RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
Transcription
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES
RADIANT FLOOR HEATING INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES TIME-SAVING TECHNIQUES FOR LASTING RESULTS www.rehau.com Construction Automotive Industry RAUPEX PIPE AND MANIFOLD INSTALLATION OUTLINE - “Wet” installation methods Pipe placement patterns “Dry” installation methods Manifold locations Sleeving of pipes Step-by-step installation process Avoiding difficulties © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 2 POURED OR “WET” CONSTRUCTION TYPES - Slab or overpour applications - Thermal mass is poured into place around RAUPEX pipe - Structural concrete mix (fibers may be used) - “Lightweight” concrete: sand mix, dry pack (not aerated) - Gyp-Crete, Hacker floor systems © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 3 POURED OR “WET” CONSTRUCTION GENERAL RULES - Pipes to be fastened every 2 feet (typical) or as needed to prevent “floating” - For medium thick slabs (4”) pipes may be installed at the bottom or in the middle - For thick slabs (6” and above), pipes are normally installed in mid-point, unless there is a risk of cutting/drilling the pipes - Then move them lower in the slab to avoid damage - Coverage over pipe must be minimum 3/4” for concrete strength and to avoid striping - Entrained air in concrete is bad for heat transfer - Avoid concrete with entrained air - Wet thermal mass has lots of moisture which needs to evaporate - Must let it dry before hardwood flooring is installed - Floor loading of poured thermal mass is critical (13-18 lb/ft2 dead load for 1 1/2” overpour) - Depending on the mix; 2,000 ft2 = 30,000 lbs - Floor must be designed to carry this load - Coordination of trades is important - Insulation, wire mesh, double baseplates, “dams” around holes, etc. all must be done in the proper order © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 4 POURED OR “WET” CONSTRUCTION SLAB CUTAWAY, TYPICAL - Normal slab design Pipe located within slab (midway) or at bottom Various fasteners available Typical layers: 1 2 3 4 1 Slab with RAUPEX Rigid insulation Vapor barrier Crushed stone 2 3 4 © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 5 SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” IMPORTANCE OF INSULATION Why so important? - For even heat transfer towards space, floor temperatures - To minimize heat loss to earth (below, backfill) and air (at edges) - To decrease response time and increase efficiency General Rule*: - R-value below the slab should be at least 5 times R-value above the slab Example: Commercial carpet with pad installed above slab, total R value = 1.5 Use minimum R-7.5 insulation below (1 1/2” of extruded polystryene) and 2” at cold edges *Note: 2” insulation (R-10) is recommended at slab edges and below slabs on earth Suspended slabs (over cold air) will require even more insulation © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 6 SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” Edge* Insulation TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION LAYERS FOR HEATED SLAB FLOORS Heated Space Thermal Mass with pipes Bottom* Insulation Vapor Barrier Sub-Grade *Note: 2” insulation (R-10 for EPS) is recommended at slab edges and below slabs Suspended slabs (over unconditioned cold air) will require even more insulation © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 7 SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” WITH RAILFIX THESE GO DIRECTLY ONTO EPS INSULATION EXAMPLE: STYROFOAM® SM BOARDS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 8 SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” WITH SCREW CLIPS AND RAILFIX THESE GO DIRECTLY ONTO EPS INSULATION Screw Clip RAILFIX © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 9 SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” WITH FIXING RAIL OR RAUTACKER THESE GO DIRECTLY ONTO EPS INSULATION RAUTACKER staple © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 10 RAUTACKER SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” WITH NYLON TIES REHAU NYLON PIPE TIES TIED TO WIRE MESH - REHAU nylon pipe ties - 50 lb. capacity, installed every 2 – 3 feet maximum - Ensure wire mesh has no sharp edges © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 11 SLAB-ON-GRADE “WET” WITH NYLON TIES REHAU NYLON PIPE TIES TIED TO WIRE MESH - REHAU nylon pipe ties - 50 lb. capacity, installed every 2 – 3 feet maximum - Ensure wire mesh has no sharp edges © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 12 