Pex in tile floor
We are in the middle of a renovation - we are up to
marking pluming in preparation for the plumber's rough-in.
I bought 10 rolls of 1/2" PEX from radiantec.
Planning on approx 8" spacing.
I understand that it might not deliver enough heat
using just geothermal, but I have 2 plans for that.
I ordered a 2Ton hydronic air handler by MultiAqua -
(I thought it was a bargain)
primarily for the AC, (but it does DC also - just kidding :-),
but it can deliver heat - either from water or from a
heat strip, that was no additional cost (up front).
Also, the old boiler is not disappearing and it is
free - delivered, installed, permitted, etc.
My question is regarding the tile floors...
For the Kitchen/Breakfast area, The builder
says his plumber and tile guy know how to do radiant.
But I doubt they ever did heat plates before.
My friend questioned whether the plates actually
need to touch the tubes. The builder had the same
question. In addition to boxes of pre-formed plates,
I have 150' of flashing. The builder suggested just
rolling out an aluminum sheet over the whole subfloor.
Wondering if any of you smart/experienced guys has
a thought? I would lose the direct (conduction) but
still have the reflection - and ease of install goes up....
I think the only alternative is plywood sleepers,
which is probably cheaper materials, but more labor.
(Note, this phase of the work is not DIY, it's under
the contractor's domain :-)
But, I saw an article that said if the pipes are not
snugly held by the plates, they really don't help much.
Then again, that was an article by a competitor...
For the second floor, I'll do staple-up even for
under the Master bathroom. I just need to do a layout.
Thanks
Seth
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