Lowest temperature required =
Highest temperature required =
Concrete Slab
Tubing or electric heating elements are attached to wire mesh or fixtures
to hold them in place until the concrete floor is poured. The tubing or
elements are embedded in the concrete anywhere from the bottom of the slab
to within 2 inches of the surface, depending on the design and installation
technique.
Source temperature required:
Thin Slab
Tubing or electric heating elements are attached to the wood subfloor
with fastners to hold them in place until a concrete, lightweight concrete,
dry pack or gypsum underlayment is installed as the final subfloor. Gypsum
products bond to the subfloor and are generally thinner and lighter than
concrete products. Concrete must be separated from the subfloor with a slip
sheet to prevent bonding. The subfloor structure be built to minimize flexing
to avoid cracking the slab.
Source temperature required:
Subfloor
Plates
Aluminum plates supported by wood or plastic spacers contain channels
which accept tubing. These plates spread the heat uniformaly beneath the
finished floor. Hardwood floors can be nailed directly to the subfloor plates
or carpet and pad placed over the plates. It is also possible to nail a
second subfloor over the plates for a smoother finish for vinyl areas. A
cement board is used when tile or stone is to be installed. Particle board
is not recommended as a subfloor.
Source temperature required:
Subfloor Board
Premanufacture boards with a laminated layer of aluminum and a channel
to accept tubing are screwed or nailed to the subflooring. Hardwood floors
can be nailed directly to the subfloor plates or carpet and pad placed over
the plates. It is also possible to nail a second subfloor over the plates
for a smoother finish for vinyl areas. A cement board is used when tile
or stone is to be installed. Particle board is not recommended as a subfloor.
Source temperature required:
Engineered
Subfloor
An engineered, load bearing board takes the place of the structural subfloor.
It has a laminated layer of aluminum and a channel to accept tubing. Hardwood
floors can be nailed directly to the subfloor plates or carpet and pad placed
over the plates. It is also possible to nail a second subfloor over the
plates for a smoother finish for vinyl areas. A cement board is used when
tile or stone is to be installed. Particle board is not recommended as a
subfloor.
Source temperature required:
Staple-up
Tubing is attached to the underside of the existing subfloor. Aluminum
plates can be used to spread the heat evenly under the subfloor. Insulation
is placed in the joist space beneath the tubing. A 2 inch air space is usually
left between the insulation and the bottom of the subfloor. If aluminum
plates are used which significantly cover the underside of the subfloor,
the insulation may be pushed up tight against the plates. Obviously, care
must be taken when nailing any floor covering from above.
Source temperature required:
Hanging in Joist
Space
Tubing is suspended several inches beneath the subfloor in the joist
space. Insulation is installed in the joist space beneath the tube with
a 2 to 4 inch air space between the top of the insulation and the bottom
of the subfloor. The air within this space is heated by the tube which,
in turn, heats the underside of the subfloor.
Source temperature required:
Staple-up