ronblank.com to receive credit Lance MacNevin REHAU Inc Edwards Ferry Rd. Leesburg, VA

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1 Ron Blank and Associates, Inc Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit SUSTAINABLE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY REHAU s sustainable building technology provides solutions for heating, cooling, snow and ice melting, plumbing, water supply, fire protection, fresh air supply, and the building envelope Lance MacNevin REHAU Inc Edwards Ferry Rd. Leesburg, VA Lance.MacNevin@rehau.com

2 RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION AN AIA CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour Course reh23b

3 AN AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA) CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM Approved Promotional Statement: Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%. Please view the following slide for more information on Certificates of Completion through RBA This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

4 AN AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA) CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM Course Format: This is a structured, web-based, self study course with a final exam. Course Credit: 1 AIA Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) CE Hour Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by and you can print one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate please send requests to certificate@ronblank.com Design professionals, please remember to print or save your certificate of completion after successfully completing a course conclusion quiz. confirmations will be sent to the address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account. Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit

5 COURSE DESCRIPTION Installation of radiant floor heating will be the focus of this course. We will review system components, layout, and manifold location considerations for the design process. Wet and dry installation techniques will be explained to improve the incorporation of RFH in your design.

6 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS COURSE THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL WILL BE ABLE TO: List the core components used in radiant floor heating systems Explain wet installation techniques and how to incorporate radiant floor heating into different construction methods Explain dry installation techniques and how to incorporate radiant floor heating into different construction methods Describe best locations for placement of distribution manifolds

7 RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM COMPONENTS Pipes Manifolds Fasteners Fittings

8 CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE PEX is Poly Ethylene that has been chemically or physically modified crosslinked (X) to cause the molecules to link together, permanently. Once PE is cross-linked into PEX, it becomes a thermo-set plastic, meaning that it cannot be melted and reshaped. Compared to standard PE pipes, PEX has desirable high temperature strength, reduced sensitivity to notching, improved chemical resistance, and high flexibility. THERE ARE 3 COMMERCIAL PROCESSES OR METHODS: PEXa: High-pressure peroxide ( Engel ) PEXb: Silane ( moisture cure ) PEXc: Radiation ( electron beam or nuclear )

9 CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE PEXa Process: Cross-linking takes place in special extruders designed for high pressure Typical result is 85% cross-linking, which is the highest available The original PEXa process results in the most flexible type of PEX pipe with higher long-term strength and greater jobsite toughness than other types of PEX PEXa molecule

10 PEX PIPES Sizes 3/8 to 3/4 are most commonly used as heating pipes within floors Larger sizes 1 to 2 are used to supply hot water manifolds and other hydronic components PEX pipes are Copper Tube Size (CTS) Standard Dimensions Ratio 9 (SDR 9) Rated for F ( C), F ( C) continuous use according to ASTM F876 PEX pipes shall be certified to CSA B137.5, ASTM F876, F 877, DIN 4726, NSF-61, and PPI TR-3

11 PEX PIPES PEX WITH OXYGEN BARRIER: Special EVAL coating on the outside of the pipe prevents oxygen diffusion through the pipe wall This oxygen diffusion barrier is the outer layer, held on by special adhesive (red in exploded section) Meets requirements of DIN 4726, the German standard for oxygen diffusion protection of heating systems PEX Adhesive (Red) EVAL O 2 Barrier

12 PEX PIPES For PEXa pipes, a bending radius of 5 times the pipe OD is possible without applying external heat Radius (r) Diameter (2 x r) Pipe Size (nominal) Pipe OD (actual) in. 5x Minimum Bend Radius in. r 5x Minimum Bend Diameter in. d 3/8" /2" /8" /4" " /4" /2" "

13 BRASS DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLDS Pre-manufactured brass manifolds are high quality: Flow gauges and balancing valves give the installer a high level of control for setting the circuits Professional appearance Many features are integrated into the manufactured assembly Isolation valves with thermometers on both supply and return Manifolds may be mounted in any orientation (inverted, horizontal, sideways, etc.) Slim - fits within a 4" stud wall

