Hydronic radiant floor heating
(HRF) is usually associated with
concrete slabs. The reason is that
slab-embedded systems are relatively
simple to install: Long circuits of
1/2-inch to 3/4-inch polyethylene,
polybutylene, or rubber tubing are
arranged over a layer of welded wire
mesh and then buried in concrete
(see "Radiant Slab Techniques,"
8/92). But most homes have woodframed
floors, and many of their
owners are interested in radiant
heat. Luckily, almost all HRF manufacturers
have developed techniques
for installing their equipment in
these homes.
The tubing used in wood-framed
floors is the same as that used for
radiant slabs. Contractors' costs for
tubing in my area are 65¢ to 75¢ per
linear foot (that's 65¢ to 75¢ per
square foot of floor area