15 Year Warranty for Crack Isolation Maxxon® and Mer-Krete™ have teamed up to offer a 15 Year Warranty for crack isolation when using Maxxon’s underlayments and Mer-Krete’s Fracture-Guard 5000® Anti-fracture Membrane. When FractureGuard 5000 is applied over Maxxon underlayments and in accordance to Maxxon’s
and Mer-Krete’s installation instructions, a 15 year warranty for ceramic, quarry and marble tile is available. This method also meets the new TCNA Standards that specify installing a Crack Isolation Membrane over poured gypsum, when tile or stone overlays are used.
Individual manufacturers of electric radiĥ ant systems should be contacted for their installation instructions, as industry stanĥ dards for installing tile over radiant floor
For a FREE Therma-Floor guide, How to Deliver the Heat, call 1-800-356-7887, or fax 763-478-2431. www.maxxon.comÊÊUÊÊ
[email protected]
heating are continuing to evolve.
The GREENGUARD INDOOR AIR QUALITY CERTIFIED® Mark is a registered certification mark under license through the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.
The Tile Council of North $PHULFDĪZZZWLOHXVDFRPīKDV additional radiant details in its "TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation."
Another superior product from Maxxon® Corporation
Therma-Floor® is a registered trademark of Maxxon® Corporation, Hamel, MN. ©1998 Maxxon Corporation. All rights reserved.
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 37
TILE, MARBLE AND RADIANT
Electric cable installed in mortar layer under tile over cementitious backboard (no membrane).
The Marble Institute of America recommends a thicker thermal mass with a crack isolation membrane below for stone and marble.
Drawings are conceptual and illustrative in nature and are not intended for any specific installation.
The handbook now contains eight
QHVVDUHPRUHSURQHWRFUDFNLQJ
radiant details, including applications
WKDQFHUDPLFWLOHVRDVWLIIHUIORRULV
for hydronic and electric radiant
VSHFLILHG3OXVD´WKHUPDOPDVV
installations.
LVUHFRPPHQGHGWRLQVXUHWKHKHDWLV
The TCA hydronic details apply to
GLVSHUVHGPRUHHYHQO\ It also specifies that a crack isolaĥ
tubing installed in/on:
WKHFRQFUHWHVODE
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DFRQFUHWHVODELQDJ\SVXP
layer with the tubing or cable.
XQGHUOD\PHQW DQG
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XQGHUOD\PHQW
Crack isolation :KDWLVDFUDFNLVRODWLRQPHPEUDQH"
The TCA electric details apply
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PDWHULDOSODFHGEHORZWKHWLOHWKDW
on:
DOORZVWKHWLOHOD\HUWRH[SDQGDQG
DFRQFUHWHRUFXUHGPRUWDUEHG
FRQWUDFWVHSDUDWHO\IURPWKHIORRULQJ
RQDFRQFUHWHVODE
layers that contain the radiant heating.
7KLVLQGHSHQGHQWIOH[LELOLW\UHGXFHV
DFRQFUHWHVODELQDVHOIĥOHYHOLQJ
XQGHUOD\PHQW
WKHOLNHOLKRRGWKDWWLOHLQVWDOOHGRYHU
radiant heat will crack.
DZRRGVXEIORRUHQFDSVXODWHGLQ
PRUWDU
EUDQHVVKRXOGPHHWWKHIROORZLQJ
DEDFNHUXQLWDQGHQFDSVXODWHGLQ
:KHQXVHGFUDFNLVRODWLRQPHPĥ
PRUWDU DQG
FULWHULD 7KH\VKRXOGEHUHFRPPHQGHG
for use in radiant heating applications
DZRRGVXEIORRULQDVHOIĥOHYHOLQJ
XQGHUOD\PHQW
DQGKDYHDORZ5ĥYDOXHIRUHIIHFWLYH
7KH0DUEOH,QVWLWXWHRI$PHULFD
heat transfer.
ĪZZZPDUEOHĥLQVWLWXWHFRPīKDV VRPHZKDWGLIIHUHQWDQGPRUHUHVWULFĥ WLYHUHFRPPHQGDWLRQVIRUVWRQHDQG PDUEOHRYHUUDGLDQW0DQ\VWRQHDQG PDUEOHWLOHVLQVWDOOHGDWD´WKLFNĥ
38 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
q&a Will tile crack if it’s installed without a crack isolation membrane? Nothing can assure that a tile floor ZLOOQHYHUFUDFNEXWDFUDFNLVRODWLRQ PHPEUDQHPDNHVLWOHVVOLNHO\/RWV of tile has been successfully installed RYHUUDGLDQWIORRUKHDWZLWKRXWRQH Other factors, such as the rigidity of WKHIORRUV\VWHPDOVRSOD\DUROHLQ SUHYHQWLQJFUDFNV
Do you want to learn more about environmentally friendly building techniques and products for your home? Visit the Sustainable Home Web site at www.sustainablehomemag.com.
Safer. Smarter. Greener. Get Current with America’s Greenest Model Codes, the 2012 American National Standard Uniform Codes Q Developed by the industry for the industry, the UPC includes specific: • Expanded provisions for gray water and reclaimed (recycled) water systems and new comprehensive provisions for rainwater catchment (Chapters 16, 17) based upon IAPMO’s Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement • New Appendix L (Efficient hot water system design requirements and enhanced water efficiency measures) • New minimum plumbing facilities table (Chapter 4) • Water supply and drainage joint connection requirements (Chapters 6, 7) The UMC includes specific: • New requirements for piping, tubing, balancing, louvers, protection of piping, mechanical systems and ductwork (Chapter 3) • New provisions for Evaporative Cooling Systems (Chapter 9) • Refrigeration port protection requirement (Chapter 11) • New requirements for piping, tubing and fittings used in Hydronic Systems (Chapter 12) • Added Appendices A (Residential Plan Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design), E (Green Mechanical Code Supplement), F (Examples of Venting System Sizing) and G (Example for the Calculation of Outdoor Air Rate) Q Reduced personal liability from code change omissions — protect yourself and your clients by getting completely up to date Q Build your foundation on more than 80 years experience in the plumbing/mechanical field
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Photo credit: © iStockphoto.com/slobo.
A
Remember, with radiant, carpet is cozy because it’s Thinner carpet on top of a thin, high-quality pad will maximize the heat transfer of the radiant floor heating system.
warm — not because it’s thick.
Carpet and radiant: think thin!
c
onsumers care about
floors. But that plushness doesn’t make
rubber and, therefore, are not recomĥ
the aesthetics of carpet:
sense with radiant floor heating. In
mended for use with radiant floor heatĥ
what it looks like, how
fact, thinner carpet that is radiantly
ing systems.
it’s designed and how it
ZDUPHGRQWRSRIDWKLQKLJKĥTXDOLW\
For example, 3/8” prime urethane
feels. But if they also care about radiĥ
pad, will feel much more comfortable
KDVDQ5ĥYDOXHRIZKLOHD´VODE
ant heat, they need to understand a key
than thick carpet on an old, cold floor.
UXEEHUSDGKDVDQ5ĥYDOXHRI7KLV means the surface beneath the ureĥ
concept: resistance. Underlayment
WKDQHPXVWEH)KRWWHUWRWUDQVIHU
DVVLJQHGWRYDULRXVLQVXODWLQJSURGXFWV
$WKLQFRQGXFWLYHSDGXQGHUFDUSHW
the same amount of heat as the rubber
including, in this case, subflooring and
will assure good heat transfer in a radiĥ
SDGĪ6HHWKH5ĥYDOXHFKDUWRQSDJHī
carpet and pad. The resistance of
ant floor system. Thin slab rubber and
Rubber pads are typically sold at
IORRUFRYHULQJPDWWHUVZKHQXVLQJ
synthetic fiber pads are the best choice
a premium, so the consumer must be
radiant floors, so if you’re applying
because they are the least resistant to
sold on its added benefits.
FDUSHWRYHUUDGLDQWGRQ¶WOHDYHWKH
heat transfer. Waffled rubber, frothed
In a radiant floor heating system,
5ĥYDOXHWRFKDQFH&KRRVHDFDUSHW
polyurethane, hair and jute are good
the cushion has two functions. It must
and pad that will maximize the heat
FKRLFHVDVZHOODOWKRXJKWKH\KDYH
act as a shock absorber to reduce wear
transfer of the system, not work against
more than twice the thermal resistance
RQWKHFDUSHWDQGLWPXVWHIIHFWLYHO\
it. Remember, the resistance of the pad
of slab rubber.
conduct radiant heat. It’s possible for a
5HVLVWDQFHLVWKH³5´LQWKH5ĥYDOXH
DQGFDUSHWDUHDGGLWLYH Thick carpet and pads were in fashĥ ion to counteract cold, poorly insulated 40 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
Prime and bonded urethane pads,
WKLQKLJKĥTXDOLW\SDGWRGRERWKEXW
WKHPRVWFRPPRQFDUSHWSDGVKDYH
with a thick pad it is impossible to get
almost four times the resistance of slab
the desired heat transfer. With radiant
B
C
D
With thin carpeting and pad (A) on top of a radiant floor, the majority of heat is able to transfer upward into the room (B). But if a thick carpet and pad are placed atop the system (C), only small amounts of heat can enter through the floor (D).
floor heat, if budget is a concern, it is
ant’s natural warmth. Thick carpets are
sidered in combination. The math is
wise to spend a little more on the right
actually holdovers from the days of old
easy: a thin, conductive pad lets you
pad and a little less on carpet.
houses with typically cold floors. The
use slightly thicker carpet, and vice
QHZWKLQQHUGHQVHUFRPPHUFLDOĥVW\OH
YHUVDħWKLFNHUSDGWKLQQHUFDUSHW
Carpeting
carpets work well in transferring heat,
Ask your heating contractor or
Keep it thin. That’s step one. Next,
DVGR%HUEHUDQGRWKHUSRSXODUORZĥ
designer for a maximum combined
specify a thin, synthetic carpet rather
profile synthetics.
FDUSHWDQGSDG5ĥYDOXHWKDWZLOOZRUN
than wool. Wool has hollow, highly
with your particular system.
insulating fibers, so while it’s a natural
and carpet are added together, the
flooring choice, it works against radiĥ
resistance of the pair needs to be conĥ
$QGVLQFHWKH5ĥYDOXHVRIWKHSDG
HYDRONICS 99 $
IUHH VKLSSLQJ
KNOW HOW II BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER AND BNP MEDIA
The Hydronics Know How II DVD contains all the columns and articles John Siegenthaler has written for Plumbing & Mechanical and PM Engineer, from the very first in July 1996 through December 2008. That’s over 200 articles and columns covering everything from heat loss to hydraulic separation. This digital collection is a virtual encyclopedia on modern hydronic systems. No more cutting up magazines – This DVD makes it easy to access all of “siggy’s” articles and columns. Better yet, all the information is searchable. Just type in a key word or phase and Adobe Acrobat® will instantly search all the columns and articles for you. Good designers know that it never hurts to go back and review what you thought you completely understood a few years ago. Sometimes a small bit of new information can yield major SPONSORED BY: benefits when applied repeatedly in future systems. The information on this DVD will help you transform hundreds of individual components into smoothly operating hydronic systems. Systems that consistently deliver what their owners expect. In addition to the columns and articles, the Hydronics Know How II DVD contains the latest information on products, design and installation methods from several leading manufacturers. We are confident you’ll find details that will further enhance the systems you design and install. If you don’t, we will refund you in full.
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Visit AECStore.com to place your order or to view our entire selection of technical resources. CALL KATIE @ 248/244.1275 WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 41
Photo credit: Bob Harris/ConcreteNetwork.com.
Stamped concrete can be patterned to look like brick, flagstone or tile. It also can be polished to a high-gloss finish that doesn't need waxing or coating.
