Radiant Floor Heating S stems Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Radiant Floor Heating Systems 

PEX Piping i & Other Uses for PEX Pipe 

Lance MacNevin 

Rehau Unlimited Polymer Solutions 

1501 Edwards Ferry Road 

Leesburg, VA 20176 

703-777-5255 

Lance.MacNevin@rehau-na.com 

www.rehau-na.com 


Course Sponsor 

Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at 

ronblank.com to receive credit 

An AIA Continuing Education Program 

Credit for this course is 1 AIA/CES HSW Learning Unit 

COURSE NUMBER: REH23A

Smart Solutions 

With Multiple Applications and Uses 

BUILDING ENVELOPE 

Windows and Doors 

Entrances and Storefronts 

Curtainwall 

Roller Shutters 

Rain Gutter Systems 

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 

Radiant Heating and Cooling 

Snow and Ice Melting 

Energy Transfer Piping 

PEX Plumbing 

Drain, Waste and Vent 

Fire Protection 

MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE 

Water Piping Systems 

Water Service Line 

Sewer Piping Systems 

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS 

Fluid Processing 

Soil Conditioning 

Manufactured Housing 

Modular Housing

An American Institute of Architects (AIA) 

Continuing Education Program 

Approved Promotional Statement: t t 

Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. is a registered provider with The American 

Institute of Architects Continuing Education System. Credit earned upon 

completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. 

Certificates of Completion are available for all course participants upon 

completion of the course conclusion quiz with +80%. 

Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at ronblank.com to 

receive credit 

This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing 

professional education. As such, it does not include content that may 

be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the 

AIA or Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. of any material of construction or 

any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in 

any material or product.

An American Institute of Architects (AIA) 

Continuing Education Program 

Course Format: This is astructured, t web-based, b self study course with a final 

exam. 

Course Credit: 1 Health Safety & Welfare (HSW) Learning Unit (LU) 

Completion Certificate: A confirmation is sent to you by email and you can 

print one upon successful completion of a course or from your RonBlank.com 

transcript. If you have any difficulties printing or receiving your Certificate 

please send requests to carol@ronblank.com 

Design professionals, please remember to print or save your 

certificate of completion after successfully completing a course 

conclusion quiz. Email confirmations will be sent to the email 

address you have provided in your RonBlank.com account.

Copyright Materials 

This presentation ti is protected t by U.S. and International 

ti copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of 

the presentation without written permission of 

© Ron Blank & Associates, Inc. 2009 

and 

© Rehau 2009 

is prohibited.

Course Objectives 

Upon completion of this course, the design professional will be 

able to: 

• Explain the history and current marketplace for radiant floor 

heating technology. 

• Describe current radiant floor heating and its advances in 

technology that make it attractive. 

• Explain the advantages of installing a RFH system for the 

architect and the building owner. 

• Assess the appropriate uses and applications of RFH. 

• Express the typical installation procedures and review how to 

specify RFH for maximum benefits.

Radiant Floor Heating 

“ The hydronics industry has seen steady growth over the last 

10 years. The potential market for hydronic heating during the 

next decade is staggering...” 

-- John Seigenthaler

Radiant Floor Heating Benefits 

• Comfort 

• Control 

• Flexibility 

• Efficiency

Homeowners’ Top 10 Pet Peeves 

• Inconsistent temperature 

• Dust, pet hair, and allergens 

• High utility bills 

• Dry air 

• Window condensation 

• Odors in the house 

• Outdated kitchen 

How many can 

• Damp basement 

be addressed 

• Stuffy Rooms/Inefficient floor plan (tie) 

with radiant floor 

• House not secure from break-ins 

heating? 

Source: The Honeywell “Your Home” Survey

Comfortable Room Temperature 

Hot 

Approximate 

Comfort Zone 

Cold 

Mean Radiant Temperature ( o F) 

C f t i hi d ith hi h MRT d l 

Comfort is achieved with higher MRT and lower 

air temperature.