14 BRASS DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLDS Manifold fittings are compression style No special wrenches Provide reliable connections with fast assembly Fittings are reusable if removed Available in 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 sizes These are the R-20 threads

15 BRASS DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLDS FLOW GAUGES WITH FILTER SCREENS ON SUPPLY Visual flow gauges on supply with filter screens 0-2 GPM Inside Supply header of manifold

16 BRASS DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLDS SHUT-OFF / BALANCING VALVES ON RETURN The blue cap will shut off the valves completely Inside the cap, the vent key does the fine balancing Balancing valve on Return header of manifold

17 HEATING MANIFOLD CABINETS Painted galvanized welded steel construction Includes a door with optional lock May be set in wall or on floor Knock-outs in sides for piping feeds Open on the bottom for pipes Adjustable for depth: Five width sizes for various manifolds

18 RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES VARIOUS FASTENERS ARE USED, BASED ON INSTALLATION TECHNIQUE: Fasteners to hold pipe in place on insulation, wire mesh, re-bar Foam screw clips Foam staples Staples and talons for wood Pipe locking clips Support bends and guides Poly pipe protection sleeve Nylon ties

19 COMPRESSION-SLEEVE FITTING SYSTEM SECURITY AND RELIABILITY: Used to join heating pipes, even within floors Also used for plumbing, fire protection, geothermal and compressed air Specified directly in ASTM Standard Specification F 2080 ASTM F2080 coupling cutaway

20 COMPRESSION-SLEEVE FITTING SYSTEM FEATURES AND BENEFITS: Reliable, worry-free connection Largest inside diameter of PEX fittings Reduced pressure loss, excellent flow rates May be embedded in thermal mass (with protection), behind walls Ability to safely join pipes virtually anywhere Simple and safe to assemble Assembly is the same procedure and takes the same time in hot or cold, dry or wet conditions Quick visual check to see if fittings are completed Certified to match the application of PEXa pipes Tested as a system with PEXa pipes, same capabilities

21 COMPRESSION-SLEEVE FITTING SYSTEM A FEW EASY STEPS FOR ALL SIZES, ALL CONDITIONS: 1. Always cut pipe clean and square first! 2. Install correct expander head onto tool (correct dimension) 3. Slide sleeve onto pipe, with tapered (thin) end towards fitting, at least 1 from pipe end 4. Expand pipe twice, rotating pipe or tool 15 degrees (hold open for 1-2-3) 5. Insert fitting body into expanded pipe within seconds, before pipe shrinks 6. Place fitting and sleeve into compression tool, compress sleeve over fitting 7. Fitting is ready for pressure test immediately

22 COMPRESSION-SLEEVE FITTING SYSTEM Challenging repair, made possible with elbows and couplings

23 COMPRESSION-SLEEVE FITTING SYSTEM PROTECTION: Wrap fitting with heat-shrink or waterproof silicone tape for embedding in or under thermal mass or in the Earth

24 RADIANT HEATING WET INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES Wet poured installation methods Pipe placement patterns

25 POURED OR WET CONSTRUCTION Wet construction includes slab or overpour applications Thermal mass is poured into place around PEX pipes (that s the wet part) Examples of wet thermal mass: Structural concrete mix (fibers may be used) Gypsum thermal mass Other lightweight concrete: sand mix, dry pack (not aerated)

26 POURED OR WET CONSTRUCTION - Pipes to be fastened every 2 feet (typical) or as needed to prevent floating - For medium thick slabs (4 ) pipes may be installed at the bottom or in the middle - For thick slabs (6 and above), pipes are normally installed in mid-point, unless there is a risk of cutting/drilling the pipes - then move them lower in the slab to avoid damage - Coverage over pipe must be minimum 3/4 for concrete strength and to avoid heat striping - Wet thermal mass has lots of moisture which needs to evaporate - Must let it dry before hardwood flooring is installed - Floor loading of poured thermal mass is critical (13-18 lb/ft 2 dead load for 1 1/2 overpour) - Floor must be designed to carry this load - Coordination of trades is important