Designer cement Your floor can be a blank canvas for creative expression.
42 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
s
tain it, color it, stamp it, stencil it, etch it, engrave LWSDLQWLWSROLVKLWħ when done right, it’s hard to believe it’s concrete. Concrete has been reborn as a decorative flooring material, yet many people aren’t aware of its transformed possibilities. One look at these floors, however, and it’s evident concrete has earned its new designer status. All this is great news for radiant, since so many radiant flooring systems are installed in concrete. In fact, a conĥ crete finished floor assures that your radiant heating system will have the highest possible output since there are no additional layers the heat must pass through. In recent years, concrete flooring has developed into a highly innovative industry. New techniques allow concrete floors to become artistic expressions in
themselves, and to mimic other materiĥ als, to be polished to a luster, to be colĥ orful and patterned. As you make your choice of flooring over radiant, give WKHVHWHFKQLTXHVDQRSHQĥPLQGHGORRN Designers and artisans who recogĥ nize and admire the inherent virtues of concrete as a decorative medium are poised to help you. Think of your floor as a blank canvas, and add color and texture as creative components. Techniques can be combined or juxtaĥ posed for exciting effects. Stamping Stamped concrete can be patterned and colored to take on the look of brick, flagstone, tile and other materiĥ als, usually at a much lower cost than the original model. Coloring Colored concrete is made by either
Photo credit: QC Construction Products/ConcreteNetwork.com.
David Pettigrew of Diamond D Co. of Capitola, Calif., proves that decorative concrete can be done on thin slabs also. He uses a double-pour method, with the tubing or cable in the bottom layer of concrete, a slip sheet in between, reinforcement on top of the slip sheet, and a carefully controlled mix. He quickly saw-cuts the patterns on the top layer right after pouring, so the thin slab cracks where he intends it to. The cuts are later filled with a flexible material. Pettigrew is just one of many innovative craftsmen in this expanding trade. Fifty percent of his work is now over radiant. This drawing illustrates how Pettigrew installs decorative concrete over thin-slab radiant. Decorative concrete layer with saw cuts for controlled cracking Slip sheet with reinforcement on top Tubing or cable embedded in bottom concrete layer
A concrete finished floor assures that your radiant heating system will have the highest possible output since there are no additional layers for the heat to pass through.
adding colorants that are integral to the mix or with FRORUDQWVWKDWDUHGXVWHGRQħWKH³GU\VKDNH´PHWKRG Acid staining Acid staining uses metallic salts to color the concrete, XVXDOO\LQYDULDWLRQVRIEODFNĥEURZQDQGEOXHĥJUHHQ7KHVH FRQFUHWHIORRUVKDYHUHPDUNDEOHOXVWUH2WKHUSURGXFWV VXFKDVQHZWKLQSRO\PHUĥEDVHGFRDWLQJVFDQEHFUHDWHG LQDQ\FRORUIURPWKH3DQWRQHFRORUFKDUWDQGDSSOLHGWR FRQFUHWHIRUGHFRUDWLYHHIIHFW Polish & gloss 'XHWRLQQRYDWLYHWHFKQLTXHVFRQFUHWHFDQQRZEH SROLVKHGWRDKLJKĥJORVVILQLVKWKDWGRHVQ¶WQHHGZD[LQJRU FRDWLQJ7KHVHHDV\ĥWRĥPDLQWDLQVXUIDFHVKDYHWUDGLWLRQDOO\ EHHQXVHGLQFRPPHUFLDOSURMHFWVEXWDUHQRZDWKRPHLQ UHVLGHQWLDOIORRULQJ Potential :LWKDQRSHQPLQGVNLOOHGFRQWUDFWRUVDQGWKHULJKW FUHDWLYHSDUWQHUV\RXZRQ WEHFDOOLQJFRQFUHWHIORRUV ERULQJDQ\PRUH
q&a With my radiant heat system, do I need to worry about cracking or expansion of concrete? &RQFUHWH FRQWDLQV YDULDEOH PDWHULDOV IURP WKH QDWXUDO HQYLURQPHQW DQG LV DIIHFWHG E\ WKH ZHDWKHUKXPLGLW\DQGPL[LQJLWVHOI1RRQH FDQ HYHU JXDUDQWHH WKDW FRQFUHWH ZRQ¶W FUDFN EXWE\WKHSURSHUXVHRIH[SDQVLRQMRLQWVJRRG PDWHULDOPL[DQGLQVWDOODWLRQSUDFWLFHVDJUHDW GHDO FDQ EH GRQH WR SUHYHQW LW IURP FUDFNLQJ ZKHUH\RXGRQ¶WZDQWLWWR For more information, visit www.concretenetwork.com.
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 43
Photo credit: Armstrong Hardwood Flooring/ HardwoodInfo.com.
An engineered floating floor system has considerable heat transfer advantages over traditional wood flooring systems.
Engineered wood floors solve many problems for the radiant heating installer — they’re thin, stable and can ‘float.’
Engineered wood solutions
d
In Europe, where radiant
on’t rule out engiĥ neered wood floors
heating has been popular for many
if you’re thinking of
years, these floors are widely used
wood. Purists tend
over radiant floor heating. Many, in
to want full hardwood floors. But
fact, have specific instructions and
with engineered wood flooring and
warranties for use over radiant. Made of multiple wood veneers
its authentic top layer, you get all the
FLOATING ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORS PAD
Engineered wood can be edge-glued and “floated” over the radiant heating system. A thin foam pad is usually
beauty of real wood, yet less of the
and dimensional wood products that
sensitive temperament. And most
are glued or adhered together, these
HQJLQHHUHGZRRGIORRUVDUHIDFWRU\ĥ
floors are inherently dimensionally
allows the flooring and the radiant sys-
finished.
more stable than traditional wood
tem to expand and contract separately.
Engineered wood floors are more
flooring systems. Plus, being thin,
resistant to higher moisture levels
they transfer heat well.
than solid wood flooring. This makes
them appealing for use in damp baseĥ
RID´WKLFNHQJLQHHUHGIORDWLQJ
ments or in areas that have higher
floor system has considerable heat
relative humidity levels.
transfer advantages over floating
traditional wood flooring systems,
(GJHĥJOXHG³IORDWLQJ´HQJLQHHUHG
placed under the wood flooring. This
2YHUDVODEWKHPRGHVW5ĥYDOXH
COMPARISON OF WEAR LAYERS
wood floors have a host of advantagĥ
which require additional layers of
Notice how in traditional wood floor-
es for use with radiant floor heating.
SO\ZRRGWR³IORDW´7KH5ĥYDOXHRID
ing (top) the resurfaceable thickness
Because of this unique installation
´HQJLQHHUHGZRRGIORRUĪ5ĥī
is limited by the nails. The top wear
design, they are free to expand and
SOXVDWKLQSDGĪ5ĥīLVOHVVWKDQ
layer in engineered flooring (bottom)
contract separately from the radiant
5ĥ
may be similar in thickness, or is often
floor heating system. 44 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
Compare this to a traditional
hardened by acrylic.
wood floating system of 3/4” hardwood
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Ī5ĥīSOXVWZROD\HUVRI´SO\ZRRG
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GRXEOH
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WLRQ,QDWUDGLWLRQDOZRRGIORRUWKH
installing an engineered wood floor in a
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(QJLQHHUHGIORRULQJVXFKDVSDUTXHW
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TWO ways to keep up with the radiant and hydronics industry… http://view.bnpmedia-email.com/?j=fe5
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This twice-monthly enewsletter keeps you informed of the latest happenings in the world of radiant and hydronic heating professionals. Each edition features news, products, tips, and training and networking events. In addition, the “Fix” portion of each month’s The Glitch & The Fix — a popular item among radiant and hydronic installers — is revealed.
Table Of Contents
for workers on 'green' Higher safety risk on construction projects says construction workers Recently released researchfalls than workers on more LEED projects suffer tasks, and are exposed to high-risk traditional projects, than workers strains and sprains ed incur more lacerations, projects. LEED-certifi on traditional construction higher recordable injury rate buildings have a 9-percent than non-LEED buildings.
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n, identified prefabricatio designers and contractors methods to prevent As part of the study, as and alternative products each sustainable element. effective site layout relate the hazards of injuries that specifically methods through design feasible prevention t strategies that The study also revealed and controls, and managemen techniques, technologies risks. d to mitigate these can be implemente industry, issue in the construction important an been techniques Safety has always and new installation energy technologies jobsite, it would be but with renewable or sustainable construction for these types of on any type of 'green' workers to focus on training wise for the industry - Kelly Faloon work environments.
New Products Industry Links The Glitch & The Fix e-News Archives Online Now Did You Know... Where To Go For Training
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Did You Know... Online Now New Products The Glitch & The Fix Resources AEC Store Archives Career Center e-News Archives Industry Links Market Research Radiant Flooring Guide Directory Digital Radiant Flooring Guide
On Agree To Collaborate Trade Associations 9, Initiatives - December Hydronics, Radiant
Chicago, Illinois
2011 Drop In November; Construction Jobs October Spending Rose In Census, Reed Say - December 6, 2011
2012 Mar 5, 2012 - Mar 8, 2012 ACCA Conference: Raise The Stakes Las Vegas, Nevada
Risk For Green Study: Higher Safety - December 1, 2011 Construction Workers
Training
21, Dec 17, 2011 - Dec 2011 Solar Thermal Boot
… The Hardest Working Currently Seeking - December 1, 2011 Women In America Construction Insurance 1, 2011 2012 - December
In Rates Could Rise
Camp Newark, New Jersey 23, Dec 19, 2011 - Dec 2011 Solar Thermal Boot
2011 November Issue
Monitoring Commercial System Boiler Compact Condensing Poor Man’s Radiant
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Radiant Heating Report Solar Thermal Report R+H Info About Us Contact Us
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Camp Portland, Oregon 18, Jan 14, 2012 - Jan 2012 Solar Thermal Boot Camp Portland, Maine
Really? eNews (0) 12, 2011 | Comments by Al Levi | December
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RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 45
Universal laminate Durable and attractive, laminate flooring can mimic hardwood, tile or stone.
q&a Are laminate floors and engineered wood flooring the same?
b
ecause laminate floorĥ ing is thin, dense and conducts heat well, it is ideally suited for use over radiant floors. Better yet, in recent years, the lamiĥ nate flooring industry has developed an astounding array of designs.
Not just woods Originally, laminate floors were limĥ ited to mimicking hardwood, but now they offer a full spectrum of contemporary looks. Not only do they incredibly mimic hardwood floors, but you can buy laminates that look like real tile, stone and even vinyl. The authenticity lies in the view layer that is printed with almost photographic quality. This view layer is covered with a top layer of intensely durable, clear plastic. Because of this protection, properĥ ly installed laminate floors are strong, VFUDWFKĥUHVLVWDQWDQGORQJĥODVWLQJ Most laminate floor manufacturers
offer extensive warranty protection against stains, fading and moisture damage. The result is flooring that is attractive yet can withstand the wear and tear from everyday life ˇ kids, pets, spills, high heels and skateĥ boards. Europe first Laminate flooring was introduced in Europe 20 years ago. Thus, many of WRGD\¶VPDQXIDFWXUHUVDUH(XURSHDQĥ based. Radiant heating has been popular there for years. With this history, most European companies have extensive experience with their products over radiant heat. Now, many American companies are making laminate flooring as well. The fine print Most laminate floorings are recomĥ mended for radiant floors, but not all, so it is very important to check with the manufacturer before installing. Quality of the lamination is an issue.
Laminate floors are typically multiple layers of materials that are thermofused
1
together using thin films of glue that
No, they are different products. Laminate floors may look like wood, but they actually have plastic top layĥ ers and multiple other layers of mateĥ rial laminated together. Engineered wood flooring is made of multiple layers of wood laminated together. 46 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
bond under the heat and great pressure of a press. In this example, layer 1 is a clear plastic wear layer, layer 2
2
3
is the “view” layer, layer 3 is an HDF or MDF board, as is layer 4, which has the
4
locking tongue and groove. Layer 5 is a plastic bonding layer.
