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Snowmelt unique application

jp_2
jp_2 Member Posts: 1,935
in THE MAIN WALL
since it will have/need anti-freeze, why not use a UV friendly plastic. I assume you want to keep this fluid separated from the main system anyway?

Comments

  • Todd_24
    Todd_24 Member Posts: 9
    snowmelt under wood deck

    We have a customer that would like to snowmelt a walkway under a wood deck. I'm trying to get a rough idea how many btu's sq/ft to figure. This will probably go through two layers of wood, 1-plywood to cover the tubing and 1- of the actual decking. There will be rigid foam board underneath it all for insulation. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
  • ALH_4
    ALH_4 Member Posts: 1,790
    Deck Snowmelt

    I don't think I would use plywood in a wet environment. How about this for an idea?

    First you deck it with 1x boards laying in the pattern you will have the finish decking laying. Then attach Thermofin, one piece per decking board. Use copper instead of pex because of the possibility of UV exposure. Then dado cut the 2x decking board that goes on top for the tube. Basically a Thermofin sandwich with 1/8" gaps between the boards.

    That way everything drains.

    Just an idea. I have never tried it.
  • jp_2
    jp_2 Member Posts: 1,935
    why not

    heavy extruded plates attached right to the underside of the deck?
  • Todd_24
    Todd_24 Member Posts: 9
    attaching tubing

    Those are good ideas. The actual decking is going to be a hardwood - possibly enap(sp). The decking is about 3/4" thick and approx. 3" wide (kind of looks like hardwood flooring) and will have a 1/4 - 1/2 spacing in between it. We had thought of copper to prevent UV damage and any chemicals from the swimming pool attacking the pex.
  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    pool chemicals?

    probably not a good match for bare copper. However look into those coated copper lines they sell for oil lines, Cameco I think is one brand. A bit more durable than PEX outside and the coating should protect it from most anything.

    hot rod

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  • Todd_24
    Todd_24 Member Posts: 9
    coated copper

    That would be a good idea, we have used it on oil lines for years. I actually spoke to a pex salesmen and he didn't have chlorine listed as harmful to pex, just chloric acid.

    This will be antifreezed and ran through a flat plate hx to separate the water and glycol.
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