Help with radiant floor heating in a 36*28

[rlme36]

I am looking at the draft plans for my detached garage. Its 36*28, two doors on the short side. It has a small loft like second story (6 pitch roof line), with max height of 6'6'' at the peak inside. The first floor is 14' clear span using a big steel beam.

The question I have has anyone laid their own radiant floor heating/pex tubing or is it best left to a pro?

Second question is, should I make the second story more liveable while I am in the design stage? No real plans to do any living area, as I can't put water in the garage as it will have septic impacts, (read big money to redo and enlarge septic fields just to have a sink).

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Rob

 

[PAToyota]

I laid my own tubing for my radiant floor. Planning it out properly is the tricky part compared to actually putting it in.

 

[rlme36]

What source did you use to plan the install? Are there specific R values for the walls and ceilings to make it efficient?

Thanks

Rob

 

[blkhonda1991]

I am looking at the draft plans for my detached garage. Its 36*28, two doors on the short side. It has a small loft like second story (6 pitch roof line), with max height of 6'6'' at the peak inside. The first floor is 14' clear span using a big steel beam.

The question I have has anyone laid their own radiant floor heating/pex tubing or is it best left to a pro?

Second question is, should I make the second story more liveable while I am in the design stage? No real plans to do any living area, as I can't put water in the garage as it will have septic impacts, (read big money to redo and enlarge septic fields just to have a sink).

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Rob

What do you mean by livable? like an apt? one issue with that is if its even allowed in your local zoning code, also you said you cant run water to it so theres no chance of a bathroom to serve the space.
As for the isulation for the walls ceiling it should be no different than any other heating scenario.

 

[rlme36]

What do you mean by livable? like an apt? one issue with that is if its even allowed in your local zoning code, also you said you cant run water to it so theres no chance of a bathroom to serve the space.
As for the isulation for the walls ceiling it should be no different than any other heating scenario.

I meant more useful as a space instead of constantly bending over. So if I had them add 2ft knee walls that would create a better walking area type of thing.

thanks for the reply.

 

[5wndwcpe]

Couple of thoughts here:

1. Build it as big as you can get away with and/or afford. You'll always use the space.

2. In order to properly design your heating system, you'll need to determine your load first. This would include the number of doors and windows (and their specific R values) the thickness of the walls and ceilings (and again, R values) the average temperature outside, the desired temperature inside etc. etc. I'm leaving out alot, but you get the picture.

Once you've got these figures, you can then plan your system; size of tubing, number of loops, length of loops, size of boiler, size of pump etc. etc.

There will be people who'll tell you "Oh, I just ran X amount of tubing, spaced so and so and it works fine". True, I'm sure every system, thought out or not, will work to some degree, but perhaps not as well or as efficiently as it could, were it designed properly from the start. You're spending the money anyway, why not do it right.

 

[kvom]

Posting your location might help; people will get an idea of your area's climate.

My garage being built is about the same size as yours. I have a finished area above, and it will have separate heating/AC.

My vendor calculated my BTU and loop requirements given my insulation, climate, and area to be heated.

 

[rlme36]

Posting your location might help; people will get an idea of your area's climate.

My garage being built is about the same size as yours. I have a finished area above, and it will have separate heating/AC.

My vendor calculated my BTU and loop requirements given my insulation, climate, and area to be heated.

I am located in CT. Good points have been raised so I need to speak to someone. The building will only have 2 windows and the 2 doors, all with the highest R value I can find. The walls are going to be 2x6, figuring I could get a better R value with more depth.

thanks,
Rob