5
Photo credit: Faus American Heartand Oak/NALFA.
Because laminate flooring is a complex lamination of many layers, it is imporĥ WDQWWKDWWKHOD\HUVDUHZHOOĥERQGHG DQGVXLWDEOHIRUUDGLDQWIORRUKHDWLQJ The instructions for installing ODPLQDWHIORRULQJRYHUVODEVDUHYHU\ VSHFLILFLQWHUPVRIPRLVWXUHFRQWHQW ,QDGGLWLRQODPLQDWHIORRUVRIWHQKDYH WHPSHUDWXUHOLPLWDWLRQVRYHUUDGLDQW The North American Laminate Flooring $VVRFLDWLRQĪZZZQDOIDFRPīUHFRPĥ PHQGVWKDWWKHUDGLDQWKHDWLQJV\VWHP EHLQRSHUDWLRQIRUDWOHDVWWZRZHHNV EHIRUHWKHLQVWDOODWLRQRIWhe laminate
Most laminates are recommended for use over radiant heating systems, but check with the manufacturer to be sure.
IORRULQJ
L a c I n H c Te let ’s get
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HydroniCAD // $285.00 The AEC Store is owned and operated by BNP Media. As an information company, we created the AEC Store to make it easy for industry professionals to conduct “one stop shopping” for all their educational, training or personal information needs. Our store allows you to save time by not searching bookshelves, but rather by clicking on a category specific to your needs. The list of categories makes it easy to find precise topics. To place your order visit AECStore.com or call Katie at 248/244.1275
Software specifically created for those who need to produce professional quality drawings for new system installation or to document existing systems. It allows those with no previous computer drawing experience to quickly snap together components and piping lines to build a complete piping schematic. HydroniCAD can also be used for general computer aided drawing. It has a full set of drawing tools such as lines, rectangles, circles, and polygons. It also provides a wide range of color and pattern control for shapes and lines. It is also a “stand-alone” software package. It doesn’t require Visio, AutoCAD, or any other software package to function.
HYDRONICS DESIGN STUDIO – Professional Version 2.0 // $340.00 The Hydronics Design Studio - Professional Version is windows-based software that assists in analyzing the thermal and hydraulic performance of hydronic heating systems. The software consists of twelve modules for tasks such as heating load analysis, series baseboard circuit analysis, piping heat loss estimating, expansion tank sizing, radiant circuit analysis, fuel cost comparisons, injection mixing calculations, and buffer tank sizing. Several modules access extensive internal databases of current hydronic components such as, piping, circulators, baseboard, fluids, and valves. Sophisticated engineering algorithms are exercised through a simple graphical user interface.
GET BOTH PRODUCTS TOGETHER FOR ONLY $550.00. RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 47
Photo credit: Armstrong Flooring/RFCI.
Vinyl comes in many colors and can imitate ceramic, stone and tile.
Resilient floors can be a great choice with radiant when chosen and installed properly.
More options than you can imagine
r
esilient flooring is by definiĥ tion a little giving and elasĥ tic. As a flooring category, it covers a wide range: sheet vinyl and vinyl composition tiles, true natural linoleum, rubber and cork. Most of these offer a variety of choices, and they’re easy to clean and maintain. Many, but not all of them, are great for radiant heat.
Temperature limit is critical Most resilient flooring products are manufactured to an American Society of Testing & Materials resilient floorĥ ing standard with an upper floor temperature limit of 85°F. This makes them widely applicable for radiant heat. Individual manufacturers should be contacted for their specific installation instructions, particularly involving suitĥ able substrates and adhesives. 48 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
7KHIHZFDVHVRIUDGLDQWKHDWGLVĥ coloring or banding resilient flooring have been attributable to the use of the wrong adhesive, which then affected the resilient flooring from below. In a few cases, the floor was simply overheated. Tropical Luan plywood as an underlayĥ ment has sometimes caused problems, too. It can contain an anaerobic bacteria WKDWGLHVDVWKHSO\ZRRGGULHVRXWĥ gasses, and thereby discolors the floorĥ ing above. Many manufacturers do not recommend Luan as an underlayment. Sheet vinyl & vinyl comp tiles Sheet vinyl and vinyl composition tiles can now realistically imitate ceramic, stone and wood grain. Plus, they come in many patterns unique to vinyl. Be sure to check with individual manufacĥ turers for installation instructions over radiant heat. Most recommend that
Natural linoleum 7KLVĥ\HDUĥROGSURGXFWLV HQMR\LQJDUHVXUJHQFHLQSRSXODUĥ LW\VLQFHLWLVPDGHIURPQDWXUDO materials. It comes in sheets made from linseed oil, cork, limestone, wood flour and tree UHVLQV,W¶VH[WUHPHO\GXUDEOH 7KHFRORU\RXVHHLQOLQROHXP JRHVDOOWKHZD\WKURXJK7KH pattern won’t wear off with KHDY\XVH Natural linoleum has been XVHGVXFFHVVIXOO\RYHUUDGLDQW KHDWEXW\RX¶OOQHHGWRFRQVLGHU certain issues. It expands and contracts with temperature FKDQJHVPRUHWKDQPRVWYLQ\O ZKLFKPD\SRVHSUREOHPVIRUODUJHĥ URRPUDGLDQWDSSOLFDWLRQVLQKLJKKHDWĥ loss areas. It is also sensitive to concrete moisture and alkali conditions, so slabs PXVWEHZHOOĥFXUHG$QGLWPXVWEH LQVWDOOHGZLWKLQDYHU\VSHFLILFDPELHQW temperature. Make sure to discuss these LVVXHVZLWK\RXUKHDWLQJDQGIORRULQJ contractors. It takes a commitment to install such a particular product, but ZKHQ\RXGRLWULJKWLW¶VDPD]LQJO\ durable. Natural linoleum owners swear E\LW Rubber flooring $QRWKHUHFRĥIULHQGO\SURGXFWUXEEHU IORRULQJLVRIWHQPDGHIURPUHF\FOHG UXEEHUDQGFRPHVLQDZLGHYDULHW\RI WH[WXUHVDQGFRORUV,WLVHDV\WRFOHDQ DQGJUHDWIRUH[HUFLVHODXQGU\DQGPXG URRPV%XWSD\FORVHDWWHQWLRQWRWKH WKLFNQHVVRIWKHSURGXFWZKHQXVLQJLW
Photo credit: Johnsonite/RFCI.
the product be installed at room temperatures warmer than 65°F, and that floor temperatures not exceed 85°F.
Rubber flooring is easy to clean, making it ideal for exercise areas, mud rooms and playrooms.
ZLWKUDGLDQW6RPHUXEEHUIORRULQJLV WKLFNHQRXJKWKDWLW¶VKDUGWRJHWWKH KHDWWKURXJKLW8VH´Ī5ĥīRUWKLQĥ QHUSURGXFWVSUHIHUDEO\´RU´ rubber. Floors of cork &RUNIORRULQJLVDQDWXUDO product made from the bark of the cork oak. It has nice JLYHWRLWDQGDWHUULILFQDWXĥ ral look. However, cork is a IDLUO\LQVXODWLQJSURGXFWDQG WKLFNFRUNIORRULQJLVQRWD JRRGFKRLFHIRUUDGLDQW%XW WKHUHDUHVRPHRSWLRQV7U\ WRXVH´RUWKLQQHUFRUN Or consider the newer cork IORRULQJSURGXFWVEXLOWPRUH OLNHODPLQDWHIORRULQJ 7KH\ have a thin top and bottom OD\HURIFRUNZLWKDPLGGOH OD\HURI0')ĪDGHQVHPRUH
FRQGXFWLYHERDUGī7KHVHFRPSRVLWHSURGĥ XFWVZRUNZHOODQGDUHRIWHQ´WKLFNRU OHVV6HYHUDOFDQEHLQVWDOOHGDV³IORDWLQJ´ IORRULQJ
Photo credit: Forbo Flooring.
Homeowners with natural linoleum flooring over radiant heat swear by it, even if there are a few installation issues to resolve.
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 49
Guide gallery of radiant systems HYDRONIC Slab on Grade
Radiant tubing is embedded in cement. The tubing is typically attached to metal mesh with plastic ties. A 4" slab is most typical. The tubing is best SODFHGLQWKHPLGGOHRIWKHVODE)XOOXQGHUĥVODELQVXODWLRQLVUHFRPPHQGHG for most residential applications. Slabs have a large thermal mass, which staĥ bilizes temperature swings but slows response. This method is recommended whenever a slab is poured. NRDC
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.69 - R-1.0
HYDRONIC Thin Slab on Subfloor
Radiant tubing is attached on top of subfloor with approved staples or plastic FOLSV$WKLQVODERIJ\SVXPĥEDVHGFHPHQWRUFHPHQWLVSRXUHGRYHUWKHWXEĥ ing. Typical slabs are 1 1/2" thick when using 1/2" tubing, but may be as thin as 1 1/4" thick when using 3/8" tubing. Gypsum cement is lighter than cement, but a little less conductive. NRDC
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.69 - R-1.0
HYDRONIC Hanging or Attached Below Subfloor
Radiant tubing is hung or attached to the underside of the subfloor in an air space with insulation below. This requires higher water temperatures and has more limited heat output than other systems. It is often used for retrofitting when access from below is possible. Hanging systems have more even joist cavity temperatures than when pipe is attached in contact with subfloor joists. Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-1.7 - R-2.2 (pipe + 3/4" plywood only) NRDC
HYDRONIC With Plates Below Subfloor
Radiant tubing is attached to the underside of the subfloor with metal plates to diffuse the heat. Insulation is recommended below the plates. This has higher water temperatures and more limited heat output than above subfloor systems, but plates make it more effective than hanging pipe from under joists. It is often used for retrofitting when access to joist space is available. NRDC
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-1.3 - R-1.8 (pipe + 3/4" plywood only)
HYDRONIC Structural Radiant Subfloor with Aluminum and Grooves
Premanufactured 1 1/8" thick panels have grooves for tubing and an alumiĥ num sheet bonded to the board. In this case, the premanufactured panels serve both as the structural subfloor and as the channel into which the tubĥ ing is installed. The aluminum sheet makes the system accelerate rapidly and spreads out the heat. Tubing is installed 12" on center in the grooves. NRDC
50 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.6
HYDRONIC Boards with Grooves and Metal, Attached to Top of Subfloor
Several varieties currently exist. One board has metal on the bottom and another on the top. Both serve to spread the heat laterally. Normally they are glued and screwed or stapled to the top of a wooden subfloor. Under some conditions they may be attached on top of existing slabs. These are modular systems with straights and end pieces that are assembled to make a channel for pipe. Different products use different pipe sizes. NRDC
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.75 - R-1.1 depending on product
HYDRONIC Sandwich Method with or without Plates on Top of Subfloor
Typically, 1" x 4" x 3/4" sleepers are attached to the top of the subfloor, and pipe is placed in between the sleepers with or without the addition of the metal plates. The metal plates typically cover about 80İRIWKHSLSHDGGLQJ significantly to the even dispersion of the heat. Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-1.1 - R-1.5 depending on product and plates NRDC
HYDRONIC Joist Bay Convection Plates
RPA
The radiant tubing is suspended in a clear air space beneath the subfloor between the joists with metal plates or fins attached to the tubing. The tubĥ ing and metal fins heat the air within the joist space, which, in turn, heats the subfloor. Insulation is mandatory below the plates. Higher water temperatures are required than in systems with the plates in direct contact with the floor. Tubing may be run parallel to the joists or perpendicular if holes are drilled to accommodate the tubing. Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-1.7 - R-2.2 (pipe + 3/4” plywood only)
HYDRONIC Preformed Support Panels
Molded panels designed to hold the radiant tubing cover the entire floor surface. This system may incorporate insulation molded as part of the panel. Some systems are designed to be embedded in cement, while others have GHQVHVWRQHĥOLNHWLOHVWKDWDUHVXSSRUWHGE\WKHPROGHGSHGHVWDOV7KH\ may also include metal heat transfer plates to help disperse the heat evenly. RPA
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.69 - R-1.0
HYDRONIC Integrated Plate Panels
Photo credit: Legend Hydronics.
