I am doing my kitchen. I only have a sub floor down. What is the best way to put radiant heat into the kitchen? Above or below the sub floor? Can i still lay a hardwood floor. Is a laminate floor more compatible with radiant in-floor heating. I’m hearing different things, like a hardwood floor would expand and contract more than a laminate floor would under those direct heat conditions.
What’s true? What’s the way to go?
Another question is about heat loss. Where and from whom can I get a heat loss analysis. I am in westchester NY.
I am moving swiftly on the kitchen. can anybody help me out on the above topics.
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Been there, done that.
Here are a 'couple of good forums to search on:
http://forums.invision.net/index.cfm?CFApp=2
http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
It's good you asked the heat loss calc question, because that has real strong bearing on what kind of considerations to make for your finished floor.
If the water will need to be really hot (over 120*) to make up for your heat loss, you may have trouble with the floor opening up during the winter. If you have fairly good insulation and windows, you probably won't need to ever have that floor more than 85*...and that seems to be acceptable with most flooring manufacturers.
I chose the on-top-of subfloor - plywood sleeper - 1/2" PEX on 12" centers - light weight plate method. Labor intensive because you actually have to build the loops in plywood. Oncer that's done though, the rest is pretty easy.
Faster reaction time, lower water temperatures needed are the pluses of this type of system...minuses are higher potential for noise (especially with light plates) and more labor intensive. Staple up works, too, if done correctly with attention paid to plates and joist insulation.
Good luck...I'll follow this thread to see if I can add anymore.
You can use this free software for heatloss calc.
http://slantfin.com/hydronic/index.html
A radiant project takes some planning and expertise to get it right. You can certainly DIY, but it will take some time and effort to develop the knowledge and skills.
If you really want to get into it, I suggest this book:
http://www.hydronicpros.com/Publications/MHH2/MHH2.htm
Otherwise, see if you can find a pro to help you with the design. Some pros are just as happy to have you do the actual grunt work of running the tubing.
A great hydronic man is located within 30 miles of you:
http://www.comfortableheat.com/index.html