27 SLAB-ON-GRADE TYPICAL LAYERS Follow normal slab design Pipe will be located within slab (midway) or at bottom Various fasteners are available Typical layers: Slab with PEX Rigid insulation Vapor barrier Crushed stone

28 Edge* Insulation SLAB-ON-GRADE TYPICAL LAYERS Heated Space Thermal Mass w/ PEX pipes Bottom* Insulation Sub-Grade Vapor Barrier *Note: 2 insulation (R-10 for EPS) is recommended at slab edges and below slabs Suspended slabs (over unconditioned cold air) will require even more insulation

29 SLAB-ON-GRADE WHY IS INSULATION SO IMPORTANT? 1. For even heat transfer towards space, floor temperatures 2. To minimize heat loss to earth (below, backfill) and air (at edges) 3. To decrease response time and increase efficiency General Rule*: R-value below the slab should be at least 5 times R-value above the slab Example: Commercial carpet with pad installed above slab, total R value = 1.5 Use minimum R-7.5 insulation below (1 1/2 of extruded polystryene) and 2 at cold edges

30 SLAB-ON-GRADE WITH RAILS RAILS GO DIRECTLY ONTO EPS INSULATION PIPE SNAPS INTO RAILS AND IS HELD AT BOTTOM OF SLAB

31 SLAB-ON-GRADE WITH NYLON TIES NYLON PIPE TIES TIED TO WIRE MESH High strength nylon pipe ties Installed every 2-3 ft maximum Be sure to snip ties or turn them down after tying pipe Don t leave them up before the pour Ensure wire mesh has no sharp edges

32 SLAB-ON-GRADE WITH NYLON TIES Attach pipe every 2-3 feet using approved fasteners Ensure pipe is straight and doesn t lift, especially in saw cut areas If pipe seems to float, add more fasteners Mark circuit lengths and locations as you go Insulate pipe tails if necessary But don t thin out and weaken the concrete Don t cross pipes in poured applications This could weaken the concrete Saw cut is very close to top of pipes. Add more fasteners!

33 SLAB-ON-GRADE WITH NYLON TIES PIPE IS TIED TO REBAR OR WIRE MESH WITH HIGH TENSILE-STRENGTH NYON TIES FIRE STATION FLOOR WITH TAPERED INSULATION AT EDGE TO AVOID STRESSPOINT

34 SLAB-ON-GRADE WITH NYLON TIES PIPE IS TIED TO REBAR OR WIRE MESH WITH HIGH TENSILE-STRENGTH NYON TIES HIGH-LOAD SLAB WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS OF REBAR; PEX AT MIDPOINT

35 PEX is usually tied to wire mesh or rebar with nylon ties Midway point of the slab is usually the neutral zone of lowest stress, and is the preferred location for the pipes Suspended slabs should be insulated from below to direct heat to the space above Rigid foam boards Spray-on insulation The addition of PEX pipes into a suspended slab must be reviewed by the structural engineer to ensure adequate floor strength SUSPENDED SLABS

36 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR USED IN RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS Pipe is fastened to subfloor using staples or talons Pour is 1 1/2 total height (typical) Minimum coverage must be 3/4 above pipes to avoid heat striping and weak concrete Thin thermal mass overpour may be gypsum cement concrete or portland cement concrete with small aggregate (3/8 or smaller) Ensure that subfloor is designed for the dead weight of lb/ft 2 Minimum 3/4 above pipes 1 1/2 total

37 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR WHY IS INSULATION SO IMPORTANT? Insulation in the joist cavity is crucial to comfort, performance and response because heat goes to cold, and will go down without proper insulation WITH A HEATED SPACE BELOW: R-value in the joist cavity below and a heated overpour should be at least 5 times the R-value above WITH A UNHEATED SPACE BELOW: R-value in the joist cavity below a heated overpour should be at least 10 times R-value above Example: Carpet above, Minimum R-19 in joist cavity

