Radiant Flooring

We are in constant contact with the floor and each flooring material retains heat and cold in its own way. No matter where you live or what type of home you live in, you can warm up your kitchen floor with the addition of radiant heat. Some of the benefits of radiant floor heating include even heat, no dust or odor, no cold spots or drafts, objects are heated--not the air, and low operating cost.

Radiant flooring heats the floor via a hydronic floor heating system (piped warm water through tubing above or buried in the concrete slab) or an electrical floor heating system (cables installed below your floor surface either above or below ("staple up") the subfloor or on a concrete slab). The hydronic system is preferred for new whole-house construction while the electrical system is the choice for one room (also the choice for the DIY'er). The electrical system is also more economical for small spaces. Both are easy for a professional to install or retrofit into your entire home or specific areas like the kitchen or bath.

Some systems have various heating capabilities that are suited for specific flooring materials--make sure you have the right product by contacting your flooring expert, HVAC contractor, or the manufacturer. For more information, link to the web site of the Radiant Panel Association RPA. For information on radiant heating (under hardwood flooring) link to The Hardwood Council.


ADDITIONAL READING:
Radiant Living magazine - order at 1-800-660-7187.

WarmlyYours.com Electric floor heating is the solution if you prefer a toasty warm floor rather than a cold tile or wood surface.