Radiant Heat Floor Design & Installation Manuals

Radiant heating system design or installation manuals: free PDF downloads.

Page top sketch of an electric radiant heat floor installation layout is provided courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education & report writing tool company.

This article series explains how to avoid some fatal mistakes when installing radiant heat in a concrete floor slab by describing an incompetent radiant heat floor installation along with an explanation of why things went wrong and how to avoid these errors.

Radiant Heat Slab Installation Manuals, Research, Products, Guides

Photo of workers installing a radiant heated slab is courtesy of InspectApedia reader Connie.

• Azel Technologies controls, temperature gauges & thermostats for radiant heating systems provides a wide range of radiant heat controls including at least the following:
  
  Contact: Azel Technologies, Inc., P.O. BOX 53138 Thornhill ON L3T 7R9 Canada Tel: 905-223-5567 Email: info@azeltec.com Web: azeltec.com-
  
  Excerpts from the company's Product Catalog (2023/12/12) azeltec.com/catalog.html#D-508F
  • i-Link SERIES ZONE CONTROLS (CIRCULATOR PUMP SWITCHING RELAYS ) FOR HYDRONIC / RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS INSTRUCTION MANUAL [PDF] SP-82/83/84/85/86 note that The company offers Models SP-81 to SP-86
    
    Quoting: The i-Link series multi-zone circulator pump switching relays simplify wiring for hydronic heating ( radiant floor heating ) systems. With leading edge features and superior product design, i-Link makes installation quick and easy.
  • i-Link SERIES ZONE VALVE CONTROLS FOR HYDRONIC / RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS SZ-84/86DX MANUAL [PDF]
    
    Excerpt:
    
    The series multi-zone zone valve controller is operated by low voltage thermostats or any other low voltage controllers having an SPST switching action. The -Link controller provides intermediate switching to permit up to six zone valves and a boiler operating control in a multi-zone hydronic heating system.
    
  • UNIVERSAL DIGITAL TEMPERATURE GAUGE: DS-60P -
    
    Quoting: TDS-60  REPLACES TWO  mechanical temperature gauges as it can centralize the readings in one spot and simultaneously display the accurate temperatures of supply and return piping on a hydronic heating system.
    
    In addition, the solid state temperature sensor probe can be extended up to several hundred feets. The unit is designed to be powered by 24VAC input or by lithium battery. When 24VAC is supplied, the lithium battery enable the unit to work in case of power failure.
    
    Its features also include Min/Max memory which shows the highest and lowest temperature after the last reset and instant Fahrenheit to Centigrade conversion. DS-60 is also ideal for any application (EG. Solar heating or Geothermal) that requires quick and accurate response to temperature change, an easy to read display and a wide temperature range.
  • D-508F DIGITAL NON-PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT FOR HYDRONIC RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTRUCTION MANUAL [PDF] - retrieved 2023/12/12, original source: azeltec.com/images/D-508Finstruction.pdf
    
    Quoting: D-508F digital non-programmable heat only thermostat is designed to control either ambient(air) temperature (A Mode) or floor temperature (F Mode) or a combination of ambient temperature with floor temperature limits(AF Mode).
    
    An auxiliary remote sensor is provided to measure slab temperature in order to control the floor temperature(within maximum and minimum limits in AF Mode) in hydronic radiant floor heating system. It can also be used for sensing the outdoor temperature in A Mode.
  • DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT FOR HEATING/COOLING & HYDRONIC RADIANT FLOOR HEATING -
    
    Quoting: Azel Technologies introduces 500 series electronic programmable thermostat that utilizes the lastest digital technologies for residential and light commercial systems.
    
    D-500 is designed for 24 Vac single-stage heating and cooling systems. D-502F is designed to control the floor temperature in Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating Systems.
    
    The 500 series can accurately control the temperature within one degree. Reliable permanent memory retains the programmed settings in the event of a power failure. In addition, the large, easy to read LCD display with backlit makes the thermostat easy to operate and simple to program.
  • Azeltec, SOLAR DIFFERENTIAL CONTROL: DST-932, INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL [PDF]
    
    Quoting: The DST-932 differential temperature controller is designed for the Solar Heating Systems. The DST-932 switches on a pump in order to transfer heat from solar collector to a storage tank.
    
    The controller reads the temperatures of the storage tank (T1) and of the collector (T2), when this differential temperature (T2-T1) is higher than a set value (dt), it will switch on the pump.
    