Comfortable Temperature 

Distribution 

8 ft 

6 ft 

Optimal 

Temperature 

Distribution 

Forced Air Heating 

6 in 

°F 60 68 75 Radiant Floor Heating 

8 ft 

6 ft 

8 ft 

6 ft 

6 in 

6 in 

°F 60 68 

75 

°F 60 68 

75

Comfortable Environment 

The best heating system eliminates these sources of discomfort

RFH Controls Our Heat Loss 

• Cold floors are uncomfortable 

• Our feet are the bodies’ thermostats 

• RFH provides comfortable floor temperatures 

• Warm mean radiant temperature means less radiation from 

body 

• Still air means less loss to air flow

Health & System Maintenance 

• RFH Health Benefits 

• Cooler air has higher relative humidity 

• Influence of dust/pollen/allergens is minimized 

• System Maintenance Benefits 

• Zero maintenance for RFH

Control of Your Environment 

• Room-by-room temperature 

control optimizes comfort 

• Sophisticated water 

temperature mixing controls 

optimize comfort and 

efficiency

Flexibility in Applications 

• Stand alone 

• RFH as a primary heating system 

• Combination 

• With radiators or hydronic fan coils 

• Expandable hydronic capacity 

• Domestic water, hot tub, pool, melting snow and ice

Residential Applications 

Basements, slab-on-grade, suspended floors, garages

Commercial Applications 

Offices, restaurants, car dealerships

Institutional Applications 

• Day Care Facilities 

• Retirement Homes 

• Schools 

• Prisons

Industrial Applications 

• Fire/Bus Stations 

• Warehouses 

• Garages 

• Factories 

• Hangars

Agricultural Applications 

• Dairy 

• Hog 

• Ostrich 

• Chicken barns 

• Greenhouses

Flexibility with Heat Sources 

Virtually any type is acceptable 

Considerations: 

• Water temperature required is low 

• Total output (BTU) is usually lower 

• Return water temperature is low, boiler protection may be 

required through a mixing device 

• Water heat pumps are a good option

RFH Efficiency 

• Lower average air temperature 

• Saves 5% energy per degree with lower room 

temperature 

• Less heat loss 

• Air temperature cooler (68F), lower delta-T 

• No pressurization of rooms 

• More efficient use of boiler 

• Each 3 degrees F reduction saves 1% in fuel 

• Total savings can be up to 30% or more!

RFH Benefits - Summary 

• Comfort 

• Control 

• Flexibility 

• Efficiency

Radiant Heating Design Basics 

Heat Loss 

Radiant Panel Performance 

Floor, wall, or ceiling 

Hydronics: 

Flow Rate 

Head Loss 

Pumping

Radiant Design Process 

• Step 1: Heat Loss of space = Heat Requirement per ft 2 

• This also gives Heat Source sizing requirements 

• Step 2: Determine PEX pipe size, spacing, and water 

temperature (designer has several options) 

• Step 3: Determine Flow Rate for system and circuits 

• Step 4: Determine Head Loss requirements 

• Step 5: Choose circulator pump to meet Flow Rate and 

Head Loss requirements

Radiant Heating Requirement 

Formula: 

Radiant heating requirement = Total Heat Loss 

Available ft 2 

Example: 

50,000 BTU/hr = 20 BTU/hr-ft 2 

2,500 ft 2

Radiant Panels 

Heat output potential formula: 

(Floor surface temp - indoor air temp) x 2.0 = Output (BTU/hr-ft 2 ) 

What is 2.0?