38 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR INSTALL ALL BASEPLATES TO MARK WALLS BEFORE LAYING PIPE Assists routing pipes May have to install loadbearing walls at the same time USE DOUBLE BASEPLATES: Extra-wide baseplates on the bottom, standard size on top 2 x 8 bottom plate at outside walls 2 x 6 bottom plate at inside walls For leveling screed For carpet tack strips In this case, pipes are installed before most interior walls to speed installation of pipes

39 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR Works with solid hardwood floors Install 2 x 2 sleepers opposite to the orientation of hardwood Use caution due to moisture! Thermal mass must cure and moisture must be correct before hardwood is installed May take 28+ days for curing Work with flooring contractors and GC for proper scheduling

40 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR BE SURE TO SEAL OR COVER THE SUBFLOOR FIRST WHEN USING A PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE OVERPOUR TO PREVENT BONDING AND SHRINKAGE OF THE CONCRETE

41 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR OVERPOUR GYPSUM CEMENT IS PUMPED DIRECTLY ONTO WOOD SUBFLOOR. FLOOR IS USUALLY SEALED FIRST TO PREVENT MOISTURE ABSORPTION.

42 POURED OR WET CONSTRUCTION SUMMARY Pipes to be fastened every 2 feet (typical) or as needed to prevent floating For medium thick slabs (4 ) pipes may be installed at the bottom or in the middle For thick slabs (6 and above), pipes are normally installed in mid-point, unless there is a risk of cutting/drilling the pipes - then move them lower in the slab to avoid damage Coverage over pipe must be minimum 3/4 for concrete strength and to avoid heat striping Wet thermal mass has lots of moisture which needs to evaporate Must let it dry before hardwood flooring is installed Floor loading of poured thermal mass is critical (13-18 lb/ft 2 dead load for 1 1/2 overpour) Floor must be designed to carry this load Coordination of trades is important

43 PIPE PLACEMENT PATTERNS THREE TYPES OF PIPE LAYOUTS: Serpentine (overpour, slab, joist, sleepers) Counterflow Spiral (overpour, slab) Helps with bends Faster installation More even temperature distribution Combinations (overpour, slab) Other shapes

44 1. SERPENTINE Great for rectangular rooms Great if there is one outside cold wall Run hottest water to outside wall Floor covering (hardwood) may also dictate the direction Return Water Supply Water Outside cold wall

45 1. SERPENTINE Install pipe the long way to minimize bends, for faster installation 4 x 180-degree bends 13 x 180-degree bends

46 SERPENTINE TYPICAL LAYOUT AT CONSISTENT 9 OC SPACING

47 SERPENTINE DOUBLE 180- BEND REDUCES SHARP BENDS

48 2. COUNTERFLOW SPIRAL Supply Water Return Water EVEN FLOOR TEMPERATURE, REDUCES NUMBER OF TIGHT BENDS, FASTER INSTALLATION BEST PATTERN IF THERE IS NO OUTSIDE WALL, OR ALL OUTSIDE WALLS

49 COUNTERFLOW SPIRAL EVEN FLOOR TEMPERATURE, REDUCES NUMBER OF TIGHT BENDS, FASTER INSTALLATION BEST PATTERN IN LARGE OPEN AREAS

50 3. COMBINATION L-shaped serpentine pattern delivers hottest water to outside walls to address highest heat loss, then counterflow spiral pattern in center of room keeps floor temperatures consistent in occupied area Outside Wall Supply Water Return Water Perimeter Area (3 ft.) Occupied Area (remainder) GOOD PATTERN FOR CORNER ROOMS

51 COMBINATION L-SHAPED SERPENTINE AND COUNTERFLOW SPIRAL

52 OTHER SHAPES IT IS IMPORTANT TO FILL THE HEATED SPACE WITH PIPES AND AVOID GAPS (COLD SPOTS)

53 NOTE ON CONSTRUCTION JOINTS Many passes through joint Preferred technique ARRANGE PIPES TO AVOID PASSING THROUGH JOINTS