The integrated plate panel system is designed to install over an existing subfloor. The ´SDQHOVDUHSUHĥLQVXODWHGDQGZDWHUUHVLVWDQW7KHXVHRI´SLSHDOORZVIRUJUHDWHU FLUFXLWOHQJWKVDQGLVİFRYHUHGE\PHWDO7KHLQWHJUDWHGSODWHSDQHOVIORDW unattached over the top of the wood subfloor or existing concrete slab and vapor barrier for carpet; are sandwiched between the wood subfloor and wood nailing surface for hardwood flooring; and sandwiched between the wood subfloor and cement board for ceramic tile installation.
*Assembly R-values are illustrative estimates only, and do not include the R-value of the floor coverings, which must be added to determine total system R-value. System design and installation should only be done by qualified professionals. NOTE: Insulation is usually required under radiant heating systems. RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 51
ELECTRIC Embedded Cable or Mat
RPA
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stimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.3 - R-1 depending on embedding layer
ELECTRIC Self-Regulating PTC Cable or Flat Heater
7KHVHKHDWHUVDUHPDGHRIVHPLĥFRQGXFWLYHSRO\PHUDQGDUHVHOIĥUHJXODWLQJ ZKLFKPHDQVWKDWZKHQWKHDPELHQWWHPSHUDWXUHJRHVXSWKHHOHFWULFDOUHVLVĥ WDQFHLQFUHDVHVDQGWKHFRQVXPSWLRQRIHOHFWULFLW\GHFUHDVHV7KHFDEOHVDUH OLQHĥYROWDJHDQGWKHIODWKHDWHUVDUHORZĥYROWDJH7KH\FDQEHHPEHGGHGLQD PRUWDUOD\HURUXVHGGLUHFWO\ĪDVUHFRPPHQGHGE\WKHPDQXIDFWXUHUīXQGHUD ZLGHYDULHW\RIIORRUFRYHULQJV RPA
Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.3 - R-1 depending on embedding layer
ELECTRIC Film Type Installed from Below
RPA
:LWKWKHILOPĥW\SHSURGXFWHOHPHQWVDUHSULQWHGZLWKDFRQGXFWLYHLQNDQG HPEHGGHGLQDILOPRISODVWLF&XUUHQWSURGXFWVDUHOLQHYROWDJH7KHVHV\VWHPV KDYHKLJKHUUHVLVWDQFHWRKHDWWUDQVIHUWKDQHPEHGGHGV\VWHPVVLQFHWKHKHDW PXVWWUDYHOWKURXJKDQDLUVSDFHDQGWKHVXEIORRU7KH\PXVWEHLQVWDOOHGZLWK DQDLUVSDFH Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-1.7 - R-2.2 (element + 3/4" plywood only)
ELECTRIC Mesh Installed Directly Under Floor Covering
6RPHORZĥYROWDJHSURGXFWVVXFKDVZLUHPHVKFDQEHLQVWDOOHGGLUHFWO\XQGHU IORRUFRYHULQJVXFKDVZRRGRUFDUSHWDQGSDG7KH\FDQDOVREHDSSOLHGWR WKHXQGHUVLGHRIDZRRGVXEIORRU1DLOVRUVWDSOHVWRKROGWKHIORRUFRYHULQJ PD\EHGULYHQGLUHFWO\WKURXJKPHVKDVORQJDVWKHQDLORUVWDSOHGRHVQRW FRPHLQFRQWDFWZLWKDQ\RWKHUPHWDOREMHFW Estimated Assembly R-value*: R-0.5 – R-3.0 depending on floor covering RPA
ELECTRIC Cable Snapped Into Plastic Mesh
3ODVWLFPHVKUHSODFHVWKHVHFRQGOD\HURISO\ZRRGĪRQO\XQGHUFHUDPLFWLOHī XVXDOO\QHHGHGWRLQFUHDVHWKHIORRU¶VULJLGLW\DQGVWDELOLW\2QFHWKHSODVWLF PHVKKDVEHHQODLGGRZQDQGFRYHUVWKHHQWLUHIORRUKHDWLQJFDEOHFDQEH LQVWDOOHG$SRO\PHUĥPRGLILHGGU\ĥVHWPRUWDUFDQEHJOD]HGGLUHFWO\RYHUWKH LQVWDOODWLRQ7KHPHVKSURWHFWVWKHKHDWLQJFDEOHDJDLQVWLPSDFWGDPDJHVWKDW FDQRFFXUGXULQJWKHLQVWDOODWLRQ Photo credit: Flextherm.
*Assembly R-values are illustrative estimates only, and do not include the R-value of the floor coverings, which must be added to determine total system R-value. System design and installation should only be done by qualified professionals. NOTE: Insulation is usually required under radiant heating systems. 52 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
COMPARATIVE R-VALUES OF FLOORING AND SUBFLOORS Material Plywood OSB Softwood Sheet Vinyl Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Linoleum Linoleum Dense Rubber Flooring Recycled Rubber Flooring Cork Cork/MDF/Laminate Brick Marble Ceramic Tile Thinset Mortar MDF/Plastic Laminate Laminate Floor Pad Engineered Wood Engineered Wood Engineered Wood Engineered Wood Engineered Wood Flooring Pad Engineered Bamboo Oak Ash Maple Pine Fir Carpet Pad/Slab Rubber 33 lb. Carpet Pad/Slab Rubber 33 lb. Carpet Pad/Slab Rubber 33 lb. Carpet Pad/Waffle Rubber 25 lb. Carpet Pad/Waffle Rubber 25 lb. Carpet Pad/Frothed Polyurethane Carpet Pad/Frothed Polyurethane Carpet Pad/Frothed Polyurethane Carpet Pad/Frothed Polyurethane Hair Jute Hair Jute Synthetic Fiber Pad 20 oz. Synthetic Fiber Pad 27 oz. Synthetic Fiber Pad 32 oz. Synthetic Fiber Pad 40 oz. Prime Urethane Prime Urethane Bonded Urethane Bonded Urethane Carpet Carpet Carpet Carpet Carpet Wool Carpet Wool Carpet
16 lb. 12.lb. 10 lb. 10 lb.
R-value Per Inch
Typical Thickness
Typical R-value
1.10 1.40 1.10 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.30 2.20 3.00 2.35 2.25 0.80 1.00 0.40 1.00 1.92 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.60 0.96 0.85 1.00 1.00 1.30 1.20 1.28 1.28 1.28 2.48 2.48 3.53 3.48 3.22 3.22 3.88 3.88 1.8 1.98 2.1 2.2 4.30 4.30 4.20 4.20 2.80 2.80 2.80 2.80 2.80 4.20 4.20
3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 1/8" 1/8" 1/4" 1/8" 21/64" 1/2" 3/8" 1/2" 1 1/2" 1/2" 1/4" 1/8" 1/2" 5/32" 1/4" 3/8" 5/8" 3/4" 1/8" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 1/4" 1/2" 1/8" 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 1/2" 21/64" 15/64" 18/64" 19/64" 11/32" 21/64" 1/2" 21/64" 1/2" 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 3/8" 1/2"
0.825 1.050 0.825 0.200 0.200 0.400 0.200 0.250 1.100 1.125 1.175 3.375 0.400 0.250 0.050 0.500 0.300 0.250 0.375 0.625 0.750 0.200 0.720 0.638 0.750 0.750 0.975 0.900 0.320 0.480 0.640 0.620 1.240 0.53 0.87 1.20 1.61 1.940 1.250 0.421 0.545 0.630 0.770 1.400 2.150 1.350 2.100 0.700 1.050 1.400 1.750 2.100 1.575 2.100
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 53
Radiant flooring/subflooring/equipment guide Many flooring products that are not listed may be suitable for use with radiant heating. Readers should contact the manufacturers.
ADVANCED ADHESIVE TECH
CALEFFI HYDRONIC SOLUTIONS
419 S. Glenwood Ave., P.O. Box 1887, Dalton, GA 30722-1887 (706) 226-0610; (800) 228-4583 Fax: (706) 278-6207 www.aatglue.com Quality, service and innovation are the three principles that guide the way Advanced Adhesive Tech does business, and are evident in every product we manufacture. By adhering to those principles throughout every step of product development, manufacture and distribution, we fulfill our goals of helping our customers reduce cost, increase productivity and remain competitive.
7 -ILWAUKEE 2D -ILWAUKEE 7) (414) 238-2360 Fax: (414) 238-2366 www.caleffi.us s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT applications Radiant controls including radiant manifolds, zone valves, mixing valves, hydro separators, air vents, air separators, dirt separators, balancing valves, boiler fill valves, solar water heating systems, solar components and more.
ALLIED CUSTOM GYPSUM 1550 Double Dr., Norman, OK 73069 (800) 624-5963 Fax: (405) 366-9510 www.accucrete.com Has specific info available on radiant applications AccuRadiant high-strength gypsum underlayment can be poured over hot water or electric radiant floor heating to provide a smooth finish for floor coverings.
AMERICAN MARAZZI TILE, MARAZZI GROUP 359 Clay Rd., Sunnyvale, TX 75182 (972) 226-0110 Fax: (972) 226-2263 www.marazzitile.com Company website lists distributors U.S. manufacturer and distributor of Italian-inspired porcelain and glazed ceramic floor and wall tile.
AQUATHERM 919 W. 500 N., Lindon, UT 84042 (801) 805 6657 Fax: (801) 326-4830 www.aquathermpipe.com With over 35 years of experience as a world leader in polypropylene piping systems, Aquatherm has developed many cutting-edge innovations such as faser-composite and socket fusion technologies. Aquatherm’s products have a long-standing history of excellence in over 70 countries around the world and has now been accepted into North American codes.
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 29 ARDEX AMERICAS 400 Ardex Park Dr., Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 203-5000; (888) 512-7339 Fax: (724) 203-5001 www.ardexamericas.com or www.systemonesolutions.com ARDEX is the industry leader in the development of high-performance substrate preparation products for all types of flooring installations, providing reliable solutions that get the job done faster, easier and ensures it is done right the first time, every time!
BELL & GOSSETT, A XYLEM BRAND AMORIM CORK COMPOSITES 26112 110th St., Trevor, WI 53179 (262) 862-2311; (800) 558-3206 Fax: (262) 862-2500 www.acousticorkusa.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s !COUSTI#ORK 3 MM THICK s !COUSTI#ORK 2 MM THICK s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR use with Radiant Systems: up to 140˚F s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT applications AcoustiCork provides a thermal break in slab-ongrade applications so auxiliary heating systems work more efficiently and warm up about 50% faster.
ANDERSON HARDWOOD FLOORS 384 Torrington Rd., P.O. Box 1155, Clinton, SC 29325 (864) 408-3000 Fax: (864) 408-3099 www.andersonfloors.com s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE with Radiant Systems: Floor temperature not too exceed 80˚ s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS s -ANUFACTURER OF ENGINEERED AND SOLID HARDwood Flooring.
