In Floor Heating On Concrete Slab

Mainly heated slabs radiate outward rather than downward so insulation on the edges of the slab is most important.

In floor heating on concrete slab.

The concrete was 4 thick and the insulation under the slab was 2 thick. When the thermal mass of the concrete is heated the warm slab acts as a radiator distributing even heat throughout the structure. For concrete floor radiant heating systems the warm water tubing or electric heating elements can either be embedded within the slab on grade anywhere from the bottom of the slab to within 2 inches of the surface depending on the design and installation technique or fastened to the top of a concrete subfloor and then covered with an overlay. Any cooler surface in contact with the slab will try to steal its heat.

This is the best choice for new construction and areas receiving new slabs. Remember that your slab will be about 75 degrees f. Tubes that circulate hot water or electrical heating elements are installed in the concrete slab when it s poured turning the thermal mass of the concrete into an inconspicuous radiator of warm even heat. Embedding your radiant heating system into a concrete slab is one of the most cost effective ways to install it and most energy efficient being that concrete is a great thermal mass.

The science behind radiant floor heating is quite simple. The picture above shows a concrete floor we re about to pour with radiant heating tubes installed. The insulation phase is crucial for a radiant floor. Find concrete floor contractorsto install radiant heating.