Accountant

marinot

A questions was raised to me concerning whether or not radiant heat under a floor will give off a bad odor if the floor has a tar paper lining between the sub-floor and the hardwood floor.  I assume it was placed there to limit noise.  Is there anyway to safeguard that this does not happen and/or will this odor be only temporary anyway.  I have never run into any complaints after installing radiant heat but that doesn't mean I should ignore the possibility.  Can this happen or at what temperature will this off gassing possibly happen?

NRT_Rob

it can

and tar paper under radiant isn't really recommended. I don't really have any other details except non-tar builder's paper or the like is a better choice.

marinot

existing tar paper

The house I am concerned about already has this tar paper through out the home. Is there anyway to get around this off gassing issue?

NRT_Rob

hmm.

well, you're not the first in this situation, so it's by no means a given to be a problem. Do you know what you're running for water temps?

marinot

temp

Would like to get to a surface temp of 80 degrees, at the highest temp the tube would be at 120 degrees.

Kungur

My Experience

I just finished doing my radiant floor retro. I have quarter sawn-red oak floor with tar paper. I am running 130F water and have not had any odor at all.

I did a staple up with aluminum transfer plates.