. !USTIN !VE -ORTON 'ROVE ), (847) 966-3700 Fax: (847) 966-9052 www.bellgossett.com
BOIARDI PRODUCTS CORP., A Q.E.P. CO. -AIN 3T ,ITTLE &ALLS .* (973) 256-1100 Fax: (973) 256-5744 www.boiardiproducts.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s %LASTIMENT -ANUFACTURERS OF TILE SETTING AND RELATED MATERIALS
BRADFORD WHITE CORP. 725 Talamore Dr., Ambler, PA 19002 (800) 523-2931 Fax: (215) 641-1670 www.bradfordwhite.com
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 28 BRAZETEK HEAT EXCHANGERS
CALORIQUE #RANBERRY (WY 7EST 7AREHAM -! (800) 922-9276 Fax: (508) 291-4224 www.calorique.com s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS ,EADING MANUFACTURER OF THIN FILM ELECTRIC RADIANT HEATing and deicing products. Ceiling primary heating, retrofit floor warming and mirror defoggers.
CENTIVA -ARS (ILL 2D &LORENCE !, (256) 767-4990; (800) 633-3380 Fax: (256) 760-1763 www.centiva.com
COMFORTPRO SYSTEMS . 2OHLWING 2D )TASCA ), (800) 968-8905 Fax: (877) 307-2146 www.comfortprosystems.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s &,/242!+ s $29!"/6% s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS Integrating four distinct product categories; offering many innovative solutions to today’s design challenges with national single-source capability; delivering superior goods and services to wholesalers.
COMPOTITE CORP. 'LENDALE "LVD ,OS !NGELES #! (213) 483-4444; (800) 221-1056 Fax: (800) 334-3940 www.compotite.com s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE with Radiant Systems: -15˚F to 158˚F s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS Composeal Blue shower pan liner, 40 mil, is used for showers under thick-set mortar bed. Composeal Gold anti-fracture waterproof membrane, 40 mil, bonds directly to the substrate with tile thin-set above to prevent moisture migration. Composeal White Gold, 50 mil, gives additional sound control protection. -ADE IN THE 53!
2276 Homecrest Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229 (718) 874-0197 Fax: (718) 874-0198 www.brazetek.com Supplier of brazed-plate heat exchangers for radiant floor heating.
Information has been supplied by listing companies. It has not been verified by RPA or BNP Media, and may contain errors. All information should be verified with manufacturer prior to any use.
54 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
www.radiantandhydronics.com/radiantflooringguide
CORKDIRECT.COM 2211 Lithonia Industrial Blvd., P.O. Box 305, Lithonia, GA 30058 (800) 344-2675 Fax: (770) 484-0893 www.corkdirect.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s #ORK UNDERLAYMENT s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS #ORK UNDERLAYMENT IN SHEETS AND ROLLS FOR USE BETWEEN RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS AND SUBFLOORS CORK PLANK FLOATING FLOORS FOR USE WITH RADIANT HEATING
EASYHEAT/EMERSON INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION 7 (IGGINS 2OSEMONT ), (800) 523-7636 WWWWARMTILESCOM OR WWWEASYHEATCOM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS %ASY (EAT 7ARM 4ILES ELECTRIC FLOOR WARMING SYSTEMS FOR TILE STONE LAMINATES AND ENGINEERED WOOD !VAILABLE IN FREE FORM CABLE AND SELF ADHESIVE MATS
1650 Northfield Dr., Ste. 700, Brownsburg, IN 46112 (888) 925-5484; (317) 508-1886 www.creatherm.com s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS #UT YOUR TUBING INSTALLATION TIME *UST WALK IT IN #REATHERM PANELS OFFER A GREAT SOLUTION FOR SLAB ON GRADE SNOW MELT OR RETRO FIT HEATING #AN BE USED WITH ANY SUBSLAB HYDRONIC APPLICATION
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 31 DANFOSS, ELECTRIC HEATING DIV. -ISSISSAUGA 2D 4ORONTO /. ,. 7 #!.!$! &AX WWWLXDANFOSSCOM %LECTRIC FLOOR HEATING AND SNOW MELTING PRODUCTS
DEPENDABLE CHEMICAL CO. 0/ "OX 2OCKY 2IVER /( &AX WWWFLOORPREPCOM $EPENDABLE &LOOR 0RODUCTS MANUFACTURES A VARIETY OF FLOOR LEVELERS THAT MAY BE USED TO ENCAPSULATE BOTH HYDRONIC AND ELECTRIC UNDER FLOOR HEAT SYSTEMS
DURA UNDERCUSHIONS $ELMEADE 2D -ONTREAL 1# (4 - #!.!$! (800) 295-4126 Fax: (514) 342-7940 www.duracushion.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s $URACUSHION s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS 6ERY EFFICIENT COST EFFECTIVE RADIANT CARPET CUSHIONS WITH THE LOWEST 2 VALUES IN THE INDUSTRY
DE LA 0ROVINCE 3T ,ONGUEUIL 1# *' ' #!.!$! &AX WWWFLEXTHERMCOM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS &,%84(%2- IS RECOGNIZED AS AN INDUSTRY LEADER AND INTRODUCED IN FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS AS WE KNOW IT TODAY
GOODFELLOW
ECR INTERNATIONAL, DUNKIRK BOILERS/ UTICA BOILERS
CREATHERM
FLEXTHERM
P.O. Box 4729, Utica, NY 13504 (315) 797-1310 Fax: (315) 797-3762 www.ecrinternational.com (IGH EFFICIENCY STAINLESS STEEL AND CAST ALUMINUM CONDENSING BOILERS CAST IRON BOILERS STAINLESS STEEL SINGLEDUAL COIL INDIRECT WATER HEATERS STORAGE AND BUFFER TANKS AND CONTROLS
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 9 ELECTRO PLASTICS, DBA STEP WARMFLOOR $ORSETT 2D -ARYLAND (EIGHTS -/ (314) 426-3555 Fax: (314) 426-3556 WWWWARMFLOORCOM 2%#/--%.$%$ 02/$5#43 s 34%0 3NOWMELT© s 34%0 3UNROOM© s 34%0 7ARMFLOOR© s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS $EPENDS ON APPLICATION AND FLOORING s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 34%0 7ARMFLOOR IS A THIN AND FLAT LOW VOLTAGE !# $# SELF REGULATING 04# HEATING MAT .ORMALLY CONNECTED TO A 6 POWER SUPPLY IT CAN ALSO RUN ON SOLAR PANELS OR WIND TURBINES 6ERY ENERGY EFFICIENT AND EASY TO INSTALL CUT ON JOBSITE IDEAL FOR TOTAL HEATING ANDOR FLOOR WARMING UNDER MOST FLOOR COVERINGS
EXPANKO 'ORDON $R 3TE %XTON 0! (800) 345-6202 Fax: (610) 363-0343 WWWEXPANKOCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS TO s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS %XPANKO BEST KNOWN FOR HIGH QUALITY CORK FLOORING ALSO OFFERS FLOATING FLOOR RECYCLED RUBBER AND CORKRUBBER FLOORING WHICH IS DURABLE COMFORTABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
EZ ROUTE . #OUNTY 2D 3TE ! 4OMAHAWK 7) (715) 453-1111 Fax: (715) 453-4900 www.theezroute.com s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS -ULTIPASSAGE GUIDE SYSTEM FOR ROUTING 0%8 TUBING UP OUT OF THE CONCRETE IN BOTH RADIANT HEAT AND DOMESTIC WATER LINE APPLICATIONS
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4WISS 2D #AMPBELLVILLE /. ,0 " #!.!$! &AX WWWGOODFELLOWINCCOM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS
GREEN BOILER TECHNOLOGIES, WESTERN ENGINEERING 7 7ALNUT 3T $ANVILLE +9 (859) 236-3181 Fax: (859) 236-3184 WWWGREENBOILERTECHNOLOGIESCOM OR WWWGBT INCCOM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS -ANUFACTURERS OF GAS FIRED HIGH EFFICIENCY BOILERS AND MID EFFICIENCY BOILERS GAS FIRED &UELS BOTH NATURAL AND PROPANE GAS MODELS MODULATE TO AVAILABLE INSIZES OF M M M 500m.
GREENWOOD CLEAN ENERGY 3% TH 3T 3TE ! "ELLEVUE 7! &AX WWWGREENWOODUSACOM 'REENWOOD MANUFACTURES HIGH EFFICIENCY WOOD AND BIOMASS BOILERS AND HEATERS
HACKER INDUSTRIES .EWPORT #ENTER $R 3TE .EWPORT "EACH #! (800) 642-3455 Fax: (800) 906-8548 www.hackerindustries.com s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS &OR COMFORTABLE EVENLY HEATED FLOORS SPECIFY (ACKER )NDUSTRIES '90 30!. 2ADIANT )NSTALLED BY LICENSED APPLICATORS '90 30!. 2ADIANT PROVIDES A SMOOTH DURABLE AND WARM SURFACE FOR FINISHED FLOOR COVERINGS
HALEX CORP. 3 2ESERVOIR 3T 0OMONA #! (909) 622-3537 Fax: (909) 622-3047 WWWHALEXCORPCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS #ARPET TACK STRIP CARPET SEAM TAPE UNDERLAYMENT FLOORING MOISTURE SUPPRESSANT NAILS
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 55
Radiant flooring/subflooring/equipment guide HEATIZON SYSTEMS
JOHNSON BROS. METAL FORMING CO.
4137 S. 500 West, Murray, UT 84123 (801) 293-1232 Fax: (801) 293-3077 www.heatizon.com s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS ,OW VOLTAGE ROOF DEICING FLOOR WARMING RADIANT HEATING SNOW MELTING AND WATER WARMING PRODUCTS ,ISTED TO 5, STANDARDS YEAR WARRANTY
-C$ERMOTT $R "ERKELEY ), (708) 449-7050 Fax: (708) 449-0042 WWWJOHNSONROLLFORMINGCOM -ANUFACTURES ROLL FORMED METAL RADIANT FLOOR TUBING PANELS CLAMP RINGS TROUGHS CABLEWAYS FRAMING AND MORE !LL METALS USED NONFERROUS AND FERROUS PRE FINISHED AND PLAIN )NLINE FABRICATIONS
JUNCKERS HARDWOOD HEATLINK % 3T .% #ALGARY !" 4% - #!.!$! (800) 661-5332; (403) 250-3432 Fax: (800) 869-6098; (403) 250-1155 WWWHEATLINKCOM s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 2ADIANT HEATING AND RADIANT COOLING SYSTEMS INCLUDING PANELS ELECTRONIC CONTROLS INSULATED 0%8 DESIGN SOFTWARE AND MODULAR MANIFOLDS 0OTABLE WATER DISTRIBUTION COMPONENTS INCLUDING STAINLESS STEEL PRESS SLEEVE SLEEVED 0%8 TUBING GREYWATER TUBING AND POTABLE MANIFOLDS
,AFAYETTE 3T 3TE .EW 9ORK .9 (212) 334-8060 Fax: (212) 334-8062 WWWJUNCKERSHARDWOODCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s $ISTRESSED WOOD FLOORING s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 3OLID AND ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING FOR USE WITH RADIANT HEATED SUBFLOORS
LAUNSTEIN HARDWOOD FLOORS 384 S. Every Rd., Mason, MI 48854 (517) 676-1133 Fax: (517) 676-6379 www.launstein.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s (ARDWOOD FLOORS s 1UARTER SAWN HARDWOOD FLOORS s 7IDE PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORS s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 7E MANUFACTURE WOOD FLOORS DESIGNED TO WORK WITH RADIANT SYSTEMS BOTH SOLID AND ENGINEERED 3HIPPED NATIONWIDE WIDE PLANK QUARTER SAWN FLOORING IS OUR SPECIALTY
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 25
LAARS HEATING SYSTEMS CO. )NDUSTRIAL 7AY 2OCHESTER .( (603) 335-6300 Fax: (603) 335-3355 WWWLAARSCOM
-LEGEND HYDRONICS
HYDROLEVEL CO. 83 Water St., New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 776-0473 Fax: (203) 773-1019 www.hydrolevel.com
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 13 INFLOOR SALES & SERVICE 0/ "OX "UENA 6ISTA #/ (800) 588-4470 Fax: (719) 395-3555 WWWINFLOORCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s )NFLOOR"OARD© A MODULAR HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM s %LECTRIC RADIANT FLOOR WARMINGHEATING SYSTEM s (YDRONIC RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS &ULL LINE OF HYDRONIC FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM CONSISTING OF QUALITY ASSURED PROVEN COMPONENTS 0%8 TUBING MODULAR MANIFOLDS IN PLASTIC COPPER AND BRASS &OR FLOOR WARMING )NFLOOR ELECTRIC CABLE IS FLEXIBLE MOISTURE RESISTANT AND TOUGH #OMPLETE LINE OF PLUMBING MATERIALS AS WELL AS SOLAR
INSULATION SOLUTIONS 4RUCK (AVEN 2D %AST 0EORIA ), (309) 698-0062 Fax: (309) 698-0065 WWWINSULATIONSOLUTIONSCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 3PACE !GE s 4HE 1UIP s )NSUL 4ARP s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS )NSUL 4ARP 3PACE !GE 2ADIANT 0ANEL 0RO 0LUS AND THE 1UIP ARE EXCELLENT WAYS TO INCREASE THE PROFITABILITY OF YOUR RADIANT PROJECT 7HETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY LOWER COST OR QUICKER INSTALLATION THE TECHNOLOGY OFFERED BY )NSULATION 3OLUTIONS CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN
LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL 1 Laticrete Pk. N., Bethany, CT 06524 (800) 243-4788; (203) 393-0010 Fax: (203) 393-1684 www.laticrete.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s ,ATICRETE 0LATINUM MULTIPURPOSE THIN set mortar s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & # TO # s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS -AINTENANCE FREE AND BACKED BY A LIFETIME WARRANTY ,ATICRETE FLOOR HEAT IS THE MOST COMPLETE SELF ADHESIVE ELECTRICAL FLOOR WARMING SYSTEM AVAILABLE %ASY TO USE DESIGN LAYOUT SOFTWARE ALLOWS PROJECTS TO BE QUICKLY CREATED WITH AN IN HOUSE DESIGN GROUP AVAILABLE FOR assistance.
