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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
Need a quick info. A house we are considering buying has the infloor (concrete) heat system in the basement. They put ceramic tile over the concrete floor. Can we put a layer of carpet and carpet pad over the cermaic tile and be ok with the heat system?
I say yes but the wife doesn't remember her thermodynamics from college. So those with knowledge, please help.
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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
I've been doing some research into retrofitting radiant floor heat on our main floor. It seems that where there is carpet or thick rugs the pipe density is increased quite a bit. Here we have 3/4" oak on top of 1" subfloor. We have some real thick tibetan rugs with pads. In those areas with rugs we are doubling pipe density. There's probably no reason you couldn't install the carpet but it is likely to reduce heating effectiveness a fair amount. Sorry, I can't give you exact numbers.
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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
Iowa; Do the sellers have any information as to how much and of what material was used as insulation under the concrete? I'm not an engeneer or heating expert, but I'll give you my farm boy logic. Heat is going to move in the direction of least resistance. If the insulation under the concrete has more resistance to heat movement than what is above the concrete then logic says the heat will come up. The concrete, the ceramic tile, the carpet pad, and the rugs are all forms of mass that can absorb heat and pass it on till it finally is transfered to the air and other objects above the mass. The heat all has to go some where in time, so my thought is that you will get all the heat the heating system produces in time, maybe just in a delayed manner till the heat works it's way up thru the total mass. I could be all wet on this but anyway just my thoughts. Best of luck on whatever you buy. Frank.
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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
I have to think that it depends on what type of pad and carpet you're using.
What about condensation forming (i.e. mold and mildew)between the layers when the cold basement air meets the warmer floor?
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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
The heat will take the path of least resistance. That may mean that it travels sideways and heats the areas that aren't carpeted (like under the walls or cabinets or toilet). Hmm, a heated toilet might be nice on those cold mornings 
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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
I don't have a carpet on top of any, but I recall them saying it would be no problem, but the underpadding has to be a certain type, something about the cellular structure, in order for it to conduct the heat instead of insulating it.
The carpet padding normally used in a basement helps insulate the cold floor a lot, if you use that it won't work as well.
Ken, I have a heated toilet, and yes, it's very nice on cold mornings. 
Best of luck.
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In floor radiant heat systems - Help
Thanks guys. We decided not to go with that house. They did some things that we'd have to undo. Tragically, the new place is only 1 acre so I don't know how long I'll be able to keep the tractor. Sigh...
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