pad insulation

[mothgrey]

Hey all I'm wondering what you used for the insulation under your concrete pad.

I would like specifics like brand, thickness and where you got it.

Thanks

 

[Randy in Maine]

2" of foam designed for radiant floor heat. R-10. I think it was an Owens Corning product and I got it at the building supply company. It came in 4' x8' sheets marked for 12 & 16" tube layout and cost about $1 a square foot (maybe a little less). I lot of people staple the tubing to it, but mine is done a little differently.

 

[NickD]

I just found some used roofing insulation with a concrete face.
2x4 foot sheets, 3" blue SM or Extruded Polystyrene R-15 + 1/2" concrete face.
35psi Compressive strength.
Link

60cents /sqft

Check classifieds or building re-purposing or retrofitting companies in your area.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

OC materials:
http://foamular.com/foam/applications/concrete-slab.aspx

 

[mothgrey]

So another question. If I'm not doing radient flooring is it worth doing the insulation under the slab?

 

[classic boost]

So another question. If I'm not doing radient flooring is it worth doing the insulation under the slab?

i'd like to know the answer to this also.

 

[mothgrey]

Really looking for some help here.
If I'm not doing radient flooring is it worth doing the insulation under the slab?

 

[MScott]

You have not indicated where you live, but certainly if you are in the northern part of the continent any insulation would be valuable especially if you intend to heat the garage. Concrete, when not insulated will lose heat into the soil and be cold under foot.
If you live in the south, that could be an advantage in the summer.

 

[mothgrey]

You have not indicated where you live, but certainly if you are in the northern part of the continent any insulation would be valuable especially if you intend to heat the garage. Concrete, when not insulated will lose heat into the soil and be cold under foot.
If you live in the south, that could be an advantage in the summer.

I live in the Richmond Va area so not north but not south. LOL
Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

If I'm not doing radient flooring is it worth doing the insulation under the slab?

That depends.
If there is the possibility of making the space climate controlled by any means yes, it could be worth it.
Depending on the frostline- it could be worth it just from the standpoint of not having to do a regular footing. Instead, you can do a "Frost Protected Shallow Foundation".
Here's one example-
http://oikos.com/esb/43/foundations.html

Richmond, VA is an area of mixed weather conditions. Theoretically, you could go either way. But, I'm sure you could see early potential for energy savings with the insulated slab.