Research and Learn about Decorative Concrete
Interior Floors: Concrete Floors; Staining Concrete; Concrete Overlays; Basement Floors; Concrete Polishing; Concrete Dyes; Stenciling Interior Floors; Radiant Floor Heating; Garage Floor Coatings
Interior Concrete: Concrete Countertops; Concrete Fireplace Surrounds; Concrete Furniture; Sinks and Vessels
Outdoor Concrete: Concrete Patios; Stamped Concrete; Stained Concrete; Concrete Driveways; Concrete Pool Decks; Countertops & Kitchens; Outdoor Living; Concrete Walkways; Concrete Resurfacing; Colored Concrete; Pavers
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing: Foundation Repair; Concrete Crack Repair; Foundation Waterproofing; Basement Wall Repair
Building with Concrete: Concrete Homes; Finished Basements; Decorative Concrete; Concrete Basements; Pervious Concrete; Green Building
Maintaining Concrete: Clean and Seal; Make Existing Concrete Better
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Radiant Heat Flooring Systems

If you're entertaining the thought of an interior concrete floor, but are reluctant because of the cold factor, then a radiant floor heating system is the answer for you.

A radiant floor heating system "radiates" heat from the floor and delivers the heat evenly throughout the rooms.

"Sometimes when you think of concrete, you think of a cold slab. Now, with all the stamping and staining, you have this thing of beauty that can be comfortable, too."

—Ingrid Mattson, Uponor marketing communications manager

Other benefits of radiant systems include:

Silent operation. There's no hum or whistle of a forced air system.
Inconspicuousness of the system. You don't see vents or hear air blowing.
Energy savings. Evenly distributed heat from a radiant floor heating system can allow the thermostat to be set two to four degrees less than in a forced air heating system. This can reduce energy costs by 10 to 40 percent. (You'll want to check with the utility in your area to verify what a two to four percent temperature decrease would amount to in savings in your area)
A healthier home. Forced air systems can spread dust, pollen, and germs.
Also, radiant heat is less likely to dry out your breathing passages and skin.

Many radiant floor heating projects are in slab-on-grade concrete. Tubing is installed in the slab. Temperature-controlled water then circulates though the tubing in the slabs; this process turns the slab into a radiant panel.

Concrete presents the greatest thermal mass of any of the radiant floor heating methods, which can be a tremendous benefit in rooms or buildings with high ceilings.

The Romans first used radiant floor heating in 60 A.D. to warm enclosed spaces, according to Uponor, a radiant floor manufacturer. Radiant heating controls the rate at which a body loses heat by turning large surface areas (floor, walls, ceilings) into large, low temperature radiators. These surfaces surround a person with warmth. Radiant systems can keep your family cozy and comfortable and often increase the resale value of your home.

"Radiant systems are very forgiving coupled with a concrete floor. It's a high-mass system, like hot rocks on a fire."

—Ingrid Mattson, Uponor marketing and communications manager