Install Instructions

9
IM-PR 566442 1114 (Design Manual)
Figure 1-7
Section through Climate Mat on existing slab
4" Concrete Slab:
Minimum ¾" height of
concrete over ViegaPEX
Tubing
Climate Mat:
Secure with fastener best suited
for application.
Tubing Spacing
(per design)
Compact Subgrade
Gravel
ViegaPEX Tubing:
Keep 4" from wall.
R-5 Edge Insulation:
Refer to local code for
insulation requirements.
Polyethylene Film: 6 mil (min.)
R-5 Insulation:
Refer to local code for insulation requirements. (Ensure
compression rating is suitable for application.)
For in-slab installations, at least ¾" of concrete
should be maintained between the top of the
tubing and the top of the slab. The minimum
permissible thickness of thin-slabs is 1½". Be
sure to coordinate with whoever is responsible for
control cuts or joints to prevent tubing from being
damaged after the pour, if the tubing is to be set
high in the slab.
Complete installation instructions for these
products, including cross-sectional illustrations,
layout planning guidance, material lists and
installation tips can be found in Appendices A-D.
1.3 Insulation
A key step in designing a comfortable, energy-
efficient radiant heating distribution system is
ensuring that adequate insulation is installed. In
some cases, local building codes will specify the
insulation requirements for building assemblies
that serve as radiant panels, but in other cases,
insulation requirements are left to the discretion of
the designer. Recommended minimum insulation
levels for radiant panels in new construction
applications vary by application (e.g., commercial
or residential) and climate zone, which are shown
in Figure 1-5. Higher-level climate zones require
higher levels of insulation for radiant panels. If
radiant floor delivery temperatures are limited by
the equipment type, higher levels of insulation can
be specified to increase the heat transfer between
the conditioned space and the radiant panel.
Considerations for Insulating Slabs with Ground
Contact: Specify a vapor barrier to go beneath the
slab and any insulation. Always provide full sub-
slab insulation and adequate drainage where there
is a high water table. Specify sub-slab insulation
whose compressive strength is rated for the
weight of the slab and expected dynamic loads
(e.g., heavy equipment, storage, etc.). Whenever
installing foam board insulation, weigh down the
boards to prevent wind uplift. In some jobs this can
be done by installing wire mesh as soon as foam
boards are placed.