Basement floor options on Retro job

Boilergeek

I have used easyfloor grids. cool product.
www.easyfloor.com

Heatmeister_2

Slab Pour Over with Pex Advice needed?

I am redoing the basement and am looking for a heating solution. We are all gutted now and would like to get some feedback on my options:

1) POUR OVER existing concrete with Maxxon Thermafloor Gypcrete at 1 1/2inch pour. I was told by one heating specialist I am speaking with NOT to get concerned with the pour over. He said no insulation is needed and would use 3/8" PEX 6 Inch on center to reduce cold spots. However from what I have read here that sound incorrect. I have been told by another source in order to get a 100% efficiency I need to put donw 2inch pink styrofoam (is this true or are their other thinner viable options like a foil backed material) The total increase height would be 3 1/2 inches. I have 8 feet now from the concrete to the bottom of the floor joist so it could work. Total materials cost would be $4000-$5000.

2) How about laying down a thinner insulation 1/2 to 1" with foil backing then pex on top(WHAT size PEX is recommended and how far apart on center should it be run.) The do a pour.

3) No insulation but use "The barrier" and pex on top then pour over.

4) ALL NEW: Break up concrete, lay down 2inch foam and do a concrete pour.

5) I could just put in radiant panels or baseboard.

The basement room and ceilings will be sheetrocked and finished into a rec room and television room.

Any feedback would be helpful.

SVDW

Retro-fit

I did a similar retro-fit in my lower level. I laid down bubble/foil/bubble sealed w/alum. tape for a moisture barrier, then 6" mesh & 1/2" questpex zipped to mesh 8"OC. 11/2"of gypcrete overpour. Seems to be performing well despite the BFB reputation of not performing as promised. The house is set into a bank of sand/gravel so I have no moisture issues. Final installed thickness was just under 2". Been through 2 heating seasons here in W.Michigan & I have been very happy with comfort & operating cost.

Scott Gregg

look into

Rehau, Raupanel. Don't forget to also separate the radiant from the unheated slab with something like "the barrier" www.thebarrier.com

Raupanel is about the same price as an overpour job with more BTU/ft and much faster response times.

Heatmeister_2

The Barrier

Does this suffice for insulation as well or do I need to still put down insulation over the slab. If so How much and what kind do I really need?????