Staple up issues

RadPro

do I need to run temp in the staple up application at least 20 degrees hotter to have effective heat on a thick hardwood floor or can I add a third loop between the floor joist for mor BTU's on tap.... Paul

Unknown

You need to do the heat load calc, see what output you need, and check it against your method's output at a certain R value floor covering.

Adding a third loop will do nothing for you.

bill clinton_3

yes and yes

Assuming you're talking about a bare tube staple-up; yes you need to run higher temperatures as compared to plates or above the floor methods. Whether 20 degrees will do it, I can't say. And, yes: a third tube will increase heat output--but not by 50%. Again, I cant say how much the increase would be with any scientific backing, but my seat of the pants guesstimate is 20--25%. It's a diminishing returns thing: A fourth tube might net you 10%-15%. When you get to six tubes the whole thing resets and goes back to zero

Bill

RadPro

yes I would be using plates

but its a thick plank floor 1" over the 5/8" subfloor so there will be major lag time to get the Btus up thru the floor... .Thanks Paul

Mike T., Swampeast MO

You'll still have a time lag with staple-up. Most likely a significantly longer time lag... Conduction trumps radiation and convection every time! Sure hope your btu/hr per square foot load is low (e.g., VERY good insulation and infilatration control)!!!!!!!!! I'd start getting quite leery if you need more than 20 btu/hr per square foot of heated floor area. Area rugs will be an absolute no-no!