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Originally Posted by randen
If you just want warm floors as simply as it gets. That would be some ridgid foam with subfloor ply and electric heat pad below hard surface flooring (no Carpet). This would be the easy least expensive. When you go down to the basement touch the timer within a few min. the floor is warm and your cozy for the duration your there.
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I had considered this for the bathroom, but it seemed like i'd mostly be heaing the ground with electric heat, which didn't seem very cost effective. How much insulation would you recommend in this case?
Quote:
Originally Posted by randen
If your planning on most efficient space heating to help with the whole home heating this may be a little different. The best aspect of the system is that large flat rock in the basement (the concrete floor). However this is an integral part of the heating system so it must be insulated and the plastic tubing be placed in the floor at a 4"- 6" spacing. Now it gets work extensive. It would involve smashing out the old concrete digging down minimum 2" more for ridgid foam and poring another concrete floor with the tubing in. You will also need a thermal break around the outer edge of the concrete 1 " foam should be enough.
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My wife had this same idea....the amount of work required for this would give me nightmares! quick back of the napkin calculation gives me 3.5 yards of concrete i'd have to bust apart and carry out with 5 gallon buckets. Then figure out a way to put it all back in in liquid form!
Quote:
Originally Posted by randen
For a heat source this can be LP gas water heater or a demand type will work. A small circulation pump will move water thru the tubing in the floor warming it to about 80-85 Deg F This heat will radiate to the living space above making it a little more comfortable. With these warm temps believe me a ceramic or porclin tile floor is the best.
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What kind of temperatures are required for the floor? I assume one doesn't want it too hot?
Quote:
Originally Posted by randen
Now you had mentioned you were interested in solar hot water. This heated concrete floor will make all the difference. When the sun is avalible the hot water from the panels can be directed to the floor. The floor will slowly warm during the day and release its heat through the evening. This will help keep your home warm and the basement comfortable for hours for free . The fact is the concrete acts like a big battery. I would suggest 3 pcs 4x8 flat plate panels min.
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Yes! The thought of using the slab as storage is enticing, since I wouldnt' have to give up any space to build a storage tank....
Quote:
Originally Posted by randen
This project can DIY but if you have to hire out it could be prohibative cost wise. It would be a lot of physical work. But that warm floor is really nice
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Yep, my plan is to do it all DIY, hopefully will finish before spring (which is the same goal I had last year
thanks for the input,
mike