Outdoor radiant heating options?

[BHR4CE1]

Hey Guys,

I am in the planning stages of the final part of my home remodel…the back terraces. Since I already have a few of these wall mounted gas heaters (see link below) in the alcoves in my front courtyard, I had decided to use multiples of them placed in certain areas where I thought a little warmth might come in handy in the “colder” months here in Southern California.

http://www.patioheatingplus.com/S34SS-Sunpak-p/s34ss.htm

After talking to a few people, it seems that these heaters might not be able to keep things toasty all by themselves since the area above is completely open, and since heat rises…most of the warmth will just float away. I was thinking about having these areas fitted with some sort of radiant heating under the concrete to aid in the warming up process.

The current surface out there is Mexican tile on a concrete slab, which will all be removed. The new outdoor flooring will be stamped concrete, so the slab will already be getting ripped up for the installation of chases installed for various electrical, low voltage, automation, network and plumbing lines that will be running around back there. This should make installing radiant heating system a lot easier.

I know ZERO about radiant heating, and am very open to suggestions and would love to hear your opinions on what system to use. I tend to always want the best I can get…usually looking at more “industrial” or “commercial” products for my home when available. I am not necessarily looking for an economy solution, but rather a proven, high performance system that I can use all the time and never have to worry about failure. I would say that the area I will want to heat would be approximately 20’X35’ overall.

Thank you in advance.

 

[BHR4CE1]

I think I hear crickets......

 

[matouse3]

My first impression was that you should have a radiant system that relies on a fireplace that you have on the patio if you only plan to have it warmed up when you are using it or when you are entertaining. Not sure if thats a possibility in your location.

 

[BHR4CE1]

We are building a fireplace very close to this area of the terrace, but I would like to be able to have the floor heating system operable independently of the fireplace. Are there systems that use a fireplace as their source for radiant heating?

 

[matouse3]

I know that there are fireplaces that incorporate radiant heat. There are even options that will let you modify existing fireplaces with a radiant system if that is what you need. You will have to google it and see what is available. I have never looked into it as I haven't had the need. Here is one place I found:

http://www.fireplacesnow.com/radiantversusheatcirculating.asp

 

[matouse3]

I personally would get someone out there that is in the business of radiant heating and at least get some ideas on what is possible. Have them give you some quotes and get a starting point on thinking about what you are using the space for and what the costs/advantages might be for each system. These types of consultations are typically free and I think the best way to go.

 

[BHR4CE1]

Thanks for that link. I was thinking of the radiant heating that is installed under the flooring to make the floor warm. I have seen it done with pipes of hot water running under the floor.

 

[matouse3]

Thats what I was envisioning as well. You would run PEX plumbing in the stamped concrete (your new patio) and the water would warm that pad. Just need to figure out how you are going to heat it. You can do a boiler system of some type, but I was thinking that if you tied it into your fireplace, you could get some free heat. You can tie it into a boiler as well as back up when you don't want to start a fire. Being that you are in Long Beach, I would imagine that your increase in temp won't be too much thus your reaction time of your pad should be relatively short.

 

[BHR4CE1]

Yes.. interesting idea. I will have to run that past my contractor and see what he thinks. THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[BHR4CE1]

Just found this...interesting!

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1978-11-01/Make-Your-Fireplace-Work-For-You.aspx