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 11
Information has been supplied by listing companies. It has not been verified by RPA or BNP Media, and may contain errors. All information should be verified with manufacturer prior to any use.
56 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
300 N. Opdyke Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (866) 752-2055 Fax: (866) 752-2054 www.legendhydronics.com or www.legendvalve.com s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS ,EGENDS HYDRONICS DIVISION OFFERS A FULL LINE OF INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FROM RADIANT PANEL SYSTEMS TO SOLAR FROM INNOVATIVE ACCESSORIES TO THE LARGEST MOST FLEXIBLE SELECTION OF MANIFOLDS IN THE INDUSTRY 'UARANTEED SHIPPED IN HOURS AND BACKED BY THE ALWAYS OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE THE HYDRONICS AND MECHANICAL INDUSTRIES HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO FROM ,EGEND
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 15 M.P. METAL PRODUCTS 0/ "OX )XONIA 7) (920) 261-9650 Fax: (920) 261-9652 WWWMPMETALSCOM (EAT TRANSFER PLATES MANUFACTURED TO CUSTOMER SPECIFICATIONS IN A VARIETY OF SIZES AND SHAPES IN ALUMINUM AND OTHER METALS TYPICALLY FOR /%- ACCOUNTS
MACDUFFCO MFG. 0/ "OX 1UADRA 3T 6ICTORIA "# 64 % #!.!$! (888) 565-2267 WWWULTRA FINCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s (YDRONIC 2ADIANT &LOOR (EATING 3YSTEM 4HE PROVEN AND PATENTED DESIGN OF THE 5,42! &). RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR MORE HEAT TO BE DELIVERED FASTER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY WITHOUT OVERHEATING THE FLOOR 4HE ONLY RADIANT SYSTEM COMPATIBLE WITH ALL FLOOR COVERINGS EVEN HARDWOOD
- = Premium listing. For expanded online listings, go to www.radiantandhydronics.com/radiantflooringguide
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MAXXON CORP. 920 Hamel Rd., P.O. Box 253, Hamel, MN 55340 (800) 356-7887 Fax: (763) 478-2431 www.maxxoncorporation.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 4HERMA &LOOR UNDERLAYMENT s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS -AXIMUM & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS -AXXON RECOGNIZED WORLDWIDE AS THE PIONEER AND LEADER IN FLOOR TECHNOLOGIES PROVIDES 4HERMA &LOOR THE IDEAL THERMAL MASS FOR RADIANT HEAT !LWAYS A GREEN BUILDING MATERIAL ITS THE SPECIALLY FORMULATED HIGH STRENGTH UNDERLAYMENT THAT POURS v THICK OVER HYDRONIC TUBES OR ELECTRIC HEATING CABLES
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 37 METROFLOR CORP. /AKWOOD !VE ND &L .ORWALK #4 %XT &AX WWWMETROFLORUSACOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS HOURS BEFOREAFTER INSTALLATION & TO & ALL OTHER TIMES & TO & -ETROFLOR OFFERS SUPERIOR VINYL CONSTRUCTION IN A WIDE SELECTION OF WOOD CERAMIC STONE METAL AND CONCRETE PATTERNS THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMER CIAL APPLICATIONS
METROPOLITAN CERAMICS, IRONROCK -ILLERTON 3T 3% 0/ "OX #ANTON /( &AX WWWMETROCERAMICSCOM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS ,OW ABSORPTION NATURAL THROUGH THE BODY COLORS AND TIGHT DIE SKIN SURFACE OF EXTRUDED -ETROPOLITAN #ERAMICS QUARRY TILE MAKES IT THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR DEMANDING COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS
MP GLOBAL PRODUCTS P.O. Box 2283, 2500 Old Hadar Rd., Norfolk, NE 68702-2283 (888) 379-9695 Fax: (402) 379-9737 www.quietwarmth.com or www.quietwalk.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 1UIET7ARMTH© s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS .OT TO EXCEED & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 1UIET7ARMTH IS DESIGNED TO BE THE EASIEST SAF EST AND MOST EFFECTIVE RADIANT HEAT SYSTEM TO USE UNDER LAMINATE WOOD AND TILE FLOOR COVERINGS -ADE WITH 4HERMO3OFT &IBER4HERMICS HEATING ELEMENTS 1UIET7ARMTH IS CONVENIENT CAN ASSIST IN SOUND ABSORPTION WARMS THE FLOOR AND HELPS TO HEAT A ROOM
-NORTHWESTERN OHIO FOAM PRODUCTS MR. PEX SYSTEMS 2613 87th Ct. W., Northfield, MN 55057 (952) 652-2472 Fax: (952) 652-2378 www.mrpexsystems.com s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS UP TO & -R 0%8 OFFERS THE FLEXIBLE 0%8 TUBING 2ADIANT FLOOR HEATING SNOW MELT SYSTEMS AND 0EX !, 0EX PLUMBING SYSTEMS
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 32 NATIONAL GYPSUM CO. 2EXFORD 2D #HARLOTTE .# &AX WWWNATIONALGYPSUMCOM s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED 0ERMA"ASE CEMENT BOARD IS A RIGID SUBSTRATE MADE OF 0ORTLAND CEMENT AGGREGATE AND GLASS MESH THAT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTIONALLY HARD DURABLE SURFACE THAT IS ABLE TO WITHSTAND PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO MOISTURE
NAVIEN AMERICA 'OODYEAR )RVINE #! &AX WWWNAVIENAMERICACOM
NIBCO -IDDLEBURY 3T %LKHART ). &AX WWWNIBCOCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & OR LOWER s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS .)"#/S BASIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM PROVIDES A COMFORTABLE EFFICIENT AND AFFORDABLE METHOD OF HEAT ING /UR PRE ENGINEERED PANELS AND INSTALLATION KITS GET THE JOB DONE QUICKLY
NOBLE CO. 0/ "OX 'RAND (AVEN -) &AX WWWNOBLECOMPANYCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s .OBLE3EAL 3)3 s .OBLE3EAL 43 s .OBLE3EAL #)3 s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS 5P TO & s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS .OBLE #O PRODUCES COMPOSITE SHEET MEMBRANES IDE ALLY SUITED FOR USE UNDER THIN SET TILE INSTALLATIONS WITH RADIANT HEAT .OBLE3EAL SHEET MEMBRANES CAN PROVIDE CRACK ISOLATION WATERPROOFING AND SOUND CONTROL
725 Enterprise Dr., Wauseon, OH 43567 (800) 339-4850; (419) 335-4850 Fax: (419) 335-2380 www.thebarrier.com or www.nofp.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 0REMIERE DUCT WRAP INSULATION s -ICROFOIL RADIANT BARRIER FOR STAPLE UP s 4HE "ARRIER UNDER CONCRETE INSULATION s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS ./&0 MANUFACTURES "ARRIER UNDER CONCRETE INSULATION AND 3OLEX,4 REFLECTIVE INSULATION "ARRIER "ARRIER84 AND "ARRIER8 WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO USE UNDER CONCRETE SLABS WITH RADIANT FLOOR HEATING IN EASY TO USE X ROLLS AND INCLUDE A SELF TAPING EDGE MAK ING INSTALLATION FAST AND EASY WHEN COMPARED TO RIGID BOARD FOAM 3OLEX,4 IS A REFLECTIVE INSULATION USED IN STAPLE UP RADIANT FLOOR APPLICATIONS IN EASY TO USE v X ROLLS )T REFLECTS THE RADIANT HEAT UPWARDS FOR A QUICKER AND ENERGY SAVING RESPONSE TO THE HEATING DEMANDS
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 31 NOVA DISTINCTIVE FLOORS % 3EPULVEDA "LVD #ARSON #! &AX WWWNOVAFLOORINGSCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS -AX & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS #ORK CORKSTONE SLATE AND LEATHER FLOORING #ORK UNDERLAYMENT ROLLS AND SHEETS
NUHEAT INDUSTRIES #LIVEDEN !VE $ELTA "# 6- 6 #!.!$! 7!2- &AX WWWNUHEATCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s .UHEAT %LECTRIC &LOOR 7ARMING 3YSTEM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 0RE BUILT LIKE AN ELECTRIC BLANKET .UHEAT IS AN EASY TO INSTALL ELECTRIC RADIANT FLOOR WARMING SYSTEM
OJ ELECTRONICS 0/ "OX !RLINGTON (EIGHTS ), &AX WWWOJELECTRONICSCOM ,EADING MANUFACTURER OF THERMOSTATS FOR ELECTRIC FLOOR HEATING AND CONTROLS FOR ICE AND SNOW MELTING APPLICATIONS SINCE
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 7
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RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 57
Radiant flooring/subflooring/equipment guide PETER MANGONE
REED MANUFACTURING CO.