Radiant Panels 

2.0 represents combined Radiant/Convective Heat Output 

Coefficient 

Approximate values: 

• Radiant Floors: 2.0 (35 - 40% convection) 

• Radiant Walls: 1.8 (less convection) 

• Radiant Ceiling: 1.6 (even en less convection) 

Not much warm air falls down from a heated ceiling

Radiant Panels - Floor 

Radiant Floor Heat Output Potential Formula: 

(Floor Surface Temp - Indoor Air Temp) x 2.0 = Output (BTU/hr- ft 2 ) 

Example: 

(85 º F floor - 68 º F Air) x 2.0 = 34 BTU/hr-ft 2 

An 85 º F floor will provide 34 BTU/hr-ft 2

Radiant Panels - Floor 

Radiant Floor Temperature Formula: 

Output + Indoor Air Temp = Floor Surface Temp 

2.0 

Example: 

20 BTU/hr-ft 2 + 68 º F Air = 78 º F Floor 

2.0

Radiant Panels - Wall 

Radiant Wall Panel Heat Output: 

(Wall Surface Temp - Indoor Air Temp) x 1.8= Output (BTU/hr- ft 2 ) 

Example: 

(85 º F Wall - 68 º F Air) x 1.8 = 30.6 BTU/hr-ft 2 

An 85F wall will provide 30.6 BTU/hr-ft 2

Radiant Panels - Wall 

Radiant Wall Temperature Formula: 

Output + Indoor Air Temp = Wall Surface Temp 

1.8 

Example: 

20 BTU/hr-ft 2 + 68 º F Air = 79.1 º F Wall 

1.8

Radiant Panels - Ceiling 

Radiant Ceiling Panel Heat Output: 

(Ceiling Surface Temp - Indoor Air Temp) x 1.6= Output (BTU/hr- ft 2 ) 

Example: 

(85 º F Ceiling - 68 º F Air) x 1.6 = 27.2 BTU/hr-ft 2 

An 85 º F ceiling will provide 27.2 BTU/hr-ft 2

Radiant Panels - Ceiling 

Radiant Ceiling Temperature Formula: 

Output + Indoor Air Temp = Ceiling Surface Temp 

1.6 

Example: 

20 BTU/hr-ft 2 + 68 º F Air = 80.5 º F Ceiling 

1.6

Radiant Panels: Floor Area Types 

• Perimeter - 3-foot area near outside walls 

• Occupied - Living area inside perimeter area 

• Distribution - Hallways 

• No Radiant Heating - Under kitchen islands, refrigerators 

and freezers, permanent cabinets 

• It is recommended to install PEX pipes under perimeter 

cupboards and cabinets

Radiant Panels: Floor Area Types 

Design Temperature Limits / Heat Output: 

• Perimeter 95ºF = 54 BTU/hr-ft 2 

• Occupied 85ºF = 34 BTU/hr-ft 2 

• Bathroom 91ºF = 46 BTU/hr-ft 2 

• Distribution 95ºF = 54 BTU/hr-ft 2

Radiant Panels: Hardwood 


• Solid hardwood: 

• Max 85ºF on bottom 

• R 0.68 068( (Table 3.1, ,pg. 3-2 Radiant Heating TM) 

• Max surface = 75ºF on top (Fig 4-2, Pg. 4-2, Radiant 

Heating TM) 

• 75ºF = 14 BTU/hr-ft 2

Resultant Floor Surface Temperature

Radiant Panels: Hardwood 


• Solid hardwood is limited to 75ºF = 14 BTU/hr-ft 2 

• Better choice is engineered hardwood floors 

• More stable, slightly thinner, better heat transfer 

• Now very durable

Hydronics Flow Rate 

Flow Rate Formula: 

BTU/hr 

8.34 x 60 x 1 x T 

= USGPM 

Units: 

lb. x min x BTU x º F 

gal hour lb x º F


Flow Rate Formula (simplified for water): 

BTU/hr 

500 x T 

Example: 

5,000 BTU/hr 

500 x 20 

5,000 BTU/hr 

10,000 

= 

= 0.5 USGPM


Effect of Antifreeze: 

• Higher viscosity 

• Higher density 

• Lower specific heat 

= More flow will be required


Example: 

50% glycol 

(8.86 lb/gal x 60 min/hr x 0.83 BTU/lb- º F x 20 º F) 

