Radiant Heat over Concrete Slab
We suggest the use of integrated insulated radiant panels on top of a new or existing slab for the best R-value and excellent response for both heating up and cooling down the system. Installing radiant heat over concrete slab makes the process significantly faster while increasing comfort and efficiency. Directly attaching standard plywood or OSB to concrete introduces complications regarding moisture and cold unless insulation, at a cost, is provided separately. EPS insulation is moisture- and mold-resistant.
The old way of putting radiant tubing in a slab was popularized in the era of cheap energy. As energy prices increased, recommendations for insulation under the slab and slab edges became mandatory, increasing the cost and complications of a slab installation while not effectively increasing response. The era of low mass, fast response system is here, particularly with the technical demands of the new hydronic heat pumps that are displacing less efficient gas-fired equipment in many areas.