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” ALSO A “WET” INSTALLATION - Pipe is fastened to subfloor - 1 1/2” total height (typical) - Minimum coverage must be 3/4” above pipes - To avoid heat striping and weak concrete - Thin thermal mass overpour may be gypsum cement concrete or portland cement concrete with small aggregate (3/8” or smaller) - Ensure that subfloor is designed for the “dead weight” of 13-18 lb/ft2 - Clarify definition of “lightweight” - Concrete is never light! © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 18 Minimum 3/4” above pipes 1 1/2” total SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” GENERAL NOTES - Very common installation technique - Freedom to lay pipe according to room design - Use proper stapler tools to avoid crimping or dimpling pipe - REHAU Pneumatic Stapler by SENCO © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 19 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” GENERAL NOTES - Can also use pipe talons © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 20 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” IMPORTANCE OF INSULATION - Heat goes to cold and will go down without proper direction - Insulation in the joist cavity is crucial to comfort, performance and response Heated space below: - R-value in the joist cavity below a heated overpour should be at least 5 times R-value above (flooring + floor) Examples: - Tile above, Minimum R-5 in joist cavity - Carpet above, Minimum R-11 in joist cavity Unheated space below: - R-value in the joist cavity below a heated overpour should be at least 10 times R-value above (flooring + floor) Examples: - Tile above, Minimum R-13 in joist cavity - Carpet above, Minimum R-19 in joist cavity © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 21 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” TIPS - Install all baseplates to mark walls before laying pipe - Assists routing pipes - May have to install loadbearing walls at the same time - Use double baseplates: - Extra-wide baseplates on the bottom, standard size on top - 2” x 8” bottom plate at outside walls - 2” x 6” bottom plate at inside walls - For leveling screed - For carpet tack strips © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 22 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” TIPS - Double baseplates, extra wide (that was not done here) - Recommend: - 8” wide under 2” x 6” wall - 6” wide under 2” x 4” wall - Install baseplates to mark walls before laying pipe - May use pressure-treated lumber, but not necessary © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 23 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” “SLEEPERS” FOR HARDWOOD INSTALLATIONS - Common with solid hardwood - Benefits of thermal mass - Freedom to lay pipe according to room design - Install sleepers opposite to orientation of hardwood - Use caution due to moisture! - Thermal mass must cure and moisture must be correct before hardwood is installed - May take 28+ days for curing - Work with flooring contractors and GC for proper scheduling © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 24 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” BE SURE TO SEAL OR COVER THE SUBFLOOR FIRST WHEN USING A PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE OVERPOUR TO PREVENT BONDING AND SHRINKAGE OF THE CONCRETE © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 25 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” GYPSUM CEMENT POURS DIRECTLY ONTO WOOD SUBFLOOR (PUMPED) FLOOR IS USUALLY SEALED FIRST © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 26 SUSPENDED WOOD FLOOR “OVERPOUR” GYPSUM CEMENT POURS DIRECTLY ONTO WOOD SUBFLOOR (PUMPED) FLOOR IS USUALLY SEALED FIRST © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 28 POURED OR “WET” CONSTRUCTION SUMMARY - Poured thermal mass is a good conductor of heat Pipes to be fastened every 2 feet (typical) or as needed to prevent “floating” For medium thick slabs (4”) pipes may be installed at the bottom or in the middle For thick slabs (6” and above), pipes are normally installed in mid-point, unless there is a risk of cutting/drilling the pipes Coverage over pipe must be minimum 3/4” for concrete strength and to avoid striping Entrained air in concrete is bad for heat transfer Insulation is crucial to direct the flow of the heat Wet thermal mass has lots of moisture which needs to evaporate - Must let it dry before hardwood flooring is installed Floor loading of poured thermal mass is critical (13-18 lb/ft2 dead load for 1 1/2” overpour) - Depending on the mix; 2,000 ft2 = 30,000 lbs Coordination of trades