BTU/hr 

8,825 

= USGPM


• Flow rate is used with head loss tables to determine 

pressure drop through pipes 

• With required flow rate and resulting head loss, 

pumps p can be sized correctly 

• This calculation is usually made by the engineer or 

the mechanical contractor

RFH Estimating 

Selecting the right system

The Estimating Process 

1. Design considerations 

2. Pipe selection and quantity take-off 

3. Fastener selection and quantities 

4. Manifold selection 

5. Controls selection 

6. Labor

Pipe Selection - Size 

• Consider flexibility and cost factors 

• Choose from 3/8”, 1/2", 5/8”, 3/4” or 1" 

• Pump must be sized to overcome head loss for required 

flow rate 

• Try to stay below 10 feet head loss 

• Weigh costs of bigger pipe vs. bigger pump (may be 

cheaper to upsize pipe)

Pipe Selection - Size 

Typical Maximum* Circuit Lengths: 

• 3/8” - 250 feet 

• 1/2” - 330 feet 

• 5/8” - 400 feet 

• 3/4” - 500 feet 

• 1” - 500+ feet 

*Based on Delta T = 20 0 F. Actual “maximum” depends on 

several factors... 

Check head loss for specific flow rates.

Estimating Pipe Quantities 

Example: 15 ft x 10 ft = 150 ft 2 Bedroom 

• 66 square feet perimeter @ 6" spacing 

• 84 square feet occupied @ 12" spacing 

• 15 feet from manifold connection 

10 ft. 

15 ft. 

Tails

Estimating Pipe Quantities 

Specific Pipe Requirements: 

• 12” spacing: 1.0 ft / ft 2 12” 

• 9” spacing: 1.3 ft / ft 2 

• 10” spacing: 1.2 ft / ft 2 

spacing” 

• 8” spacing: 1.5 ft / ft 2 Example: 

• 6” spacing: 2.0 ft / ft 2 

12”/6” = 2.0 

• 4” spacing: 3.0 ft / ft 2

Manifold Selection 


• Number of circuits 

• Flow rates 

• Balancing 

• Control requirements 

• Actuators? 

Balance Manifold

One Manifold or Multiple? 

One: 

• Central location is good (but are there too many pipes 

in one place) 

• All wiring to one place 

Multiple: 

• Spread out RFH pipes better (but must run feed pipes to 

two places) 

• May use zone valves or pumps (and eliminate 

actuators) 

In all cases, manifolds must be located for access

Manifold Selection 

Examples: 

#1 - House with 8 circuits, 5 thermostats: 

• Choose a 8-outlet balancing manifold, 8 Actuators 

#2 - Basement with 5 circuits, 1 thermostat: 

• Choose a 5-outlet non-balancing manifold, 1 zone 

pump or valve 

#3 - Day care with separate play room: 

• Choose two non-balancing manifolds, 2 thermostats t t 

and 2 zone pumps or valves

Selecting a Control System 

Thermostatic Digital Outdoor Reset 

Mixing Valves Thermostats Control Systems 

Principle: 

Offer the most appropriate control for customer 

satisfaction and system performance.

Controls Selection 


• Owner preference • Floor covering impact 

• Specifications 

• Heat source considerations 

• Installer experience • Zoning 

• Operating simplicity • Cost

Outdoor Reset Control 

• Monitors outdoor air temperature 

• Resets water temperature to match heat loss 

F t t h i h t l 

• Fast response to changes in heat loss 

• Steady room temperature 

• Boiler protection 

• Floor protection 

• Less losses 

• Minimal thermal expansion noise

Outdoor Reset Control 

Outdoor Reset Mixing Control: 

• Highest comfort & efficiency, better control 

• Boiler protection (low water temperatures) 

• Can operate motorized mixing valves or a variable 

speed injection pump

Thermostatic Controls 

Thermostatic systems: 

• Easier to install, lower cost 

• Thermostatic mixing valves 

• Suitable for small systems, < 35,000 BTU/hr 

• Examples: Basement, room above 

garage

Zoning Controls 

Thermostats and Actuators: 

