Subfloor panels

Radman

Hey all,

I am looking for feedback on various types of subfloor radiant panels systems.

I have installed more than 20,000 sqFt of Roth, and a few thousand of warmboard.  I want someones feedback on the others, specific to this type of appication:

Existing basement slab, demolition not possible or in the budget.

Low floor height build-up allowed, 3/4" or less.  

Finished floor cover to be mixed: HWF(main living area), carpet (bedrooms), tile (baths).

Basically, this is for my house and Roth isn't going to cut it even though I love the stuff.   I need to pick up some R-value, and allow for carpet in the bedrooms because that's what Nancy wants.   Tile in the bath is desireable, and tile over Roth is a PITA.  The hardwoods will most likely be engineered, so the bath & bedrooms are the issue.

I am hoping to keep the build up low, spec 3/8" PEx Al PEx and not have to cut doors, affect the stair stringers, etc.   

What have been your experiences with the others?

Michael_6

Raupanel

Try the Raupanel it has the best output. The cost was high previously but the new pricing puts it in line with climate panel/ quik trac and is far superior.

NRT_Rob

raupanel is good

if you're doing your own labor, you can also make your own with Thermofin "U" plates and plywood.



Not sure how you're going to do anything to "pick up R-value" over roth though..?

Wayne_16

I have a simular problem,

My thought was to install the tubing in the perimeter walls.  Thin studs to fasten too.  close spacing at the floor level and then space the tubing farther apart at chest to eye level.  plywood spacing between the tubes and then sheetrock to cover everything.



Thanks,

Minnesota Wayne

Radman

Not much else out there huh?

Yes, I agree.  From what I can see there isn't much in the way of choices for panels with any R value.   Roth is it.  It's just that Roth is such a pain when it comes to tile and carpet.  By the time you add multi-ply, then cement board under the tile it really gets tall.    Schluter has a nice trowel on substrate for tile that omits the board, so I could use 3/8" Multi-Ply and tapcon it down.  I end up with a total build up of 1.5" to finished floor.   That's alot.   The real challenge is the carpet.  I wish there was a thermal mass interlocking-floating panel like Dri-Core that you could float over the Roth and set your carpet on.  

Well, thanks all.

BTW, Nice writeup in "Radiant Living" NRT_Rob, well done.  

Bo

NRT_Rob

thanks

it was a good project all around for us and for Ed Reynolds who is a top notch installer, troubleshooter, and generally great guy all around. We love working with him.