ROTH INDUSTRIES
12687 W. Cedar Dr., Ste. 100, Lakewood, CO 80228-2013 (800) 338-2448; (303) 986-5447 Fax: (303) 989-1207 www.petermangone.com s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS /FFERS 0%8 TUBING INSTALLATION TOOLS FOR RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS THE 2EDDI 3TRIP 3YSTEM FOR FOAMBOARD AND THE 2" 0NEUMATIC #LIP 'UN FOR WOODEN SURFACES
7 TH 3T 0/ "OX %RIE 0! (814) 452-3691; (800) 666-3691 Fax: (814) 455-1697 www.reedmfgco.com 2EED -ANUFACTURING #O MAKES PIPE TOOLS FOR PROFESSIONALS &OR THE RADIANT FLOORING INDUSTRY 2EED OFFERS TUBING CUTTERS 0%8 TOOLS STUD PUNCHES AND A WHOLE LINE OF WATERLINE TOOLS
0/ "OX 3YRACUSE .9 (315) 579-3326 Fax: (315) 475-0220 WWWROTH AMERICACOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s (YDRONIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 2OTH SPECIALIZES IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS THAT PRODUCE DOMESTIC HOT WATER SOLAR AND GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS DISTRIBUTE RADIANT FLOOR HEATING AND 0%8 C PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND STORE SEPTIC CISTERN RAINWATER COLLECTION AND OIL STORAGE TANKS ENERGY FOR THE FINEST HOMES
PRECISION HYDRONIC PRODUCTS .% TH #T 3TE % 0ORTLAND /2 (503) 445-4188 Fax: (503) 445-4187 WWWPHPINCUS s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 0RECISION (YDRONIC 0RODUCTS MANUFACTURES PRIMARY RADIANT MODULAR PANELS HYDRAULIC SEPERATORS AND CANISTERS COPPER MANIFOOLDS AND INSULATED HEATFLOORING UNDERLAYMENT FOR v 0%8 TUBING
REFLECTIX 3CHOOL 3T -ARKLEVILLE ). (765) 533-4332 Fax: (765) 533-2327 WWWREFLECTIXINCCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s $OUBLE "UBBLE 7HITE s 3TAPLE 4AB s 3TANDARD $OUBLE "UBBLE s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 2EFLECTIX IS A GREAT ENHANCEMENT TO ANY RADIANT FLOOR HEATING APPLICATION )T REFLECTS OF RADIANT ENERGY STRIKING ITS SURFACE 2EFLECTIX IS TOUGH EASY TO INSTALL RADIATES HEAT IN DESIRED DIRECTION IS AN EXCELLENT VAPOR BARRIER AND INCREASES EFFICIENCY IN HEATING
PREVERCO INC. DE 2OTTERDAM 3T !UGUSTIN 1# '! % #!.!$! (800) 667-2725 Fax: (418) 878-8931 WWWPREVERCOCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s %NGENIUS ENGINEERED FLOORS s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS 0REVERCO OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF HARDWOOD FLOORING USING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOOD SPECIES OFFERED IN VARIOUS GRADES WIDTHS AND TRENDY COLORS
QUALITY WOODS &LANDERS "ARTLEY 2D 0/ "OX &LANDERS .* (973) 584-7554 Fax: (973) 584-3875 WWWQUALITYWOODSLTDCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s -ERBAU FLOORING 3OLID WOOD FLOORING "URMA 4EAK -ERBAU AND STRAIGHT GRAIN "RAZILIAN #HERRY ALL SUITABLE FOR RADIANT HEAT
R.C.A. RUBBER CO. % -ARKET 3T 0/ "OX !KRON /( (330) 784-1291; (800) 321-2340 Fax: (330) 794-6446 WWWRCARUBBERCOM OR WWWFLEXI FLORCOM 2UBBER FLOORING IS DIMENSIONALLY STABLE AND DOES NOT REQUIRE SEAM hWELDINGv 2UBBER FLOORING NEEDS NO SEALERS OR FINISHES FOR MAINTENANCE
0LEASANT 2IDGE 2D 0LATTSBURGH .9 (800) 472-4588 Fax: (800) 477-9783 WWWSCHLUTERCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 3CHLUTER "%+/4%# s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS 5P TO & # s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED 3CHLUTER "%+/4%# IS A LIGHTWEIGHT MODULAR SCREED SYSTEM USED TO CREATE CONTINUOUS SCREED SURFACES WITHOUT CONTROL JOINTS OR REINFORCEMENT AND ACCOMMODATE HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING TUBES
SOLIDA CORK, ERACO INTERNATIONAL
REHAU CONSTRUCTION 1501 Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E., Leesburg, VA 20176 (800) 247-9445 Fax: (800) 627-3428 na.rehau.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s %6%2,/# FITTINGS s 2!50%8 s 2!50!.%,© s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS PSI & PSI & PSI & FOR CONTINUOUS OPERATION s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 2%(!5 OFFERS A COMPLETE RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDING 0%8A PIPE %6%2,/# FITTINGS 02/ "!,!.#% MANIFOLDS 2!50!.%, 2!50,!4% AND TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
SEE OUR AD ON BACK COVER ROBERTS CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES, A Q.E.P. CO. "ROKEN 3OUND 0KWY 3TE ! "OCA 2ATON &, (866) 435-8665 Fax: (561) 241-2830 WWWROBERTSCONSOLIDATEDCOM
"RITANNIA 2D % -ISSISSAUGA /. ,: 3 #!.!$! (905) 712-9976 Fax: (905) 712-3417 WWWSOLIDACORKCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 3OLIDA CORK FLOORING s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 3OLIDA #ORK IS A LEADING EDGE MANUFACTURER OF MADE TO ORDER TRADITIONAL GLUE DOWN TILES AND GLUELESS FLOATING CORK FLOOR WITH A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DESIGNS COLORS FINISHES AND SHAPES AVAILABLE TODAY -ORE THAN DISTINCT VARIATIONS .OW AVAILABLE CUSTOM COLORED BAMBOO STANDARD COLORS AND CUSTOM COLORS
SPIROTHERM . "RANDON $R 'LENDALE (TS ), (630) 307-2662 Fax: (630) 307-3773 WWWSPIROTHERMCOM
SPONGE CUSHION
RADIANT ENGINEERING %AST 0EACH 3T 3TE ! "OZEMAN -4 (406) 587-3442 Fax: (406) 587-1617 WWWRADIANTENGINEERINGCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 4HERMO&IN EXTRUDED ALUMINUM HEAT TRANSFER PLATES 2ADIANT %NGINEERING SPECIALIZES IN THE DESIGN AND SUPPLY OF HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS 7E ALSO MANUFACTURE AND SELL HEAT TRANSFER PLATES
SCHLUTER-SYSTEMS
ROBINA FLOORS 'REAT 3OUTHWEST 0KWY 37 !TLANTA '! (678) 626-0510 WWWROBINAFLOORSCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS .7&! 'UIDELINES s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 7E MANUFACTURE HIGH END ENGINEERED WOOD AND LAMINATE FLOORING "OTH PRODUCT LINES FEATURE OUR 6AELINGE ' LOCKING SYSTEM
0/ "OX !RMSTRONG 3T -ORRIS ), (800) 435-4062; (815) 942-2300 Fax: (800) 423-3557; (815) 942-9636 WWWSPONGE CUSHIONCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 4RED-OR COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS s "ERBER 3UPREME s &ULL (OUSE s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED -ANUFACTURER OF HIGH DENSITY CARPET CUSHIONS MADE FROM SYNTHETIC RUBBER FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS 4HESE PRODUCTS HAVE LOW 2 VALUES ARE NOT HEAT SENSITIVE AND ARE THE TYPE RATED AS h"EST #HOICEv BY THE 20!
Information has been supplied by listing companies. It has not been verified by RPA or BNP Media, and may contain errors. All information should be verified with manufacturer prior to any use.
58 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
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SSHC
THERMOSOFT INTERNATIONAL CORP.
P.O. Box 769, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 (800) 544-5182 Fax: (860) 399-6460 www.sshcinc.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s %.%2*/9 RADIANT CEILING PANELS s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS .O 2ESTRICTION s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 7ARM FLOORS RADIANTLY WITHOUT OBSTRUCTION OR TEMPERATURE CONCERN USING %NERJOY MODULAR CEILING PANELS 2ADIANT FLOORING MODULAR %NERJOY RADIANT CEILING PANELS SNOW MELTING SYSTEMS UNDERDESK HEATERS THERMOSTATS AND CONTROLS #OMPLETE LINE OF 5, ,ISTED ELECTRIC RADIANT PRODUCTS
,EXINGTON $R "UFFALO 'ROVE ), (877) 249-6422 Fax: (847) 279-8845 WWWTHERMOSOFTCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 4(%2-/&,//2 s 4(%2-/4),% s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS 5P TO THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED BY FLOOR COVERING MANUFACTURER s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 4HERMO&LOOR HEATING PADS WORK FOR ELECTRIC RADIANT FLOOR HEAT LAMINATE RADIANT FLOOR HEATING AND WOOD FLOOR HEATING 4HERMO4ILE RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH BOTH A CURRENT RETURN WIRE !.$ AN INNER FOIL WRAP TO ELIMINATE %-& RISK
STAUF ADHESIVE 0RIMACY 0KWY 3TE -EMPHIS 4. (901) 820-0007 Fax: (901) 820-0101 WWWSTAUFUSACOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 3-0 s 05- s 7&2 s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS 3UBFLOOR MUST NOT BE OVER & s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 3TAUF ADHESIVES ARE APPROVED FOR USE WITH PROPERLY SEALED RADIANT HEAT SYSTEMS !DHESIVE TYPES ARE URETHANE POLYMER ALCOHOL SOLVENT AND WATER BASED
#ONTINENTAL $R 3TE ! 7EST "END 7) (262) 306-7625 Fax: (262) 335-4180 WWWTOOLSTHATROCKCOM
TRIANGLE TUBE 1 Triangle Ln., Blackwood, NJ 08012 (856) 228-8881 Fax: (856) 228-3584 www.triangletube.com
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 17
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 3
#ONSTITUTION $R -ENLO 0ARK #! (800) 545-6258 Fax: (800) 527-5703 WWWRAYCHEMQUICKNETCOM s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 4HE 2AYCHEM 1UICK.ET FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM PROVIDES UNIFORM HEATING FOR TILED AREAS 4HE SYSTEM INCLUDES A HEATING MAT FOR EASY INSTALLATION AND A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
TEKMAR CONTROL SYSTEMS
U.S. BOILER CO., BURNHAM BOILERS
1160 Cranston St., Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 942-8000 Fax: (401) 942-2360 www.taco-hvac.com
3ILVER 3TAR 2D 6ERNON "# 6" + #!.!$! (250) 545-7749 Fax: (250) 545-0650 WWWTEKMARCONTROLSCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s TEKMAR.ET s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS TEKMAR #ONTROL 3YSTEMS ADD COMFORT ENERGY SAVINGS AND CONVENIENCE TO A WIDE RANGE OF (6!# SYSTEMS 0RODUCT LINE INCLUDES MIXING BOILER AND SETPOINT CONTROLS AND THERMOSTATS
301 N. Main St., 9th Fl., Wichita, KS 67202 (800) 976-9819; (877) 843-4262 Fax: (316) 425-7618 www.viega.com or www.zeroleadfacts.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 6IEGA RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS 6IEGA OFFERS THE MOST COMPLETE LINE OF HIGH TECH HIGH QUALITY RADIANT HEATING APPLICATION METHODS AND SNOW MELTING SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD ALONGSIDE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE CUSTOMER SUPPORT IN THE INDUSTRY
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 4
TOOLS THAT ROCK
TYCO THERMAL CONTROLS
TACO
VIEGA
0/ "OX ,ANCASTER 0! (717) 397-4701 Fax: (717) 481-8478 WWWUSBOILERNET -ANUFACTURER OF RESIDENTIAL CAST IRON AND STEEL GAS OIL FIRED SPACE HEATING BOILERS GAS FIRED CONDENSING ALUMINUM AND STAINLESS STEEL BOILERS AND INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS
TERAGREN
UPONOR
-ILLER 2D .% 3TE "AINBRIDGE )SLAND 7! (206) 842-9477; (800) 929-6333 Fax: (206) 842-9456 WWWTERAGRENCOM RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 4IMBER'RASS BAMBOO FLOORING s 4ERAGREN© BAMBOO FLOATING FLOOR s 4ERAGREN© BAMBOO X v WIDE PLANK s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS .O HIGHER THAN & s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS 4ERAGREN IS THE NATIONS LEADING MANUFACTURER OF FINE BAMBOO FLOORS COUNTERTOPS PANELS AND VENEER !LL 4ERAGREN BAMBOO FLOORING PRODUCTS ARE SUITABLE OVER RADIANT HEAT
5925 148th St. W., Apple Valley, MN 55124 (800) 321-4739; (952) 891-2000 Fax: (952) 891-2008 www.uponorpro.com or www.uponor-usa.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 1UIK 4RAK s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 5PONOR PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT OFFERING AS WELL AS TRAINING AND DESIGN SUPPORT FOR RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING APPLICATIONS FOR THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL MARKETS