• One Thermostat is a “zone” 

• With 3 or more circuits per zone, 

consider splitting manifold 

• Four Thermostats per Pump Module

Control Recommendations 

Basement only: 

• 3-way TMV up to 35,000 BTU/h 

• 2-way Injection Valve up to 200,000 BTU/h 

• Thermostat(s) and zone valves or pumps 

Residential Overpour (whole house): 

• Outdoor Reset Mixing Control 

Outdoor Reset Mixing Control 

• Thermostats and actuators


Joist space, no HT plates: 

• 3-way TMV up to 35,000 BTU/h 


• Thermostats and actuators 

Joist space, with HT plates: 


Outdoor Reset Mixing Control 

• Thermostats and actuators


Slab-on-grade, workshop or garage: 


M lti l if ld f i 

• Multiple manifolds for zoning 

• Thermostat(s) and zone valve(s) or pump(s) 

Slab-on-grade, living or business space: 


• Thermostats and Actuators or zone valve(s) or pump(s) 

(depending on square footage)

• Pipe 

• Fasteners 

• Manifolds 

• Controls 

• Labor 

Estimating Summary

System Components 

Pipe 

Manifolds 

Fittings 

Controls 

Installation accessories 

Installation tools

Oxygen Barrier Non-Barrier 

Pipe

Oxygen Barrier Pipe 

• 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1”, 1 1/4”, 1 1/2” & 2” coils 

• 1 1/4”, 1 1/2” & 2” 20-ft straight lengths 

• 100 psi @ 180 o F, 80 psi @ 200 o F continuous 

• CSA B 137.5, ASTM F 876, F 877, DIN 4726 

• Heating applications, cast iron boilers, ferrous components

Non-Barrier Pipe 

• 3/8” , 1/2” , 5/8” , 3/4” , 1” , 1 1/4” , 1 1/2” & 2” coils 

• 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”, 1 1/4”, 1 1/2” & 2” 20-ft straight lengths 

• 100 psi @ 180 o F, 80 psi @ 200 o F continuous 

• CSA B137.5, ASTM F 876, F 877, F 2023, NSF 14/61, PPI TR-3 

• Heating applications with s/s boilers, all non-ferrous components

Colored Plumbing Pipes 

• 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4” & 1” coils 

• 1/2” , 3/4” & 1” 20-ft straight lengths 

• CSA B137.5, ASTM F 876, F 877, F 2023, NSF 14/61, PPI TR-3 

• Plumbing applications

Brass Heating Manifolds 

Balancing 

Manifolds 

with Gauges 

Non-balancing 

Manifolds

Copper Manifolds 

• 1", 1-1/4", 1-1/2", and 2" headers 

• 1/2”, 3/4” or 1” copper outlets 

t 

• Use with fittings and/or valves to assemble complete manifolds 

• Plumbing or Heating (lower-cost alternative to brass)

Fittings 

ASTM F 2080 

Compression-Sleeve 

Heating & Plumbing 

applications 

Compression Nut 

Heating only

Installation Accessories 

Fasteners to hold pipe in place 

on insulation, wire mesh, re-bar 

• Foam Screw Clips & Staples 

• Staples and Talons for wood 

• Support Bends & Guides 

• PE Pipe Protection Sleeve 

• Heat Transfer Plates 

• Pipe Fix 

• Nylon Ties

Installation Tools 

• Screw Clip tool 

• Staplers 

• PEX Cutters 

• Tacker Staple Tool 

• Air Pressure Tester 

• Un-coiler

Installation 

Installation Methods 

Placement Patterns 

Proper Practices 

Easier and Faster Installation 

Avoiding Difficulties

Poured (Wet) Construction 

• Slab or Overpour applications 

• Thermal mass is poured into place around installed pipe 

• Structural concrete mix (fibers) 

