3,016 views ·
2 replies
3k views
2 replies
Underfloor heating - embed in the slab or lay on top?
Can wise builders help with indecision regarding underfloor heating:
Choosing waterborne underfloor heating is the obvious choice for us for the new build (BYA 152m2). This is due to simplicity and aesthetics. However, the choice of method feels more uncertain: embedding the heating loop in the slab or placing it in EPS above the slab. The floor in most of the house will be wood/wood-based, around 15 mm thick.
I think I understand that the latter option is more expensive and time-consuming but seems better in terms of comfort and regulation; an embedded loop is likely to be very slow to regulate, and at the same time, I believe the lifespan of the loop's pipes may not be as long as the suppliers claim. What feels a bit concerning with EPS above the slab is that it could trap moisture due to different indoor/outdoor temperatures in the slab...
1. Price difference - does anyone know?
2. Platon mat under the "overlying" loop? Price/m2?
3. Moisture issues in the slab?
4. Lifespan of embedded loop
5. Other aspects?
/Loop-confused
Choosing waterborne underfloor heating is the obvious choice for us for the new build (BYA 152m2). This is due to simplicity and aesthetics. However, the choice of method feels more uncertain: embedding the heating loop in the slab or placing it in EPS above the slab. The floor in most of the house will be wood/wood-based, around 15 mm thick.
I think I understand that the latter option is more expensive and time-consuming but seems better in terms of comfort and regulation; an embedded loop is likely to be very slow to regulate, and at the same time, I believe the lifespan of the loop's pipes may not be as long as the suppliers claim. What feels a bit concerning with EPS above the slab is that it could trap moisture due to different indoor/outdoor temperatures in the slab...
1. Price difference - does anyone know?
2. Platon mat under the "overlying" loop? Price/m2?
3. Moisture issues in the slab?
4. Lifespan of embedded loop
5. Other aspects?
/Loop-confused
I've been thinking a bit about the inertia when you have the heat embedded in the slab. Indeed, it takes significantly longer to adjust the heat in the house. However, on the day the power goes out, the heated slab becomes a large heat reservoir that can likely keep your house sufficiently warm for at least a week without damage.
Well, does anyone have significant issues with regulation inertia for embedded loops? I thought it would generally result in unnecessarily high indoor temperatures.
Regarding price differences, I've only checked Thermotech so far, where the list prices for embedded loops are about 120-170 SEK/m2, and floating EPS with Al-reflectors costs a whopping 350 SEK/m2...
I hope that an advanced forward control system combined with time control can provide less of a sense of inertia when I embed loops... :-/
Any other brands that maintain a somewhat more reasonable price level?
Regarding price differences, I've only checked Thermotech so far, where the list prices for embedded loops are about 120-170 SEK/m2, and floating EPS with Al-reflectors costs a whopping 350 SEK/m2...
I hope that an advanced forward control system combined with time control can provide less of a sense of inertia when I embed loops... :-/
Any other brands that maintain a somewhat more reasonable price level?
Click here to reply