Let’s say I don’t want to use steel mesh, and will reinforce my slab some other way.
For fixing down the tubing runs of PEX atop the rigid foam insulation, do those barbed staples work?
Let’s say I don’t want to use steel mesh, and will reinforce my slab some other way.
For fixing down the tubing runs of PEX atop the rigid foam insulation, do those barbed staples work?
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Replies
I used something very similar for my floor, and the staples would CONSTANTLY jam. Eventually I figured out that if you broke the staples apart into singles, they feed much better, not perfectly but much better. When you get a section that feeds well...you can really fly....when it doesn't work...PITA!
I hope you've found a better device than the one I used....
Rip
I wasn't asking about the effectiveness of the stapler, but was wondering if the staples fix the tubing well enough to deal with the rigors of the concrete placement.
I didn't have any issues....I believe I put them every 2 - 3 feet apart. The contractor was very careful to not let the initial drop of concrete force the pipe up. From what I could tell the pipe didn't hardly move during the pour.You SHOULD consider the effectiveness of the stapler as it could easily double the amount of time needed for installation and was giving you a heads up.Good luck...Rip
They are commonly used now. I've never used them. I don't like the idea of your heat tubes sitting at the bottom of the slab with half of the tube not embedded in the concrete.
I like to use mesh and keep the tubes slightly below center of the slab. People will argue that it doesn't make much difference. I don't believe that. I think common sense will tell you that the tubes are much more efficient when placed more toward the center of the slab.
This method was developed mainly for ease of installation. We pour our own concrete and are very fussy about tubing placement when pouring. If I were you, I would be on site myself positioning the tubes as your contractor pours.
We use flat sheets of mesh in radiant pours and lay out the tubing with consideration for control joint cutting.
Darn!! I was expecting that this was another tiedown thread, but it turns out to be a real question. Oh well...
My customers have always liked the staples into rigid foam and/or the InsulTarp type of insulation. I have never used that method, personally.
I own one of those guns and it works fine and holds the tubing down well during the pour.
I used the same stapler this year on a 12 sq ft slab and as very pleased. Held the tubing down fine and was quick. Took me and my wife all of about 2 hours to lay all the tubing. Stapler jams were not an issue if we kept the stapler loaded. Is basically has a gravity feed so the more staple you have loaded the better it worked. It would jam only when it got low.
If anyone need some staples for one of these I have a partial box that they are welcome to for the cost of shipping.
You didn't buy one of those staplers just to use it on a small slab, did you?
No, rented it.