Adequate minimal thickness of a thin slab is considered to be 2″, not including insulation.
How thick should concrete be over radiant heat?
A: As a rule of thumb, Gypsum Concrete should be installed at ¾” thick over the top of the radiant heat tubes. The industry standard for radiant heat tubing is 5/8” Pex tubing (O.D. of approx ¾”), therefore a 1-1/2” thick Gypsum Concrete topping is most typical.
How do you run PEX on concrete?
General Rules of Thumb for Concrete Slab Underfloor Heating Installations
- On top of the compacted earth or sand, install a vapor barrier.
- Lay down at least 2″ of rigid foam insulation. …
- Install the wire mesh or rebar for the concrete slab.
- Attach the tubing to the wire mesh or rebar using plastic zip ties.
Can you put the radiant heat under the concrete slab?
The science behind radiant floor heating is quite simple: Tubes that circulate hot water or electrical heating elements are installed in the concrete slab when it’s poured, turning the thermal mass of the concrete into an inconspicuous radiator of warm, even heat.
How do you install radiant heat on top of concrete?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The most efficiently is the full glue down directly to the concrete. Using the recommended glue and trowel trowels.
How deep should PEX be in concrete?
Since in non-reinforced slabs tubing is generally positioned at the bottom (secured with foamboard staples or PEX rails), their thickness should not exceed 4-5″. Otherwise, the system will not run efficiently.
How much PEX do I need for radiant heat?
Multiply the number of full loops by the recommended length for each loop to obtain the length of tubing needed to construct the heating loops. For example, 975/250 is 3.9, which is rounded to 4 PEX heating loops for a room that is 25 feet wide and 26 feet long.
How long does PEX last in concrete?
So I did a little research, and here’s what I found. Generally, PEX pipes last for 25 to 40 years before they need to be replaced.
How do you run a water line under concrete?
Cut a hole through the soil under the slab foundation using a high-pressure washer. Place the hose end to the soil under the slab foundation and turn the washer on. The high-pressure water will cut a hole through the soil through which you can lead the new line under the foundation.
How do you secure PEX to concrete walls?
Cut strips of 3/4 inch plywood and attach them to the concrete block walls using a hammer drill and tapcon screws. Nail the pex brackets to the wood and put the pex in the brackets. Also a few ball valves and manifolds would be attached to the wood.
Can PEX touch concrete?
Can PEX be used under a concrete slab? Yes, PEX pipe can be installed under a concrete slab. Since PEX pipe is supplied in coils, installation can be completed in one continuous length without the need for extra fittings. PEX pipe can also be encased within a slab, which is commonly used for radiant floor heating.
Can you run PEX in exterior walls?
As a general rule of thumb, if your PEX piping is traveling through interior walls or insulated exterior walls, you don’t need to insulate it. However, piping exposed outside or inside unconditioned spaces like a basement, crawl space, or attic should be insulated, mainly if you live in cold-weather areas.
Where should you not use PEX?
PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas.
You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.
Can you use PEX for boiler lines?
Q: Can PEX pipe be used for installation of an outdoor wood boiler or furnace? A: Yes. 1″ oxygen barrier PEX is most common for the job. For non-pressurized boilers, PEX piping without O2 barrier can be used.
Can I use blue PEX for hot water?
Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply.
Do rats eat PEX pipe?
The Problem
Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.
How long do PEX pipes last?
50 years
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years.
What is wrong with PEX plumbing?
PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.
