Before homeowners and businesses are ready to invest in radiant floor heating systems, they are bound to have a few questions about the technology. What types of cost savings can it provide? How will it impact the overall air quality? Will the thermal comfort of the space improve?
While these considerations will always play a role in the investment process, this is only one side of the equation. The engineers who put together the project specifications have their own questions to address, the answers to which can guide them on how to best meet the needs and interests of stakeholders.
Question #1: Are Systems Compatible With All Floor Types?
With the varying thermal properties of flooring materials, it comes as no surprise that there is hesitancy to use radiant floor heating systems in some cases. Whereas tile is able to retain heat and is recognized as a good fit for radiant applications, hardwood floors raise concerns over heat output performance and the potential for moisture that can damage the floor’s surface.
What’s unique about radiant heating systems is their ability to work with nearly every floor type—with the proper design and installation, that is. In the case of hardwood floors, this ties back to elements like calculating panel surface temperatures to enhance the durability of floors and thermal comfort, as well as selecting narrower boards to avoid shrinking and swelling.
Question #2: Can Systems Be Included in Remodel Projects?
When making changes to an existing floor, there is typically a concern over how the renovations will impact floor height. And that’s for good reason. Too much build-up can translate into the added steps of having to adjust moldings and raise or cut down doors to align with the raised floor level.
Thanks to lower floor-height buildup products on the market, modern radiant floor heating systems can be installed without the frustrations of extra work. When supplemented by versatile design options and high-quality materials, engineers are able to get the best of both worlds: a project that is completed as scheduled with end results that exceed user expectations.
Question #3: Is There Potential for Multiple Zones and Controls?
In the past, radiant floor heating systems spread a consistent temperature across each floor of a home or business—what’s otherwise known as a “zone”. With the advent of smart technology though, occupants expect more in terms of their control over individual rooms. This means having the ability to modify temperatures based on how often rooms are used, as well as their unique design elements—whether it’s vaulted ceilings or a wall of windows.
With the option to leverage multiple zones in modern radiant heating systems, the efficiency of the entire system is heightened. Thermostats for rooms with little traffic can be set to a lower temperature, while thermostats for rooms that tend to get cooler (such as bathrooms and entryways) can be set to a higher temperature when needed. With this level of control not only comes enhanced comfort for occupants but also significant cost savings on energy bills from month-to-month.
Thanks to the services and products from Viega, designing and installing high-quality radiant floor systems—specifically hydronic systems—is easier than ever before. Check out our project profiles to see examples of our work in the radiant space, as well as hear from customers who we’ve helped succeed.
