Radiant Floor Heating Applications

A growing popularity of the radiant heated floors is based on many factors, such as comfort, efficiency and reliability. Various types or radiant heating systems are constantly introduced to the market and Everhot Inc. is there to meet the needs for every one of them. Whether the project is an addition to the existing structure, renovation or a new construction, installing Everhot Radiant PEX in your radiant heating system will allow to complete the job faster and at a lower cost.

Radiant heating systems are usually classified into open and closed-loop. Open loop systems use the same hot water both for radiant heating and domestic hot water, while closed loop recirculate the same fluid in the radiant heating system.

CONCRETE SLABS Installations of PEX in concrete slabs may be divided into two major categories – Structural Slabs and Non-StructuralSlabs.

Structural Slabs are concrete slabs of at least 4” thick and are reinforced with steel mesh or metal rebar. This type of installations is common for basements, garages and warehouses and 1/2" Everhot Radiant PEX is commonly used for such applications. Tubing is secured to the mesh or rebar and submerged half way into the slab.

Structural slabs are also common for outdoor radiant heating (snow melting projects) in areas where conventional removal of snow/ice is impractical or insufficient. Typical installation is similar to the indoor PEX installation, but utilizes larger PEX tubing diameters (such as 5/8” and 3/4").

Non-Structural Slabs represent lightweight concrete, gypsum or other thermal mass slabs and are common for indoor radiant heating systems only. Such installations can also be represented by High / Low Mass Sleeper Systems, Channeled Subfloor Systems (Engineered Floors) and Subfloor Systems with Heat Transfer Plates. A preference in such installations is usually given to 1/2" Everhot Radiant PEX tubing due to its flexibility and heat transfer properties. Smaller diameter PEX is also used in smaller areas (such as bathrooms) and is preferred when extra flexibility is needed to design a proper tubing layout.

WOOD JOISTS Installation of PEX tubing between joists is another popular type of radiant heating projects. It is very practical and can very cost effective, since there are no slabs to pour. Such projects require installer to attach tubing to the bottom of the subfloor along the run of joists with approved clips or fasteners. Subfloor heating systems can also be designed with pre-formed (stamped or extruded) metal plates to disperse the heat evenly across the flooring surface and reduce the temperature of the supply water.

Snow and Ice Melting Applications

Snow and ice melting systems are very practical and effective in areas with heavy snowfalls and harsh winter weather. Despite that snow and ice are some of the greatest things to enjoy during the winter, they can pose threats to human health, result in slips, falls and accidents. Snowmelt systems can accommodate a variety of needs ranging from residential (driveways, walkways) to commercial (parking lots, airplane runways) and industrial (outdoor storage areas for manufacturing facilities).
A typical snowmelt or deicing system is designed for structural slabs, but can also be utilized under asphalt and paving bricks. Unlike conventional radiant heating systems, snow melting systems use a mix of water and antifreeze (propylene or food grade glycol), require larger tubing diameters, shorter loop lengths and cannot be installed as open loop systems.

Boilers, Wood Furnaces and Air Handlers

Everhot Radiant PEX is well suited when project calls for long runs of flexible tubing that can carry high temperature fluids.
With fluctuating fuel costs, popularity of outdoor wood furnaces is increasing and so is the need for large-diameter, temperature resistant PEX tubing. Everhot Radiant PEX is reliable, cost-effective well suited for the job. It can be buried underground with proper insulation and can also serve as supply / return line(s) for boilers, air handlers, radiant heating manifolds, etc.