• “Lightweight” concrete: sand mix, dry pack 

• Gyp-Crete, Hacker floor system

Poured Construction Considerations 

• Coverage over pipe (minimum 3/4”) 

• Floor loading (13-18 lb/ft 2 dead load) 

• Entrained air is bad for heat transfer (don’t use concrete 

with vermiculite) 

• Screed thermal characteristics 

• Coordination of trades

Slab-on-Grade 

• Normal slab design 

• Pipe located within slab 

(midway) or at bottom 

(midway) or at bottom 

• Various fasteners

Slab-on-Grade 

• Industrial 

• Tied to rebar 

(nylon ties)

Importance of Insulation 

• For even radiation towards space 

• To minimize losses 

• Increase responsiveness 

Edge 

Insulation 

Exterior 

wall 

Bottom 

insulation 

Heated Space 

Thermal Mass 

Insulation 

Sub-Grade

Example: Styrofoam boards 

Importance of Insulation

• Nylon Pipe Ties - 50 lb. capacity 

• Ensure wire mesh has no sharp edges 

Slab-on-Grade 

with Nylon Pipe Ties

Slab-on-Grade 

with Screw Clips & Rail Fix 

Screw Clip 

Rail Fix

Slab-on-Grade 

Pipe Fix and Foam Tacker 

Pipe Fix 

Foam Tacker

Suspended Wood Floor 

• Pipe fastened to subfloor 

• Thin thermal mass over pour 

(1 1/4” - 1 3/4”) 

• Minimum Coverage 

3/4” over PEX pipes

Suspended Wood Floor 

• Cover with PE barrier or seal subfloor 

• Install baseplates to mark walls before laying pipe 

• Use extra wide baseplates 

• For leveling screed 

• For carpet tack strips 

• Install insulation 

on edges

Overpour with Staples 

• Very common 

installation technique 

• Freedom to lay pipe 

according to room 

design 

• Use proper tools 

• Don't crimp or 

dimple pipe


• Be sure to seal or cover subfloor first when using concrete 

to prevent bonding


• Gypsum cement goes directly onto plywood subfloor

Overpour with Sleepers 

• Common with solid hardwood 

• Benefits of thermal mass 

• Freedom to lay pipe according to room design 

• Sleepers opposite to orientation of hardwood

Joist Space (Dry, subfloor) 

• No screed involved (dry) 

• Air cavity (in joist space) 

and subfloor are the 

thermal mass 

• Insulation important 

underneath and at 

end of cavities 

i 

• Useful for retrofit

Joist Space (subfloor) 

• Heat Transfer Plates enhance heat transfer 

• Use 6 screws per plate 

• Insulation is important (foil face up for radiation) 

• Insulation should be 2” to 4" away y( (convection) 

• Be careful of sharp edges on heat transfer plates 

• Don’t cut

Joist Space (subfloor) 

Heat Transfer Plate 

Talon

Installation Technique 

• Use of uncoiler 

recommended 

• Install all pipe 

• Install plates 

• Install all pipe Pipe is 

free to 

• Add protection 

move 

at ends 

sleeving 

PE 

Protection 

ti 

Sleeve

Aluminum Panel Radiant Heating System (Dry) 

• Aluminum panels 

• Extruded for strength 

• Excellent conductivity 

• Low-profile, low weight 

• Use 3/8” PEX pipe 

• Fast response time

Advantages of Aluminum Panel System 

• Ideal for kitchens & baths 

• Can install anywhere 

• Low-profile 

• Lightweight 

• High performance 

• Fast response time 

• Efficient 

• Easy to install

Aluminum Panel System 

• Aluminum panels 

• 6” wide x 6’ long 

• Plywood return bends 

• 6” and 8” o-c spacing 

• Furring strips 

• 2” wide x 4’ long 

6” 

8”

• Components fit together as a system 

• Returns with notches 

• Furring strips 

Aluminum Panel System

• Pipe is walked in 

Aluminum Panel Installation

Aluminum Panel Installation 

For free-floating fl floors: 

• Fasten 3 times per side 

(total 6 per panel) 

• If fastening with screws, 

use fine-thread drywall 

screws 

• If fastening with nails, use 

roofing nails 

• Fasten return bends and 

furring strips


Solid and free 

floating hardwood 

directly 

on top.


