Radiant Heat

[bug149]

In the process of building a new garage and I am getting ready to pour the slab. Any ideas for a thermal break between the garage door opening and the apron outside. Trying to avoid as much heat loss as possible. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Ezzie]

I just used 1-1/2" SM board and then installed a rubber threshold over it like this. http://www.garagedoorsupply.com/stormshield.html

You can also get aluminum thresholds to cover in various widths up to 6" but they will conduct a bit of heat to the outside.

 

[bug149]

Thanks Ezzie. Was wondering if you have had any problems with the concrete chipping where the apron and slab meet the threshold? Would think the weight of a car driving over this setup would crack the edges.

 

[Ezzie]

Can't really see it anymore as the rubber threshold covers the foam. I don't think so though because any movement between the slab and apron is absorbed by the foam. The same think goes for where the slab meets the foundation wall. The cement contractor put a piece of 1/2" thick x 6" strip of ten test (fiber board??) along the inside of the foundation wall then poured the slab. The slab therefore doesn't bond to the wall and is free to float with expansion & contraction, etc. without chipping.

 

[kuhner]

Around the perimeter I used a roll foam product. It is made of the same type of foam as what most people use for the termite shield, It comes on a roll about 5 inches wide, 1/2" thick, and the top 1/2 inch is scoured. I used construction adhesive to attach to the wall, the idea is to place the top at the floor level line. You pour your concrete to the top, after its cured you remove the top 1/2" scoured section. This leaves an area that you can caulk or fill with sealer.
I did the same thing at my door openings for a thermal break. I used a pour in sealer "Sikaflex" It dries light grey, and stays very flexible allowing the slab to move.


greg

 

[havi]

I champhered the slab edge where the door will meet the floor. The idea is the garage door will be a little bit lower than the floor to allow all the rain and snow to fall outward. In theory, it should prevent the chipping, too. On the outside of that (and the "wall" side of the heated concrete slab), I used 2" high density foam (the pink stuff)all around the slab, and a 4 foot section layed flat all around the perimeter to prevent frost. IMO, If I had the apron done at the same time, I'd have it heated too. That way all the snow melts away from the concrete. You can make it a seperate zone set at a lower temp. just a thought.