Radiant heating is popular among homeowners who value quiet, dependable systems that lower their monthly energy bills and provide cleaner air. It’s also a good option for busy HVAC installers and plumbers looking to improve productivity on the job. Crete-Heat, a hydronic floor panel system, installs up to two-thirds faster than other radiant systems, according to company owner Don Regan.
“For contractors, No. 1, it’s a huge time-saver,” Regan says. “No. 2, for homeowners or the end-user of the building that pays the utilities, 35% of your heat loss is downward loss from the building. That’s huge. Crete-Heat is made out of EPS foam, so it maintains twice the rated R-value for life.”
Other radiant panel systems traditionally use foam insulation, a vapor barrier and staples or zip ties, all installed in separate steps, but Crete-Heat panels combine all three components into one simplified design.
“And you don’t have to staple the tubing down or you don’t have to zip-tie it to anything. Basically, put the three panels in and you just lock the tubing, and it’s that simple.”
This, paired with lightweight, easy transportation across a job site and the ability to be installed by one person, translates to substantial time savings.
Crete-Heat is ideal for indoor, outdoor and winter applications, and suitable for basements, garages, driveways and main floor slab. Each interlocking panel contains EPS foam with 94% R-value retention and contains several rows of knobs across its surface, which securely holds PEX tubing in between. Concrete is then placed over top to create the thermal flywheel effect radiant heating is known for.
With 25 psi panels on the inside and concrete on the outside, Regan says Crete-Heat is a durable and repair-minimal product.
“Generally speaking, once a concrete is set up and pressure’s being maintained, there’s never really a need for repair after that.”
The company’s use of CFC-free, HCFC-free, recyclable EPS makes it an environmentally friendly choice compared to all other forms of styrene. It does not affect air quality and is mold-resistant following ASTM C1338 guidelines. Additionally, Crete-Heat’s manufacturing center in Massachusetts offsets almost 500,000 pounds of CO2 per year thanks to investment in solar power.
Fans of the TV show This Old House may have already seen Crete-Heat products in action. While the business began with a homeowner demographic in mind, Regan says Crete-Heat has become especially popular for commercial applications.
“Houses is how we started out, but it just expanded from there.”
Crete-Heat products are sold by several dealers across the U.S., including Roth North America. 315-475-0100, www.roth-america.com