Carpet and 

vinyl flooring 

with 1/4” 

plywood


Tile with 

mortar board

Pipe Placement Patterns 

Three types of pipe layouts: 

• Serpentine (overpour, slab, joist, sleepers) 

• Counterflow Spiral (overpour, slab) 

• Helps with bends 

• Even temperature distribution 

• Combinations (overpour, slab)

• Install pipe the “long way” to minimize bends 

Serpentine

Serpentine 

• Simple layout, easy installation 

• Straight or in L-shape

Serpentine

• ‘U’-shape in some areas 

Serpentine

• Even floor temperature, easier bends 

Counterflow Spiral

• Use Staples or Talons for anchoring 

Counterflow Spiral

Counterflow Spiral

Combination 

• Corner rooms 

Outside 

Wall 

Supply 

Return 

Perimeter 

Area 

Occupied 

Area

• L-shaped Serpentine & Counterflow Spiral 

Combination

• Keep spacing consistent 

Combination

• In bathrooms, use more pipe, not less 

Other Shapes...

Other Shapes... 

• Be creative! 

• Note layout 

to prevent 

thermal mass 

falling through 

pipe holes

• Use creative patterns in tight areas 

Other Shapes...

• Arrange pipe to avoid passing through joints 

Construction Joints

Manifold Locations 

• Place near or above heat source so feed pipes can 

be shorter 

• Install in a central location so PEX pipes can branch 

out with ease

Manifold Locations 

• Locate in the back of a closet or cabinet for accessibility 

• Leave enough room for all pipes to connect to manifold

Manifold Locations

• Install sleeves at penetrations 

• Install sleeves at expansion joints 

• Joist space sleeving prevents noise 

Protection Sleeving

Couplings 

• Wrap couplings with two (2) layers of PVC tape 

or Heat shrink

Installing Thermal Mass 

Inspect prior to pour: 

• Pipe is free of kinks and punctures 

• Pipe is properly fastened 

• Wood is installed where required


Inspect prior to pour: 

• Protection sleeving is installed where needed 

• Pipe is pressurized and holding pressure 

• Nailing guards are installed where needed


Precautionary measures: 

• Prior to the pour, notify thermal mass installer that heating 

pipe is present 

• Maintain pressure on pipe during pour, and look for 

pressure drop on gauge


Precautionary measures: 

• Place wooden planks or plywood over pipe where 

wheelbarrows are filled and dumpedd 

• Note location of embedded fittings on plans 

• Keep couplings and tools on site for quick repairs

Summary 

• Plan out installation of system 

• Use proper equipment and tools 

• Follow designs and procedures 

• Take notes and photographs 

p

Course Summary 

The design professional will now be able to: 

• Explain the history and current marketplace for radiant floor 

heating technology. 

• Describe current radiant floor heating and its advances in 

technology that make it attractive. 

• Explain the advantages of installing a RFH system for the 

architect and the building owner. 

• Assess the appropriate a uses and applications of RFH. 

• Express the typical installation procedures and review how to 

specify RFH for maximum benefits.


PEX Piping i & Other Uses for PEX Pipe 

Lance MacNevin 

Rehau Unlimited Polymer Solutions 

1501 Edwards Ferry Road 

Leesburg, VA 20176 

703-777-5255 

Lance.MacNevin@rehau-na.com 

www.rehau-na.com 


Course Sponsor 

Please note: you will need to complete the conclusion quiz online at 

ronblank.com to receive credit 

An AIA Continuing Education Program 

Credit for this course is 1 AIA/CES HSW Learning Unit 

COURSE NUMBER: REH23A

Radiant Floor Heating S stems Radiant Floor Heating Systems

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