Can I use an existing hot water boiler/radiator to heat the floor of a soon to be remodeled bathroom or will it get too hot for the tile/mortar? Can this then be used as the sole source of heat?
2007-02-12 14:34:35 · 8 answers · asked by munrein1225 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Sure, you can use that.
You don't want to run the boiler water through at full temperature, though, it's too hot, and you would burn your toes.
One way it's done is by making a loop with a small pump for that room, with a mixing valve that you can set the temp on. The t-stat runs the pump. It circulates the water, and the mixing valve adds enough hot boiler water to keep the loop temp at your desired temperature.
2007-02-12 23:00:47 · answer #1 · answered by roadlessgraveled 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How hot do your radiators get? If you can burn your hand on a radiator then, no it won't work. The floor will be hot enough to burn your feet and soften the tile mastic.
Consult a pro. You may be able to upgrade your entire system to one that will allow for radiant floor heat in the bathroom, and still function for the rest of the house, and save you money on heating bills in the long run.
2007-02-13 02:05:21 · answer #2 · answered by bugs280 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most building codes state that the heating and the potable water sources are to be separate, to prevent all kinds of health problems. I believe a heat exchanger would solve this problem, as well as controlling the temperature. Just running the hot water pipes through the floor will probably just roast your feet. Radiant floor heat is excellent as a sole source of heat, as it's more efficient than just about any other kind of heat.
2007-02-13 02:57:41 · answer #3 · answered by ms_lovelace2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how are you applying the heat to the floor? Tubing in a gypsum topping slab or staple up below the sub-floor? I have tile over concrete w/ radiant. No special installation was used, it has been in place for two winters including this one and there is no cracking or movement. A stable base is key for tile.
2007-02-12 14:44:31 · answer #4 · answered by jsied96 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boiler temp usually runs about 180*f Make sure your flooring material is rated for this.
2007-02-12 16:36:30 · answer #5 · answered by genny_gump 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is to consult the manufacturer of the tile you are putting in. If you don't want to do that, consult a licensed contractor.
2007-02-12 14:41:25 · answer #6 · answered by rohd_boy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give the ten to number 2, but I suggest you consult people/contractors who can also advise.
Steven Wolf
2007-02-13 00:02:05 · answer #7 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to have a thermostat, then overheating is not a problem
2007-02-12 15:04:19 · answer #8 · answered by T C 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