Integrated radiant heat subflooring refers to the foundational structure onto which you install your radiant floor heating systems (beneath the flooring).
Unlike traditional heating systems that heat the air (like forced air systems), radiant heat systems warm up the floor itself, which in turn heats the objects and people in the room.
The principle behind this is the direct transfer of heat from the warm surface to cooler objects in contact with or close to it.
Here’s a breakdown:
The Different Types of Subflooring
The different types of subflooring will largely be determined by the type of flooring you intend to use, whether you will use radiant floor heating under carpet, tiles, hardwood or vinyl, for example. This is in conjunction with other typical factors like how much you want to spend.
Concrete, 5/8” plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are generally considered as the best subfloor materials for indoor radiant heating systems.
Concrete Slab
Common for hydronic systems. The tubes which carry the heated water solution are embedded in a wet concrete slab, which, when cured, acts as an excellent thermal mass.
This type of subfloor retains heat effectively and releases it slowly, ensuring an efficient system.
Plywood and Gypsum Overlays
For both hydronic and electric systems. The heating elements are placed over an existing subfloor, then covered with a layer of gypsum or thin-set mortar.
For wooden subfloors, a layer of plywood may be added first for stability.
OSB
For both hydronic and electric systems. Its denser composition makes it a good choice for radiant heat systems.
Tongue-and-Groove Panels
These are specialized panels with grooves or channels for radiant heating tubes.
They can be made from plywood, OSB, or other materials and are designed for easy installation.