54 RADIANT HEATING DRY INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES Dry installation methods Above floor Subfloor (joist space)

55 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM THE BEST ALTERNATIVE TO WET OVERPOUR: Dry panel systems are lightweight, efficient alternatives to typical overpour installations They usually require far fewer changes to construction of the building No moisture is added to the project (as with overpour), avoiding those delays These systems offer better efficiency and faster response time

56 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM Aluminum panel systems uses a extruded panels with groove to hold PEX pipes, with 270-degree contact between panel and pipe Low-profile, total panel thickness is just 5/8 Components allow for 6 or 8 o.c. pipe spacing Lightweight system, only 1.5 lbs/ft 2 Ideal for kitchens, baths, entire house May be used in floors, walls, ceilings Fast response time Nighttime setback is an option Solar gain problems are reduced

57 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM OTHER ADVANTAGES OF THE ALUMINUM SYSTEM: Higher efficiency thanks to reduced downward heat transfer May eliminate insulation under subfloors (over heated space below) May eliminate double baseplates due to reduced floor thickness No special equipment necessary (no wet thermal mass) Faster response time than an overpour (lighter weight) Suitable for both retrofit and new construction No complicated scheduling and preparation Fewer changes to overall construction Design flexibility, easier to zone Low profile, lightweight

58 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM SYSTEM COMPONENTS: Aluminum panels 6 wide x 6 long Plywood return bends 4 long (depth varies) 6 and 8 groove spacing Furring strips 2 wide x 4 long

59 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM 1. Lay out Return Bends and Furring Strips (for 8 spacing) 2. Drop Aluminum panels onto floor; align into notches with 8 Bends Note: Be sure that subfloor is clean before installation of panels

60 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM 3. Pipe is walked into the groove; a rubber mallet may be needed to set in Note: Be sure that panel grooves are clean before installation of pipes

61 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM Note: Leave 1/16 to 1/8 gap between ends of panels to allow for possible house movement or shrinkage

62 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES, FIVE TYPES 1. Nail-down hardwood flooring (over suspended subfloor) 2. Floating and glue-down flooring (over suspended subfloor) 3. Carpet and vinyl (over suspended subfloor) 4. Tile (over suspended subfloor) 5. Installations over concrete slabs Notes: These are general guidelines for installation of dry panel under common floor coverings Certain floor coverings may have specific installation requirements which are not covered in this document It is the responsibility of the installing heating contractor to work with other trades, including the installer of the finished floors, to ensure that the flooring manufacturer s requirements are adhered

63 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM NAIL-DOWN HARDWOOD FLOORS Install panels and pipes following the first Steps Screw or nail Return Bends and Furring Strips to subfloor (use maximum 8 o.c. spacing between screws or nails) Let the Aluminum panels float between plywood panels no need to screw these down Install hardwood directly over Dry Panel system (perpendicular in direction to panels) Nail or staple hardwood boards into plywood components It is recommended to use 8 spacing with furring strips when installing nail-down hardwood

64 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM NAIL-DOWN HARDWOOD FLOORS Minimum 8 screws per Return Bend Minimum 5 screws per Furring Strip If subfloor is not even or has excessive deflection ( bounce ), then more fasteners may be required to prevent noise Screws: Use fine-thread drywall screws or deck screws Nails: Use rough roofing nails or ringshank nails, not smooth nails, which could work loose

65 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM Fasten plywood pieces as per instructions Aluminum panels may be allowed to float (unless the subfloor is imperfect) Nail or staple hardwood flooring through plywood panels into subfloor, every 8 as shown 8 spacing

66 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM If 6 spacing is necessary for heat load, this installation is possible Aluminum panels and plywood pieces must be fastened to subfloor following instructions Nail or staple hardwood flooring through aluminum panels into subfloor, every 6 Must use 2 or longer cleats, nails or staples It is recommended to use 5/8 or 1/2 thick hardwood to ensure most secure fastening 6 spacing