    It is possible to limit the maximum temperature of the storage tank and also activate a freeze protection function. By switching to manual mode it allows the test of the heating system by turning the pump ON or OFF.
    
    A universal sensor P-01 or P-02(higher temperature range) is supplied with the control. This solid state temperature sensor probe can be extended up to 500 feet.
• CA, BUILDING HVAC REQUIREMENTS [PDF] California Department of Energy, retrieved 2023/05/31, original source: energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/2019_Chapter 4 - Building HVAC Requirements_ADA.pdf
  
  See serction 4.7.2 Radiant Floor System for design requirements
• John Siegenthaler, is a professional engineer specializing in radiant heat designs and heat transfer theory in buildings. Mr. Siegenthaler principal of Appropriate Design, a consulting engineering firm specializing in hydronic heating design.
  
  He is the author of Modern Hydronic Heating and Radiant Precision (available from the Radiant Panel Association (www.radiantpanelassociation.org, 800-660-7187).
  
  Siegenthaler explains in various articles that the rate at which a hydronic heating system can actually move "sensible heat" from the heating source (perhaps hot water in tubing in a radiant floor slab) into the occupied space (perhaps a room in a building over such a floor) can be calculated as q=(8.01 x D x c) x f x (deltaT). This formula is not as intimidating as it may seem.
  
  Even though our contractor said all of this theory was nonsense, q= the rate of heat flow in Btu/hr, D= density of the fluid (lb/cubic foot), c = the specific heat of the fluid (Btu/lb/degrees F), f= the fluid flow rate in the tubing (gpm), delta T= the temperature change of the heating fluid in deg F, and 8.01 is a units conversion factor.
  
  For a discussion of heat transfer or flow through soil or dirt,
  see SOIL R-VALUES

• Holdrite, Tel: 1 (877) 700-4242 Web: https://www.holdrite.com/ - We could not find a physical address on the company's website.
  Above: Holdrite's accessories for installing pex tubing include PEX tubing supports that clamp to the slab re-bar.
  
  See these example
  
  Holdrite PEX TUBING IN-SLAB SUPPORT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] Op. Cit.
  
  The excerpt below pertains to the Holdrite 703-series in-slab "stub-up support" for PEX
  
  In-slab stub-up supports keep PEX and conduit in place and can help prevent damage to stub-ups on the job site. The 703 Series prevents pipes movement while concrete is poured or and protects pipes while crews apply a smooth finish to the concrete slab.
  
  Key features:
  
  Available in single and double pipe runs for multiple slab depths Multi-run versatility for manifolds with interlocking feet IAPMO PS 42-2013 Material: Reinforced Polypropylene Fluid Temperature range: 32 F thru 200 F Temperature range: -10 °F to 120°F
• HUD, PPFA, DESIGN GUIDE for RESIDENTIAL PEX WATER SUPPLY PLUMBING SYSTEMS [PDF] (2006) HUD, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc (PPI) 105 Decker Court Suite 825 Irving, TX 75062 www.plasticpipe.org and Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) 800 Roosevelt Road, Bldg. C, Ste. 312 Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 www.ppfahome.org and Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing 451 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20410 www.pathnet.org and NAHB Research Center, Inc. 400 Prince George’s Boulevard Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 www.nahbrc.org retrieved 2019/09/20 original source: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/pex_design_guide.pdf
  
  Excerpts: Continuous-use temperature ratings as high as 200ºF (93ºC) are required as well as standardized chlorine resistance testing to ensure that the piping will withstand the most aggressive drinking water conditions.
  
  Temperature and Pressure
  
  PEX piping meets all requirements for pressure and temperature performance in residential applications.
  
  Consensus standards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International specify temperature and pressure-resistant capabilities of PEX pipe and all tubing used in residential applications bears the appropriate test marking.
  
  In the event of a water heating system malfunction, PEX piping is designed to accommodate short-term conditions of 48 hours at 210ºF (99ºC) and 150 psi (1034 kPa) until repairs can be made.
  
  The most commonly used safety relief valve (T&P) activates (opens) at either of these temperature or pressure conditions.
  
  All PEX piping has been tested to withstand T&P activation for 30 days to ensure that safety requirements are met. As such, PEX systems DO NOT require the use of a special T&P valve.
  
  ASTM F 876: Standard Specification for Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing covers PEX piping that is outside diameter controlled, and pressure rated for water at three temperatures—160 psi @ 73.4ºF, 100 psi @ 180ºF, and 80 psi @ 200ºF.
  
