uninsulated slab and hydronic radiant

Brian Wood

I would like to heat my basement with hydronic radiant heat but the floor is an uninsulated slab. What are my best options for accomplishing this barring tearing out the floor and re-pouring.

GMcD

Built-up floor

A practical solution might be to use an insulation base with the PEX fastened to that, then pour a topping slab on top of that. It will require raising the floor by 3" to 4" depending on the base system you use. Something like this:

http://www.plastifab.com/homeowners/build/plastispan/radiant_floor.html

Or this: http://www.polytherm.ie/

I can't find a local North American source for the Polyherm product- I know there is a local supplier in my area that has it, but maybe some of the other Wallies can weigh in with their favorite molded insulation panels for floor heating systems.

ALH_4

Roth

You could use Roth Panels with a floating floor on top.

-Andrew

Unknown

Andrew, we're about to do our first project with Roth panels over an existing slab. Have you used them? Any tips or tricks or warnings to share?

[Deleted User]

Roth panel radiant ceilings...

98% as comfy as a radiant floor without the floor hassles.

We did the kitchen ceiling in our shop, and its the most comfortable room in the whole shop.

I have it in my basement office, and its 98% as comfortable as my radiant floors and panel radiators.

I can't understand why everyone overlooks this EXCELLENT potential...

ME

Unknown

I'm with you mark, but a plate and strapping radiant ceiling is just about the fastest install you can ask for outside of concrete.. why spend the cash on a prefab panel in the ceiling? Easier for the drywallers too.