What is the best way to install radiant on an uneven cement slab

joel bosma

What is the best way of installing radiant on a concrete slab. This is a basement floor with an uneven floor. I was was thinking of a bubble/foil with wire mesh and then some sort of concrete over that.

Weezbo

depends , on what you might mean by \"Un Even\"

jack Hammer is the first thought that comes to mind.

Mars_3

yes remove the concrete as it may cause problems in the future

SVDW

I used the technique you describe in my remodel & it has worked for 6 years with no problems. I placed bubble/foil/bubble down & then laid flat re-wire down. I did need to screw it down here & there where it wouldn't lay flat. Then zip-tie & 11/2-2" gypcrete. I ran 1/2" hi-density foam around the perimeter for a barrier & cut it to the height of the floor when I was finished. The gypcrete guys used a laser-level & placed markers all over the floor to make sure it was level when they were done. Basically they glued metal pins all over the floor & cut them off at the correct level. Then floated the floor with a screed until they just brushed the top of the pins. Good luck.

Rich L.

No bubble foil!

I can see your plan working if your slab is stable. If it moves after the top coat you're going to be in trouble. I personaly wouldn't waste any time or money on bubble foil insulation. The R-value is non-existant. If you have room go with even 1/2" EPS foam. That will at least give you a thermal break. I'd just go with with a vapor barrier if that or bubble were my only choices. Do a site search on how effectice the bubbles are. Don't just take the manufacturers word for it.