  Included are requirements and test methods for material, workmanship, dimensions, hydrostatic sustained pressure strength, burst pressure, oxidative (chlorine) resistance, and environmental stress cracking.
  
  ASTM F 877: Standard Specification for Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Plastic Hot- and ColdWater Distribution Systems covers requirements and test methods for PEX hot- and cold-water distribution system components made in one standard dimension ratio, and intended for 100 psi water service, up to and including a maximum working temperature of 180ºF.
  
  Components are comprised of piping and fittings. Requirements and test methods are included for hydrostatic sustained pressure strength, thermocycling resistance, fittings, and bend strength.
  
  Also in this document see Figure 11.2 – Snow and Ice Melt Piping for a Driveway p. 92
• MacNevin, Lance, P.Eng., DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF HYDRONIC SNOW AND ICE MELTING (SIM) SYSTEMS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY [PDF] Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc (PPI) 105 Decker Court Suite 825 Irving, TX 75062 www.plasticpipe.org retrieved 2019/09/20, original source: https://www.modernhydronicssummit.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/09/MacNevin-Summit-2017.pdf
• Olesen, Bjarne W. RADIANT FLOOR HEATING IN THEORY AND PRACTICE [PDF] ASHRAE Journal July 2002 pp. 19-24. Retrieved 2019/09/27 original source: http://umh0717.edu.umh.es/wp-content/uploads/sites/482/2015/03/Radiant-floor-heating.pdf
  
  Excerpt from "Conclusions"
  Conclusions
  
  The advantages of hydronic radiant floor heating include the efficient use of space and that cleaning is not required. Also, the system does not produce noise, cause drafts or use ducts. The system has uniform temperature distribution and is a low-temperature heating system.
  
  In a radiant floor heating system, the required operative temperature may be obtained at a lower indoor air temperature. This reduces ventilation heat loss compared to more convective heating systems. The transmission heat loss is more related to the operative temperature and is more or less the same for convective and radiant systems.
• OPTCO, Basic Hydronic underfloor - thermal storage 8 to 14 hours of control [PDF] sketch, provided by OPTCO, is not a conventional radiant heating system design -
  
  and you'll see that the designer places the tubing too deep for efficient radiant heat delivery to the occupied space. However this design is intended for heat storage, such as in a solar heat storage system. See PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN METHOD for more information.
• Pexuniverse INSTALLING PEX TUBING IN CONCRETE SLABS [PDF] PexUniverse.com 5811 Foster Ave Brooklyn , NY 11234 USA, Tel: 800-818-3201 Email: sales@pexuniverse.com - retrieved 2022/01/18 original source: https://www.pexuniverse.com/installing-pex-tubing-concrete-slabs
  
  Pexuniverse handles a broad "universe" of PEX tubing and related HVAC and plumbing brands.
• Radiant Floor Co. Radiant Floor DESIGN & INSTALLATION MANUAL 11th Ed. (2007) Radiant Floor Company Barton, Vermont Fax: 1-802-525-3940 1- 866-WARM-TOES 1-866-927-6863 1-802-525-1132 www.radiantcompany.com retrieved 2019/09/20 original source: https://www.radiantcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/radiantcompanymanual.pdf
• The Radiant Panel Association: Radiant Panel Association - Radiant Professionals Alliance 8512 Oswego Road Suite 180 Baldwinsville, New York 13027 Phone (315) 303-4735 Fax (315) 303-5559 http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org/
  www.radiantpanelassociation.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1 offers design guidelines at http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=115 including these insulation R-value and coverage details:
  
  Application#, Minimum R-Value, and Insulation Coverage
  The following insulation alternatives are given for Slab on Grade construction:
  Alternate #1 [(Ti-To)x0.125)=R-value, with coverage from perimeter to below frost line ["Ti-To" means we calculate the necessary R-value as (Ratio of indoor to outdoor temperature) x 0.125]
  Alternate #2 R-value=5, with coverage 4' horizontal or vertical at perimeter
  
  Alternate #3 R-value=5, with coverage under entire slab and slab edge [this is our preferred design for a cold northern climate]
  
  The Radiant Panel Association offers education and publications in radiant heat design. See radiantpanelassociation.org
  Here's their page on hydronic floors: http://www.radiantpanelassociation.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=99 where you'll see some vague "source temperature required" graphs that give relative but not absolute temperatures.
• Radiantec, INSTALLING PEX TUBING FOR CONCRETE SLAB UNDERFLOOR HEATING [PDF] Radiantec, Inc., PO Box 1111, Lyndonville, VT 05851 USA, Tel: 1 800-451-7593 Web: https://www.radiantec.com/ - retrieved 2022/01/18 original source:
  https://www.radiantec.com/installation-manuals/installing-tubing-for-concrete-slab-underfloor-heating/
  
