Tube Testing and installation > GreenBuildingTalk - Green Building Forums on Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF), Structural Insulated Panels (SIP), Radiant Heating, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Power

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Klorinth

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Posts:23

08/17/2008 4:31 AM
Hey everyone, As always, I'm enjoying all the discussion. I'm getting ready to lay down the insulation and wire mesh in rep for the PEX installation. All that I am wondering is if it is possible to fill each loop with water to test my fittings and create some weight, to ensure good placement in the slab during the pore. My cement guy is concerned that the PEX will "float" near the surface in some places, and not be as efficient in the end. I am also going to be asking my PEX suppplier this same question, but I thought I should ask here first. Thanks

BadgerBoilerMN User is Offline

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Posts:92

08/18/2008 8:38 PM
We staple tube to insulation every two feet, pressure test to 60psi (air) and don't worry about float.

MA www.badgerboilerservice.com

oldmilwaukee User is Offline

Registered Users

Posts:3

09/02/2008 5:14 PM
I used tie wire to tie the tubing to rebar. It's not much work to tie it down compared to all the other work you have done to get to this point. Zip ties would probably work too. I used air to pressure test the lines (leave it under pressure while pouring your slab - so leaks/punctures, if they happen, will be apparent as bubbles) Water would work fine to test the pressure, but would it be as noticeable if it leaks? Plus concrete weighs more than water.. the tubes could still float up with water I think. pictures of our slab with radiant tubing being poured.

Klorinth

Registered Users

Posts:23

09/12/2008 3:16 AM
Thanks for the thoughts... Poured the slab on Monday. Weather was very wet so 1300sqft took about 20 hours before it was done. Then sealed it the next day. I attached the tubing(1100' in 5 loops) to wire mesh with about 1000 zip ties. Had a few extra pieces of mesh so layed them on top of the tubing in the middle of each potential room. As far as I could tell, during the pour, nothing moved at all. At the most a few areas may have been lifted by 1/2' or so, but nothing significant. It all went very well. We now have a nice smooth floor with five useable heating zones. Next step is the manifolds and pump. I need to wait for the Geothermal equipment to be installed though. Thanks again for the help.

Brawler

Registered Users

Posts:11

09/14/2008 2:23 PM
oldmilwaukee, That house is AWESOME. I have only started looking but wow. Quick question. How can i shrink my big photos dow so i can load them to my album. I'm a computer illiterate. thanks

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