67 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM FLOATING AND GLUE-DOWN FLOORS Install panels and pipes following the first Steps Screw or nail Return Bends and Furring Strips to subfloor Fasten Aluminum panels 3 times per side Install flooring as per manufacturer s recommendations Avoid contacting glue onto pipes Use 8 screws per Return Bend* Use 5 screws per Furring Strip* Use 6 screws per Aluminum Panel* *Per full length components

68 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM TILE FLOORS USING MORTAR BOARD AS ALTERNATIVE TO DIRECT PLACEMENT OF THINSET Leave Aluminum and Plywood panels as floating - no screws or nails needed yet Cover panel installation with appropriate cement mortar board Mark walls and mortar board with pipe locations (to avoid) or furring strip locations (targets) Screw through mortar board and through plywood or aluminum panels into the subfloor This creates a very stiff composite flooring system 8 spacing Use 1/4 or 3/8 thick mortar board with maximum 8 grid spacing for screws A thicker mortar board is allowed if necessary

69 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM TILE FLOORS USING MORTAR BOARD AS ALTERNATIVE TO DIRECT PLACEMENT OF THINSET SAMPLE CUTAWAY FLOOR: 1/4 thick mortar board installed directly over Dry Panel at 6 o.c. spacing Tile placed on thinset over mortar board Panels installed directly under shower pan for warmth

70 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM CARPET OR VINYL FLOORING Install panels and pipes following the first Steps Leave Aluminum and Plywood panels as floating - no screws or nails needed yet Cover panel installation with thin plywood underlayment (1/8 to 1/4 ) Screw underlayment through plywood or aluminum panels, into the subfloor This creates a very stiff composite flooring system 8 spacing

71 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM OVER EXISTING CONCRETE FLOORS This may be a more difficult installation since it is not possible to route pipes under the floor, and fastening components to existing concrete floor requires special techniques Existing concrete floor must be waterproofed so no moisture could come through it from below Insulation between the heating panels and existing concrete floor is not recommended

72 ABOVE FLOOR DRY PANEL SYSTEM OVER EXISTING CONCRETE FLOORS 1. If necessary, level floor with self-leveling thin-set 2. Deal with any open drains or holes to fill them 3. Remove all bumps in the floor to be sure it is flat 4. Vacuum floor to remove all debris (may have to do this repeatedly) 5. Cover existing slab (or above the leveling layer) with a poly or tar paper vapor barrier (without aluminum foil) to block possible moisture permeation 6. Install panels and pipes following the first Steps Depending on the flooring to be used, follow that typical installation technique: When anchoring panel pieces, overlayment or mortar board, use proper fasteners for anchoring to concrete (ram-sets may work; masonry screws do work)

73 JOIST SPACE DRY INSTALLATIONS PIPES IN THE JOIST SPACE BELOW THE FLOOR IS A RETROFIT TECHNIQUE GENERAL RULES FOR JOIST SPACE INSTALLATIONS: No poured screed is involved (therefore it s dry ) Aluminum plates, the air cavity (in joist space) and the subfloor are all parts of the thermal mass Aluminum heat transfer plates are very important for efficiency and response Can increase efficiency by 20% to 40% This allows better heat transfer, Faster response time with Lower water temperature

74 JOIST SPACE DRY INSTALLATIONS INSTALLING PIPES IN THE JOIST SPACE BELOW THE ROOM PRO S: Suitable for retrofit No structural weight issues No added moisture CON S: Installation can be difficult and slow Not the most efficient radiant technique Higher water temperatures will be required, as compared with other RFH Slower response time compared with pipes installed above the subfloor High R-value insulation is critical underneath plates and at ends of cavities 2 Air gap How does it work? Typical 2 x 10 joist construction with 2 air gap Follow the path of the heat

