Need Info.concerning1950's Ceiling Radiant Heating System

Carlyn

I am in need of information and about radiant heat which was used in our home, and is dated back to the middle '50s... I have hopes that you can supply me with information..

We had some leak damage to our ceiling and are in the process of replacing and/or repairing it. But we have run into a problem because of it being outdated...Our radiant heat includes some small electrical boxes which are located on the rafters in the attic. The thermostat is located on the wall, as each of the other rooms have as well. And in some way for heat utilization, and to evenly distribute the heat across the ceiling, we have what "may be" asbestos with some kind of fabric ( looks like a canvas ) pasted on the under side of it. Beneath that, we then have some kind of a sheet, which looks like a "very thin"sheet of plaster boards ( but is flexible )..Beneath that is a very thin covering simular to the above, but has a thin papering, which is much, much thinner than the covering used on sheet rock.Next is another sheet of the very thin and flexible plaster, and is followed by a sprayed texture for the appearance of acustical...Our problem is that we have no idea of what the history is with our kind of radiant heating system and we don't want to disturb anything which is still in tack and is also still working beautifully...Would it still work properly if the asbestos was removed ? Or should we just remove and replace the outer layer ? If doing the latter mentioned,we are afraid of possibly ruinning the whole heating panel ( asbestos sheeting ) while connecting anything into it, such as tacking or nails..I would appreciate your researching our type of radiant heat and anything else you might find about the materials which were used..Could it have been asbestos or would you know of some other kind of material used in those days..How in the world can we simply replace both outer layers, and that can be safely used with our kind of heating ??? And how can it all be attached safely beneath the asbestos ( which is the main heating board, so to speak ) with safe and new material onto the cealing ?????

I will look forward to your in put and inlighting us ..Thank you so much, beforehand, for your trouble

Carlyn Wineland
carlynwineland@sbcglobal.net

Mark Eatherton1

Carlyn...

2 things.

First, go to www.radiantpanelassociation.org and go to the Public Bulletin board forumn and post your question also. There are a bunch of "pioneers" that hang out there.

Secondly, asbestos can be "maintained" if you follow certain requirements for encapsulation. It must be maintained. The interior panel, even if it is asbesto poses no health hazards so long as it is not disturbed.

If it becomes necessary to disturb it, you should hire an asbestos abatement/containment expert to see you safely through the process. In Colorado, if you are aware of any asbestos, it must be noted in the disclosure papers on the home at the time of sale of the home. I don't think it "has" to be abated, just properly maintained.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it is broke, don't try to fix it yourself. You need a qualified electrician.

Good luck in your venture.

ME