  Radiantec offers a wide selection of design and installation manuals using PEX tubing in buildings.
• Suntouch SPACE WARMING MANUAL D12 Series [PDF] (2007) Watts SunTouch, 4500 E. Progress Place, Springfield MO 65803 USA Tel: 888 4232-8932 Website: www.suntouch.com radiant heat flooring systems
• Takagi radiant heat systems: Takagi offers pre-assembled radiant heating system installation packages including for do-it-yourself'ers, and including systems that combine radiant heat flooring with domestic hot water production using a gas-fired tankless water heater. See takagi.com for more information. "The T-KJr model (gas inputs up to 140,000 BTU per hour) is the smallest unit in the Takagi line-up. The T-KJr is perfect for light residential (i.e. small apartment units) and radiant heating applications." Also see Tankless WATER HEATERS.
• ThermoTile RADIANT FLOOR HEATING MAT INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] from ThermoSoft, Corporate Headquarters 701 Corporate Woods Pkwy Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Tel: 847-279-3800 Fax: 847-279-8845 www.thermosoftinternational.com info@thermosoft.com Tel: 855.819.3015 Email: info@thermosoft.com Website: https://www.thermosoft.com/docs/tt_install_guide.pdf This company has offices in Canada, Chile, the U.S., Germany, Russia, the UK, Slovakia, and Japan.
• Uponor RADIANT HEAT RODUCT CATALOG [PDF] (2022) - Uponor GmbH P.O. Box 1641 97433 Hassfurt Germany T +49-(0)9521 690 0 F +49-(0)9521 690 750 E international@uponor.com Web: uponor.com
• U.S. DOE "Radiant Heating Systems"
• U.S. DOE ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPS & COOLERS [PDF] ,
• U.S. DOE SOLAR AIR HEATING [PDF] U.S. DOE also referred to as "Ventilation Preheating" in which solar systems use air for absorbing and transferring solar energy or heat to a building
• U.S. DOE SOLAR LIQUID HEATING [PDF] U.S. DOE, systems using liquid (typically water) in flat plate solar collectors to collect solar energy in the form of heat for transfer into a building for space heating or hot water heating. The term "solar liquid" is used for accuracy, rather than "solar water" because the water may contain an antifreeze or other chemicals.
• US DOE page on Radiant heating : web search 10/11/2010, original source: http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home
  /space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12590 is, unfortunately short on details.
• US DOE SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE & REPAIR [PDF] , U.S. DOE
• US DOE SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM FREEZE PROTECTION [PDF] , U.S. DOE,using antifreeze mixture in solar water heaters (or other freeze-resistant heat transfer fluids), as well as piping to permit draining the solar collector and piping system.
• US DOE "Scaling and Corrosion in Solar Water Heating Systems", U.S. DOE
  
  www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850 is the base U.S. DOE website for these articles
• US DOE ACTIVE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS [PDF] , U.S. Department of Energy, including
• WARMBOARD APPROVED RADIANT HEAT TUBING LIST [PDF] Warmboard, retrieved 2023/06/06, original source: warmboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ApprovedTubingList.pdf
• WARMBOARD-R PANEL INSTALLATION GUIDE [PDF] Warmboard, retrieved 2023/06/06, original source: warmboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/InstallGuide_Warmboard-R.pdf
• WARMBOARD-S PANEL INSTALLATION GUIDE [PDF] Warmboard, retrieved 2023/06/06, original source: warmboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/InstallGuide_Warmboard-S.pdf
• WARMBOARD TUBING & MANIFOLDS INSTALLATION GUIDE [PDF] Warmboard, retrieved 2023/06/06, original source: warmboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/InstallGuide_TM.pdf
• WattsRadiant, RADIANT PEX® INSTALLATION MANUAL [PDF] (2017) Watts Radiant, USA: Tel: (800) 276-2419 WattsRadiant.com Canada: Tel: (905) 332-4090 Web: Watts.ca Latin America: Tel: (52) 81-1001-8600 • Fax: (52) 81-8000-7091 WattsRadiant.com - retrieved 2019/09/20 original source: media.wattswater.com/IOM-WR-PAP-PEX-PEXAL-PERT.pdf

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Continue reading at RADIANT HEAT MISTAKES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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