Adding radiant heat to existing slab

Seabass · 03-06-2007, 07:46 PM

Any reference i could use ?? we just bought a place and there is an old garage about 30'x30' that i will like to save to create a man's land since i am still married with two daughter growing fast !!!

I will like to add a radiant type floor using a simple hot water heater and maybe pouring over the exsting slab.... i have enough room to raise the entire garage as it is my intention to put block on the wall bottom anyway.... Any comments on previous experience wqill eb greatly appreciated...
Thanks

elementx440 · 03-06-2007, 09:13 PM

I don't know how effective that will be in heating a slab in a basement... Is the garage attached or detached? Insulated (door as well)?

Seabass · 03-07-2007, 06:08 AM

the garage is detached.
It is insulated.
I though i read somewhere thatthere is a way to install the tubing on top of the existing slab, put rebar on top to hold the tubing in place and pour about 2" of concrete on top of it.
I'm hoping to talk to someone who edid it before.... Is there some prefab flooring pad with the tubing already built available on the market ????

redline · 03-07-2007, 08:51 AM

Would it be easier to put in a wood pellet stove?
Do you want this space heated constantly?

Seabass · 03-07-2007, 12:15 PM

Well, i think that if the cost is not too high i will like to keep it in the middle 40 all winter long. Talking to someone before he mentioned that this could be done easily with a regulary water heater , an expansion tank and some hardware....

The difference is that he build the piping under his slab when he build a new garage....

In my case, i am trying to salvage an older structure that is build on a good slab already.... How's that wood pellet working out ??? never look into it yet....any good website ...

harleyrider · 03-07-2007, 01:29 PM

Your best bet may be a wall mounted ventless or vented small BTU heater.

redline · 03-10-2007, 08:40 AM

Most water heaters are not that efficient. You would also need a circulation pump. Could you just use baseboard/fin style radiators along the perimeter instead of putting the pex in the slab?

You could try an on-demand water heater that are more efficient.

RippySkippy · 03-12-2007, 08:23 AM

I may be stepping out of line here...but getting the pipes in the floor in my opinion is the easy part. I don't recall the name of the company, but there's one that pours tubes in light weight concrete.

BUT...you'll loose a lot of heat in the un-insulated existing slab. It'll suck the heat right out of your new system. I have to agree with others in this retro fit application, other sources of heat may be a better option...other than electric baseboard...in our area quite expensive.

clasact · 03-18-2007, 08:37 AM

I know this is a bit different then what your looking for but I have a slab home and put the electric radiant heat in the bathrooms and kitchen areas.All I had to do was lay it out tape it in place then thinset over it and lay the tile very time comsumeing but it came out great and keeps those cold spot good and warm.The expense was not to bad and it has warmed the rooms so it my just be my imagination but I dont think the furnave comes on as much

Cantley · 04-27-2007, 05:10 PM

Adding some insulation under the new slab will do wonder o your heating system and yes, it,s the best system for a workshop!

Give this web site a look, the company has a 50 pages PDF manual that's pretty clear...
http://www.radiantcompany.com/