75 JOIST SPACE DRY INSTALLATIONS MAINTAIN 2 AIR GAP BELOW SUBFLOOR FOR FULL HEAT TRANSFER, REDUCED STRIPING: Insulation is critically important in joist space installations Insulation should be 2 away from subfloor to leave a 2 air gap around the pipe (for better convection heat transfer to the subfloor) A foil-face insulation may help reflect some heat upwards

76 JOIST SPACE DRY INSTALLATIONS POTENTIAL ISSUES Installation can be difficult and slow depending on ductwork, obstructions, etc. Zoning is very difficult since pipes must follow joist bays under several rooms Perimeter spacing is the same as occupied spacing (determined by joist spacing). Usually 8 o-c Aluminum heat transfer plates are very important for efficiency and response High R-value insulation is critical underneath plates and at ends of cavities Higher water temperatures will be required as compared with above-floor installations Slower response time compared with pipes installed above the subfloor Outdoor reset control with continuous circulation is recommended, especially with light gauge plates, to help avoid expansion noises and to improve response times

77 PLACEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLDS Principles Planning Installing

78 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PRINCIPLES In residential design, a typical circuit of pipe covers 250 square feet. Therefore, there will be many circuits of pipe, which are connected to distribution manifolds. The designer must determine the location of the manifolds and the zoning arrangement to determine how many manifolds should be used for a given area. Considerations of one large, central manifold: All wiring goes to one place Only one manifold cabinet But maybe there are too many pipes in one place, making a hot spot, or hallways get too filled with pipes Considerations of several smaller manifolds: Reduces pipe congestion/hot spots May help with zoning A two-temperature system is possible

79 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS Install manifold in the back of a closet, or in a special cabinet Leave enough room for all pipes to connect from bottom and sides Mount manifold 2 4 ft above floor in an accessible location Example: Build a support along framed walls

80 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS Place in permanent position Mount level and secure May have to create supports Leave room for pipe access Note pipes passing under wall

81 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 2 SMALLER MANIFOLDS IN BACKS OF CLOSETS

82 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS #10 #9 #8 #7 #5 #4 #6 #1 #2 #3 PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 1 MANIFOLD WITH 10 CIRCUITS

83 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 1 MANIFOLD WITH 10 CIRCUITS

84 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS RESIDENTIAL EXAMPLES WITH MANIFOLDS ON WALLS

85 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD LOCATIONS COMMERCIAL EXAMPLE USING SPECIAL CABINET

86 STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION PROCESS INSTALLERS SHOULD FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR BEST RESULTS: 1. Install manifold(s) in its final resting place 2. Feed the first end of pipe through PVC Bend Guide at manifold (for protection at concrete penetrations and for alignment) 3. Connect PEX pipe to Supply side of manifold 4. Install pipes in floor as per plan 5. Connect other pipe end to Return side of manifold 6. Record starting and ending footage of pipe and total circuit length 7. Pressure test system using water or air 8. Install thermal mass (in wet systems) 9. System start-up according to thermal mass allowances 10. System balancing set the correct flow rates for each circuit

87 RFH INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES SUMMARY Wet poured installation methods Pipe placement patterns Dry installation methods Above floor Subfloor (joist space) Manifold locations

88 COURSE SUMMARY NOW THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL WILL BE ABLE TO: List the core components used in radiant floor heating systems Explain wet installation techniques and how to incorporate radiant floor heating into different construction methods Explain dry installation techniques and how to incorporate radiant floor heating into different construction methods Describe best locations for placement of distribution manifolds

89 RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION An AIA Continuing Education Program Credit for this course is 1 AIA HSW CE Hour Lance MacNevin REHAU Inc Edwards Ferry Rd. Leesburg, VA Lance.MacNevin@rehau.com Course reh23b

90 Ron Blank and Associates, Inc Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to receive credit SUSTAINABLE BUILDING TECHNOLOGY REHAU s sustainable building technology provides solutions for heating, cooling, snow and ice melting, plumbing, water supply, fire protection, fresh air supply, and the building envelope Lance MacNevin REHAU Inc Edwards Ferry Rd. Leesburg, VA Lance.MacNevin@rehau.com