Hi all, i am a definite newbie to Radiant heating, as i did not plan on considering radiant up front in my construction due to the extra costs.

I am building an 8" ICF basement over a 2 floors (@4000 sq. ft) of Logs...my question is, what at the very least should i do as far as the slab is concerned?  I am building in Colorado for a seasonal home (won't be used much, if any at all in Winter) at an elevation of 9500'.  I was considering at least throwing some 7/8 in Pex into the slab so that if i decide to install radiant heating i can do it later.   I have read about the kind you can attach underneath the floor joists, but i understand its not as efficient.

I am pouring a 40 X60 slab...

Thanks!

Kyle

there is practically no benefit at all to using such large pipe. Don't fall for the marketing swirling around out there on the matter.

12" o.c., 1/2" diameter should be quite adequate. If it's a walkout basement, maybe you want to keep the loops shorter on the load side.

Thanks Rob.  I forgot to mention this Cabin will be completely off the grid, if that makes any difference.  Heat will be primarily Masonry Fireplace and when things get really cold i'll have Propane to keep up...

 

Kyle

I have done systems with Russian stoves built by others where we use a sensor in the masonry and a 60-100 1/2 copper type L loop usually in a sand bed near the fire box top, and then when there is heat in the masonry dump in to a hydronic system to be available for the slab or other corners of the house. I assume you will have electric system with inverter to run pumps. if you only had the slab with pipe your pump could be directed straight to the slab.
Do not forget the insulation, 2 inch foam under slab is best. but if you are at 0 budget there are less effective cheaper alternatives.
Rob is right, 1/2 inch pipe is proper, 12 inch pattern 300 foot loop will work fine.
Dan

Dan, are you working with the tulikivi guys?

Dan,

That is a great idea...i love the thought of circulating that "free" heat back into the slab.  When running the heat from the Stove, i assume it would be ran independent (not simultaneously) with the primary heat source for the slab?  how many zones/pumps for a 40X20 section of slab?  Size of pumps?  Also, what are the "less effective alternatives" to using Foam?  i will likely use the foam, but at $25 bucks a sheet i would consider other options.  I was also wondering if any off the grid folks were using excess Solar (once batteries are charged, Solar power goes where?) to assist in heating?

 

Thanks.

Kyle Pudden

Kpudden,
I'm assuming 25$ a sheet is for high density. Look into 2'' eps w/vapor this will give you a good insulation, will keep it's r value much longer and keep the costs down.
http://www.foam-control.com/downloads/brochure/Foam-Control-EPS-Water-Absorporation-Facts.pdf
Cheers!