Radiant Heat

There are three modes of energy transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Radiation, or radiant heat, is the transmission of electromagnetic rays through space. These rays have no temperature, only energy. Every material or object with a temperature above absolute zero emits these rays in all directions until they are deflected or absorbed.

Why is radiant heat rapidly becoming so popular?

  • Comfort: 
    Radiant heat is the most comfortable form of heat, since (like the rays of the sun) it heats objects rather than air. The heat radiates to your body and you feel warm and comfortable. Unlike conventional heat, floors, rather than ceilings, are the warmest part of the room, so that you have warm feet and a cool head.
  • Energy Savings: 
    Because it is hydronic and utilizes low temperature water (90-130 F), radiant heat is more efficient and will save 20-40% of the cost of heating with conventional methods. In addition, because it warms your body rather than the air, you feel comfortable at a lower temperature and you can turn your thermostat down to 65F.
  • Quiet and Clean Operation: 
    Radiant heat systems operate without any noise or sound. In addition, there are no drafts or air movement so dust and germs aren’t spread around.
  • Decorating Freedom: 
    Radiant heat is much more attractive than conventional heat. There is no need to concern yourself with the location of radiation. The heat is out of the way, providing maximum freedom in designing a home or commercial building. It has particular application in areas with limited wall space or excessive heat loss, such as solariums, kitchens, entry ways or baths.

The Advantages of Radiant Heat:

  • Warmth like sunshine.
  • Warms objects not air.
  • Reduces dust levels in home.
  • Lower operating costs.
  • 30% savings over conventional heating systems.
  • Fewer noticeable air drafts throughout the house.
  • Snow Melting: Keeps driveways and sidewalks clean.
  • Stay snow and ice free all winter.
  • Solve heating problems.
  • Easy To Zone: Control heat within individual rooms.
  • Low Profile: No wall baseboards or warm air registers.
  • Easy to rearrange furniture without blocking heat source.
  • Improve heating conditions in hard-to-heat areas.

Heating Methods:

1. Staple Up
This is one of our most popular installation methods. Staple Onix underneath the wood subfloor every four to six inches so that the Onix maintains continuous contact with the wood. Install foil-faced fiberglass insulation (foil facing up), leaving a two-inch air gap between the foil and the underside of the subfloor. It is important to always insulate the exterior band joists in this application.

2. Slab On Grade
Warm up a concrete slab to provide space heat. Install a minimum of 2″ of concrete above the top of the Onix for residential and 3″ for commercial floor heat applications. You may need a greater thickness over the Onix, depending on structural loading. Use an extruded polystyrene insulation board on the edge of, and optionally under the slab, depending on site conditions.

3. Sandwich Over Frame Floor
This technique is generally used when hardwood flooring is being installed or when there is no access to install the Onix from below the subfloor. Always use foil-faced fiberglass (foil facing up),
leaving a two-inch air gap between the foil and the underside of the subfloor. It is very important to select the correct nailer thickness, so that the Onix maintains continuous contact with the underside of the upper floor or subfloor, but isn’t crushed or deformed. Alternatively, a concrete mix or gypsum-based mix can be used to fill this void. Don’t use staples or nails in this application; use duct tape or contractor’s adhesive if the Onix needs to be held in place.

4. Snow Melting
This is the most popular application in snow melting and it provides the best snow melting performance. Install Onix midway in the slab or at a depth that will provide a minimum of 3 inches of concrete over the top of the Onix – more may be required depending on structural loading. The size and spacing of Onix varies widely in snow melting projects and is based on many variables. Always refer to specific design information for the project. Also, drainage is important in snow melting. Make sure provisions are made to safely carry away the meltwater.