[GBlist] Re: Big Green: Radiant Floor Heating

["Bettina & Steve" <bpearl@rcn.com>]

... You can't really count on the earth below the slab eventually
stabilizing at room temperature, so you really need to reduce the reverse
losses as much as possible.  This is more critical than the usual under slab
and/or perimeter insulation because of the elevated temperature of the slab.



I have questions related to radiant slab heat:  Should a concrete slab for a
refrigerated walk-in box be insulated, both perimeter and base?  Should a
concrete slab under a walk-in freezer be insulated perimeter and base?

In the refrigerated WIB, part of the design is to maintain a certain level
of humidity, so there is a fair amount of water on the floor from time to
time.  No need to utilize any extra thermal mass or be concerned with water
vapor going in either direction.

I've assumed that in the refrigerator, insulation would be a help, given
that the ground maintains a constant what 55 degrees, and the WIB a constant
40 degrees F.  In the freezer, it seems that it would be a necessity
(constant <0F).

Any thoughts or experience?

Thanks,
Steve






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