is important - Insulation, wire mesh, double baseplates, “dams” around holes, etc. all must be done in the proper order © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 29 PIPE PLACEMENT PATTERNS THREE TYPES OF PIPE LAYOUTS 1. Serpentine (overpour, slab, joist, sleepers) 2. Counterflow Spiral (overpour, slab) - Helps with bends - Faster installation in the right situation - More even temperature distribution 3. Combinations (overpour, slab) 4. Other shapes © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 30 1. SERPENTINE - Install pipe the “long way” to minimize bends, for faster installation - Great for rectangular rooms - Great if there is one outside “cold” wall - Run hottest water to outside wall - Floor covering (hardwood) way also dictate the direction 4 x 180-degree bends © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 31 13 x 180-degree bends SERPENTINE SIMPLE LAYOUT, EASY INSTALLATION Straight or in L-shape © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 32 SERPENTINE DOUBLE 180- BEND REDUCES SHARP BENDS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 33 SERPENTINE DOUBLE 180- BEND REDUCES SHARP BENDS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 34 SERPENTINE ‘U’–SHAPE IN SOME AREAS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 35 SERPENTINE L-SHAPED SERPENTINE © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 36 2. COUNTERFLOW SPIRAL EVEN FLOOR TEMPERATURE, REDUCES NUMBER OF TIGHT BENDS, FASTER INSTALLATION BEST PATTERN IF THERE IS NO OUTSIDE WALL, OR ALL OUTSIDE WALLS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 37 COUNTERFLOW SPIRAL EVEN FLOOR TEMPERATURE, REDUCES NUMBER OF TIGHT BENDS, FASTER INSTALLATION BEST PATTERN IN LARGE OPEN AREAS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 38 COUNTERFLOW SPIRAL USE STAPLES OR TALONS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 39 3. COMBINATION CORNER ROOMS Supply Outside Wall Return Perimeter Area (3 ft.) Occupied Area © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 40 4. OTHER SHAPES… IN BATHROOMS USE MORE PIPE, NOT LESS. TRY 3/8” RAUPEX FOR FLEXIBILITY © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 43 4. OTHER SHAPES… IT IS IMPORTANT TO FILL THE HEATED SPACE WITH PIPES AND AVOID GAPS (COLD SPOTS) © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 44 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS ARRANGE PIPES TO AVOID PASSING THROUGH JOINTS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 45 JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS GENERAL RULES FOR JOIST SPACE INSTALLATIONS - No poured screed is involved (“dry”) - Aluminum plates, the air cavity (in joist space) and the subfloor are all parts of the thermal mass - Aluminum heat transfer plates are very important for efficiency and response - Can increase efficiency by 20% to 40% © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 46 JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS GENERAL RULES FOR JOIST SPACE INSTALLATIONS Pro’s: - Suitable for retrofit - No structural weight issues - No added moisture Con’s: - Installation can be difficult and slow - Not the most efficient radiant technique - Higher water temperatures will be required, as compared with other RFH - Slower response time compared with pipes installed above the subfloor - High R-value insulation is critical underneath plates and at ends of cavities - Below the 2” air gap: - Minimum R-19 over heated space - Minimum R-30 over unheated space © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 47 How does it work? Typical 2” x 10” joist construction with 2” air gap. Follow the path of the heat JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS MAINTAIN 2” AIR GAP BELOW SUBFLOOR FOR FULL HEAT TRANSFER, REDUCED STRIPING Light Gauge Heat Transfer Plate Locking Clip © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 48 Talon JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS INSTALLATION TIPS - Uncoiler is very useful in larger areas - Otherwise, 2-3 workers is ideal - With light gauge plates, install all pipe, then plates - With heavy gauge plates, install the plates first, then snap in the pipes - Use protection sleeving at joist penetrations to prevent chafing and possible noise of rapid thermal expansion - If the design allows, 3/8” RAUPEX O2 Barrier pipe is more flexible than 1/2” pipe, faster to install - Feel free to use EVERLOC couplings when in a jam © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 49 PE Protection Sleeve Pipe must be free to move at ends JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS MAINTAIN 2” AIR GAP BELOW SUBFLOOR FOR FULL HEAT TRANSFER, REDUCED STRIPING - Heat transfer plates enhance heat distribution - 20 - 40% improvement - Use 6 screws per light gauge plates - Use 8 screws per heavy gauge plates - Because staples may work loose over time, and plates would fall down - Insulation is important (foil face up for radiation) - Insulation should be 2” away from subfloor (for convection heat transfer) - Be careful of sharp edges on heat transfer plates. Wear eye and hearing protection when cutting heavy gauge plates. Wear work gloves. © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 51 JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS LIGHT GAUGE PLATES – 2 FEET LONG EACH © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 52 JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS HEAVY GAUGE PLATES – 4 FEET LONG EACH © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 53 JOIST SPACE OUTPUT – FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS SAMPLE CALCULATION WITH HEAT TRANSFER PLATES THEORETICAL JOIST-SPACE SYSTEM WITH R-1.0 FLOOR COVERING - FEA shows that heat is conducted by Heat Transfer Plates and is distributed more evenly under the entire subfloor and joist cavity - Lower water temperature, more efficiency, better response time © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 54 JOIST SPACE OUTPUT – FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS SAMPLE CALCULATION WITHOUT HEAT TRANSFER PLATES THEORETICAL JOIST-SPACE SYSTEM WITH R-1.0 FLOOR COVERING - FEA shows that heat is concentrated in the air around the pipes - There is less transfer to subfloor, more striping on floor surface - Higher water temperature, less efficiency, slower response time © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 55 JOIST SPACE “DRY” INSTALLATIONS SUMMARY - Installation can be difficult and slow depending on obstructions, ceiling height, etc. - Zoning is very difficult since pipes must follow joist bays under several rooms - Perimeter spacing is the same as occupied spacing (determined by joist spacing) - Usually 8” o-c, sometimes 7”, 9” or 10” - Aluminum heat transfer plates are very important for efficiency and response - High R-value insulation is critical underneath plates and at ends of cavities - Higher water temperatures will be required as compared with above-floor installations - Slower response time compared with pipes installed above the subfloor - Outdoor reset control with continuous circulation is recommended, especially with light gauge plates, to help avoid expansion noises and to improve response times © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 56 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS MOUNTING - Install in the back of a closet, or cabinet - Leave enough room for all pipes to connect - Mount manifold 30-40” above floor in an accessible location - Position manifold in its “final resting place” so that pipes are routed correctly - Ex: Build a support along framed walls © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 57 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS MOUNTING - Install in the back of a closet, or cabinet Leave enough room for all pipes to connect Mount manifold 30-40” above floor in an accessible location Position manifold in its “final resting place” so that pipes are routed correctly Ex: On new slabs, make a support with rebar or wood studs © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 58 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS ROUTING PIPES - Place in permanent position - Mount 2 - 4 feet above grade - Mount level and secure - May have to create supports - Leave room for pipe access - Note pipes passing under wall © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 59 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS - Find an opening the correct size - Refer to the dimensional drawing in the installation brochure - Try to align the pipes! Not a great example here! © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 60 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 2 MANIFOLDS FOR 10 CIRCUITS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 61 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 1 MANIFOLD FOR 10 CIRCUITS #10 #9 #8 #7 #6 #1 © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 62 #2 #3 #5 #4 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 1 MANIFOLD FOR 10 CIRCUITS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 63 MANIFOLD LOCATIONS PLANNING THE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING EXAMPLE: OPEN AREA, 1 MANIFOLD