warmboard, et al.

Terry Alsberg

Leaving aside thermodynamics, Warmboard comes in 48"x96" tongue and groove sheets. Because of their large size, they are relatively easily attached to a slab with Tapcons at 24" o.c. Quiktrak/Climate panel comes in 14"x 48" panels that are really two 7"x48" panels loosely held together by a thin aluminum plate tacked to the bottom of the two strips of wood. It would require roughly 3 to 4 times as many fasteners to attach it to the slab.

Thermodynamically, Warmboard has thicker aluminum, larger diameter tubing and better tube to plate contact. This all means higher output at lower water temperatures by a significant amount.

Tony_23

comparisons

I'm looking for a product that will perform efficiently over a slab. The slab is uninsulated and has laminate flooring as finish. I intend to remove the laminate, put down 1" of blueboard, and then radiant tube, etc. and then re-lay the laminate. I have the room for the height.

I admit I've thought of removing the slab and re-pouring it as a radiant slab, and may yet decide that's the way to go.

TIA,

Tony

hr

Options abound

I think every major radiant manufacture has a product to retro fit over slabs. Yes the insulation would be worth installing.

Price the various on top products, and also look into a slab demo. Pro concrete demo crews could have that slab removed and hauled away in a days time. It may be less $$ tan a new over top product.

Slab demo can be weird if they poured footings into, and with a slab (thickened slab) look for bearing points or post to gauge if you may have footings in the slab area.

Depends on if you prefer a slower responding slab to a quicker light, "dry" system on top. Either should start with a heat load and design calculation.

Remember stair details get funky when you build up the bottom floor. I believe most building codes allow up to 3/8" difference between any stair riser height. Any more than this can be felt and is considered a tripper. Try it in the dark some time!

A friend of mine used to call this the 1/2" fall to your death

hot rod

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Tony_23

Obvious things

Thanks for pointing them out

I'm looking for more specific comparisons of the different products like warmboard and quicktrak.

The house had a nice 15 sq ft greenhouse before the last owner, but he tore it down Now there is just a room down one step from the rest with a slab under it. I may break out the slab, BUT, the no-heat calls have started since yesterday and I'm already booked pretty much through September I'm not sure I'll have my Ultra and Joistrak finished before we're at 40F days and 20F nights. Everybody else wants one too !

Constantin

Have you considered Roth Panels?

I don't know if they are slim enough, but if memory serves me correctly, they do incorporate some styrofoam to act as insulation. That could cut down on your insulation need and hence the final floor height.

Tony_23

Thank you

They sound promising.

Constantin

Try this site...

... Roth USA. Cheers!