pouring a slab over radiant heating 1

[noemi]

A slab will be poured soon in the basement of our two story addition. We have 2" foam insulation under and at edges,and vapor barrier. Then a steel grid is laid to which the radiant heat pipe is attached. We want a nice smooth finish. Any suggestions and/ or cautions. The structure is enclosed.
Thanks

 

[jheidt2543]

A few suggestions:

1. Be sure the subgrade has been properly compacted

2. Pressure test the heat piping BEFORE you concrete.

3. Be sure the heat pipe is acceptable for use in a concrete slab. I know of project that used black iron piping that eventually started leaking after reacting in the concrete. They never could find all the leaks.

4. Be sure to provide a method, other than saw cutting, to provide crack control joints in the slab.

Good luck!

 

[supercreel]

Well we are in the process of generating a budget proposal for an aircraft hanger which is approximately 21K sf and the owner believes he wants a hydronic floor heating system. If we do not saw joints, then what should I do? We usually green cut the slab at approximately 12'6" on centers. If we use expansion joints, then how will that affect the hydronic tubes? The building is located in Mississippi

 

[jheidt2543]

Supercreel (Is that a ref. to your flyfishing ability?)

A few thoughts:

1. For the joints you could use the PVC "zip-strips".

2. I do think you are better of using a SoftCut saw. The main thing is to KNOW where the pipes are, make sure that they are held below the level of the saw cut.