SEE OUR AD ON INSIDE FRONT COVER
www.radiantandhydronics.com/radiantflooringguide
VIESSMANN MANUFACTURING CO. (U.S.) !CCESS 2D 7ARWICK 2) (800) 288-0667 Fax: (401) 732-0590 WWWVIESSMANN USCOM s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS 7ALL MOUNTED CONDENSING BOILERS FLOOR STANDING OIL OR GAS FIRED HOT WATER HEATING BOILERS SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS ADVANCED BIOMASS HEATING BOILERS CONTROL TECHNOLOGY AND $(7 STORAGE TANKS
VINTAGE HARDWOOD FLOORING %VANS !VE 4ORONTO /. -: + #!.!$! (416) 252-0962; (416) 252-4182 Fax: (416) 252-3487; (416) 252-8213 WWWVINTAGEFLOORINGCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO # & TO & s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 6INTAGE (ARDWOOD &LOORING OFFERS ITS CRAFTED MM ENGINEERED FLOORING AND ITS v SOLID SAWN FLOORING AND MM 5 ,/# LOCKING HARDWOOD FLOORING IN SPECIES MORE THAN COLORS AND WIDTHS FROM v TO v
WARM FLOORS ! %NTERPRISE 7AY .APA #! (800) 542-9276; (707) 257-0880 Fax: (707) 257-0119 WWWWARMFLOORSCOM s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR USE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS DOMESTIC TEMPERATURE $ESIGN BUILD AND INSTALLATION OF HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING AS WELL AS THERMAL SOLAR SYSTEMS IN #ALIFORNIA !LSO OFFERING PACKAGED HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS AND ELECTRIC RADIANT MATS THROUGHOUT !MERICA
WARMBOARD 3OQUEL $R 3TE ! !PTOS #! (877) 338-5493; (831) 685-9276 Fax: (831) 685-9278 www.warmboard.com s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS & TO & s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 7ARMBOARD )NC MANUFACTURERS 7ARMBOARD AND 7ARMBOARD 2 WHICH OFFER THE SAME SUPERIOR HEATING PERFORMANCE COMFORT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY 'ENERALLY NEW CONSTRUCTION AND NEW ADDITIONS WILL USE 7ARMBOARD WHILE REMODELED HOMES WILL USE 7ARMBOARD 2
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 59
Radiant flooring/subflooring/equipment guide WARMLYYOURS 2 Corporate Dr., Ste. 100, Long Grove, IL 60047 (800) 875-5285 Fax: (800) 408-1100 www.warmlyyours.com s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS "UY ELECTRIC FLOOR HEATING DIRECT FROM 7ARMLY9OURS AND GET INSTALLATION SUPPORT OVERNIGHT CUSTOM DESIGN LAYOUTS AND FRIENDLY KNOWLEDGEABLE CUSTOMER SUPPORT
WEBSTONE CO. One Appian Way, Worcester, MA 01610 (800) 225-9529 Fax: (800) 336-5133 www.webstonevalves.com 2ESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL VALVES FOR PLUMBING HYDRONIC RADIANT SOLAR AND GEOTHERMAL APPLICATIONS $ESIGNS FOCUS ON TIME AND SPACE SAVING CONCEPTS THAT SIMPLIFY MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF ALL PIPING SYSTEMS
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 6 WARMUP &EDERAL 2D 5NIT & $ANBURY #4 (888) 927-6333; (203) 791-0072 Fax: (888) 927-4721; (203) 791-4721 www.warmup.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s %LECTRIC 2ADIANT (EAT s 2ECOMMENDED 4EMPERATURE 2ANGE FOR 5SE WITH 2ADIANT 3YSTEMS 6ARIES BASED ON FLOOR TYPE s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 7ARMUP OFFERS ELECTRIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS FOR ALL FLOOR TYPES INCLUDING LAMINATE AND WOOD FLOORS !LL PRODUCTS ARE 5, LISTED AND EASY TO INSTALL
WARWICK HANGER #ANAL 3T 7ESTERLY 2) (401) 596-8062 Fax: (401) 596-8063 WWW WARWICKHANGERCOM 7ARWICK (ANGER IS A MANUFACTURER OF PIPE HANGERS RADIANT HEAT INSTALLATION PRODUCTS AND OTHER PLUMBING RELATED PRODUCTS
WEIL-MCLAIN
Spend less time searching for information and more time using it www.radiantandhydronics.com/ radiantflooringguide
"LAINE 3T -ICHIGAN #ITY ). (219)879-6561 WWWWEIL MCLAINCOM
YEMM & HART -ADISON 3TE -ARQUAND -/ (573) 783-5434 Fax: (573) 783-7544 WWWYEMMHARTCOM 2ESILIENT RUBBER AND CORK FLOOR TILES AND ROLLS MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS
ZURN INDUSTRIES, ZURN PEX (WY % #OMMERCE 48 (903) 886-2580 Fax: (903) 886-2583 www.zurnpex.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s 3IMPLY (EAT© 2ADIANT &LOOR 7ARMING s 0RODUCT 2 VALUES ARE PUBLISHED s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS :URN A LEADING MANUFACTURER OF RADIANT HEATING PRODUCTS OFFERS BARRIER AND NONBARRIER TUBING A VARIETY OF INSTALLATION METHODS AND A RANGE OF CONTROLS AND MANIFOLDS
WATTS RADIANT 4500 E. Progress Pl., Springfield, MO 65803 (417) 864-6108 Fax: (417) 864-8161 www.wattsradiant.com RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS: s (EATWEAVE %LECTRIC &LOOR 7ARMING s 2ADIANT0%8 2ADIANT 4UBING s /NIX 2ADIANT 4UBING s #OMPANY WEBSITE LISTS DISTRIBUTORS s (AS SPECIFIC INFO AVAILABLE ON RADIANT APPLICATIONS 7ATTS 2ADIANT PROVIDES SEVERAL RADIANT SOLUTIONS /UR SYSTEMS CAN BE INSTALLED USING ANY TYPE OF FLOOR COVERING
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 23
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60 RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE
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AD INDEX Company Name
Page
Aquatherm ....................................................................................... 29 www.aquathermpipe.com
Product showcase
Bradford White Corp. .................................................................. 28 www.bradfordwhite.com Creatherm Building Products .................................................. 31 www.creatherm.com Dunkirk .................................................................................................9 www.dunkirk.com Electro Plastics Inc....................................................................... 33 www.warmfloor.com Hydrolevel Co. ................................................................................ 13 www.hydrolevel.com IAPMO........................................................... 39, Inside Back Cover www.iapmo.org
Beautiful hardwood floors over radiant heating systems
Junckers Hardwood . ................................................................... 61 www.junckershardwood.com
For more than 80 years, Junckers has been producing hardwood floors of exceptional beauty and quality. Junckers, Europe’s largest producer of prefinished solid hardwood flooring, is recognized worldwide as a leader and innovator in hardwood installation over radiant heat systems. The unique nature of Junckers Clip Installation System and our solid hardwood flooring products make this system a natural choice, providing warranties for all installations over radiant heating systems. Junckers.
Laticrete International Inc......................................................... 11 www.laticrete.com Launstein Floors .......................................................................... 25 www.launstein.com Legend Hydronics ......................................................................... 15 www.legendhydronics.com Maxxon Corp. .................................................................................. 37 www.maxxon.com MP Global Products LLC ..............................................................7 www.quietwarmth.com MrPEX Systems............................................................................. 32 www.mrpexsystems.com NOFP Inc........................................................................................... 31 www.nofp.com PexSupply ........................................................................................ 19 www.pexsupply.com REHAU Inc. ..................................................................... Back Cover www.rehau.com
Heating & Cooling A Full Service Mechanical Contractor Specializing in Boilers and Radiant Systems
Taco Inc. ...............................................................................................3 www.taco-hvac.com Triangle Tube................................................................................... 17 www.Triangletube.com Uponor ..................................................................Inside Front Cover www.uponor-usa.com
Dan Foley President
703-339-8030 Fax: 703-339-8031 8390 Terminal Road, Unit I Lorton, VA 22079
Viega ......................................................................................................4 www.viega.net Watts Radiant Inc. ........................................................................ 23 www.wattsradiant.com Webstone Co. Inc. ............................................................................6 www.webstonevalves.com
RADIANT FLOORING GUIDE 61
FROM THE EDITOR
Radiant heating and the green revolution
c
onsumers’ perception of “green” has changed quite a bit over the last few decades. No longer is the green conversation relegated to “hippies” or “tree huggers.” The conversation is now a part of mainstream America, generally in the areas of water conservation and energy HɷFLHQF\ Last June, a study conducted by the NAHB Research Center on behalf of Whirlpool Corp. and Habitat for +XPDQLW\IRXQGWKDWRQHĥWKLUGRI UHVSRQGHQWVEHOLHYHWKHGH¿QLWLRQRID green home is one that reduces water DQGHQHUJ\FRQVXPSWLRQE\DVLJQL¿FDQW amount. Yet most admit that their homes could be more environmentally sound. ,QDPLGĥ'HFHPEHU
5DGLDQWÀRRUKHDWLQJV\VWHPVFDQEH used with solar thermal or geothermal systems for even better energy savings. Advanced technologies have made hydronic heating equipment compact and easier to install without loss of performance. But the radiant heat conversation LVQ¶WRQO\DERXWKRZPXFKHQHUJ\ħDQG PRQH\ħFDQEHVDYHGLQWKHORQJWHUP It’s about a heating system that is quiet, clean and easily maintained. It’s about a heating system that promises reliable comfort. It’s about a heating system that allows homeowners to extend the sustainability of their homes with renewable energies. One of the great things about radiant heating systems is that almost any type RIÀRRUFRYHULQJFDQEHXVHGħPDQ\ species of wood, tile, stone, laminates, FDUSHWHYHQJUHHQÀRRULQJVXFKDV bamboo, cork, recycled rubber, vinyl and natural linoleum. Homeowners GRQ¶WKDYHWRJLYHXSEHDXWLIXOÀRRUVDQG aesthetically pleasing home design for FRPIRUWDQGHQHUJ\HɷFLHQF\ Education is still needed to reconcile homeowners’ performance expectations of radiant heating systems with the reality of how their families OLYH,QVWDOOLQJHQHUJ\ĥHɷFLHQWKHDWLQJ V\VWHPVLVRQO\SDUWRIWKHVROXWLRQħD change in behavior may be required as well. The green revolution moves on, and the construction industry moves along with it. KELLY FALOON (',725 5$',$17)/225,1**8,'(
Construction Automotive Industry
GEOTHERMAL AND RADIANT WITH SMART CONTROLS THE COMPLETE SOLUTION !GEOTHERMALPUMPPAIREDWITHARADIANTHEATINGSYSTEMISANINTELLIGENT EFlCIENT combination. Radiant heating needs a relatively low water temperature, which is just what the geothermal design provides. Add REHAU Smart Controls to integrate, optimize and manage both systems, and you’ll enjoy comfortable heat while saving as much as 70% of the energy consumed by traditional systems. You’ll also appreciate the reliable durability of REHAU PEXa pipes, secure EVERLOC joints and manifolds with individually controlled circuits, and the ease of controlling your systems from any web-enabled device with Smart Controls. To learn more, visit http://na.rehau.com/c1
www.rehau.com
