Radiant heat underlayment

Ken_40

But HWBB has its place as well.

In my also new home, we opted for radiant-only under the ceramic tile areas, and BOTH radiant and HWBB (in very small, dsecreet areas) for morning boost and "punch." Desinging systems where winter nightime outdoor temps hit 20 below makes the combined design a home-run IMO.

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Moissy

Radiant Heat Tile Underlayment and Carpet pad

We are installing hydronic radiant heat under the floor throughout a new home. Above wil be ceramic tile and carpet areas. What are the types of underlayment we can use under the tile? I've also heard we should use a different type of carpet padding. Thanks for the help!

hot_rod

Radiant specfic carpet pad

is a good idea, if carpet is a must. www.sponge-cushion.com is one manufacturer. The RPA should have a list of others. I've seen a hard rubber made from recycled tires. Can't remember the brand?

I've noticed one brand of tile backer board has a foam core. I'd stay away from that for R-value reasons and possible operating temperatures. 1/2" of foam could be R-2.5.

hot rod

ALH_4

Underlayment

For the tile backer, I lean toward Durock cement board. For the carpet areas, I would lean toward using another heating method, such as steel panel radiators or hot water baseboard. I have heard too many stories of poor performance with carpet and radiant floors. Another option is radiant walls or ceilings.

Unknown

let's not be alarmist. with proper choice of pad and carpet, it may not be ideal for low water temperatures but it can work fine to use radiant under carpet.

TLynch

Schluter's Ditra is recommended as a tile substrate for this application. Check out the product on Schluter's website. I used this product in two rooms of my radiant-heated house so far and it's easy to use and the tile seems to be holding up very well.