Posted by John B [108.162.216.103] on Sunday, January 08, 2017 at 23:01:43 :
In Reply to: Re: OT: Radiant floor heat posted by Kevin in Ohio [172.68.65.93] on Sunday, January 08, 2017 at 20:06:35 :
Agreed. Very important to compact the base. I believe the wire mesh or rod should be positioned on chairs or stands approximately 2" above the base for a 6" slab, maybe even 3" for an 8 to 10" slab, then tie the heating pipe to it.
Other than the looks, if the slab cracks, it's really no big deal. You just don't want one side to drop below the other.
Here is a little demonstration to show the value, and to help understand the best location of the mesh or rod. While sitting at a table or desk, put your elbows on the flat surface approximately 16 to 20" apart. Put your finger tips and the palms of your hands together. ( At this point you may even want to say a little prayer that it will all turn out ok. ) Envision the surface of the slab being at the top end of your index fingers and the bottom of the slab at bottom of your hands or the beginning of your wrists. Now keeping your finger tips together, separate the palms of your hands about 1 or 2" to the shape of an inverted V. Therefore you should get the most benefit of the mesh or rod at 1/3rd up from the bottom, or 2/3rds down from the surface of the slab. JJB.