

White portland cement only comes in bags in the pacific northwest, and can double or triple the cost of the finished product. White or grey portland concrete can be utilized for the cement base color. Integral color 1/2 white 1/2 grey portland cement with terrazzo Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, consideration to construction process and schedule will likely determine the best process for your project. The concrete can be poured as a monolithic pour, or done as two separate slabs, one to encapsulate the heating system, the other as the finished flooring. Polished concrete aesthetics for hydronic systemsĬonventional concrete is typically poured at a 4″-6” thickness for hydronic applications. takes up to 7 hours to warm up when first turned ON.

The system is designed to run at a constant temperature.

Hydronic systems can use a single source or combination of energy sources to help manage energy costs. Hydronic heating is ideal for homeowners that do not like forced air heating, and want to keep their home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. When choosing heated concrete flooring systems, one needs to consider: insulation and performance, energy efficiency, weight of materials, and overall costs of both the floor finish and heating system. Typically hydronic systems utilize conventional concrete at an average thickness of 1.5” – 6” whereas electric systems use self levelling concrete mixes, and have a total thickness (including heating) of 3/4” – 1”. There is a big difference in overall floor thickness with each system. This is why electric heating systems have been so popular with renovation contractors and home owners in the past ten years. Renovations of kitchens and bathrooms are usually to refresh and renew, they do not typically include heating system overhauls. pumping SCC concrete over hydronic system They are generally not a good choice for renovations. Hydronic systems and the complex heating systems that work with them are usually installed in new construction. I have seen many installation methods, some with better results than others. With over 20 years experience with SD Concrete as both a designer and floor installer, I have been involved in over 300 residential concrete floor installations. Polished concrete can be integrated with both hydronic and electric heating systems. Both types can be installed as primary heating systems or as localized floor heating for thermal comfort. It is not surprising that the popularity of polished concrete for residential floors has grown in conjunction with advancements of in-floor heating technology.Ĭonventional underfloor heating systems use either electrical resistance elements (electric systems) or liquid flowing in pipes (hydronic systems) to heat the floor.
