Blocking UV

delta T

So, I installed radiant tubing for a 5000 Sq ft slab, and the concrete has been delayed.  Has anyone ever had to cover tubing to prevent UV damage?  Anyone know what would effectively block UV?  I don't thing regular 6 mil polyethylene sheeting does....maybe heavy plastic tarps?

Jamie Hall

i'd use the cheap blue or black tarps from the big box.

ratio

I'd think the black plastic would stop the UV, at least until it degraded, but I don't know that for a fact.

PC7060

ratio said:

I'd think the black plastic would stop the UV, at least until it degraded, but I don't know that for a fact.

Agree with @ratio, the black 6 mil will block the UV.
How long of a delay are you dealing with?

kcopp

Most Mfg say 30 days max... if it a week or 2 you are prob fine. Although coverage is a good thing.

Jamie Hall

Yes, the 6 mil black plastic will work -- if you can keep it down if it's windy.

EternalNoob

save yourself a few bucks and tarp over with whatever house-wrap material you plan to use later to waterpoof the walls of the building (tar-paper, tyvek, ...). House wrap has a much longer time period it can be exposed to UV.

delta T

Thanks for the replies everyone, the GC put down 6 mil black plastic to cover it. I have no idea how long the delay will be. There was a huge push to get the tubing in to pour the concrete, but now the concrete company is not pouring for some reason. Out of my hands, I warned both the owner and the contractor before I installed the tubing that UV exposure needed to be limited to 30 days as per the manufacturer (uponor HePex). Not really my problem, but I will be inspecting the tubing before they pour looking for signs of UV damage. In any case I am not going to warranty the tubing at this point. I've got 100 PSI on it at the moment. Can be frustrating some times.....