[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Radiant Floor under wood

[Lawrence Lile]

Lightweight concrete is sometimes used on 2nd floor decks with radiant
heat, so I would argue that the sand would function to spread the heat
and conduct it to more of the floor.  Sand is a terrible insulator
compared to air.  

Foil is a good heat reflector.  If you don't want the heat to go a
particular direction, put foil on that side.  

Sometimes an aluminum fin fitted around the pipe, and stapled to the
underside of the floor in an attempt to use it as a radiator.  This
would be an alternative to sand or lightweight concrete. 

--Lawrence Lile



-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of
josephbecker at riseup.net
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 3:58 PM
To: greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org
Subject: [BULK] [Greenbuilding] Radiant Floor under wood
Importance: Low

On the subject of radiant heat...in the ecological house.

I am looking for some science and guidance on what to do with the spaces
between sleepers and tubing on top of a sub floor and beneath the finish
floor of vertical grain red oak.

Our plan is to put 3" sleepers every 12" leaving 9" spaces. Our flooring
man suggested filling the voids with sand instead of leaving air in
order to prevent a hollow sound. The owner does not mind a hollow sound

Would sand help spread the heat or inhibit the spread and trap the heat?

It seems like small convection loops in air would move the heat better.

What about foil used in this application. Has anyone used the foil on
top of sand?


On another note...
Any suggestions for simple heat loss worksheets. We are planning to use
the minimum of tubing and only heat the floor in spaces that are walked
on.

Thank you.

Best Energy,
Joseph Becker



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