FOR 10 CIRCUITS © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 64 PVC BEND GUIDE INSTALLATION STEP TWO - Insert pipe into PVC Bend Guide - Use 30” - 40” of pipe to reach manifold - Adjust all bend guides to same height and even spacing - These will be partially encased in concrete and will be visible © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 72 PVC BEND GUIDE INSTALLATION STEP TWO - PVC Bend Guides look great when complete - They protect and align the pipe and take stress off pipe connections © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 73 INSTALL RAUPEX PIPE STEP FOUR TIPS FOR INSTALLING RAUPEX PIPES - Bending radius of 5 times the pipe OD without heat; the tightest of all PEX pipes - Bending radius of 3 times the pipe OD when heated; the tightest of all PEX pipes - Pipes are less likely to kink when bending slowly Pipe Size (nominal) Pipe OD (actual) in. 5x Minimum 5x Minimum Bend Bend Radius in. Diameter in. 3/8" 0.500 2.500 5.00 1/2" 5/8" 3/4" 1" 1 1/4" 0.625 0.750 0.875 1.125 1.375 3.125 3.750 4.375 5.625 6.875 6.25 7.50 8.75 11.25 13.75 1 1/2" 2" 1.625 2.125 8.125 10.625 16.25 21.25 © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 77 r Radius (r) d Diameter (2 x r) INSTALL RAUPEX PIPE STEP FOUR TIPS FOR INSTALLING RAUPEX PIPES - Minimum bend radius for RAUPEX pipe is 5 times the pipe diameter when cold - Bend slowly, especially in cold weather - Minimum bend radius is 3 times the OD when pipes are heated above 250°F - Use hot air gun (ONLY) - Heat pipes only without pressure - Fasten pipe at the beginning, middle and end of each bend to prevent “lifting” - If pipe tends to lift, add extra fastener(s) See Page 5-5 REHAU RFH Technical Manual © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 78 INSTALL RAUPEX PIPE STEP FOUR TIPS FOR INSTALLING RAUPEX PIPES - Attach pipe every 2 - 3 feet using approved fasteners - Ensure pipe is straight and doesn’t “lift” - If pipe seems to float, add more fasteners - Mark circuit lengths and locations as you go - Insulate pipe tails if necessary - But don’t weaken the concrete - Don’t cross pipes in “poured” applications - Don’t weaken the concrete Saw cut is very close to top of pipes. Add fasteners! © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 79 INSTALL RAUPEX PIPE STEP FOUR PROTECTION SLEEVING - Install sleeves at penetrations - Install sleeves at expansion joints - Joist space sleeving prevents noise © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 80 INSTALL RAUPEX PIPE STEP FOUR TIPS FOR INSTALLING RAUPEX PIPES - Start installing pipes on outside walls so that hottest water (from Supply) goes to perimeter areas first - Keep pipes 6” away from walls, holes, cabinet mounting points, and toilet gaskets - To reduce heat transfer - For protection of pipes - To prevent softening © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 81 AIR PRESSURE TEST STEP FIVE (OPTION A) AIR TESTS ARE ALLOWED BY REHAU AND ARE RECOMMENDED IN FREEZING CONDITIONS - Pressurize pipes and manifold(s) together through the manifold - Normal test pressure is 1 1/2 times working pressure or 100 psi (whichever is higher) - Re-pressurize at 10 and 20 minutes to allow for expansion of pipes - Keep constant temperature - Maintain test pressure for 2 hours - Note: Air tests are safe up to a maximum of 200 psi as long as pipes are used with brass manifolds, EVERLOC fittings, and no plastic components REHAU Air Tester Art. 257334 © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 83 WHAT NOT TO DO DON’T LET YOUR JOBS LOOK LIKE THIS! - Don’t hang manifold crooked or remove from brackets - Don’t install without brackets - Don’t leave pipe in the sunlight - Don’t cut pipe with a hacksaw or pocketknife - Don’t let pipe float close to surface - Don’t leave excessive gaps between pipes to result in cold spots - Don’t forget to clip or move nylon ties Improper manifold mounting © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 91 WHAT NOT TO DO DON’T LET YOUR JOBS LOOK LIKE THIS! - Don’t forget PVC bend guides at manifolds - Try to line them up! Improper pipe positioning © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 92 WHAT NOT TO DO DON’T LET YOUR JOBS LOOK LIKE THIS! - Don’t mix up Supply and Return - Don’t lose track of pipes - Don’t hang manifold crooked or remove from brackets - Don’t install without brackets - Don’t cut pipe with a hacksaw or pocketknife - Don’t let pipe float close to surface - Don’t leave excessive gaps between pipes to result in cold spots - Don’t forget to clip or move nylon ties Improper manifold mounting © REHAU 17-Mar-10- Page 93