Method of installing a radiant density floor heating system

Abstract

A method of installing a radiant density floor heating system, in which a multi-layer conductive / insulation pad is disposed atop the ground or a subfloor, a heating element is placed atop the pad, a concrete or cement layer is laid atop the heating element and pad, and a flooring material is laid atop the cement layer. The pad comprises a first polymer layer having a first side that forms an outer surface of the multi-layer conductive / insulation pad, a conductive layer laminated to an opposite second side of the first polymer layer, a second polymer layer laminated to the side of the conductive layer opposite the first polymer layer, and a first air cellular cushioning layer laminated to the side of the second polymer layer opposite the conductive layer. The pad can also include a second air cellular cushioning layer and / or a protective polymer layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 637,282 filed on Aug. 8, 2003, currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a multi-layer conductive / insulation material having both conductive and insulating properties that is particularly suitable for use under a concrete slab, and in particular relates to a method of installing a radiant density floor heating system incorporation such a multi-layer conductive / insulation material. [0003] Materials to control the movement of heat have been used for many years and in many forms depending upon the desired use. For example, a variety of materials such as sawdust, straw, wool blankets and bats of foam or fiberglass have been used for insulation. However, special uses require materials having special insulating characteristics. One of these speci...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a conductive / insulation pad that can be used to insulate under concrete slabs. The pad has a conductive component consisting of a foil or metallized film protected by polymer films on both sides and an insulation component consisting of at least one air cellular cushioning layer. The pad prevents ground water intrusion and heat loss into the cold ground water, and improves performance. The conductive layer acts as a reflector and allows radiant energy to spread out under the slab. The pad can be placed directly on the soil or sub-flooring, and a heating element can be embedded in the concrete slab for improved insulation. The invention also provides a reflective layer that conducts heat and protects the insulation layer from sharp ground objects.

Problems solved by technology

Despite numerous attempts to provide an effective product that can be used to insulate under concrete slabs, the materials presently used in the art are not altogether effective.

It has been found that this theory is incorrect as it is a well-known fact that coating the foil surface or applying a film to it will substantially reduce the reflectivity of the foil.

Cold ground water will reduce the performance of a radiantly heated slab.

Secondly, the aluminum foil does not act as a reflector as well as it does a conductor of heat allowing radiant energy to spread out under the slab improving performance.

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